Jeddah Beauty at Night

The seashell shaped building on the left is a restaurant which is part of the Movenpick Al Nawras Resort on its own private island right on the Red Sea.  "Al Nawras" translates in English to seagull. Each villa offers a spectacular seaview plus its own private pool. 

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

SkyWatch - Jeddah Shoe Store "What's Your Size?"

I've seen this business sign saying "Maqas?" and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why there was a question mark in it.  So I finally asked my husband why there is a question mark in the business name for a shoe store?  He said it means "What's your size?" or "What's your measurement?"  Now it makes sense.


To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

Jeddah Corner Villa

I love the trimmed bushes around the walls of this enormous corner villa in Jeddah.  I think it all works together quite well and is very attractive.  

Livin' Large in Jeddah

Well, I guess if you've got it, flaunt it.  No such thing as understated here...

Jeddah Cactus

I still haven't figured out exactly what this plant is. It reminds me of a Christmas cactus but I don't think it is.  Any guesses?

Jeddah Sculpture: Science and Religion

This sculpture called "Science and Religion" used to be located in the center of a lagoon near Jeddah's Corniche.  The whole area surrounding the sculpture was transformed about a year ago so now it no longer stands in a body of water. The Jeddah Waterfront project beautified the Red Sea coastline with lovely walkways, plantings, playgrounds, piers, exercise and swimming areas, and much more.

Science and Religion is the work of Spanish architect and sculptor Julio Lafuente. Made entirely of marble, the sculpture consists of 72 spheres that represent the waxing and waning moons and is topped off with a crescent moon.  To see more photos and learn more about this sculpture, CLICK HERE.  

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Rocky Red Sea Coastline of Jeddah

I love the golden sparkles on the water from the sunset in this beautiful photo of the rocky Red Sea coastline of Jeddah. 

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Riyadh's Faisaliah Tower

At 267 meters high, the 4th tallest building in Saudi Arabia is the Al Faisaliah Center in Riyadh.  The ball shaped section toward the top of the tower actually houses a ritzy restaurant which is called "The Globe."  It offers magnificent city views from any vantage point within the restaurant.  The complex includes a five star hotel, a shopping mall, offices, and restaurants.

Skywatch: Jeddah Coastline

It doesn't rain often in Jeddah, but when it does, it makes a huge difference in the air quality and in the skies, which normally are full of dust and lacking in clouds.  These skies make a beautiful backdrop for Jeddah's waterfront coastline along the Red Sea.

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977


To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

Jeddah Manuel Supermarket

One of the fastest growing companies in Saudi Arabia is the Jeddah based supermarket chain Manuel.  I believe they have been in existence for less than ten years, as I cannot recall seeing Manuel markets when I first moved to Jeddah 11 years ago.  Apparently the chain plans to open another 70-100 more stores all over the kingdom within the next five years.   

Jeddah Waterfront Lookout Point

The Red Sea stretches for miles north and south along the city of Jeddah's coastline.  It is beautiful and peaceful and is a popular gathering place for families. There is usually a pleasant breeze and the weather is delightful this time of year. 

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Our World: Jeddah's Tallest Building at Dusk

The Headquarters Business Park is currently the tallest building in Jeddah, at almost 236 meters.  For more information about the HQ complex, CLICK HERE.

This skyscraper won't hold that title of tallest building in Jeddah for much longer, as work continues on the Jeddah Tower, which when it is finished will soar a full kilometer (1000m) into the sky, the first building to exceed one kilometer in height.  Construction began on the Jeddah Tower in 2013 and is expected to be be completed in 2020.

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share these beautiful photos for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977




Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah Hotel Architecture

Jeddah is abundant in a wide variety of architectural styles, ranging from traditional and regional Saudi styles, to classic, to European, to modern, and on and on.  

Jeddah White Mosque on the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia has tons of mosques all over the country.  There are many beautiful mosques in Jeddah that sit right next to the Red Sea. With the sea breezes, rhythmic waves, and the palm trees swaying, these mosques tend to be very popular at prayer times.   

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Jeddah Morgan Logo in Arabic

There are many things I have an affinity for - among them are doors, logos, and signs.  This Morgan logo I find to be fun and quite attractive.  I love the red "O" with a sideways heart shape in the middle - and I love how it is achieved in the Arabic version of the logo below it.  

SkyWatch: Jeddah Rosewood on the Corniche

The architecture of many buildings in Jeddah is modern and quite spectacular.  The building to the left is the Rosewood, a landmark that houses a luxury hotel.  Below are views taken from different angles and distances.

The taller curved building next door to the Rosewood is the Damac Aljawhara luxury residential tower.  It offers many amenities including men's and women's swimmings pools, saunas, and gyms, a play area for children, a theater, and a residents' lounge. 

Many thanks to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share the last photo of this post with you today.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

Jeddah Sidewalk Parking

Sidewalks are supposed to be for pedestrians, but this sidewalk in Jeddah is being used to store vehicles long term.  Parking is a big problem in many areas of the city, but seeing this strikes me as ridiculous, in my opinion - especially if the sidewalk belongs to the city.  I just don't understand people doing things like this... 

Manga in Jeddah at Alert Coffee

Alert Coffee in Jeddah scores high marks for its coffees and teas.  They also offer sweets and snacks.  Their takeaway cups also mix art with good coffee with a variety of popular Manga style designs on them. 

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Our World - Sloan's Sweets Shop in Jeddah

Sloan's Ice Cream is fairly new to Jeddah and already has several locations.  The atmosphere is fun and cheerful and sports a party room for special events.

From the black and white patterned floor to the playful pink lighted ceilings, this place is just beckoning families to come in and have some fun.

Sloan's offers more than just fabulous ice cream - they tempt young and old with all kinds of sweets, toys, and other goodies.  The Sloan's chain actually originated in South Florida, where my family lived prior to moving to Jeddah.

I adore the colorful chandeliers and the smiling Mona Lisa with her big ice cream cone.  This place just oozes happiness.  Don't you agree?

In addition to its many locations in the US, Sloan's has shops in Jeddah at Mall of Arabia, Red Sea Mall, and Aziz Mall, with a location opening soon in Riyadh.




Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Beautiful Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia, located pretty much in the center of the country.  The desert city is laid out in a very spacious design, stretching for miles and miles in each direction.  Riyadh is a financial hub of the region and sports magnificent office buildings with unique architecture.  The population of Riyadh is over five million.  It is considered to be more conservative than Jeddah.

Kingdom Tower is the 3rd tallest building in Riyadh. The complex houses, among other things, a shopping mall, offices, a Four Seasons Luxury Hotel, restaurants, and a skybridge with amazing panoramic views of the city.

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share these beautiful photos for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Jeddah's Red Sea Mall Ceiling

Red Sea Mall in Jeddah was recently enlarged so it's even bigger than it was before.  I always gets lost when I go there because there are so many sections, levels, and avenues to it.  I love this ceiling treatment in one part of the mall.

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share this beautiful photo for today's post.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah. Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

Jeddah LED Screen on Mall

Stars Avenue Mall is an upscale mall on Malik (King) Road in Jeddah.  One of it's distinct features on the exterior is an enormous curved LED screen that runs constant advertisements.  Personally I don't pay attention to ads like this, but businesses obviously must think it's money well spent.  

Skywatch: Jeddah Waterfront Sculpture

Timing is everything in photography. Beautiful skies like this one are rare in the city of Jeddah.  Closer to the Red Sea, the skies tend to be more beautiful.  But in the area where I live, frequently the skies are almost beige, full of dust and pollution, and clouds can be very elusive.  But when it rains, which is not often enough here at all, Jeddah's landscape is instantly framed in a whole new light and beauty.  And when the light of day is waning, adding elegant colors into the mix, the results can be magical.  

I am so excited to begin bringing you amazing photos taken by some of my friends here in Saudi Arabia.  My friend Abdullah Yahya took this post's magnificent photo at Jeddah's Waterfront at sunset a few days ago. This area of Jeddah has transformed dramatically over the past few years, with spectacular improvements stretching for miles along the coastline.  To the right in this photo is the Shahadat al-Tawhid sculpture, a creation of Spanish architect Julio Lafuente, who designed many of Jeddah's most popular public works of art.  It is made of granite and says in Arabic, "There is no God but God, and Mohammed is his messenger." 

To see how this particular setting has changed from a few years ago, CLICK HERE.  

Many thanks to Abdullah for allowing me to share his beautiful photo with you today.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Twitter @ayaa1977

To see more friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH, where you'll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers from all over the world.   
 

Jeddah 5 Riyal Shop

Similar to the dollar stores all over the US, the 5 riyal stores are all over Jeddah, loaded with products from China.  Five riyals is about $1.25 US.  These shops are huge and sell everything from clothing and shoes to dishes and plastics, from cleaning products and cosmetics to garbage bags and cooking utensils. It's quite overwhelming how much merchandise is crammed into these stores. 

Jeddah - Familiar Logos in Arabic

I love seeing familiar logos converted into Arabic. Here we see the familiar Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins logos. 

Our World - Angelina Jeddah Restaurant

The beautiful Angelina Restaurant is a newer French patisserie and teashop that is located on the Jeddah Corniche, literally right on the Red Sea near the Fakieh Aquarium.  It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It is a franchise of the original world renowned Angelina located in Paris. The decor is decidely French art deco -  elegant, classy, and uncluttered.

The attention to architectural detail is evident throughout the beautiful facility and the huge windows produce a spaceous light and airy feel.  I couldn't stop admiring the amazing ceiling lamps.  One fabulous feature of the restaurant is that there are many inside and outside tables with a spectacular view of the azure waters of the Red Sea.

The beautiful cases of pastries and a variety of French delights in the delicatessan are very tempting to the eye.  Angelina is known for its divine hot chocolate and their signature Mont Blanc pastry made with chestnut.

There are two separate buildings which make up the restaurant separated by an open courtyard between where there is additional outdoor seating.  A large fountain is in the center of the courtyard along with a white modern sculpture, similar to many I have seen along Jeddah's Corniche in the past.

The menu is pricey but the venue and atmosphere is worth every penny - or every riyal, in this case.




Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah - Stretch Your Riyal Store

Here in Jeddah, we have lots of discount stores, similar to the US's dollar stores.  Here we have a lot of 5 riyal stores (5 riyals = $1.25 US).  This is a new one that I haven't seen before called "Stretch Your Riyal."  I haven't been inside it yet to see what the prices are like, but I like the name!