Saudi Arabia "VIP" Businesses

Many businesses in Jeddah make use of the term "VIP" on their signs and windows.  The first picture shows the sign for a men's barber shop.  Practically every barber shop in Jeddah has "VIP" written somewhere on their shop. 

Here are some more examples of "VIP" businesses in Jeddah - above is a hookah shop that has a big "VIP" right on the door.   Like barber shops, most hookah shops also display "VIP" somewhere on their shops.

The coffee shop above has capitalizd on the VIP phenomenon too.  The problem is that the term "VIP" has lost its meaning here in Saudi Arabia, as so many businesses use it in their advertising and signs.

I have no idea what type of VIP business is in the above photo, however below is yet another hookah shop (red sign) that has turned the "P" in "VIP" into a hookah.  Clever.

Saudi Traditional Architectural Style

Traditional Saudi architecture varies from region to region. This is a newer restaurant in Jeddah that has architectural details like I have seen down south in the Najran region, bordering Yemen.  The influence of Yemen's architectural style is evident in this part of Saudi Arabia. 

Closed Sign in Arabic

Thank goodness most signs here in Saudi Arabia are written in both Arabic and English. 

SkyWatch: Saudi National Day Celebration Fireworks

September 23rd was Saudi National Day, in commemoration of the 1932 unification of the kingdoms of Nejd and Hijaz under the same umbrella of Saudi Arabia.  This year the celebration was extended to 4 days by order of the king.  Celebrating National Day is a relatively new thing for the citizens of Saudi Arabia.  For many years, the only allowed celebrations were two religious holidays - one at the end of Ramadan and the other at the end of Hajj.

We have become old fuddy duddies, so we try to avoid large crowds like those on holidays or weekends.  So today's photo was taken from the comfort of our building's rooftop.


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Jeddah Grocery Store Scene

This is just a very typical scene in a Saudi supermarket. It's not unusual to see men wearing a variety of clothing - from the traditional Saudi dress, to western clothing, to uniforms, to native dress typical in other countries.  While women all wear abayas, abayas have gotten much more colorful and diverse than ten short years ago.  

Jeddah Street Vendor

I'm drawn to these street vendors in Jeddah who sell a wide variety of fresh produce. I love how many of them set up a colorful umbrella for protection from the hot sun and spread out a carpet where they can sit and wait for customers.  

Our World - Saudi Style Serving

Hi Y'all!  I can't believe I have taken such a long break this year.  I recently returned to Saudi Arabia after spending a very busy summer in the USA.  Did you miss me?

This photo is of a gift I received from my husband's lovely sister.  It is a large platter shaped basket (about 2 feet across), covered with the red and white checkered scarf that Saudi men wear.  The smaller accompanying cups are made to be little Saudi characters holding baskets.  Handicrafts such as this are becoming very popular and more commonly found. I love finding things like this to take back to my family and friends as souvenirs.

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