Saudi Arabia - Voyager

Discover!
Saudi Arabia
Autumn 2011 / issue seven
Al-Ahsa
getaway
Destination
Tarut Island weekend
Al-Magar discovery
Origins of the Arabian horse
Environment
Saving the Houbara Bustard

Events | Guides | Reviews | Destinations | Tours | travel | culture | INDUSTRY
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
/ SAUDI
/ SAUDI
VOYAGER
VOYAGER
_
Saudi Voyager
s we go to press with this latest edition of Saudi Voyager, the

pleasant Saudi Arabian fall weather is with us. I often tell those
who dont know the Kingdom well that our best-kept secret is
the weather. Except for a few hot summer months, the weather is
truly idyllic for most of the year. It is only the uninitiated who think
we are plagued by year-round "desert" weather. In reality, while
our neighbors are sweating it out in unpleasant humidity and high
temperatures, we are sitting out in the garden, at the park, or in the
countryside enjoying picnics, camp fires, and barbeques in beautiful, temperate weather.
With the combination of the approaching Eid Al-Adha festivities and the nice fall
weather, our lead article in this edition is on a recommended Eid getaway to Al Ahsa
(page 33). Our intrepid reporter has surveyed the many attractions that make for
an excellent weekend getaway inside the Kingdom, a break from the routine and a
chance to visit places of historic interest. Another destination with historic interest
is the Eastern Regions Tarot Island, which we also cover as a potential Eid trip (page
46). On the subject of historic interest, we carry a fascinating news report on the
recent discovery in the Kingdom of a site with remains of human civilization from nine
thousand years agoincluding evidence of farming and animal husbandry (page 43). Of
course, you'll need a map to get to all these fascinating places; we report on one Saudis
passion for developing maps of the more remote areas of the Kingdom, which will be a
real boon for anyone interested in exploring this fascinating country (page 50).
Of importance to all our readers working in the travel and tourism industries, we
carry details of the launch of the next staging of the Saudi Excellence in Tourism
Awards (page 19), to be held in March 2012. Online nominations will open shortly; we
provide details of what you need to do enter, and hopefully win, in this valued industry
awards program. There are some key new categories and other additions to this years
arrangements, so be sure to read this report carefully if you plan to make your mark
on history by winning a 2012 SETA.
As usual, we hope you enjoy this edition of Saudi Voyager.
Editor in Chief
Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 03
Discover! Saudi Arabia
contents
Published by
Alef International
P.O. Box 301292, Riyadh 11372
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
T: +966 1 462 3632
F: +966 1 461 2966
Email: info@alefinternational.com
guide/autumn 2011
Editor-in-Chief
Majed A. AlSheddi
Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Editorial supervision - SCTA
Najla Al-Khalifah
T: (+966) 1 880 8910
E: najla@scta.gov.sa
Contributors
Alex Malouf
Jackie Ledger
James Nicholson
Richard Whitehead
Randa Saab
Rashed Islam
Sharon Dunn
Zoya Malik
Design
Hussain Mohammed Al-Bakri
Photography
Abdullah Al Sayari
Adel Al-Elati
Ahmad A. Alwosaibie
Alex Malouf
Byron A. Bueno
Mark Carreon
M. Zafar-ul Islam
Romel Cuison
SCTA
Sharon Dunn
Shutterstock
Waleed Almarhoum
Research
Jihan Bagader
Tanaya Bose Jain
Subscriptions
Majed Fares
E: majed.fares@alefinternational.com
Client Servicing
Tanaya Bose Jain
E: tanayaj@alefinternational.com
_PEOPLE
_INDUSTRY
Investment / 29
Saudi Voyager spoke to Essam Abouda,
vice president of operations, Arabian
Peninsula and Indian Ocean, about Hilton
Worldwides investment in Saudi Arabias
growing tourism market
News / 07
News of the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia

News analysis / 14
Premier Inn is the UK and Irelands largest and
fastest growing hotel chain, and has recently
opened in the Gulf. Darroch Crawford, managing
director Middle East and Africa talks about their
interest in moving into the Kingdom
Day in the life / 76

Starting out as a concierge at Riyadhs Hotel
Al Khozama, Mamdouh Al- Arafshah has built
an enviable career in the hospitality industry,
spanning more than 25 years
My favorite place / 63
His work took HE Talmiz Ahmed, Ambassador
of the Republic of India to all four corners of the
Kingdom. He tells Saudi Voyager of his particular
favorites prior to his departure from the Kingdom
on completion of his tour of duty
Scta interview / 22
Saudi Voyager talks to Dr. Delayl AlKahtani, a modern-day pioneer working
in Riyadh's National Museum
Al Khabra heritage town / 26
Al Khabra heritage town hosts traditional building
workshop
Consultant Editor
Barry Gray
T: +971 50 653 8859
E: barryg@gbc-me.com
Mapping the future / 50

A surprise meeting in the rugged terrain of
Riyadhs southern escarpment has led to an
appreciation of Abdullah Al Sayari's special skills
Chief Executive Officer

Rabih El Amine
T: +966 1 462 3632
E: rabiha@alefinternational.com
MICE / 72
Saudi Arabia set to establish itself as an
events hub for the marketing and
communications industry
Alef International
Saudi Voyager is published on behalf of
the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities
22
All rights are reserved and no part of the publication or its contents may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electrical, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written approval of the publishers.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information reported in Saudi
Voyager, neither the publishers nor Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities will accept
responsibility for any errors or omissions and rejects any claims arising out of any action
which a company or individual may take as a consequence of the content contained herein.
29
Retail price: Saudi Arabia SR10.00 Rest of world US$5.00
SETA / 17
Arrangements for the second Saudi Excellence in
Tourism Awards have been announced
CONTENTS / SAUDI VOYAGER
43
33
_Recreation
_DESTINATION
_LIFESTYLE
Capital golf/ 52-53

Along with other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia
has seen an increase in golfing facilities. Saudi
Voyager reviews golfing options in the capital
Al-Ahsa / 32
Al-Ahsa is not on everyones to do list although
it shouls be, having been nominated as one
of the seven wonders of the natural world
Heritage / 43
Evidence of horse domestication in
KSA nine millennia ago uncovered
Hotel review / 58
In the age of the Internet and interconnected
world it can be challenging for any business to
try and stand out from the crowd. The Sofitel
Al Khobar makes a good effort to do so
Hejaz Railway / 37
It is still possible to visit the remains of the
Hejaz Railway in the Kingdom and experience
firsthand the outstanding achievement and
colorful history of over a century ago
Restaurant review / 61
Najd Village provides a sumptuous experience of
the Central Region
The big picture / 40

Wadi Mahar, Umluj
Riyadh souqs / 73
Located at the center of historic trade routes,
Riyadh has a fascinating cross-section of
traditional markets
Tarut Island / 46
Saudi Arabias Eastern Region has a rich
history spanning several thousand years.
Alex Malouf visits Tarut Island in his quest
to discover more Saudi heritage
37
Houbara Bustard / 54
The Houbara Bustard has been under threat
of going the way of the now extinct Arabian
ostrich. It is hoped extensive efforts of
the Saudi government will re-establish
these shy desert birds. M. Zafar-ul Islam,
manager of the reintroduction program
tells Saudi Voyager of progress to date
_DIRECTORY
Hotel reviews / 64
With more locally trained staff and increasing
focus on quality service,accommodation options
across Saudi Arabia are getting better and better.
Saudi Voyager highlights some of the favorites
Hotel listing / 67
54
61
46
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Kings lifetime captured

for National Day
This years National Day celebrations, which
take place during September, were marked by
a special display with a week-long exhibition
of photographs that chronicle the life and
times of the Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
The exhibit set out to illustrate the
many different facets of the Kings
successful journey through life. They
marked his achievements and highlighted
the outstanding contributions of the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in social,
humanitarian, political and religious arenas.

The collection was put together by the order
of Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the
SCTA and displayed under the title Life and
Achievement for a week from September 23
in Jeddah, Al-Damam, Al-Qasim, Al-Jouf, and
other leading locations around the Kingdom.
In addition to photographs, the
collection also featured documentary
films gathered from a number of sources
including the National Guard, King Abdul
Aziz Library, and the Saudi Press Agency.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
Jeddah Ghair
generates
SR3 billion
After 70 days of entertainment,
the Jeddah Ghair the western
citys summer festival
came to a close in September.
Shortly afterwards, municipal
reports suggested that the
event had generated revenues
in excess of SR3 billion for
the citys economy.
According to Prince Abdullah
bin Saud, chairman of the Jeddah
Chamber of Commerce and
Industrys Tourist Committee,
over four million domestic and
foreign tourists visited the city
over the course of the festival.
He said: It has greatly
contributed to creating an
active tourist culture in various
areas in the city including
markets, malls and amusement
parks. He added that with more
than 50 government and private
establishments participating,
and over 200 activities
featured over the duration,
the festival was proof of the
spirit of teamwork needed to
organize such activities.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
Souk Okaz:
Civilization,
history and
humanity
Record visitors view Saudi artifacts
The fifth edition of the annual Souk

Okaz festival opened in Taif in late
September with its usual high level
of fanfare and pomp. Inaugurating
the festival of heritage and
culture, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal,
the Emir of the Makkah region,
said that the event provided a
fitting display for the people of
Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is the
country of civilization, history and
humanity. And Souk Okaz focuses
on these values, commented
Prince Khaled proudly. Over
eight days, the culture festival
hosted a program of art shows,
exhibitions and performing arts.
Following record attendance

in St. Petersburg, Russia,
the Saudi Archeological
Masterpieces through the
Ages traveling exhibition
moved on from the third
leg of its international
tour in September after a
four-month residency at
the Hermitage Museum.
The display has proved
to be extremely popular
in Russia, achieving the
highest number of viewers
so far with 530,000 visitors
since it was inaugurated
in May by Prince Sultan
bin Salman, president of

the SCTA, and Alexander
Aydeev, the Russian Minister
of Culture. This figure is in
addition to the 160,000
visitors who turned out to
see the exhibition during
its stay at the Louvre in
Paris during the first leg of
the tour and the 140,000
visitors during the second
leg, at La Caixa Foundation
in Barcelona, Spain.
The exhibition, which
will move to the Pergamon
Museum in Berlin in January
2012, showcases 347 rare
archeological artifacts which

chronicle the heritage of
ancient Arabian civilizations.
Before the tour, the objects
were formerly held at the
National Museum, King
Saud University Museum,
King Abdul Aziz Dara,
and a number of other
provincial museums.
Last year, the Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques gave
the Saudi Archaeological
Masterpieces through the
Ages exhibition royal assent
to tour a number of European
and American cities.
EU puts on show of partnership

The exchange of cultural activities is key
to promote dialogue and foster better
understanding that helped people of various
civilizations shed prejudices and negative
stereotypes, said Luigi Narbone, ambassador
of a European Union delegation visiting Saudi
Arabia, at the opening ceremony of European
Days in Saudi Arabia, the first event of its
kind to take place in the Kingdom. He jointly
opened the two-day event in Riyadh with
Dr Abdulaziz Al-Khoja, Saudi Minister of
Culture and Information, in late September.
Narbone added that the event was
aimed at promoting cultural understanding,
education, tourism and business between
the EU and the Kingdom. Europe, known for
its range of cultures and linguistic diversity,
has relentlessly strived to share its cultural
richness with people of other regions of
the world, explained Narbone. It is our
08 / Saudi Voyager / Autumn 2011
strong belief that cultural exchanges help

communities and countries come closer by
forging deeper political, economic and social
ties. Europe has for centuries learnt how to
embrace and respect cultural diversity. Our
common cultural heritage, which includes
Arabic, helped us become a space of peaceful
coexistence, beauty and prosperity, and
fostered a feeling of European citizenship.
Representatives from the embassies of 20
EU member states participated by setting up
stands and distributing brochures to visitors.
A number of Saudi officials spoke at the
opening and a Saudi troupe presented a folk
dance. Afterwards, European Tour, a photo
exhibition, and a documentary film entitled
Europe as Seen from the Sky were unveiled
to visitors, which featured a large number
of schoolchildren from Saudi-owned private
schools and international community schools.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
Think tank debates urban heritage

The second gathering of the Steering Committee of
the National Center for Urban Heritage took place in
September at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and
Antiquities (SCTA) headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting
focused on the Kingdoms heritage as a national issue
with important economic objectives. The committee
also paved the way for the first National Urban Heritage
Forum, which will take place in Jeddah in November.
Committee members praised the instructions of
Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, second Prime Minister and
Minister of Interior, to provincial governors to ensure
that authorities do not remove heritage buildings without
first seeking the advice of the SCTA, thereby allowing
the commission to verify a buildings architecture and
historical importance. Following the directive, provincial
governors are now required to inform the SCTA of
any unapproved removal of heritage buildings.
Members of the committee considered how the
National Center for Urban Heritage would benefit
from the SCTAs large network of projects, programs
and stakeholders, as well as the efforts of private
companies and individuals to preserve Saudi national
heritage. In this context, the SCTA has launched a
special program to explore international experience
with urban heritage development and preservation.

The committee also discussed the centers plans for
the next three years, which include the establishment
of a national archive for urban heritage and adopting
a national strategy to rehabilitate and develop urban
heritage in a way that will preserve local artifacts. It
was emphasized that the development of national urban
heritage would be of great benefit to companies and
communities and should be seen as a huge economic
resource with the potential to generate great wealth
and play a significant part in creating a large number of
employment opportunities for the local population.
Also covered in the meeting was a review of ongoing
work and proposed projects for the 2012-13 fiscal
year. These include heritage village development
programs, city-center improvement programs, the
rehabilitation of popular souks and historic buildings,
and developments in collaboration with MOMRA.
The National Center for Urban Heritage was founded
as a national think tank charged with building an
institutional system that focuses on urban heritage
development by forming provincial partnerships. It is
also responsible for raising awareness of the importance
of urban heritage among local communities.
Saudi Moon Boat making Shanghai return

After almost 4.5 million visitors visited the Saudi Arabia pavilion at last years Shanghai Expo, organizers of the 2011
edition are expecting a similar level of interest on its second staging. At the time of going to press, the finishing touches
were being put to the Moon Boat pavilion which, last year, proved so popular that queues as long as 4,000 meters
were seen waiting for a glimpse inside. This year, in a bid to reduce waiting time for visitors, the Shanghai authorities
have decided to distribute all tickets through travel agencies.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
Garyah artifacts returned

Efforts made to recover missing
Saudi artifacts have paid off following
the successful return of more than
500 Saudi archeological objects
from Britain. The recovered items
were from the Garyah excavation in
Tabuk province, and were removed
from the site to be taken to Britain
in 1968 for research purposes.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and Dr Abdul Aziz Al Rashid, a heritage
consultant to the SCTA president, led
a delegation to complete the recovery
process, which is in line with the
commissions aim to secure the return
of all Saudi artifacts to the Kingdom.
The SCTA, through the Standing
Committee of National Antiquities
Recovery, has made great efforts

over recent years to recover
antiquities that have been taken
out of the country. The SCTA's
efforts in this respect have resulted
in the recovery of approximately
14,000 objects from outside of the
Kingdom, some of which had been
missing for more than 50 years.
Prince Khalid to lead summit

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud,
governor of the Makkah Province, announced
his patronage and attendance at the second
Modern Makkah Summit and Awards. The summit
is the latest development in a series of largescale, business-driven events in the province.
Under the theme of Modernizing the Holy City
and the Greater Province, the two-day event,
scheduled for December 10-11 2011, will explore
projects that are shaping the future of the region.
Key local, regional and international players from the

infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, and tourism
sectors will be in attendance, all looking to showcase
their expertise and drive future expansion plans.
In conjunction with the Modern Makkah Summit, the
Makkah New Era Awards will recognize industry leaders
who have played an active role in the development
of the province and its historical transformation.
Prince Khalid will officially open the inaugural
awards dinner on the first day of the summit.
Saudi and Turkey cement closer relations

In an official two-day visit to Ankara in September,
Prince Sultan bin Salman visited a number of projects
and programs carried out by Ankara Municipality
in the field of tourism and urban heritage.
"Ankara is a large and
developed city with a long,
historic past, said Prince Sultan.
We can learn much from its rich
experience in developing tourism
programs and activities to attract
a wide range of groups to come
to take part in events and visit
historical sites; this is all part
of an effort to connect Turkish
society with its national heritage.
During his visit, the Prince
met with Erturul Gnay,
Turkeys Minister of Culture and
Tourism. The meeting included a
discussion on a number of issues
related to tourism investment
between the two countries,
and highlighted ways the two
nations could enhance tourism development through

the construction of heritage villages and museums, and
carrying out tourism training. They also put into effect a
memorandum of cooperation between the Kingdom and
Turkey in the field of tourism.
Today we are enhancing
the cooperation between the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and
Republic of Turkey, especially
since tourism in Turkey has a
wide appeal and places heavy
emphasis on the countrys
wide and diverse heritage,
said Prince Sultan bin Salman.
The Turkish Minister of
Tourism and Culture welcomed
the visit of Prince Sultan to
Turkey, and emphasized the
importance of the enhancement
of relations between the
two countries in the field of
tourism, and of encouraging
investment in tourism sector.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
Briefs
Hails growth
The province of Hail has registered a remarkable,
122 percent growth through strong investment
in its accommodation sector, compared with
the corresponding period of 2010. The total
number of rooms in the provinces 100 hotels
and furnished flats has now reached 2,100;
up from 800 rooms just five years ago.
Business bonanza
A report released recently by Tourism
Information and Research Center revealed that
the number of domestic trips within the Kingdom
for the purpose of business tourism reached 3.9
million last year. This marks a significant increase
in trips compared with 2009, when only 2.3
million trips had been booked for business.
Britain seeks closer ties

In a move to further co-operate in the field of
museums and antiquities, the British Ambassador
to Saudi Arabia, Sir Tom Phillips, met with the
SCTA to discuss an initiative by the British
Institute for Arabian Peninsula Studies. They
also discussed the upcoming visit by the Duke
of York, Prince Andrew, to the Kingdom.
Book lists new approach

SCTAs director of media production, Dr Habass
Al Harbi, has released a new edition of his book,
Tourism Marketing In Tourist Facilities, which
offers new methods for tourism marketing
in the modern world. The book focuses in
particular on the intense competition between
countries to gain a larger portion of the market.
Tawasol unveiled
A new company intranet has been unveiled
for employees of the SCTA. The new site,
named Tawasol, highlights the commissions
most important news, staffing information,
IT policies, and health and community news.
The portal also allows staff to write their
own articles for colleagues to read.
Students visit dig

A group of students from the College of
Architecture at King Saud University took part
in a visit to the Ghat Heritage Village as part
of an SCTA training program that sets out to
teach students of the importance of urban
heritage. The SCTA itself has also recently
established a center devoted to urban heritage.
Agencies checked
A joint team of officials from the SCTA and
Ministry of Labor made a series of sweeping
inspection visits to tourism and travel agencies
in Riyadh in September. This move was to ensure
that companies had been adhering to their license
conditions and employing the required proportion
of Saudi nationals within their organizations.
Prince attends
astronaut convention
A former astronaut himself, Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTA,
visited Moscow during September to attend the fifth conference of the
Association of Space Explorers, a body of which he is a founding member.
The conference covered a number of issues related to space
science and technology, and recent studies and research into space
discovery areas which are of ongoing interest to Saudi Arabia.
"The Kingdom is making steady progress in space technology as well as in
other different knowledge areas," said Prince Sultan in a statement following
the conference. The Prince also praised the efforts of the Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince and the
government of Saudi Arabia for their work
in social, economic and scientific areas,
including space science and technology.
"The Kingdom has spared no efforts
in encouraging and promoting the use
of satellite technology all over the
region, where it has some of the most
advanced technology, he added.
Prince Sultan participated in the
Discovery-G51s voyage into space in
1985, and was one of the founders of the
Association of Space Explorers in the same
year, which now has a membership of over
350 astronauts from 35 countries.
World tourism chief

singles out Saudi Arabia
During an address at the opening
ceremony of the second Al Aqaba
Economic Conference, the secretary
general of the World Tourism
Organization lauded Saudi Arabias
efforts to promote domestic tourism
as an example to the rest of the world.
Dr Taleb Al-Rifai singled out
the Kingdom for its focus on local
tourism, saying its efforts can
be considered unique and are
an example to be followed.
He also urged Arabic countries to
focus on their own domestic tourism
industries by establishing partnerships
with the private sector with a particular
emphasis on enhancing their cultural
offerings. Doing so, he said, would
generate a rich source of income while

also preserving their national identities.
On a global level, Al-Rifai pointed
out that tourism is the third-largest
and fastest-growing industry in the
world, accounting for 5.2 per cent
of world GDP with an economic
value of around $1.2 trillion.
However, he also cautioned that the
tourism industry is at a crossroads,
especially following the global financial
crisis and recent unrest in the Arab
world. He signalled that tourism across
Arab countries had fallen by 11 per cent
since the start of the recession, although,
over the last 10 years, international
tourism income had almost doubled
from $480 billion to $920 billion.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
SCTA TO SUPERVISE
BOAT SALVAGE
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
has confirmed it is part of a joint effort to raise an
historic, sunken ship dating from the turn of the
century at Qunfudah Port on the Red Sea Cost.
On successful completion of the operation, the
ship is to be put on public display in Qunfudah.
Led by SCTA vice-president Ali Al-Ghabban,
who has visited the port to assess the measures
required for the reclamation, a specialised
company has been engaged to perform the
operation alongside specially trained SCTA
divers. The ship was sunk in an air raid by Italian
warplanes during the first world war, which also
resulted in the destruction of a number of other
ships in the area. The team also intend to reclaim
another, vessel located beneath the ship, with the
intention to also display it.
The project is being supervised by a joint
committee comprising representatives of the SCTA,
the Border Guards and Ministry of Agriculture.
SCTA committed to Saudization

Speaking at an industry meeting in Jordan,
Prince Sultan bin Salman revealed that the
SCTA was determined to nationalize the
tourism market over the next three years,
and once again emphasised the benefit of
the industry to the domestic economy.
Tourism is an extremely important
industry for us and it plays a significant
role in providing job opportunities and
alleviating poverty. The Kingdom is
currently passing through a remarkable
transitional period and this sector too is
witnessing a change. Tourism, which is a
major human activity, has today become
an industry all by itself, he said.
Prince Sultan said that among rural
communities, the tourism industry
had succeeded in generating indirect
employment, for example in the making
and selling of handicrafts, in addition
to direct job creation in historical,
heritage and agricultural sites.
These activities will ensure a

good living for the people who live
in the rural areas, who will no longer
find they have to migrate to the
cities to make a living, he said.
Prince Sultan also explained that
the tourism sector in the Kingdom was
witnessing a dramatic change based on
partnerships with local communities,
saying, This policy (of cooperatives)
has resulted in large investments for
the welfare of the communities.
He added that the SCTA had been
focusing its investments in traditional
communities, especially those in
agricultural and rural areas.
We have been cooperating with
a number of public and private
establishments to further consolidate
this trend. We have taken a giant leap
as we continue to build on our work in
rural and heritage areas, he added.
INDUSTRY / NEWS
Residents on tour
Expat families guests of SCTA for Riyadh tour
"We did not expect Riyadh to be so beautiful and to have
such a long history." This was a common theme of comments
made by a group of families resident in Riyadh, who were
recently the guests of the Saudi Commission of Tourism
and Antiquities on a tour of Riyadh, which took in a number
of historical monuments and sites around the capital.
Some of the group confirmed that during their stay in
the Kingdom, often living in expatriate housing compounds,
they had had limited exposure to the many historic sites
in the capital. The familiarization tour, organized by
local company Bon Voyage, with the support of SCTA,
headed by bus to the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center,
Al-Masmak Fort and the carpet souq, one of the oldest
markets in Riyadh and also known as Al-Zal Market locally.
The tour combined heritage and culture with modernity
including a visit to the Al-Faisaliah Tower, a modern
icon of the capital. To finish off the tour, the visitors
enjoyed a traditional Saudi-style dinner in the Najd area,
seated on carpets on the floor and eating by hand.
One long-term resident of Riyadh, Mr. Steve Baker,
who works with BAE Systems, stated that despite being
in Riyadh for many years, the tour had showed him many
interesting places he had never visited before. Another, Kim
Baker, agreed and appreciated that the tour allowed her
the opportunity to see the Al-Masmak historical Palace. I
entered the sitting room of the founder, King Abdul Aziz
and was overawed to be in the same room in which the

founder of Saudi Arabia used to sit to make his deliberations,
she said. She expects to make more tours in Riyadh.
Stephanie Baker was also impressed with what she saw,
especially in the mix of the traditional and modern aspects,
such as the ancient places in Riyadh against the Al-Faisaliah
Tower. She said she enjoyed the tour very much, especially
Al-Masmak fortress and the King Abdul Aziz Historical
Center, because she had not imagined that there were
such places in Riyadh. She said the tour was interesting and
that she enjoyed the traditional Saudi dining experience.
Kaya Evans said: It was an amazing learning experience
at Al-Masmak fortress, where we saw traditional buildings
made of mud and stone. Andrew Badly thought it would be
a good idea for companies to organize similar tours for newly
arrived employees as part of their induction or as a reward
for achieving work goals. It would help them to quickly and
effectively link with the local culture and lead to a better
understanding of the environment that surrounds them.
Maram Hamiduldin, the owner of the tour organizers
Bon Voyage, explained that the tour was not only about
tourism but also to highlight to the expatriate residents
of Riyadh the ongoing evolution and development of the
capital. She said: Integrated tours with knowledgeable
tour guide are an important part of gaining a complete
appreciation of the county in which they are living.
INDUSTRY / NEWS ANALYSIS
Making strides into KSA

Premier Inn is the UK and Irelands largest and fastest growing hotel chain, and has
recently opened in the Gulf. Darroch Crawford, managing director Middle East
and Africa tells Zoya Malik about their interest in moving into the Kingdom
remier Inn has over 600

properties across the UK, Ireland
and the UAE with more than
43,000 hotel rooms, and Darroch
Crawford is tasked with expanding
this network in the Middle East
and Africa region. Crawford has his sights firmly
set on KSA as the regions biggest hospitality
market in the GCC, and is ready to adapt the
brands established strategy in Saudi Arabia
from owner operator to a management model.
Feasibility studies commissioned by the group
for KSA suggest immense opportunities for the
mid-scale Premier Inn brand, especially along
highways, at airports and in city centers, where
a consistent, clean product offering value to
travelers would ideally suit the Saudi market. The
advantage for potential investors in the Kingdom
is the simplicity of Premier Inns operational
model: a property can operate successfully
from 80 rooms upwards, especially as roadside
properties, which are seen as a specific gap in the
Saudi market. This scale of operation means a
more economical capital outlay for investors, who
may wish to enter the hospitality sector, or who
wants to specifically focus on the bourgeoning
mid-market market with a tried and tested brand.
Investors have approached Crawford through
networks and regional trade exhibitions, such
as Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and
Kingdom Hospitality Expansion Summit, with a
view to partnering with Premier Inn. Crawford
is in talks with a developer experienced in
the hospitality sector who already owns
two 5star hotels. The investor is planning
high quality roadside services for fuel, food
and accommodation. The concept suits the
Premier Inn positioning, with the brand already
partnering on other mix-use sites in other parts
of the world.
Another developer has identified large

and empty office spaces in Riyadh, Jeddah
and Dammam that he wishes to convert into
Premier Inn properties, believing the brand
will best suit current market needs of business
people and families.
Crawford explains, For Saudi Arabia, we
have set ourselves a minimum target of 25
hotels by 2018, but we believe the potential
can be greater. The brands USP is to provide an
immaculately clean room, consistently friendly
service and always at a low cost. Our room
rates include accommodation for a family of

up to four persons at the same, set room rate
inclusive of taxes.
The brand has adapted to the needs of the
Middle East region, where traveler expectations
are high. For example in the UAE, unlike in
the UK, the properties provide free Wi-Fi,
room service and a pool and spa as standard.
Crawford is equally confident that the brand will
provide amenities unique to the specific needs
of guests in the Kingdom.
We are aware of the cultural requirements in
all of our locales and we are looking to employ
staff in the Kingdom who are able to offer the
best possible service, consistent to our brand
promise. Premier Inn hand-picks staff and we
will establish a training school in the Kingdom
for both on and off-the-job training.
Crawford believes that Premier Inns success
in the UAE since launching five years ago has
cemented investor confidence in the region
and set a benchmark with Premier Inn Dubai
International Airport property being awarded
the owning groups Best Performer Worldwide
award for 2010 / 11 as part of the groups
Excellence Awards - the first time a hotel outside
their home market of the UK has been selected.
We think of ourselves as offering a 4star
brand at 2star prices. We are looking for
long-term investor-partners who recognize the
potential in the value sector with Premier Inn
frequently returning gross profits of over 60%
confirms Crawford.
Travelers can also rest assured that Premier
Inn keeps consistency of pricing irrespective
of demand. We dont change to inappropriate
rates due to seasonal fluctuations in demand
as many other brands do in the hospitality
sector. We build our brand on consistency and
fairness, concludes Crawford.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Museum design moves into the 21st century
The future of our past
he recent 1st Private Museum

Owners' Forum held in Riyadh
highlighted the important
role museums have to play
in preserving artifacts from
the Kingdoms rich past, as
well as the best way to display them for the
education and enjoyment of the public.
Museums and specialized collections around
the world are seeing a great resurgence of public
interest, and those in the Middle East are no
exception. The highly regarded Guggenheim
and Louvre museums have both agreed multimillion dollar projects to establish Middle Eastern
extensions, while the Saudi Commission for
Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) in Saudi Arabia
has also announced a SR145 million program for
the development of four provincial museums in
Baha, Tabuk, Hail and Dammam. Plans are also
being developed to set up a museum for Islamic
and National Heritage in Jeddah and a museum
of the Holy Qur'an in Madinah.
Museums play a unique and important role
in the preservation of the culture and history
of communities and in educating future
generations. When it comes to designing
museum displays, curators have a number of
important decisions to make when considering
how best to give visitors an educational, but also
enjoyable, even entertaining, experience.

A decision has to be made initially on
whether the overall style for a museum
will be Edutainment or education-based.
These two distinct options, both with their
individual benefits, have a direct influence on
the experience of visitors to the museum, and
therefore on visitor numbers and the amount of
income generated. The same influence is bought
about by the relevance, standard and quality of
the internal environment of the museum, from
the standard of decoration and lighting to the
quality of display cases and signage.
Shaboury & Associates is an Arab company
specializing in the design, marketing and
execution of museums. The company has worked
on numerous design and re-development
projects locally and internationally and is well
versed in the role a modern museum plays in the
preservation, valorization and documentation
of a country's heritage. Today, museums are
responsible for the preservation of a community's
identity in a rapidly changing world, and the
documenting and preserving of culture and
heritage in both tangible and intangible forms.
Established in 1970, by Dr. Hussein El
Shaboury in Alexandria, Egypt, Shaboury
& Associates has developed an expertise
and specialization in the design, marketing
and construction of museums and museum

interiors, In 1997, the company collaborated
on the displays for the Nubian museum project
in Aswan, Egypt, and has since established its
expertise in the field of museography, museum
display and exhibition design, delivering more
than forty museum and cultural exhibition
projects in Egypt, France, Italy, UAE and Qatar.
Designing a museum space or a museum
exhibition is no longer a simple process of
creating a space and putting a collection on
display. It is a complex task that aims to create an
appropriate environment to attract a wide range
of visitors of differing backgrounds, cultures,
interests and ages. Psychology, semiotics,
aesthetics and communication are some of the
key issues a museum designer needs to consider,
regardless of the importance and value of a
collection. The design and way in which displays
are presented play an important role in a visitor's
experience and on the museums ability to
attract and retain the interest of its visitors.
In todays world, people have a lot of leisure
destinations and opportunities to choose from,
but not enough leisure time. Hence, museums
are not just competing with each other, they
are competing with destinations such as theme
parks, shopping malls and other leisure venues to
capture their share of their clients leisure time,
ADVERTISING FEATURE
says Ahmed Shaboury, managing director of

Shaboury & Associates JLT. This change has put
increased emphasis on museum architecture, its
functionality, display, design and the marketing
of the institution in order to create attractive
environments that turn a museum visit from
being a simple transaction into an enduring
experience Ahmed emphasizes.
Karim Shaboury, architect and partner of
Shaboury & Associates explains the evolution in
the approaches that museums can use as a basis
for the style of their exhibitions. These are the
Latin, the Anglo-Saxon and the American styles,
he states. The Latin style could be seen as the
classic museum, which was construed as a place
of culture, a temple of beauty and marvel. This
style underpinned the evolution of the European
civilizations with their huge artistic heritage
which started from ancient Greece and Rome
and runs through to the Renaissance, at a time
when differentiating between art and religion
was impossible. states Karim.
The Anglo-Saxon culture treated the museum
as an institute, and a place for learning. Objects
were mainly collected and gathered for the
purpose of knowledge and study. Unlike the Latin
Temple-Museum, the Anglo-Saxon SchoolMuseum is more related to science than to
history, to knowledge rather than cult.
The more modern, American approach can
be considered as a second-generation AngloSaxon format: it maintains the same educational
purpose but within an entertainment-based
environment. Termed edutainment it combines
science and knowledge within an interactive
approach, where a visitor is not simply a receiver
but is involved in the experience.
In 2007, Shaboury & Associates collaborated
with the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) in the requalification, re-design and

construction of the Visitors Center for the Wadi
el Rayan Protected Area in Fayoum, Egypt. the
company is also collaborating with the Getty
Institute as part of the team working on the
conservation and rehabilitation projects for the
tomb of Queen Nefertari at the Valley of the
Queens and the tomb of King Tutankhamen at
Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt.
In 2010, Shaboury & Associates extended its
geographical footprint into Europe by designing
and executing the Egyptian Museum in Rome
and the Egyptian Exhibition at the Palais de
lUNESCO in Paris. It has recently established a
regional office in Dubai, UAE, to cater for the
demand for museographic and exhibition design
services in the Gulf region, under the brand
name MOUSEION.
In this most recent move, MOUSEION offers
services in three specific areas necessary for
the success of museums: conceptualization and
design, marketing and execution.
Conceptualization and design: This includes
master planning, museum architecture,
museography, interior design, exhibition design,
lighting, displays, graphic design, and the design
of exhibits and display accessories.
Marketing services: Every successful business
needs a clear vision and mission. MOUSEION
helps create these, developing an overall concept
for the museum and its exhibits, building
branding and identity, and helping with targeting,
segmentation and positioning as well as with
strategic and tactical marketing plans. It also
advises on research and communication issues.
Execution: Once the planning is complete,
MOUSEION manages the project, oversees the
fabrication of exhibits and display accessories,
the production of signage and explanatory
graphics, marketing communication execution,

and construction and installation.
Explaining the need for the new services,
Ahmed Shaboury added, Over the past 14
years, we have built unique expertise and strong
credentials as the leading firm in the field of
museography in the Middle East in terms of the
number of projects executed. Besides being
the only specialized firm in our field in the Arab
world, what really differentiates us from our
European and American competitors is our deep
understanding of the Arab culture, civilization and
language; our offices in Alexandria, Cairo and Dubai
put us in close proximity to our clients, while our
marketing services aims to turn museums from
being cost-centers into profit-makers in the long
term by generating new revenue streams beyond
the traditional ticket sales revenue.
In todays world where people have many
leisure time choices, museums need marketing
more than ever to increase their visitor numbers,
build relationships and generate new revenue
streams. In this part of the world, museum
marketing is still in its infancy, but as culture and
heritage continues to gain momentum in the
Middle East and as the cost of running museums
increases, it is imperative for museums to adopt
professional marketing theories, tools and skills
in order to meet their objectives.
Our mission is to enrich, preserve and
promote cultural heritage across the region.
In this respect, museum marketing is intrinsic
to our consultancy services, starting from
concept development to the tactical marketing
campaigns that promote the museum as a
destination emphasizes Shaboury.
For further information:

www.shaboury.com
some key Projects and clients

V
isitor Centre, Wadi Al-Rayan
Protected Area, Fayoum, United
Nations Development Program
R
enovation of the Tombs of
King Tutankhamen and Queen
Nefertari, Valleys of the Kings
and Queens in Luxor. The Getty
Conservation Institute - The
Egyptian Supreme Council of

Antiquities
T
he Egyptian Museum,
Academia D'Egitto in Rome, The
Egyptian Ministry of Culture
T
he History of Egypt and UNESCO,
Palais de lUNESCO in Paris, The
Egyptian Ministry of Culture
P
resident Gamal Abdel-Nasser
Museum, Cairo, The Egyptian
Ministry of Culture
T
he Coptic Museum, Cairo, The
Egyptian Supreme Council of
Antiquities
T
he Biodiversity Museum,
Sharm El-Sheikh, The
Egyptian Ministry of State for

Environmental Affairs
T
he Archaeological Museum,
Alexandria, Bibliotheca
Alexandrina
P
resident Sadat Museum,
Alexandria, Bibliotheca
Alexandrina,
INDUSTRY / AWARDS
Arrangements for the second

Saudi Excellence in Tourism
Awards have been announced
2012 SETA announced
ndustry insiders have confirmed that

arrangements for the staging of the second
Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETA)
have been agreed between the organizers
and the key partner of the event, the Saudi
Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. A
six-month program of promotional activities
and industry initiatives will lead up to a gala
awards event to be held in Riyadh on March 27,
where the winners will be announced and fted.
Since the launch of the inaugural awards and
the presentation of trophies to the winners
earlier this year, the recipients have had the
opportunity to realize the benefits that being a
winner of a SETA bringsthe most obvious and

immediate being the motivation and excitement
felt by the winning organizations staff. Everyone
likes to work for a successful company, and for
one that receives recognitionand securing
a SETA trophy is immediate recognition for
a job well done. Longer-term benefits arise
from the ability to use the win in advertising
and promotions for the company or individual,
which helps generate new business. Telling
potential customers that a panel of independent
experts judged you to be the best will help build
reputation and increase long-term business.
The Steak House restaurant chain, which
took the honors in the Best Mid-market

Restaurant category, enthusiastically confirmed
a significant increase in business after winning its
award. We celebrated our award by arranging
ceiling danglers and roll-ups in the lobby of
the restaurants and put stickers on the menu.
We also advised our customers through SMS
messages. Yes, we are enjoying double-digit
sales growth and we feel the SETA award
has contributed to this positive trend, said
Steve Skoien, executive general manager of
the managing company. He added that the
restaurants have also received positive internet
and newspaper press following the awards.
INDUSTRY / AWARDS
But its not just the companies that

benefit by winning a SETA: even for staff,
participating in the SETA helps to build skills,
generate healthy competition and increase
the quality of service deliverables. Involving
customers in voting for you can also create
fun and build relationships. Indeed, one of
the enhancements for this years event is to
be the addition of an extensive promotional
campaign, aimed at raising awareness
amongst the general public and generating
more votes from them. Every company,
restaurant, hotel, shopping mall or other
outlet nominated on the website will receive
promotional materials for use in their campaign
to win a SETA.
Mr Abdullah Al-Jehani, vice president of
Marketing of SCTA, told Saudi Voyager, The
inaugural event of the Saudi Excellence in
Tourism Awards was very well received by
all in the travel and tourism industries who
participated, and the program achieved many of
its key objectives. Now we plan to build further
on last years event and make the SETA an award
that is not only valued but also hotly contested
right across the kingdom. When asked what the
key aims of SCTAs involvement in the awards
program was, he explained, These awards are
about excellence - the development of which is
a key aim of SCTA within the tourism industries
in the Kingdom and in a Saudi Arabian context.
We were pleased to see that a few organizations
made great efforts to win a SETA trophy during
the last event, and we trust we shall see more
nominees making similar efforts to impress the
judges this year.
Managed by Riyadh-based Alef Media and
Publishing, the publishers of Saudi Voyager
magazine, and with support from the Arabiclanguage Terhal magazine, the next round of the
Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards is planned to
be an even bigger event in all aspects, especially
in the pre-event promotion and media coverage.
Also, the number of nominations is expected to
double this time by building on the excitement
generated by the inaugural event.
Nominations for the SETAs come either
from the general public or from individuals or
companies nominating themselves. Nominations
are made online at www.sauditourismawards.
com and it is a very straightforward process.
All that is required are the contact details of
the person making the nomination, the name of
the individual or company being nominated and
the reason for the nomination. It will help the
nomination if full details are given as to why the

nominee deserves to win a SETA. Nominations
can be made in either English or Arabic, as the
organizers review all nominations for content
and accuracy and translate them into the second
language. Only after this checking process by
the organizing committee will the nomination be
listed on the voting area of the website, at which
time the general public can start to vote for it.
However, it is not the number of votes
that a nomination obtains which determines
the winners, although votes are important in
determining those nominees that progress on to
the shortlist.
Once the shortlist of each category is
selected, a number of review elements are
requested from the shortlisted nominees for
scrutiny by the judges. Key elements of the
judges review will include:
A comprehensive and well-prepared
nomination pack that provides comprehensive
details of the nominees business, its aims,
objectives and importantly the achievements
during calendar year 2011.
Specific information appropriate to each
category as detailed in the Criteria.
In some cases, such as restaurants and hotels,
there may even be a visit by a representative of
the judges to review the operation.
To satisfy the judges, a comprehensive and
well-prepared presentation pack will be
required. This should provide extensive details of
successes and improvements in service, copies
of company promotional materials and even
photographs. As well as the packs important role
in the judging process, even preparing the pack
will be a valuable experience for the staff, who
will learn new skills and gain new experiences
that will benefit their careers.
It is anticipated that the panel of judges will
increase in number from the eight of the last
event to perhaps as many as 12. However, the
combination of Saudi and international judges,
with a mix of practitioners and academics, is

expected to be maintained, as it provided a
broad base of experience that was considered to
enhance the judging process.
The chairman of the last events panel of
judges, Barry Gray, stated that he was happy to
see that several nominees in last years event had
undertaken extensive promotional activity to
generate votes by circulating flyers, emails and
text messages to their customers, encouraging
them to go online and vote for them. This type of
promotional activity involves the customers and
general public in the Awards, which is good, and we
shall be encouraging this type of activity this year,
said Gray. Explaining that promotional activity was
open to all nominees, he stated, Votes come from
happy customers and can be generated by any
organization or individual, and the activity adds
interest and excitement to day-to-day business
in the run-up to the Awards. However, nominees
should realize that the number of votes secured
does not decide the winners; they merely assist
the organizing committee in compiling the shortlist
of each category.
What I hope to see this year is more effort
being put into the nomination packs by the
shortlisted nominees for the judges review - a few
were very good, but many did not have enough
information or effort put into them, probably
because nominees thought it was only the number
of votes that mattered. That is why we will provide
specific details of certain criteria for supporting
information that has to be included in the
nomination packs, rather than leaving it open for
nominees to put in anything they wish, although
a degree of creativity will still be welcomed. We
also plan to introduce a more stringent review of
shortlisted nominees, said Gray.
The Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards is
set to become the gold standard in business
awards in the Kingdom, and now is the time for
companies and individuals to start preparing
their information for the categories most
appropriate for them.
Categories
Criteria
2011 Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards
1. Accommodation
Accommodation
i) Best Luxury Hotel

(5 stars or More)
ii) Best 4star Hotel
iii) Best 3star Hotel or Motel
iv) Best Furnished
Accommodation
v) Best Specialized Resort
Experience
iii) Best Tourism
Transportation
iv) Best Trip Organizer
v) Best Travel Agency
5. Tourism
Programs
i) B
est Tourism Quality
Assurance Program
i) Best Fine Dining Restaurant ii) B
est Tourism Promotional
ii) B
est Traditional
Campaign
Food Restaurant
6. Tourism People
iii) B
est Casual Dining
i) Best Tour Guide
Restaurant
ii) T
ourism Sales
3. Shopping and
Professional of the Year
iii) T
ourism Service
Entertainment
i) Best Shopping Experience
ii) Best Tourism Festival
7. Special
iii) B
est Recreation Center
or Amusement Park
Recognition
iv) Best Tourism Attraction
2. Restaurants
4. Tourism
Activities
i) Best Museum Experience
ii) Best Saudi Heritage
8. President's
Awards
Individual
Organization
Timetable
The schedule that the industry should plan to work
to starts in October and will run through to the end
of the year: dates decided upon include:
The Awards website will open for
nominations in October 2011
During October and early November SETA
workshops will be held around the country to
advise participants on the nomination process
The website will close for receiving nominations
on 31 December, 2011 (but will remain
open for voting until 31 January, 2012
Shortlisted nominees will be provided the
judges requirements for nomination packs
during the first week of February
Receipt of nomination packs
closes 28 February, 2012
Judging takes place in Riyadh on 6 March, 2012
Grand gala awards event on 27 March 2012.
Best Luxury Hotel

This category is applicable to SCTA
certified 5star (and higher) hotels.
Nominations should include details
of new or improved services,
successful special promotions
or improved facilities etc.
Following nomination, shortlisted
organizations will be requested
to provide the judges detailed
information, with supporting
statistics, of special activities, new
facilities or improved services,
Details of achievements in regard to
Saudiazation, improved staff training
programs and CSR or environmental
programs within the local community
will also assist the nomination..
Best 4star Hotel

All SCTA certified 4star certified
hotels may apply to this category.
The judges will be looking for
details of new or improved facilities,
innovative services, successful special
promotions or enhanced levels of
service etc. Nominations should
include details of specific activities
b eing nominated with details of
the improved results achieved.
Following nomination, shortlisted
organizations will be requested
to provide the judges detailed
information, with supporting
statistics, of special activities, new
facilities or improved services,
Details of achievements in regard to
Saudiazation, improved staff training
programs and CSR or environmental
programs within the local community
will also assist the nomination.
Best 3star
Hotel or Motel
This category is applicable to
smaller and domestic hotels and
motels. Nominations should include
details of new or upgraded services
or facilities and high levels of
service. Nominations should give
details of activities or services
that make the hotel stand out
against other similar hotels.
Shortlisted nominations will

be requested to provide detailed
information, with statistics, of
special promotions, new or improved
facilities. Details of achievements
regarding Saudiazation,
improvements or increased staff
training activities as well as activities
within the local community or
charities will help the nomination.
Best Furnished
Accommodation
This category is open to all furnished
apartments and villas regardless of
categorization. Nominations should
include details of special services
or new or improved facilities,
successful special promotions etc.
For judging purposes, shortlisted
nominations will be required to
provide detailed information
with documentary evidence
of the business, any improved
activities being nominated with
full details of improved results.
Best Specialized Resort

This category is open to any holiday
or recreational resort or venue
offering specialized vacation,
recreation or pastime activities. This
could include beach resorts, marinas,
horse riding facilities, golf clubs etc.
Nominations should include
details of the special facilities as
well as the services that sets the
venue apart from local competitors.
Details of new services or
improved facilities will also help.
Shortlisted nominees will be
required to provide the judges
specific details of the facilities
provided as well as improvements
and enhancements made over the
period of the Awards. Additional
information on achievements
regarding Saudiazation, staff training
programs or local community work
will add value to the nomination.
Criteria
continued
Restaurants
Best Fine Dining
Restaurant
This category is open to either
individual restaurants or those
located within luxury hotels. The
award will recognize standard
of cuisine, superior service
levels and overall ambiance.
The judges will require shortlisted
nominees to provide details of menu
and information on any improvement
made during 2011 to service,
facilities or marketing. Photographs,
or documentary evidence with
statistics or measurable results
will support the nomination.
Best Traditional food

This category is open to any
restaurant (whether independent or
within a hotel) or for caterers that
provide a traditional Saudi Arabian
eating experience to a high standard.
Shortlisted nominees will be asked
to provide details of menu and any
special service aspects or special
facilities provided. The inclusion of
photographs or other documentary
evidence with measurable results
Best Casual
Dining Restaurant
This category is open to franchised
or Saudi Arabian originated casual
dining restaurants that provide
a consistently good standard of
product and service. The cuisine
served is less important than
branding, operational standards
and customer experience.
Shortlisted nominates will be
asked to provide details of menu
and facilities, the service provided
with any special or unique features.
Photographs and other documentary
Shopping and
Entertainment
Best Shopping Experience
Open to malls and independent
retails, this category aims to
recognize efforts that raise the

shopping experience beyond just
retail purchasing. Nominees should
be able to show they have conducted
extensive and successful in-store
promotions that have attracted
customers and enhanced the
retail experience and raised the
perception of the retailer or mall.
The judges will require
shortlisted nominees to provide
documentary evidence of activities
undertaken with details of the
improved results. Photographs
and or other documentary
Best Tourism Festival

This category is open to all Provincial
Tourism Organizations to nominate
their 2011 festivals. The award will
recognize successful staging of the
event, new or creative elements
within the program and the effective
advertising and promotion that
resulted in improved attendance.
asked to provide documentary
evidence of the activities at the
festival with specific details of the
pre-event marketing activity and
details of attendance. Photographs,
or other documentary evidence
with measurable results will
support the nomination.
Best Recreation Center

or Amusement Park
Open for nominations for any
area of recreation or amusement
which attracts visitors from around
and outside their local area. The
size or style of the attraction is
less important than its quality,
the visitor experience and the
number of visitors attracted.
Shortlisted nominees will
be asked to provide details of
the attraction, details of any
improvements of services, facilities
or equipment during 2011.
Documentary evidence with details
of any advertising or promotional
campaigns will also be helpful, as
will brochures or photographs.
Best Tourism Attraction

This category may be entered
by a commercial organization,
Provincial Tourism Organization
or other private body providing a
tourism attraction which draws
visitors from around and outside
their local area. The size of the
attraction is less important than
the overall interest generated
and the breadth or depth of the
visitor experience and the number
of visitor numbers generated.
Shortlisted nominees will be asked
to provide details of the attraction
with number of visitors and details
of any advertising and promotional
campaigns will also be helpful, as
will documentary evidence such
as brochures or photographs
Tourism Activities
Best Museum Experience
This category is open to museums,
regardless of their size, subject
or whether they are privately- or
government-owned. The important
elements will be the quality of the
visitor experience, the standard
of display, the method and style
of information provided and
any innovations in interactivity
between exhibits and visitors.
In addition to documentary
evidence regarding the museum and
its subject, the judges will require
shortlisted museums to provide
details of visitor numbers, marketing
activity and improvements
in facilities and services.
Best Heritage Experience

This category may be entered
be any individual, government or
semi-government organization
or private commercial company
or individual who offer historic
exhibitions or the display of
traditional skills, managing heritage
sites or other entities such as
restaurants or artisan workshops,
which provide visitors a traditional
Saudi experience and promote
Saudi Arabian culture or heritage.

be asked to provide detailed
information on the activity,
including visitor numbers, quality
of visitor experience and the
marketing activity employed
to promote the activity.
Best Tourism
Transportation
This category is open to any form of
transportation serving Saudi Arabias
tourism industry, including air, sea
and on- or off-road or road. The
award will recognize professionalism
of service, improved services and
successful advertising or promotional
activities which have highlighted
the Kingdoms tourism industry
as well as the service provided.
The judges will require
documentary evidence of the
services and of the advertising
undertaken. Documentary evidence
will also help the nomination
and this can include brochures,
advertisements, photographs etc.
Best Trip Organizer

individual or organization managing
tour groups within Saudi Arabia.
Travel agents may make nominations
or guides may nominate themselves
and the aim of the award is to
recognize professionalism in
performance that has resulted
in increasing levels of visitors or
groups handled by the individual.
The judges will expect shortlisted
nominees to provide supporting
information on the structure of tours
organized, details of the number
or groups handled during the year
or new destinations added during
2011. Nominations can be supported
with photographs or client letters.
Best Travel Agency

This category is open to any travel
agency providing tourism services
within the Kingdom, whether
based inside our or side of Saudi
Arabia. Key in this category will be
Tourism People
Best Tour Guide
This category is open to all
SCTA registered tour guides
operating in the Kingdom.
The judges will request
shortlisted nominees to provide
details of the number of groups
served during 2011, the areas of
specializations of the guide and any
added value services provided.
Tourism Sales
on the scale of bookings of visitors

to Saudi Arabian destinations,
tours or accommodation.
be asked to provide the judges
supporting information on
their services, their points of
differentiation from competitors
and documentary evidence to
support the nomination.
Tourism Programs
Best Tourism Quality
Assurance Program
commercial organization, hospitality
or catering operator or academic
institution that provides or
manages an established quality
assurance program to, or within,
the Kingdoms tourism sector.
expected to provide the judges
specific details of the program, its
aims and benefits and the number of
national and non-national graduates

that have graduated the program.
Best Tourism
Promotional campaign
This category is open to any media,
tourism operator, commercial
organization or individual that
has conceived and undertaken
an activity that has helped
develop, promote or advertise
the Kingdoms tourism sector.
This is a very wide category that
can include journalists, publishers,
websites, hoteliers, travel and tour
companies or any commercial
company that has promoted
tourism through their business.
expected to provide the judges
specific details of the activity, giving
its aims and its results. Documentary
evidence of the activity with metrics
This is an important and high-profile

category aimed at identifying
the Kingdoms No 1 tourism sales
professional. Nominations are only
open to sales executives, or from
their employers, with winners
selected on the level of sales of Saudi
Arabianbased tours, hotels nights
and other local services with the over
riding statistic being the level of sales
revenue generated against target.
The judges will require detailed
and confidential information
from the individuals employer in
support of shortlisted nominees.
This will include confirmation of
employment throughout 2011,
the individuals sales achievement
against target with a deciding
factor being any other specific
areas of strength or specialization
that the sales executive displays.
Tourism Service
Providing a quality service is core
to any visitor experience. This is
an important and high-profile
category aimed at identifying the
Kingdoms leading tourism service
professional. Members of the public,
organizations or the individuals
themselves may nominate, with
the only criteria being that they
are directly involved in providing
client services such as meet and
greet, reception, table service,
In the case of shortlisted
nominees, the judges will require
information from the individuals
employer to support the
INDUSTRY / AWARDS
nomination, including confirmation

of employment throughout 2011,
details of areas of strength and
examples of exemplary service.
Customer comments or letters of
commendation will help the review.
Special Recognition
Often it is the efforts of a few active
individuals or organizations that make
a significant impact on a situation.
This applies as much to the Kingdoms
tourism industry as anywhere else
and this category is intended to
attract nominations for individuals
or companies that have positively
influenced the industry through
their dedication and commitment.
Nominees will be carefully
reviewed by the judges who will
Princes
Recognition Award
This award is left to the discretion
of HH Prince Sultan Bin Salman
bin Abdul Aziz, president of the
Saudi Commission for Tourism and
Antiquities. This year, Prince Sultan
has decided to separate thje award
in to two one for an individual
and one for an organization.
Nominations may not be
made for this category, although
considerations may come from the
Winners of the categories above.
The recipients will be selected
for their overall contribution to
the development of travel and
tourism in Saudi Arabia and for
the long-term benefits likely to
arise from their contribution.
For more details on making

nominations for the Saudi Excellence
in Tourism Awards contact
tanaya@alefinternational.com
INDUSTRY / INTERVIEW
PICTURED: Dr KAHTani AND

COLLEAGUE survey an historic site
It's rare to meet a trailblazer these

days and the word pioneer recalls a
bygone era of a time when it was
not unusual to challenge boundaries
or accepted practices. Saudi Voyager
talks to Dr. Delayl Al-Kahtani,
a modern-day pioneer working in
Riyadh's National Museum
Pioneer of the
Kingdom's past
s one of the first five women

to graduate with a doctorate
in culture and tradition from
King Saud University, it may be
ironic to call Dr. Al-Kahtani an
innovator when her passion is
rooted in the past. However, for ten years she
has worked as an antiquities specialist at the
National Museum. As the first Saudi woman in
her field she is passionate about her work and
passionate about encouraging others to join her.
"We've grown from me being the first to
having 24 female staff members over the past
decade, all of whom are involved across the
board from public relations to education and
administrative work. But we still need more
female staff both in the museum and in the
sector," states Dr. Al-Kahtani. "I chose this
subject because it was new to the Kingdom
back then and it was interesting. We were
the first women to study antiquities in Saudi,
all my classmates went into education, but
instead I went to the National Museum."
Dr. Al-Kahtanis achievements at the
National Museum include both managing the
womens section as well as establishing the
educational or schools department at the
museum, which is responsible for facilitating
visits for thousands of students every year.

She spends four days a week organizing tours.
Weve developed the concept of school
visits to the museum. Also, we now have female
colleagues going out to schools to give lectures
and promoting the museum and our traditions.
I have given two presentations at King Saud
University about the purpose of the museum
and what we are aiming to achieve here. We
are doing as much as possible to make sure that
people know what we are doing here and why.
What is crystal clear about Dr. Al-Kahtani
is her commitment and her drive. Shes a
perfectionist and is unapologetic about
setting goals for both herself and her staff
that others may deem unattainable. Her aim,
it would seem, is to educate as many people
as she can reach, be it hundreds or thousands,
about Saudis rich history and heritage.
We still need to raise the profile of the
National Museum with Saudi nationals through
marketing and events, as I feel that we should
always look to continually improve on what
we are doing here. What we do see from our
educational activities is that once students
come here, they go home and convince their
families to come and visit afterwards. Were
constantly holding new exhibitions, both
inside the National Museum as well as abroad

when possible, states Dr. Al-Kahtani.
Todays achievements must have seemed a
long way off a decade ago. As the first woman
working at the National Museum, Dr. Al-Kahtani
has been witness to what one could call a
gradual but irreversible change in perceptions
of women in the workplace in Saudi Arabia.
When we first started working at the
museum our responsibilities were limited wed
be involved in routine work. Thats changed
completely and you will see the female staff
working in a variety of roles, which include
specializations. We hold training workshops for
our female staff on a regular basis, we travel
with delegations and I have represented Saudi
Arabias cultural activities at two events, in
Bahrain and the UAE. There have been changes
for the better for women in our sector.
Much of that progress is due to the
support given to Saudi women by the state
as well as the government, maintains Dr.
Al-Kahtani. Her own field in particular has
benefited from the personal support of
members of the royal family, who are also
inspired to educate the countrys youth
about their heritage and traditions.
We as women could not have achieved as
much as we have done without the support
of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud,
who has given us so many opportunities to
prove ourselves. Likewise, we have also been
supported by Princess Adelah bint Abdullah
bin Abdul Aziz. Shes been incredibly active
in terms of publicizing Saudi heritage and
traditional crafts. Shes the chairperson of
the advisory committee at the National
Museum and she always encourages
everyone here to promote our culture.
Dr. Al-Kahtani is also full of praise for
the head of the Saudi Commission for
Tourism and Antiquities. The positive
approach taken to create a tourism industry
for Saudi nationals has benefited the
countrys antiquities sector, she claims.
Until recently there wasnt a strong
concept of tourism, of what tourism could
do for the country. That has changed under
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz,
president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism
and Antiquities. Were now seeing various
Above: Dr KAHTani inspects heritage artifacts at her laboratory
government organizations coming together

to promote tourism and investment in this
sector. Everyone is working towards the same
goal, to build the tourism sector in Saudi
Arabia. This has, and will continue to create
interest in what we are doing at the National
Museum and encourage more young Saudis,
both men and women, to enter this field.
Saudis reputation in the field of antiquities
isnt just growing at home. A number of
conferences in Europe have highlighted the
countrys rich heritage. At the Louvre
Museum in Paris, an exhibition was opened
in July last year entitled "Arabian Routes the
Archeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia." Supported by the Saudi Commission for
Tourism and Antiquities, the event ran for two

and a half months and was visited by more than
160,000 people. As many as 300 archeological
pieces were exhibited from Saudi Arabia,
revealing the history of the Kingdom from
the Stone Age until the modern period. This
exhibition and others have transformed how
the international world perceives Saudi Arabia.
Our country is known internationally for
being the cradle of Islam and as one of the
largest oil-producing countries, notes Dr.
Al-Kahtani. However, the exhibitions that we
have held in locations such as the Louvre arouse
peoples curiosity. Once a person discovers
our heritage and history, they realize that
theres so much more to Saudi Arabia and they
We believe that our work with universities

will help us make Saudi women aware that
there is a career in this sector, a career that is
rewarding in so many ways
Right: Dr KAHTani is a published expert in the field of archelogy
want to know more about us. Weve come a

long way in terms of promoting our history
and our heritage but theres so much more
to do. Im proud to be part of these efforts,
to develop an awareness of the Kingdoms
traditions both inside and outside the country.
Closer to home, Dr. Al-Kahtani and her
female colleagues refuse to stand still. Theyre
constantly looking at ways and means of
creating new concepts for the National
Museum, including exhibits that can be touched
and handled by school children as well as
guides for those with a visual impairment. The
women at the National Museum have created
a raft of programs designed around the 3,000
plus pieces housed in its various buildings.
Weve cooperated with Najd National
Schools to draw up educational trips that are
part of the students curricula. Our aim has
been to make the exhibits and workshops
as hands-on as possible. For example, we
have one workshop on the evolution of
mosque architecture. Through this program
the children can actually build the Prophets
mosque using clay, palm fronds, and other
traditional materials. We are all for encouraging
dialogue and stimulating the students through

participation, says Dr. Al-Kahtani. Our
aim has always been to make a school visit
to the National Museum enjoyable rather
than just a day off school, she adds. When
children are enjoying themselves they absorb
more information and will want to learn.
Additionally, weve wanted to make what
we have on display here relevant to their
classrooms, so that it will have a practical
benefit for their studies. Weve been inspired
by the enthusiasm of the students, especially
the girls who have visited us and weve also
learnt a good deal as to how we can improve
the National Museum as an educational
resource from the students themselves.
In addition to working with schools across
Riyadh, Dr. Al-Kahtani has also reached out
to universities based in Saudi Arabias capital.
The National Museum has organized discussion
forums with the Department of History at
Princess Nurah bint Abdur-Rahman University
to promote research between the two bodies as
well as providing assistance to women studying
related disciplines at an undergraduate level.
The National Museum has a role to play for
everyone in society. We are constantly looking

at how we can diversify our reach and provide
suitable interaction and experiences, to attract
people to visit. Hand in hand with that, we
need to attract Saudi female professionals to
continue what we have started. We regularly
welcome scientific and research delegations
from abroad, who have supported us in terms
of training our employees. We believe that
our work with universities will help us make
Saudi women aware that there is a career
in this sector, a career that is rewarding in
so many ways, enthuses Dr. Al-Kahtani.
Looking ahead, future plans include the
establishment of centers of education in
museums across Saudi Arabia, the provision of
educational material to schools for classroom
learning, and more programs designed for Saudi
nationals with disabilities. We want to expand
our geographic scope to ensure that all children
in the Kingdom know of and get to visit the
National Museum as part of their education,
explains Dr. Al-Kahtani. Learning about their
culture should be central to their education.
Having celebrated her first decade at the
National Museum, what does Dr. Al-Kahtani
want to do next? Today she is a recognized
author and authority on Saudi antiquities,
traditions, and culture, and she has received
numerous awards from the Saudi government
for her efforts, both in promoting the
Kingdom at home and abroad as well as
pioneering the role of women in the field.
What does she now want to achieve next?
We still have much to do if we want to
ensure that Saudi Arabias history is recognized
for its true worth, states Dr. Al-Kahtani.
There is so much to see in this country.
Look at Madain Saleh and Diriyah; they have
been recognized as world heritage sites by
UNESCO. Recently we have discovered sites
in the Kingdom where communities lived
9,000 years ago, domesticating animals and
using horses before anywhere else in the
world. There are many other places in the
Kingdom just as rich in history and culture.
We are blessed by our culture and history and
we should never stop working at highlighting
what we have in Saudi Arabia. Its our duty to
ourselves as well as to future generations to
educate and teach about our rich past.
INDUSTRY / heritage WORKSHOP
Traditional skills
re-established
Al-Khabra heritage town hosts traditional building workshop
he Saudi Commission for Tourism

and Antiquities (SCTA) branch
in Qassim recently organized a
workshop entitled Empowering
local communities to rehabilitate
and construct using traditional
materials. The workshop, aimed at imparting
knowledge about traditional building methods
and the renovation of historical buildings,
was another move to highlight opportunities
related to the countrys urban heritage and
the important role it can play in developing the
lifestyles and economies of rural communities.
As general interest in the heritage of the
ABOVE: HRH Prince Sultan

bin salman bin Abdul Aziz
presents Dr Abdulmohsen
Al Hijji a SETA judge with a
memento of the event
country continues to grow the increasing

buildings, the activities of the workshop
_RECREATION
number of heritage
sites in the Kingdom
/ FAMILY BREAKSincluded both theoretical and practical sessions
attracts visitors and generates tourism
which were staged in the Al-Khabara heritage
opportunities. The renovation and rehabilitation
town and at the Technical College in Unaizah.
of these old sites, using traditional building
Sadiq Al-Mashhour, a consultant with SCTA
methods and locally sourced materials, has
and a specialist in the restoration of heritage
the potential to add considerably to the
buildings, presented the five-day workshop
In Abha,
the Saudidevelopment
Aramco
Arabian Gazelle
migratory
Theconstruction
Saudi Aramco Cultural
cultural, social and
economic
which and
covered
thebirds.
complete
Cultural Program runs from 29 July
Jeddah-based tour group Arabian
Program runs from 29 July to
of the areas intowhich
they are located.
of a small building. The first
day outlined the
30 August.
Camp (Tel: +966 50 566 4137 or
30 August.
The practical workshop attracted engineers,
importance of preserving archeological and
Email: Khalid@arabiancamp.com)
contractors and
craftsmen interested in
heritage
sites,
the theoryTABUK
of restoration, and
AL BAHA
can arrange
tours and
an escort
A marvellous
naturalskills
resort,
province isusing
distinctively
visits to in
Asir
and the withTabuk
developing these
traditional
for use in for overnight
key issues
dealing
construction
Al Baha offers many opportunities
located on the Red Sea and the
food and
the renovation
of heritage buildings. There Farasan Islands,
stone including
and mud.
The second
day involved the
for hiking through the winding
Gulf of Aqaba, excellent for
camping equipment.
were also a number
academics,
students The Jizan
practical
foundations
forcamping.
a
roads andofpathways
of its forests.
sports and
It is
Summerconstruction
Festival takes of water
and their instructors
in attendance,
small
house,
and fencing,
In Al-Raghadan
Forest, a wildas well asplace from
an ideal destination
for diving
20 July
to 25including
August. trenching
park overgrown
with
andback
snorkeling,
and is rich with
amateur builders
interested
in olive
the trees,
background
using recycled stone dating
decades.
NAJRAN
acacia and juniper,
a cable car
archaeological
and theory surrounding
the traditional
The walls of the propertyNabatine
were built
on the sites.
Najran is a distant province at the
adds to the delight of visitors
Monuments include the historic
skills and building
methods. Government
third day via traditional methods
using brick
border with Yemen. Adventurous
to enjoy the beauty of the
mosque, the Tabuk fortress and
agencies involved
in Due
the to
preservation
Onbeautiful
the fourth day,
the roof
can mud.
enjoy the
scenery.
its location andof the travelersand
the remains
of was
a railway station of
and unique
architecture using
which naturalthe
elevation
it has
summer of
Hejaz Railway
dating back to
countrys heritage
and
thecooler
maintaining
constructed
materials
collected
reect its
heritage
and
historic
temperature.
thewooden
Ottomanjoists
empire.
In the Tabuk
artisan skills also
sent representatives.
from
local
vegetation,
and
were
International Honey Festival
for Yemeni pilgrims
region, a number of important
Organized in Bahas
association
with the General importance
placed
across the walls onto
which wooden
takes place 8 August to 12 August.
and traders who have passed
archeological sites can be found,
Organization for Technical Education and
wereoflaid
at right angles
before
being
this waylathes
for hundreds
years.
including
Al Bidaa.
Vocational Training
covered by
layer
form
the roof.
Ontakes
JIZAN and a number of other It is a mountainous
Tabuk
Summer
Festival
areaa rich
in of mud to
on the Red and
Sea, Jizan
is a
2 July
to 28
agriculture
known
the day, theplace
partners fromLocated
municipalities
contractors
theand
fifth
andasfinal
outer
walls
ofAugust.
the
environment of
withhistoric
gatewaybuilding
to Rabaawere
al Khali
the
working in thepristine
field natural
of rehabilitation
finished
with mud rendering.
AL JOUF
an abundance of wildlife and natural
Empty Quarter. Contemplating a
habitat. The province includes over
100 islands, the most important
being Farasan Island, a protected
area and home to the endangered
visit to the Empty Quarter should

never be considered other than
with a highly competent and
experienced guide.
Al Jouf province has a rich history

and, due to generous natural water
supplies, a preponderance of
agriculture and naturally growing
INDUSTRY / WORKSHOP
wild ora. For those who are

interested in history, Al Jouf has
many archaeological sites to be
explored, some of them believed
to date back to 2000 B.C. Its
most ancient inscriptions date to
the Assyrian era and Taima was
mentioned in cuneiform writing
during the era of the last Babylonian
King who built a palace there. The
town is surrounded on three sides
by an ancient perimeter wall which
protected it against invaders,
believed to have been built in the
6th century.
It has been a major city in the
spread of Islam due to its location on
the route to Jordan, Syria and Iraq
NORTHERN PROVINCE
A destination for desert adventure
seekers and due to its remoteness
often used by locals for the
training of their hawks. Due to its
remoteness, it is strongly advised
that visits are made as a group and
a guide who is very familiar with the
desert terrain.
36 / Saudi Voyager / Summer 2011
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Four quarterly editions
Subscription rates for postal: In KSA SR50
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In association with:
Published by:
people / Investment
Investing in
the future
Hilton Worldwide aims to open nineteen new
properties in Saudi Arabia over the next three
years, including 6 for the Jabal Omar development.
Saudi Voyager spoke to Essam Abouda, vice
president of operations, Arabian Peninsula and
Indian Ocean, about Hilton Worldwides investment
in Saudi Arabias growing tourism market
SA is proving to be an attractive
market for Hilton Worldwide as it
provides an opportunity to grow
and develop across all five of the
Hilton Worldwide brands present in
its Middle East and Africa region.
Bolstered by the Kingdoms oil trade and one of
the most robust economies in the region, the
Kingdoms move to diversify its economy into
industries such as real estate, manufacturing
Above: Essam Abouda in conversation
people / Investment
Above: Jabal Omar architects impression
and tourism, in addition to a number of large

infrastructural projects around the country,
is resulting in a hike in the number of business
travelers. This is good news for the hospitality
options offered by the various upscale and
mid-market brands of Hilton Worldwide.
Essam Abouda, vice president of operations
for the region explains, As home to two of the
holiest sites in Islam Makkah and Madinah
the Kingdom attacts thousands of pilgrims
on Umrah or Hajj visits year round, and when
linked to increasing numbers of of business
travelers and KSAs growing leisure tourist
segment the combination makes Saudi Arabia
a very attractive propositon for the hospitality
sector. As the country works toward establishing
niche business segments such as cultural, eco
and adventure tourism in addition to its strong
business and religious tourism segments, we
hope to actively support the development of
KSAs tourism industry by providing globally
recognized brands that inspire trust in travelers.
KSA strategy
Currently, travel and tourism accounts for three
percent of the national GDP of KSA, and its direct
contribution is expected to reach SR68 billion
by 2021, as reported by the WTTC KSA country
report. Hilton Worldwides growth in KSA is a
good example which illustrates the potential
of the local market as well as the geographic
scope for development. Over the past two years,
the group has established a development plan
which includes 19 properties spanning Riyadh,

Makkah, Al Khobar and Al Jubail and including
6 properties in the Jabal Omar development in
Makkah, overlooking the Holy Mosque. Abouda
continues, Once our properties in Jabal Omar
come on line we will have established all five
brands that we offer in the region - Waldorf
Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels &
Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree
by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn: Saudi Arabia
will be the only country in the region where we
will have achieved this. From our current six
under construction in Riyadh: Hilton Garden

Inn, Al Muroj (2012), Hilton Riyadh, King
Saud University (2012), Hilton Residence,
King Saud University (2012) and Hilton
Riyadh Hotel & Residence (2013).
A further 13 properties are in the pipeline,
including the 6 in Makkahs Jabal Omar project:
Conrad Makkah, Hilton Suites Makkah, Hilton
Bab Makkah North, Hilton Bab Makkah South,
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel, and DoubleTree
by Hilton. It is hoped that all will open in 2014.
Hilton Worldwide will also be debuting in
"we hope to actively support the development

of KSAs tourism industry by providing
globally recognized brands that inspire"
hotels, the planned development represents
200% growth significant by any standard. Its
also worth noting that we will be hiring 9,000
employees to work in the new properties.
Hilton Worldwide's existing six properties
in Saudi Arabia include two in Makkah
(Makkah Hilton and Towers), two in Jeddah
(Jeddah Hilton and Qasr Al Sharq, (under
the luxury Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
brand) and one each in Madinah (Madinah
Hilton) and Riyadh (Hilton Garden Inn).
Four more properties, due for completion
over the next two years, are currently
the Eastern Province with two properties in

Al Khobar: Hilton Al Khobar Hotel & Residence
(2012), and DoubleTree by Hilton, Al Khobar
(2012). In addition, it will open its first property
in Al Jubail the Hilton Al Jubail, in 2014.
There are strategic development agreements
in place to establish a number of Hilton Garden
Inn properties in locations such as Riyadh,
Dammam, Al Jubail, King Abdullah Economic City,
Taif, Abha, Tabuk, Hail/Buraydah and Yanbu.
Targeting local investor partners

During the time we have been in the Kingdom,
we have fostered strong relationships with

investors and it is a mark of Hilton Worldwides
position that investors frequiently choose
us above other operators as a partner when
they take their first step into the hospitality
industry. We, in turn, benefit from their position
in the market and their expert knowledge
of local operations. states Abouda.
Hilton Worldwide manages properties on
behalf of six local owners in the Kingdom
and has collaborated with a number of major
development organizations regarding the
forthcoming developments. These include,
amongst others, Jabal Omar Development
Co., General Organisation for Social Insurance
(GOSI), King Saud University Endowment and
Obeikan Real Estate Investment Company.
Abouda believes that investors working with
Hilton Worldwide benefit from the groups
93-years in the industry, while operating
over 3,750 hotels across 85 countries has
also allowed the group to develop a wealth
of experience and extensive networks. For
a developing market like Saudi Arabia which
attracts visitors from all around the globe,
the breadth of our experience is a definite
advantage, comments Abouda. We have
established standards and have incorporated
industry best practices at all our hotels; we
have proven training systems in place that
ensure Hilton Worldwide team members provide
consistently high quality service and represent
the best in the industry,Abouda explains.
Image: hilton / Zoya Malik
Below: Jeddah Hilton's five star property
The group has been operating in the

Middle East for over 50 years and has a good
understanding of the local requirements and
preferences. We have a stake in the local
community and actively promote a career in
the hospitality industry among young Saudis. In
particular, we have established a groundbreaking
education partnership with Prince Sultan
College for Tourism and Business to develop a
hospitality curriculum and qualification specific
to Hilton Worldwide, encouraging young Saudis
to enter the industry, affirms Abouda.
In additon, Abouda emphasizes, Quality
assurance and service training are two
essential staples within our hotels. We have
a longstanding, highly successful customer
satisfaction program which involves all Hilton
hotels worldwide. We have also recently launched
a management development programme,
tailored to the KSA market, which is designed to
cultivate talented local individuals and fast-track
them for key hotel management positions.
Brand differentiation
and segmentation
Abouda stresses the use of market research in
optimizing brand focus and delivery. He says,
Our pricing, position and service orientation
depends on the brand as opposed to the region.
We believe we have a brand to suit most target
segments, so rather than revise the brand
proposition, we conduct a thorough study of the
local environment and, in consultation with the
owners of our properties, we choose the most
appropriate brand. Sometimes, in the case of
people / Investment
large-scale developments like Jabal Omar, we get

the opportunity to introduce multiple brands to
cater to travelers with varying budgets or needs.
With regard to current properties, Makkah
Hilton & Towers and Madinah Hilton cater
primarily to pilgrims on Hajj or Umrah. Qasr Al
Sharq in Jeddah belongs to the Waldorf Astoria
Hotels & Resorts and, as such, caters to guests
looking for a luxury premium experience, whilst
situated in the commercial centre of Jeddah. Next
door to Qasr Al Sharq, Jeddah Hilton, an upscale
property, attracts a mix of international and local
tourists on business or leisure trips. Hilton Garden
Inn Riyadh Olaya is a mid-market brand that
caters specifically to business travelers to Riyadh.
Abouda believes that their time in the market
has fine-tuned the art of Hilton Worldwides
service delivery. Travelers to the companys
properties can be assured of a high standard in
the quality of service and facilities offered, and
guests also have a range of choice to fit their
budget. Abouda stresses, however, what really
sets Hilton Worldwide apart from other groups
is its team members: all properties are staffed
by experienced and well-trained personnel
who can assist guests, not just with their
in-house needs but also with advice on the local
environment and culture. We aim to make each
guests stay as comfortable and easy as possible
and our team members play an important role
in achieving this. Every market has its unique
features and requirements and we develop that
knowledge and as part of the local community,
we respect any specific, local sensitivities. In
an emerging market like KSA, travelers tend to
look more to the hotel to provide local advice,
so it is essential that all our team from the
bell-boy through to the general manager are
knowlegeable enough to accurately inform
and advise the guests, qualifies Abouda.
The Kingdoms hospitality industry is
developing at a rapid pace and investor interest
is high. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and
Antiquities (SCTA) is working hard to develop,
upgrade and enhance the tourism sector and
the infrastructure required, which will provide
an important foundation for both the sector and
its future growth. There still remain significant
opportunities related to the Kingdoms rich
heritage, dramatic landscapes and thousands
of kilometers of Gulf and Red Sea coastlines.
The potential for domestic and international
tourism is indeed boundless and it is evident that
Hilton Worldwide is well-positioned to play a key
role the future development of the sector.
Image: Romel Cuison
DESTINATION / al-ahsa
Al-Ahsa
historical
getaway
DESTINATION
DESTINATION/ /Al-Ahsa
al-ahsa
__
heres a place in every country that youve been

told about and yet for whatever reason havent
managed to visit yet: works not allowed it, clash
of dates or the journey is too far. Its probably
for this reason that Al-Ahsa is not on everyones
to do list, despite having been nominated as
one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Officially
the worlds largest oasis, Al-Ahsa or Al-Hasa as it is also
known is actually not a city but a region. The city proper
that you will have heard of is Hofuf (although signposts
sometimes mix and match the names) but dont worry
youre going in the right direction Due to the abundance of
fresh water, Al-Ahsa has been inhabited for five millennia.
The literal meaning of the Arabic word Al-Ahsa conveys
its importance in an otherwise arid desert and translates
to rocky land or earth that holds rain water. Travelling
around Al-Ahsa you will be struck by the sheer number of
oases and farms which makes for a pleasant contrast to
the never-ending desert of the countrys central region.
For visitors travelling from either Riyadh or Dammam, a
trip to Al-Ahsa can be made in a single day. From Dammam
it is only around 130 kilometers from Dammams King Fahad
International Airport while the driving time from Riyadh
is just over three hours. As always, ensure you fill up on
gasoline before you set off to avoid running dry (it happens).
Youll know when youre getting close to the region
mainly due to the change in vegetation. Al-Ahsa could
be called the bread basket of Saudi Arabia; with over
10,000 hectares of agricultural land Al-Ahsa is known
for its fruit and vegetables. The area is best known for its
dates. Al-Ahsa exports 60,000 tons of dates worth over
30 million dollars annually thanks to its three million palm
trees. There are plans to establish the worlds first stock
market for dates in the city itself with a complex that
would include two auction courtyards, a date shopping center and new
hotels. If you enjoy your dates, and being in Al-Ahsa thats a prerequisite,
ensure that you get to sample some of the famous Khlass variety.
Unsurprisingly for a city and a region with such a long and varied
history theres plenty to see and do in Al-Ahsa. The region shares
a common history with neighboring Bahrain and several times AlAhsa came under the suzerainty of rules based in Bahrain, most
notably the Jabrid tribe who ruled most of Eastern Arabia during
the 15th and 16th century. However, the region has a strong
sense of identity borne out of a number of historical movements
which were founded in the region. Al-Ahsa gained notoriety for
declaring its independence from the Abbasid caliphate of Baghdad
under the reign of the Qarmatians in the 10th century.
Much of the towns architecture dates back to the Ottoman period;
the Ottomans controlled the area from 1550 onwards. There are
several well-preserved castles and palaces dotted around the city itself.
Located in the center of the town, in the district of Kut, Ibrahim Castle
pre-dates the Ottoman period. The castle served as the Ottomans
administrative and military headquarters as well as a prison. A garrison
was based here and you may be able to make out the remains of the city
walls which surrounded the city of Hofuf. The castle is open for visitors
in the morning and afternoon. If you want to take a glimpse inside then
call ahead on 035802639 to check on timings and ask for a guide.
While Ibrahim Castle is the best preserved monument to the Ottomans
in Al-Ahsa, there are a number of other places to visit to get a sense
of the regions historical importance. Built in 1805, Khozam Castle
was built during the first Saudi state and used as a military station
by the Ottomans after they retook Al-Ahsa in 1871. The Castle is
another good example of traditional architecture and is only a couple
of minutes drive from Ibrahim Castle in the citys Roqaiqa district.
While there are a number of forts that you could visit and explore,
such as Sahoud, Muhairis, and Waziyah Castles, we instead headed
into the heart of the city to explore a number of merchant houses
and markets. The most famous souq in Al-Ahsa and a must-see for
visitors is Al Qaisariyyah. Situated in the center of Hofuf,

Al Qaisariyyah is one of the oldest markets in Arabia.
The architectural style of Al Qaisariyyah is unique to
Al-Ahsa and you can find spices, dates and other local
products here. Todays Al Qaisariyyah is a replica of the
original structure which was burnt down in April 2004.
For those interested in reliving more of the past, Al-Ahsa
has two beautiful merchant houses that are well worth a
visit. The first is Mullah House, which was where King Abdul
Aziz Al Saud stayed after he conquered Al-Ahsa in 1913.
Mullah House has been preserved for visitors and includes a
number of displays for tourists, including a traditional kitchen
from the turn of the 20th century as well as a weapons
room. Over one hundred years old, the Saad bin Jalawi
House encompasses traditional Arabian designs including
an open-area courtyard. Both are centrally located and
Mullah house is a stones throw away from Ibrahim Castle.
One of the highlights of any
trip to Al-Ahsa is a landmark
for the countrys education and
development. The city was home
to the first school supervised by
the Saudi government. Designed
and modeled on traditional
Islamic architecture, Amiriyah
schooled many of the Kingdoms
princes, ministers, and merchants
following its opening in 1949.
The building itself has been remarkably well preserved;

each school room displays different items such as books,
wooden writing tablets and writing materials. The Amiriyah
of today would have looked the same as the school that
hosted the Kingdoms elite sixty years ago. Even the
ceilings are still covered with palm leaf thatching and date palm trunks.
The challenge with reaching Amiriyah is its location. The school is
located in a commercial district, and as it isnt well known by many
locals youll need a guide to show you the way to get here. Theres
a modern school by the name of Amiriyah which you will doubtless
be given directions to if you do find yourself lost in Al-Ahsa. Take my
advice to avoid going in circles and use a guide to get to Amiriyah.
Another of Al-Ahsas treasures and a place which should be much
right: Mosque at ibrahim

castle
Below left: Mullah house
interior
Below: ibrahim castle
all Images: Mark Carreon
top left: alogair fortress

above right: a display at
the alAhsa museum
left: amiriyah school
right: gara mountain caves
better known in Islamic history

is the Jawatha Mosque. The
first mosque which stood at this
location 1,400 years ago was
one of the first in Islamic history.
The original was built by the
Bano Abdul Qais people after
their conversion to Islam. The
new mosque is modeled on the
original and is still used by the people of Al-Ahsa for Friday prayers.
If the above buildings and historical sites have you eager to
know more about the customs and traditions of Al-Ahsa then try
one of Al-Ahsas two largest museums. The Al-Ahsa Museum is a
veritable treasure trove of antiquities and historical documents.
Theres also a number of documentary shows and videos about
the regions heritage. The Al-Ahsa Museum is open weekday in
the morning and evening, and can be reached on 035802639.
If youve ever wondered but havent had the chance to peer
inside a traditional Saudi house, then you must visit the Waleed Al
Najim Traditional Museum which contains over 10,000 items. You
can explore a variety of different rooms and settings, including the
brides room on her wedding night, the majlis room for the men of the
household, and the kitchen. The museum also sells a range of hand
made products from the Al-Ahsa region. If you do plan on visiting,
please do call the owner ahead of time on 0555921616 for direction
as the museum is located in the town of Al Jafer outside of Hofuf.
If you have spent enough time inside and youre yearning to explore
the great outdoors the first places to visit must be one of Al-Ahsas
markets. You can choose from Al-Ahsas famous date market, its gold
and brassware markets where you can purchase Saudi coffee pots, or the
Bedouin market where hand-made tools and foods are sold mostly by
Bedouin women. Most of the markets are in the city center, near to the
Al Qaisariyyah. For something more out of the ordinary why not head to
the camel market. Al-Ahsas camel market is the largest in the Gulf and
attracts buyers and sells from Qatar and the UAE. If you dont fancy going
home with a camel why not have a look at the sheep, goats, horses or
donkeys. The camel market is outside of the city, on the road to Riyadh.
Whichever direction you drive towards
Al-Ahsa you will see mountain ranges.
The most famous of these is twelve
kilometers outside of the town, and is
named Gara. While only 150 feet high,
the Gara mountains were formed from
sedimentary rocks and have often been
used a refuge for villagers from the
surrounding area during the hot months.
Gara Mountain is known in the region for its caves which

offer welcome shade. Dont miss out on visiting Nagha,
or camel cave. Inside is a small hole named the Freezer
thanks to the cold air blowing through the rocks at that
specific spot. Another mountain worth a visit is Moshaggar,
which was the home of the kings of the Kindah tribe.
Between the Gara Mountains and the city is the famous
AlGarash Dougha or Pottery Factory. This workshop has
been passed down from father to son for generations and
is renowned for its traditional pottery handicrafts. The
pottery making goes through several stages. First the mud
is gathered from the Harra Springs, then mixed with red
and white mud and left to ferment for four days. Then it
is spread out to dry and sprinkled with fine white sand.
Al-Ahsa is also famed for its natural waters; over 160
wells fill a number of springs across the province. The easiest
to get to is Najem, which is west of Mubarraz. Najem is
popular with people who suffer from joint pains due to the
high levels of sulphur in the water. The facilities at Najem
are both modern and extensive. Um Saba spring, to the
north of Mubarraz, is also popular with tourists. Baraber
is said to be the best of the pick, due to its sweet, hot
waters. Baraber is east of Hofuf near the Taraf palm farms.
With so much to do in and around the city where do
you start? One good tip is to make the most of your
time by having a local show you around. While Al-Ahsa is
small enough not to get too lost in if youre mobile, your
best bet is to use a tour guide especially to get to places
like Amiriyah and other locations out of town. One of
the best tour groups is Al-Ahsa tours, who can arrange
a day-long itinerary for you based on what you want
to see and do. Call Abdulmohsen on 0508493533.
If youre planning on spending a night in Al-Ahsa and make
a weekend of the trip there are a couple of international
hotels to choose from. Both the Al-Ahsa Intercontinental
and the Coral Plaza Al-Ahsa are rated five star and are
located in the center of the city you cannot miss the
Intercontinental which towers over everything around it.
Room rates can range from just over 400 Riyals a night
at the Coral to around 750 at the Intercontinental. Even if
youre not planning on staying the night then at least pop in
and grab a map of the area as well as a tour guide printed
by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.
So whatever you may be looking for, be it history,
nature or shopping, Al-Ahsa has an abundance of things
to do and see. While you can visit the place in one day, to
do Al-Ahsa and the wider region justice why not come
down for a weekend (or longer) and enjoy everything
the city and the countryside have to offer.
all Images: Mark Carreon
this page: AlGarash Dougha or Pottery Factory
DESTINATION / HEJAZ RAILWAY
It is still possible to visit the remains of the Hejaz Railway in the

Kingdom and experience firsthand the outstanding achievement and
colorful history of over a century ago. James Nicholson tells Saudi
Voyager about the background to the project and how to get there
An extraordinary railway
n 1900 the British consul in Syria, W. Richards, wrote

to his ambassador in Constantinople about a scheme
to build a new railway for pilgrims between Damascus
and Makkah. Richards excused himself for not having
previously informed him of the project, explaining
that the venture seemed to me and others so widely
improbable, not to say fantastic that I refrained from
reporting on it to your Excellency. Eight years later, in
defiance of all the obstacles that stood in the way of a
construction project through some of the most inhospitable
terrain on earth, the inauguration ceremony for the new
line was held amidst great celebration in Madinah.
For nearly a century the Hejaz Railway has been known
in the west for Lawrence of Arabias celebrated desert
campaign, in which he fought alongside the bedouin in
the First World War. Yet perhaps the reputation that it
truly deserves is for the epic story of its construction, a
monumental feat of engineering, demanding enormous
breadth of vision, skill and determination. Today the remains of the

original 1,300 kilometers of track and rail embankment, some of
which is available to visitors in the Kingdom, stand as testimony
to the success of the grand project, conceived in the dying days
of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the nineteenth century.
A unique characteristic of the railway was the way in which it was
financed. In 1900 Abdulhamid II, the Ottoman Sultan, called upon
the Muslims of the world to support the project with donations.
Six large volumes in the Prime Ministers Archive in Istanbul attest
to the success of the campaign, with more than 20,000 names
recorded as having subscribed to the fund. Contributions could not
meet the full cost of the project and a range of special taxes had
to be levied to make up the shortfall. However, the fact that there
was no western investment enabled the ownership and the control
of the railway to remain wholly in Ottoman hands. The donations
campaign also allowed ordinary Muslims from all parts of the world
to feel that they were participating in a great religious enterprise,
facilitating the movement of pilgrims to the holy city of Makkah.
Below: S.L.M. (Swiss Locomotive & Machine Works) 2-8-0 standing by the line three kilometres south of Wayban Station
DESTINATION / HEJAZ RAILWAY
right: Pieces of wardamaged rolling stock

can still be seen along the
remains of the old line
Below: German-made
Hartmann 2-8-0 at Buwair
Station, 90 kilometres north
of Madinah
Construction
Before construction could begin, an Ottoman engineer,
Mokhtar Bey, was sent on the overland pilgrimage to
survey the route and produce plans and a detailed map.
It quickly became clear that major advantages could be
gained by following the traditional Hajj road. As camels
have difficulty in traversing mountains, the pilgrims
from Syria had been forced to find the flattest possible
route, making it also the perfect terrain for a railway.
Construction began at Muzeirib in southern Syria and
6,000 military conscripts were drafted in to carry out
the basic labouring work. The first year of the project
was beset by problems. Supply routes had not been
properly established, an outbreak of cholera struck the
workers camp and ill treatment of the conscripts led to a
mutiny. Matters only improved when a dynamic German
engineer, Heinrich Meissner, was appointed to oversee the
project. Under his direction, conditions for the workers
improved and 600 skilled foreign artisans were brought
voyager tip
For visitors wishing to go to the
railway stations at Madinah and
Medain Saleh, permission must be
obtained from the Department of
Antiquities located at the National
Museum in Riyadh. Only Muslims
can visit the station in Madinah,
as it lies within the boundaries
of the holy city.
The easiest way to obtain a
permit for the Hejaz Railway station
at Madain Saleh (as part of the
wider Nabataean antiquities area)
is through one of the hotels in Al
Ula. Arrangements for this can be
done when making a booking, but

ensure that at least a weeks notice
is provided. Two suitable hotels in Al
Ula are the Madain Saleh Hotel and
the Arac Hotel. Al Ula is 22km from
the antiquities site and both hotels
can provide tour guides.
Off-roaders wishing to explore
the length of the railway in Saudi
Arabia, can carry out the expedition
in two stages the southern section
from Madinah to Al Ula, and the
northern section from Al Ula to
Tabuk. There is now a paved track
on the northern section, which runs
alongside the remains of the old
railway line.
in to undertake some of the more complex areas of construction.

With none of the modern facilities available today to desert workers,
the living and working conditions of the workforce were extremely harsh.
They lived in small, tented camps that were constantly moved forward
to keep up with the progress of the work. Far from home and with no
recreational facilities, they suffered from all the hardships of the land the extremes of temperature, sandstorms, an unreliable water supply
and inadequate diet. Their food consisted of bread, rice and biscuits, and
the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables led to a high incidence of scurvy.
Even more serious was the threat of cholera, the greatly feared killer
disease of the age. Medical facilities were virtually non-existent, with
any sick worker simply being sent back up the line on an open wagon.
The construction work was divided into three areas. The earthworks
involved the making of the embankment and any rock cutting or
leveling of the ground. The masonry work included the construction
of bridges, tunnels, stations, repair sheds and water towers.
Finally, the building of the actual line consisted in the preparation
of the track bed, and the laying of the rails and sleepers.
As well as extreme physical hardships, the railway workers had
to contend with many difficulties of a technical nature. Perhaps the
greatest of these was the scarcity of water. While there were some
natural resources along the route of the railway, these were not
sufficient to meet the huge requirements of the construction project.
A number of new metal cisterns therefore had to be installed at
stations. Water towers were also built alongside many of the stations
to store and distribute water and another common feature on the
railway, which can still be seen today, was the windmill pump.
It is ironic that while water was extremely scarce for most of the
year, one of the main problems from an engineering point of view
was flooding. During periods of heavy rain, water quickly drained
off the steep sides of the wadis and violent rock-strewn torrents
would surge across ground that had been dry for years. Another
difficulty faced by the construction teams was drift sand, which was
exacerbated by the scarcity of trees and bushes to act as a natural foil.
Access to the southern section can

be made by following the Tabuk road
(Route 15) out of Madinah. Take one
of the turnings left onto Route 8040.
This road follows the railway track at
various points and also passes some
stations. Continue on Route 8040 as
far as waypoint: 25 11.2788 38
49.2300. Leave the tarmac road
here and follow the tracks to the
right to Abu Naam Station (approx
5 kms). The rail embankment runs
along the east side of valley. Abu
Naam Station is at waypoint: 25
13.6002 38 49.3998.
From Abu Naam Station continue
northwards, following the remains of
the embankment of the old railway

track, which provides an excellent
guide all the way to Al Ula. If at any
point you lose the sight of the railway
embankment, simply retrace your
steps until you pick up the track again.
The off-road section is about
270km long and can be enjoyed fully
by taking at least one nights camp
on the way. To exit the off-road
section, continue until Zumurrud
Station at waypoint: 26 10.4874
38 25.1868.
A track just north of this station
leads back onto the tarmac road
(Route 375). Al Ula is about 65km to
the north.
The Line Advances

By 1906 the line had reached Tabuk and the following year
Al Ula. At Medain Saleh, where a good supply of water
was available, a major depot was constructed. Situated
close to the old pilgrimage qala'a (fort), it comprised 16
buildings including a large engine shed, lodgings, barracks,
repair workshops and a double water tower. The station
was restored in the 1980s as part of the Nabataean
antiquities site, and visitors today can see an original
German-built Jung 2-6-0 locomotive in the engine shed.
The final section between Al Ula and Madinah was
completed in a single year. By this time the conscripts
were skilled in their work, and as well as 2,000 Ottoman
reserves were drafted in from Baghdad and 1,800 men
from the garrison in Madinah started construction from
the southern end. The whole project had taken just eight
years to complete. Although an intended extension to
Makkah was never built, the inauguration ceremony
at Madinah on 1 September 1908 celebrated an
accomplishment of monumental proportions, confounding
the skeptics who had written off the building of the
railway as a widely improbable and fantastic scheme.
First World War
all Images: Provided
The Hejaz Railway was only to run for six uninterrupted

years before war engulfed the region. During this
period the numbers of pilgrims making their way to
Makkah from Damascus increased dramatically. In 1909
quarantine facilities for the railway were established
at Tabuk. Capable of processing up to 4,000 pilgrims
at a time, the center was financed by a special tax
on tickets. Although conditions on the trains were
far from comfortable, the railway represented a vast
improvement on the old 40-day overland journey.
During the First World War, Sherif Hussein and the tribes
of the Hejaz rose up against the Ottomans. Supported
by some British, French and Arab regular troops, they
carried out raids against the railway, the stations and
the telegraph line. T.E. Lawrence was to become the
most famous of the officers fighting in Arabia, but there
were several others engaged in similar operations. The
campaign against the railway was a strategic success
with as many as 25,000 Ottoman troops having to
be posted to its defence - men who would otherwise
have been sent to the main battlefront. The Turks were
pushed back through Palestine, Jordan and Syria, and in
October 1918 with the surrender of their armies to the
Allied forces, the railway passed out of Ottoman hands.
Coordinates
There are two guidebooks
available for those
planning a visit to the
Hejaz Railway in Saudi
Arabia:
Top left: A bridge spanning the great Wadi Hamdh. In winter, flash
floods could easily sweep away long sections of the track
Below: the deserted halts and stations still bear silent witness to one
of the most extraordinary railways the world has ever seen
through services restored to Madinah. In

the winter of 1925 torrential rain caused
extensive damage to the track and rail
Desert Treks from Jeddah
embankment and the southern section
by Patricia Barbor,
finally became permanently impassable.
published by Stacey
The railway still operates as a passenger
International, 1996.
service between Amman and Damascus,
while in the south of Jordan it is used to
Off-Road in the Hejaz
transport phosphates via a new railway
by Patrick Pierard and
that connects the Hejaz line with Aqaba.
Patrick Legros, published
In Saudi Arabia the stations of Medain
by Motivate, 1998.
Saleh and Madinah have been carefully
restored, using original building materials
to preserve their authenticity. The spectacular desert mountain
scenery, together with the occasional derelict locomotive or wagon,
provides an unbeatable destination for tourists and intrepid offroaders. Standing very much as they were abandoned by the Turks
at the end of the war, the deserted halts and stations still bear silent
witness to a fascinating piece of Middle Eastern history and one of the
shortest lived and most extraordinary railways the world has seen.
The Railway Today

After the war the railway was split into three separate
sectors: Syria, Transjordan and the Hejaz (later to become
part of Saudi Arabia). By 1921 the track was repaired and
James Nicholson is the author of The Hejaz Railway (published

2005, by Stacey International) and was a consultant for the BBC
World Services four-part Heritage series on the railway in 2006.
DESTINATIONS / THE BIG PICTURE
Wadi Mahar, Umluj

Image: Adel Al-elati
The coastal areas of the governate of Umluj, located 35Km south of Yanbu are
unique in their diverse mix of terrain which includes beaches, sand dunes and
mountains. Offshore there are more than 100 islands, making it an ideal spot
for scuba diving on a diverse range of coral reefs. Al Hasi Tourist Village is a
good starting point and is well-known for its beautiful, white sand beach and
rocky shoreline.
When it comes to
business communications
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We know the
language
Riyadh Office
Cercon Building no.6,
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Riyadh 11372
T: +966 (01) 462 3632
Beirut Office
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lifestyle
lifestyle// HEritage
__
Evidence of horse domestication in KSA nine millennia ago uncovered
Roots of
purebred
Arabian
horses
major archeological discovery in a remote area of central

Saudi Arabia, between Tathleet and Wadi Al Dawaser,
has unearthed significant new evidence concerning the
knowledge of human achievement in the region. The find,
about 40km from the town of Gayirah in the province
of Tathleet, was originally made by a Saudi national, who
discovered archaeological items scattered on the ground while another
Saudi reported tem to the Riyadh Governorate, who in turn referred
the findings to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. They
contacted the collector, who handed over the archaeological items and
guided the officials to the site.
In March 2010, SCTA along with invited experts from King Saud
University and the UKs Oxford University, began exploration of the site,
which is located at a junction between the Najd Plateau and the edge of
the eastern mountains. The area of the site comprises small hills with a
lifestyle / HEritage
Above: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz being presented arTifacts discovered at al-magar civilization
number of valleys between them, one of which is quite major

and once had a river running westward that carried water to
the west of Al-Magar, creating fertile land along both banks.
Man lived in this area before the last desertification,
when the drastic climatic changes resulted in hot and dry
conditions that led to the development of deserts. The
artifacts discovered show that the inhabitants practised
agriculture and animal husbandry. On the surface, a broad
range of objects was found scattered over a wide area,
including arrowheads and precisely-made stone scrapers
similar to those used during the Neolithic period. The main
site is surrounded by other smaller sites, extending over a
wide area, where similar objects were found, some of which
were again connected with agricultural activities.
Not far from the site is the historical trading route linking
south-western Arabia with the central region, leaving the
lifestyle of the early inhabitants of the area open to the
imagination. It later became a main trade route between
Najran and Al-Fao. The site has been named Al-Magar
Civilization in recognition of both the community that
settled there and its location.
Several stone statues and carvings, conceivably of
domesticated animals, were found that could
perhaps have been part of the daily lives of
the inhabitants. These included sheep, goats,
salukis, ostriches, falcons, fish and horses.
Large statues of horses, together with
Neolithic artifacts and tools, make this an
important archaeological discovery within the
international arena, especially as previous studies had indicated that the

domestication of animals was thought to have happened for the first
time some 5,500 years ago in Central Asia (Kazakhstan). The Al-Magar
Civilization site demonstrates that horses were domesticated in Saudi
Arabia long before that, while nearby there are other sites that appear to
be even older than Al-Magar, dating back to the mid-Neolithic period.
The discovery of the horse statue, comprising neck and chest, is nearly
100 centimeters tall, which could make it the largest equine sculpture
ever found from this period. The features of the animal are similar to those
of the original Arabian horses, which are characterized by a long neck and
a unique head shape. However, what makes the discovery particularly
interesting is the clear evidence of a bridle, confirming that the inhabitants
of this early settlement domesticated horses in this early period.
To ascertain and confirm the age of the artifacts, four
samples of burnt organic material from the site were sent
to a laboratory in the US, specialized in C-14 dating. The
results revealed that the items date back 9,000 years.
All statues were made of the similar type of stone found at the site, and
it seems that the statues had been set in a building at the center of the site
on the southern bank of the river, before the mouth of the waterfall. It is
hypothesized that this building may have played a major role in the social
life of the community living there. Indeed, caves near the building had been
More than eighty artifacts were collected, clearly

indicating the existence of a developed civilization
during the Neolithic period of some 9,000 years ago
used as graves, with the remains of buried skeletons as well

as other graves covered with mud and hay being present.
Burial methods including mummification were traced to the
skeletons: a technique that is considered advanced.
In addition to stone tools, such as arrow and spearheads
and scrapers for leather processing, other objects were
also found of a domestic or agricultural nature. These
included stone grain-grinders and pestles for pounding
grains, gravitation stones used in weaving looms, a stone
reel for spinning and weaving, and
soapstone pots decorated with
below: the al-magar
site was located
geometric motifs and stone. This
within a fertile region
giving rise to a rich
all reflects a developed knowledge
agriculture-based
community
and advanced skills in handicrafts.
lifestyle / HEritage
In addition to the above-mentioned artifacts, a stone dagger was

found at the site, bearing similar features and shape to the Arabian
dagger currently used in the Arabian Peninsula. This artifact is an
important cultural component, as the dagger is one of the most
important cultural and traditional elements among Arabs, and according
to this evidence, dates back several thousand years, surviving to the
present day. Undoubtedly the presence of stone daggers at this site from
more than 9,000 years ago adds a new dimension to the history of the
Arabian Peninsula.
Dr. Michael Petraglia of the UKs Oxford
University stated, The Al-Magar site is a
significant and impressive archaeological site,
important to the prehistory of Arabia, as well as
to global history. It can reveal information about
the relationship between humans and climate
change, how populations became sedentary,
how they interacted with natural resources on
their landscape, and how they set into motion
the domestication of plants and animals,
including horses.
He goes on to say, The Al-Magar
site is a large prehistoric settlement
that clearly has different activity areas,
including potential house structures,
burial sites and workshop areas.
One significant stone piece found at the
site bears small cut lines along the edges. The
parallel lines are set in groups, perhaps for
accounting, calculating numbers or for timing
purposes. While it seems that the piece played
an important role nine millenia ago, its precise
use is still to be ascertained.
above: statues and tools
Rock drawings were also found in an area
discovered identify a welldeveloped community
adjacent to the Al-Magar site. The petroglyphs
were created by deep chipping and engraving
on the darkly patinated rock surface. Images of ibex, ostrich and other
animals, as well as human figures, including a warrior riding a horse, are
carefully depicted. One shows the hunting of an ibex with five hounds
surrounding the ibex. Other rock drawings found among the remains
of the large central building at the site include drawings of horses and
human figures.
More than eighty artifacts were collected from the surface of the
Al-Magar site, clearly indicating the existence of a developed civilization
during the Neolithic period of some 9,000 years ago. This particular
civilization could be considered a revolution in human knowledge,
skills and handicrafts. Considering all the information known, it can be
concluded that this particular community was not confined just to this
site, but that it may have moved around the
Arabian Peninsula. This may be confirmed by future fieldwork and
comparative studies of the artifacts uncovered, and from other findings
from other sites, both inside and outside the Arabian Peninsula. A team
of experts has been put together comprising local and international
researchers, who will carry out further research and studies with the aim
of understanding the secrets of this civilization.
As Prof. Ali Ibrahim Al Ghabban, vice president of SCTAs Antiquities
Department stated, The Al-Magar Civilization site embodies four
significant elements of Arabian culture, of which Arabs can be rightly proud.
These include horsemanship and horse breeding, hunting with falcons,
desert hounds and the origins of the Arabian dagger as part of the Arabian
dress. These impressive discoveries reflect the importance of this site and
of the civilization that lived there. It is also the earliest known example of
the domestication of the horse, as early as the Neolithic period.
DESTINATION / TAROT ISLAND
Image: Byron A. Bueno
Laid back
and relaxed
While Saudi Arabias Eastern Region has
become known over recent years as the
birthplace of the countrys oil and gas
industry, the area also has a rich history
spanning several thousand years. Tarut
Island is a prime example, learned Alex
Malouf when he visited in his quest to
discover more Saudi heritage
ith convenient land and sea connections

for visiting tradesmen, the east coast
has a colorful and cosmopolitan
heritage, and Tarut Island offers visitors
great insight into how life was before
the oil boom came to Saudi Arabia.
Situated east of Qatif, around 40kms north of Dammam,
Tarut Island lays claim to a piece of Saudi history, being
part of the ancient Dilmun civilization. Dilmun was a trade
partner of ancient Mesopotamia, growing rich by supplying
copper to Babylon. As a result, Tarut has been inhabited for
several thousand years with indications of an even longer
history dating back as far as 5,000BC. Ive been told by
locals that the island is named after the Babylonian goddess
of love and war, Ashtaroot. However, tarout also means
beauty in Semitic and I think I prefer this explanation.
Research suggests that the islands original Canaanite and
Phoenician inhabitants worshipped the beauty of the place.
Since then, the island has understandably gone through
its fair share of changes, although, according to my
guide on a recent visit, there are still traces of Dilmun
burial mounds scattered across the island. The mounds
can be found in as many as 15 locations, each housing a
chamber in which bodies were buried along with select
DESTINATION / TAROT
Tarut ISLAND
possessions, such as pottery, ivory decorations and copper and

stone jars, which it was thought would be useful in the afterlife.
Tarut has proved to be a veritable treasure trove for archeological
finds over the years, and history buffs will relish the chance to visit
the sites on the island where discoveries have been made. Some of
the most famous of the islands relics, such as the Tarut statue, have
been uncovered during organized digs; other items have been stumbled
upon by chance, with numerous stories of accidental discoveries. One
such tale describes a group of automobile repair shop owners who,
when renovating their workshop, found tombs dating back to 2000BC.
Another recalls a farmer who discovered precious stones and jars when
he was working on his land. further, in 1959, a janitor discovered rocks
engraved with the ancient Sheba language while cleaning some waste
land alongside a busy street, while in the 1970s, burial mounds that
dated back to the middle of the third millennium were uncovered in a
plam tree grove. These mounds contained a considerable number of
Mesopotamian ceramic vessels and metal objects. The most famous
discovery made on the island must be the Statue of Tarut. Carved from a
single piece of limestone, the statue is almost a meter tall and depicts a
man standing in a pose of prayer and reverence. Its similarity to statues
found in Babylon and other Mesopotamian cities suggests that it does
not originate from Tarut itself, but rather was brought here. This unique
piece of Saudi history is now on display at the National Museum in Riyadh.
Offering an ideal location for a port in the heart of the Arabian Gulf,
Tarut attracted the attention of the Portuguese when

they colonized the area over 500 years ago, also leaving
indications of their presence. The island is the second
largest in the Gulf, occupying 70 square kilometers.
Naturally sheltered due to its situation between Qatif,
Dammam and Ras Tanura, this bay either became a base
for the Portuguese, who established a presence here, or
a buttress against European expansion further north into
the Arabian Gulf, depending on whom you speak to.
In the center of the island is the old town. Here youll
find traditional houses built from a stone and mud
mixture, named juss in the local dialect. If you take the
time to walk around the houses and the narrow streets,
which were built before the age of the automobile,
youll get a glimpse into how life used to be in Tarut.
The houses surround what is the most imposing
structure on the island: the Portuguese Fort. It was built
in the early sixteenth century and, despite its age, still
represents the largest building on the island. Currently,
visitors are only able to admire the building from the
exterior as the structure is undergoing repair works as
part of a heritage renovation project, but if you were to
peek inside youd see a typical Arabic-style courtyard
with a well at its center and rooms leading off. The fort is
impressive, but to see any artifacts related to it you will

need to visit the Dammam National Museum or the Riyadh
National Museum where they are on display, including
one of the forts cannons dating back to its origins.
The fort towers above the heart of the old town, today
known as Al-Dera, and just below it is Ain Tarut which
in the past, was the main source of water on the island.
Only a stones throw away from Ain Tarut there was once
a traditional bath house
named Hamam Tarut which
unfortunately no longer
remains. Instead, you will
find a number of charming
restaurants where locals
while away the hours playing
cards and sipping tea. The
best place to relax and sample some of Taruts fabulous,
fresh fish is the buffet restaurant just below the fort. The
place offers simple, tasty food which will set you back
no more than a couple of dollars while also providing a
great people-watching spot, allowing you to sit back
and imagine the myriad origins of Taruts inhabitants,
with obvious descendants from all corners of the globe
contributing to the multi-cultural mix of todays residents.
Apparently the center of the town originally
had a significant landmark in the form of a donkey
bath. Situated several hundred meters from the
fort, visitors would wash and refresh their weary
donkeys at a special equine bath before taking to the town on

foot. Unfortunately, the attraction was demolished many years
ago, before its historic relevance was appreciated. Older locals will
be able to direct you to the spot where mans best friend (before
the automobile) would rest after a good scrubbing down.
Moving away from the islands center, another place which deserves
a visit is the fish market. Situated only a kilometer away from the fort
itself, the market comes to life when auctions begin around midmorning. All types of local
specialties freshly caught
in the Arabian Gulf are sold,
from the ubiquitous hammour
to safI, chanad and sobaity.
As one of the oldest
ports in the Arabian
Gulf, Tarut has long had
an affinity with fishing. Most of the islands 80,000 residents are
employed either directly or indirectly by the fishing industry. As you
head towards the shore, there are many fishing boats parked along the
side of the road and a few signs of an historic boat-building industry
for old traditional dhows. Taruts fishing community resides in the
villages of Sanabis and Dareen, where there have been seafaring
communities for nearly 200 years, but youll have to be up early if
you plan on watching them take to the seas as they generally leave
before dawn. It is easy to imagine the escapades of early villagers using
these coastal villages for clandestine trips between Tarut and other
Gulf sea ports. The idea of pirate adventures may have proved more
appealing to many rather than putting to sea with a line and bait.
built in the early sixteenth century
and, despite its age, still represents
the largest building on the island
all Images: Byron A. Bueno
DESTINATION / TAROT ISLAND
After Sanabis, Dareen is the village most associated with

seafaring and trading. According to villagers, Dareens
port dates back over 2,000 years and was a trading post
for goods shipped on the silk and spices route between
Arabia, India, China, and East Africa. it is reminiscent
of other old souks in the region, where you could once
find musk, perfumes, spices, silk and precious stones
from India, China and Indonesia and ivory from Africa.
A particular item prized by merchants was the pearl.
Before the discovery of oil much of the wealth of the Arabian
Gulf was generated by the regions pearling trade. While the
pearling industry was hard hit following the introduction
of synthetic pearls in the early twentieth century, you can
still find evidence of the trade in and around Dareen. One
of the largest buildings of its time, Sheikh Mohammed
Abdulwahabs castle was a meeting place and pearl trading
hub. Built in 1885 by the famed pearl trader, there are
still traces of the castle which a guide can show you.
While its not surprising that Tarut has one of the largest
fishing communities on the Gulf coast, what is striking is
the number of farms also found on the interior of the island
and the diversity of the fruits and vegetables grown. The
area of Al-Rabea is famous for its farms and its produce,
especially tomatoes, limes, dates, figs and papayas. If youre
looking for fresh, local produce for a picnic you can find
fine examples on the road side stalls around Al Rabea.
For souvenirs and traditional bargains, Tarut has one other
must see attraction: a market held in a different part of
the island each day of the week. Visitors to this travelling
market can buy local food, clothes, books, and any variety
of knick-knacks at very affordable prices. Bargaining and
bartering hard is an essential part of the fun! The market
is held in the center of Tarut on Sundays and Tuesdays, but
if youre visiting any other day of the week, ask a local and
theyll point you in the direction of the markets location.
If youre in search of a slower pace of life, of a life
which still remains true to old customs and traditions
- then visit Tarut. The island is only an hours drive
from Dammam or Al-Khobar and you can easily idle
away a day here exploring its ancient history, visiting
the Portuguese fort, enjoying the coffee shops and
restaurants or simply sitting on the dock and waiting
for the boats to return to port. Whatever you decide to
do, know that you will be welcomed both as a friend and
honored visitor by Taruts laid back community: Just dont
forget - youll have to leave the place, eventually.
INDUSTRY / mapping
A surprise meeting in the rugged terrain of Riyadhs southern

escarpment has led to an appreciation of one Saudis special skills.
Sharon Dunn tells Saudi Voyager of the passion of Abdullah Al Sayari
Mapping the future
chance meeting atop the

Makkah escarpment to the
south of Riyadh led to the
reinforcement of my belief that
there are many hidden riches
and areas of natural beauty in
this fascinating country. Sitting in the shade
of our vehicle enjoying the late afternoon
sunshine, my husband and I were waiting for
friends to return from a walk when over the
ridge appeared a lone hiker. During a brief
exchange of pleasantries, it soon became clear
that we were in the presence of someone with
an unusually deep knowledge of the rural areas
of Saudi Arabia, especially when he explained
that he had been exploring the Kingdom since
he was a child. He explained that his passion for
the great outdoors had been instilled in him at a
young age thanks to his father and grandfather,
who regularly took him out on hiking and
camping trips. They educated the youngster
about the animals and plant life indigenous to
the region and, in addition to an appreciation
of his natural surroundings, also passed on
a love of astronomy and Saudi history.
These interests became deeply rooted
in Abdullah Al Sayari, and even during a
distinguished, 32-year career with Saudi

Arabian Airlines, he continued making forays
into the desert and remote areas of the
Kingdom to explore and map areas of interest.
This commitment to recording the details
of the Saudi landscape ultimately led to the
establishment of a business where today he
shares his wealth of knowledge and experience
with others who have a love of the countryside.
From aerial photographs sourced from the
Internet and utilising GPS software, Abdullah
treks to a different location every weekend.
Then, using special equipment, he enhances the
images of the chosen site by adding the sort of
useful details that help travellers and tourists,
such as the locations of roads, service stations,
towns and villages, hotels and heritage sites.
After several years compiling a library of
these special maps and seeing the interest
they generated amongst his friends, Abdullah
realised there was a commercial opportunity
for the maps as there were no other sources
of detailed information for the type of location
he was visiting. In 2002 he sold his first
map through a relative, and from that small
beginning his business grew to such an extent
that in 2008 he opened a dedicated store,
Desert Maps, in Riyadhs Industrial City 2.

Now, after nearly a decade of mapping,
Abdullah has an extensive catalogue of
maps covering the length and breadth of
the Kingdom, which provide an excellent
reference for all those intending to make
an excursion to the less visited areas of the
country. Whether the interest is in identifying
a unique picnic spot on the outskirts of a major
city or, for the more adventurous, a camping
trip to a new territory, the maps certainly
make any trip easier to undertake. They are
available in digital format for use in GPS
devices or as SD cards for mobile devices.
When asked to identify his personal
favourite spot in the Kingdom, Abdullah
admits that he rarely visits the same place
twice, as every weekend is devoted to
mapping a new location. However, he does
express a special fondness for Madain
Shuaib, otherwise known as MadyanMaghabir Shuaib or the Caves of Shuaib.
Named after one of the Prophets mentioned
in the Quran, Shuaib was a preacher of the
Midian civilisation which prospered in the
northwest of the Arabian peninsular for many
centuries. Despite Prophet Shuaib being a
VOYAGER TIP
Permission to visit Madain Shuaib
can be obtained by contacting:
Director General of the Dept of Antiquities
The National Museum of Riyadh
PO Box 3734, Riyadh 11419
Fax: (+966) 01 404 1391
Desert Maps
Tel: (+966) 01 417 6665
Fax: (+966) 01 417 6664
E-mail: gm@desertmaps.com :
Website: www.desertmaps.com
Coordinates: N 24 34 213 / E 46 36.86
Arab sailing vessel. Descending the escarpment

always provides spectacular scenery, and this
route is no exception: majestic mountains tower
above the landscape, stretching out as far as
the eye can see until the beautiful aquamarine
waters of the Red Sea come into view.
For the final part of the journey signs
will help guide you to the site, so it is not
difficult to find. Guards will ask to see your
permit before allowing entry: once inside,
you will find paths and steps which have been
constructed to allow easy access to the tombs.
It is easy to understand why this site is a
favourite of Abdullahs, although he also speaks
highly about other places to visit in the vicinity
of Tabuk or en route to Madain Shuaib.
He and his shop are a great source of
information for those interested in getting
out into the countryside of Saudi Arabia, and
Abdullah is pleased to share his knowledge
and enthusiasm for his topic and to advise on
the best routes to take for a trip. He will also
happily discuss the many options for places to
visit in the Kingdom or to find a journey that
will appeal. He may even be able to help with
equipment, as he stocks a range of camping
and hiking gear. From time-to-time he also
arranges accompanied trips that are sure to
take you to new places to discover and learn
about. He has an engaging style, easy-going
nature and excellent sense of humour that
makes him an ideal travelling companion.
He and his accumulated knowledge are
indeed a unique resource and, thanks to
Abdullah, my passion to explore this great
country has grown even stronger.
Images: Abdullah Al Sayari
Midianite, Madain Shuaib is primarily known

from the Nabatean trade route and as an
agricultural settlement that prospered centuries
later, from 100BC to 550CE, until a 20-year
drought forced the population to resettle in
the Fertile Crescent. The Nabateans success
was due in part to their engineering skills,
which were amongst the best in the ancient
world, which were demonstrated in their clever
harnessing of the areas water supply utilising
a network of ditches and channels, some
of which are still in use today. Whilst Petra
and Madain Saleh are well known Nabatean
archaeological sites of these ancient people,
Madain Shuaib was a much smaller settlement
comprising just 30 well-preserved tombs.
Spread over three mountains, the tombs
range from simple, unadorned cave-like
rooms carved into the rock face to some with

several rooms and displaying more elaborate
facades. Indeed, the design on one tomb in
particular is a unique example of the marvellous
architectural talents of the Nabateans, with
fleur-de-lis adorning either side of the tomb
and bundles of reeds, or flowers decorating
the band over the doorway. Above some of
the tombs is a deep water cistern carved into
the rocks. The Madain Shuaib site is under the
protection of the Saudi Commision for Tourism
and Antiquities,Department of Antiquities:
it is guarded when open to the public and
permission must be obtained prior to visiting.
Madain Shuaib nestles in the Nisma Mountain
range in the oasis of Al Bad and is surrounded
by established palm trees, with the mountains
forming a beautiful backdrop to the remarkable
location. The area can be reached by flying into
Tabuk, which is about 220km from Madain
Shuaib and is an excellent base from which to
explore the site. There are a couple of routes
from which to choose to drive to the site, but
perhaps the most scenic, and striking, is down
the escarpment road and along the Red Sea
coast. Depending on your preferences, you may
be either pleased, or disappointed, to know that
no off-road driving is required for the journey.
As you leave Tabuk, the scenery is
predominantly brown, eroded hills but as the
road continues west the hills become darker,
more volcanic looking, and the desert sand
turns to coral red. Some of the rocky outcrops
along the way have unique shapes. One
example, about 50km from Tabuk, is called
Safina and resembles a dhow, the traditional
INDUSTRY / mapping
LIFESTYLE / GOLF
Capital golf
Considering golf has a reputation as being the
best way to spoil a good walk, its growing
popularity may surprise some, however, along
with other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia has
seen an increase in golfing facilities. Saudi
Voyager reviews golfing options in the capital
ans of spoiling a good walk by the hitting of a small ball around

the countryside now have four courses to choose from in the
capital. In the early days of golf in the Kingdom, golf courses were
constructed in desert areas with fairways of graded sand and
greens, referred to as browns, made of compacted, ultrafine sand
mixed with oil and rolled smooth to allow the ball to roll smoothly.
Players of these courses carried a small square of Astroturf from which they
would tee off. While these sand courses have largely been phased out, one
or two still exist in the Kingdom providing occasional entertainment for a
few traditionalists.
Today, Riyadhs four golf courses compete with the best available
anywhere and are located at Dirab in the Tawfiq valley, the InterContinental
hotel in the town centre, the Arizona housing compound north of the city
and there is Riyadh Golf Courses beside the Qassim road twenty minutes
from the city center. The courses are all well-appointed and, although not
necessarily competing for a place in the record books against the greats
of the worlds golf courses, each has its own unique challenges for players.
Indeed, it may be hard to match say, the world's highest course (14,335 feet
above sea level at Tactu Golf Club, Morococha) or the one with the largest
green (28,000 square feet at the International Golf Club, Massachusetts).
However, it would be perfectly feasible for Riyadh to achieve say the
longest hole (909 yards, par 7 at
VOYAGER TIP
the Satsuki Golf Club, Japan) and it
wouldnt need a very creative mind
Book a round of golf in the capital:
to come up with a course design
Dirab Golf & Country Club:
that competed successfully with the
+966 1 812 6671
world's largest sand bunker (Hell's
info@dirabgolf.com
Half Acre at the Pine Valley Course,
New Jersey).
Riyadh Golf Courses
Located on the N65 Qassim road
+966 059 231 5787
out of Riyadh, Riyadh Golf Courses
info@riyadhgolfcourses.com
was originally a sand course before
www.riyadhgolfcourses.com
development of the facilities in
1997 when HRH Prince Faisal Al
Arizona Golf Resort
Saud made a long-term investment
+966 1 248 4444
in the club to turn it into a premier
golfing facility. A grassed nine holes
Palms Golf Course
course was opened in 2005 and a
+966 465 5000
back nine in 2007 making the total
LIFESTYLE / GOLF
7,503 yards one of the longest courses in the Middle East.

The par-72 official Championship Course boasts four lakes
integrated into the overall design by a system of streams and
landscaped grounds of beautiful fairways and lush vegetation,
making it a pleasant golfing experience. The course has
several challenging holes including the longest, a par-5 of 739
yards bordered by bunkers and a narrow approach plus the
intimidating par-3 of just 162 yards guarded by water on all
sides. Visitors are able to book a round either at the weekend
SR350, or mid-week at SR250 while golf clubs are available to
rent. The club also offers a number of casual dining options.
Dirab Golf and Country Club is the other grassed, 18-hole
course in Riyadh. Located an easy 40 minute drive south
of Riyadh, the par-72 Championship Course and the 9-hole
Academy Course are both open to visitors. Weekend green
fees are SR450 and just SR100 during mid-week, with a full
set of G10 clubs available for rent at SR150 for a round of 18
holes. Golf carts may also be rented. Nestled in the picturesque
Tawfiq valley and with tree-lined fairways, manicured greens
and pleasant club facilities, Dirab makes for a pleasant outof-town destination. The back nine holes are floodlit so its
possible to play an after work round in the evening.
One of the capitals two 9-hole courses is located at the
Arizona residential compound located north of the city on
Airport Road, just behind the distinctive Sabic building. Very
much a domestic attraction, the course has no floodlighting and
tee times are between 5am and 5pm. Visitors are able to book
a round at SR165 at weekends and SR110 during the week.
The other 9-hole course is the attractive city center course
attached to the Riyadh InterContinental hotel, the Palms Golf
Course. The short par-3 course is attractively landscaped and
floodlit allowing tee times from 6am until 7pm for 18 holes and
8pm for 9 holes. Green fees for visitors are SR175 for 18 holes
and SR135 for 9, which include an attractive offer on the rental
of a set of clubs.
So, with these attractive options, theres no excuse for not
getting out in the fresh air to enjoy some exercise in a pleasant
environment. Just remember, no matter how badly you play
golf, its always possible to get worse.
Images: SHUTTERSTOCK / Riyadh Golf Courses
below: Riyadh Golf Course
LIFESTYLE / wildlife
he story of the now extinct ostrich of the Arabian

peninsular is well known. The birds, which had
evolved to survive in harsh desert environments and
appropriately nicknamed camel birds, disappeared
to subsistence hunting by the 1940s. The Houbara
Bustard, a favorite quarry of falconers, is being brought
back from the edge of a similar fate, thanks to the extensive efforts
of Saudi Arabias National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC).
For thousands of years, the hunting of Houbara has been deeply
embedded in the Arabian culture, being depicted in rock drawings and
often referred to by Arabic poets and storytellers. Originally a migratory
seasonal visitor, when Houbara arrived in northern Saudi Arabia in large
numbers from Central Asia, falconers used to take to their camels
and carry their falcons to hunt what was traditionally considered the
Almightys compensation to those who endured the summer desert heat.
The shy and nervous birds inhabit sandy and stony semi desert
areas and have evolved to exist in arid conditions where there
is little shrubbery or greenery. They feed on invertebrates,
small vertebrates and any green shoots they can forage.
In their natural habitat, they are stimulated into breeding by the
growth of grass following seasonal rains, typically laying two to four
eggs in a small, scraped hollow on the ground, which unfortunately
leaves both the eggs and young vulnerable to ground predators.
The majority of Houbara Bustard arrived from Central Asia,
Turkmenistan, China and Mongolia to winter in Saudi Arabia. In 1997,
the National Avian Research Center (NARC) in Abu Dhabi in the
United Arab Emirates fitted satellite transmitters on visiting Houbara
to study their migratory movements and found that the birds made
their way as far as the northern Chinese province of Xinjiang, covering
more than 6,600km in just 54 days, crossing Iran, Turkmenistan,
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Eight months later, the tracked birds,
following the same route, returned to Abu Dhabi.

Since the advent of four-wheel-drive vehicles, it has
become easier for people to pursue Houbara, even into
the most inaccessible desert areas. Once an elite sport,
hunting is now widely affordable and increasing in popularity.
Regrettably, there are also some undesirable deviations from
traditional practice, such as extending the usual hunting
season of October till March, all of which has impacted
the breeds ability to recover its numbers. The birds are
also illegally trapped to be used in the training of falcons.
Compounded with habitat loss and degradation of their
environment as desert areas are developed for agriculture
and infrastructural projects, populations of Houbara are
seeing a frightening decline. Although there is no reliable
data for the rates of decline, figures as high as 40 to 50
per cent over the past five years are mentioned, and given
the substantial threats, declines are likely to continue to be
significant. Studies of the number and distribution of breeding
birds in Saudi Arabia have reflected this steep decline.
Characteristically, the Houbara bred in areas from the
Jordanian border in the north, extending south in a broad
band encompassing the northwest and eastern regions of
Saudi Arabia as far as the Rub-al-Khali. However, the Houbara
is now an uncommon breeding visitor, mostly restricted to
the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, specifically the
Harrat al-Harrah, al Hammad and Al Nafud protected areas.
Unfortunately, over the last five years, even here there have
been losses recorded and the poaching of Houbara continues.
As part of an international initiative, conservation and
breeding projects have been established in several of the
birds traditional regions, including Morocco, Pakistan and
Saving the
Houbara Bustard
The Houbara Bustard has been under threat of going the way of the
now extinct Arabian ostrich. It is hoped the extensive efforts of the
Saudi government to re-establish these shy desert birds in the Kingdom
will have a positive outcome. M. Zafar-ul Islam, manager of the
reintroduction program tells Saudi Voyager of progress to date
Images: M. Zafar-ul Islam
the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, the National Commission for

Wildlife Conservation and Development now Saudi Wildlife
Authority (SWA) established in 1986 to ensure habitats are
properly managed to overcome the threats faced by the
birds in this region with a captive breeding and reintroduction
program introduced to avert the risk of local extinction.
Captive breeding and reintroduction program
By the 1980s, the breeding population of Houbara Bustard
in Saudi Arabia had virtually disappeared and it was decided
to launch a captive-breeding program, along with a program
of reintroduction and the release of captive-bred birds.
Between 1986 and 1988, fertile eggs were collected
under government permit from resident populations in
Baluchistan in Pakistan. These were managed through
a program of artificial insemination by the NWRC. The
program achieved a significant level of success. With
careful management and the application of artificial
insemination techniques, in the 1990s, there were enough
Houbara chicks available to replenish losses in the breeding
unit and also to be able to release birds into the wild.
Reintroduction sites in Saudi Arabia

Two sites were selected in Saudi Arabia for the reintroduction
of the Houbara, Mahazat as-Sayd and Saja Umm ar-Rimth.
The Mahazat as-Sayd protected area is in Makkah
province and comprises about 219,000 hectares of fairly
level, sandy plain at around 1,000 metres above sea level. It
has a few rocky outcrops and was originally set up in 1988
as a special nature reserve for the reintroduction of the
Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle and Red-necked Ostrich. Located
about 175km northwest of Taif and south of Al-Muwayh,
it is 550km from Riyadh and 300km from Jeddah.
Another reintroduction site established as an extension
of Mahazat as-Sayd is Saja Umm Ar-Rimth in the area
of Jabal Barah about 5km east of the Zalim-Afif road.
In Mahazat as-Sayd during the breeding season, most
of the females make a nest on the open area, avoiding
vegetation, but males are seen in the vegetative cover
which consists of moderate or sparse perennials, primarily
grasses, herbs and shrubs, and sometimes including
larger bushes and trees such as Acacia. The birds have
also been recorded foraging in the green vegetation
in wadis and small depressions while roosting in the
elevated boulder fields at night. Similarly, in Saja Umm
Ar-Rimth, Houbara are regularly seen in more open
areas, but also seen resting in the shade of rocks or
shrubbery during the middle of the day in summer.
The nesting season of the Houbara at Mahazat, which
is the only reserve in Saudi Arabia where large numbers
of the birds breed each year, is from February to May.
Nests are found close to sandy wadis, in areas of small
basaltic boulders and in good vegetation cover. Sometimes
nest sites are selected in areas where there are a large
number of ant colonies. This could be because of the
easy access to food for females and their broods.
LIFESTYLE / wildlife
Challenges in
conservation
onservation of natural
C
habitat; avoid encroachment
Effective implementation of
national legislation to protect the
Houbara and other bird species
No illegal hunting in or around
reintroduction sites
Hunting must be banned
during the breeding season
General public should respect the
protected reintroduction sites
Falconers should participate in
NWRC conservation programs
Conservation awareness
programs should be continued.
More areas are required as
Houbara release sites
Opposite top: Houbara in flight Opposite bottom: Houbara chicks in the wild ABOVE: Houbara bustard eggs in the wild
Reintroduction of Houbara
The reintroduction of Houbara was started in Mahazat
as-Sayd in 1991 and since then, more than 1000 Houbara
have been released with an almost equal sex ratio. After
shifting the birds from captive breeding to the reserve,
the birds are kept in long, tunnel-shaped cages in
predator-free enclosures to become acclimatized to the
natural environment. During this time, predators such
as foxes and cats are trapped and moved away from the
release sites, and after three to four weeks the birds
are gently released by opening the tunnels in the early
morning. Water and food pellets are provided around the
enclosures for a couple of weeks to aid their transition to
the natural environment. The current population of the
Houbara in Mahazat is between 300 and 400 Houbaras.
In Saja Umm Ar Rimth, the reintroduction
program of Houbara was started in 2003,
and around 200 Houbara Bustard have been
released, again with an equal mix of gender.
Images: M. Zafar-ul Islam
Houbara monitoring
NWRC has implemented a program of equipping Houbaras
with radio transmitters for monitoring and research
purposes. The birds are tracked and monitored on the
ground from vehicles fitted with radio receivers, while
missing and migrating birds are tracked from small aircraft.
In April 2011, three wild Houbaras were caught in the
northeast of Saudi Arabia by a falconer, who gave the birds
to NWRC for research purposes. The birds were fitted with
satellite transmitters and two of them have moved and are
currently resting near the border with Iran and Iraq and every
second day NWRC receives their GPS locations via email.
Although research and monitoring of the Houbara Bustard
has been undertaken in the Kingdom for more than 20 years,
there remains a need for more information and for public
Saudi Voyager Tip

Access to the reintroduction sites
in the company of a NWRC ranger
can be arranged by writing to the
Secretary General of the Saudi
Wildlife Authority with a copy to
Director of NWRC:
Secretary General
Saudi Wildlife Authority
P.O Box 61681, Riyadh 11575
Tel : (+966) 1 441 8700
http://www.ncwcd.gov.sa
awareness of the threats faced by

this icon of traditonal Arab life in the
Kingdom. The NWRC
is involved in a comprehensive
program of activities and lobbying
among both the government and
public to highlight these issues and to
educate everyone involved.
Public Awareness
Public awareness and educational

programs have been launched by
NWRC as a key component of their
conservation activities, focusing on
the region around the reintroduction
sites. The programs are aimed at
General Director
informing and educating citizens
National Wildlife Research Center
about the biological and historic
PO Box 1086, Taif, Saudi Arabia
significance of the Houbara, in
Tel: (+966) 2 748 1252,
addition to other wildlife, in order
748 1271, 748 1307
to encourage their participation
Email: zafar@nwrc-sa.org
in the conservation programs.
This information campaign
brings together school pupils, college students and the general public
with faculty from colleges and universities and specialists in the
conservation programs; indeed, anyone who wants to play a role in wildlife
conservation. The campaign include exhibitions, slide shows and lectures
and in-house wildlife films that inform the general public about wildlife
conservation in general and specifically the Houbara protection program.
Plans are being formulated to extend this program to major cities around
the Kingdom to make everyone aware of the fragile existence of the
Houbara Bustard. It would be an unfortunate irony if, due to the growth
of the historic Arab recreation of falconing the trend in decimation of
Houbara numbers is perpetuated, eventually leading to a total collapse of
the species and the loss of an ancient Arab tradition.
REcreation / REVIEW
e live in an age where information

travels the globe in milliseconds,
where what happens in one part of
the world is picked up in another
seemingly almost instantly. What is
todays new and improved provision
is tomorrows standard. There are many examples that
we can all call up. Having been travelling recently, in-flight
entertainment comes immediately to mind. A few years ago
this was a loudly promoted unique selling point for only one
or two international airlines. Today even budget airlines are
moving away from their no frills positioning and have started
adding this once-distinctive service. Another example is
butler service: originated by a few elite, Far Eastern hotels,
today any aspiring serviced apartment operator advertises
a variation on the theme. Optional extras on cars provide
another example where the originators soon lose the
advantage as new gadgets become expected equipment.
In a commercial environment, this speed of uptake
means it is virtually impossible to maintain a competitive
edge or even an element of uniqueness for very long.
Any newly conceived service, product or facility launched
in say Australia, France or the US today will be known
REcreation / REVIEW
about, scrutinised and replicated on another continent within a matter

of weeks or months. Of course it is not always replicated with the
same degree of expertise or panache that the creators managed, but
nonetheless the exclusivity and potential USP can be very quickly lost.
That is why it can be the little things that make a difference between
success and failure, why the memorable experience often results from
small individual points of difference that make a positive and enduring
impact on clientele. One such unusual and striking thing about the
new Sofitel Al Khobar is the very attractive smell permeating the
reception as you enter. It is a simple but effective idea that provides
a pleasant and welcoming aroma that generates a smile and a feeling
of confidence for newly arriving guests. In a region of the world
where fragrance matters it is, as the saying goes, a good thing.
The attention to detail in the reception area extends to the comfortably
furnished and nicely laid out lounge with floor to ceiling windows which
create a nice bright lounge for guests to relax and unwind in. Indeed,
it soon becomes obvious that the hotel is well-designed and has an
interesting structure. As you glide upward in one of two glass elevators
from the reception area towards the accommodation you catch a glimpse
of several more relaxing internal lounges of varying sizes as well as
external seating areas, each with their own distinctive character. As you
ascend, you pass a large glass feature wall that reaches up nine storeys and
affords panoramic views across Al Khobar, most attractive after dark.
Small points,
big difference
In the age of the Internet and interconnected world it can be challenging
for any business to try and stand out
from the crowd. The Sofitel Al Khobar
makes a good effort to do so. Barry Gray
reports on the results
REcreation / REVIEW
In itself, the architecture of the hotel is interesting

but, combined with the unmistakable interior design and
fittings of the French Sofitel group, results in a chic and
fashionably comfortable ambiance. This is a hotel for the
discerning traveller for those who enjoy a relaxed but
well-ordered environment, where comfort is not sacrificed
for price and where it is evident that people have carefully
thought through every aspect of their offering.
On reaching the accommodation the tastefully furnished
rooms wont disappoint. While not large, they are well
proportioned, have a large picture window with great city or
sea views and have all the expected accessories plus a few that
are not including a very upmarket Bose Wave music system.
However, Im not sure many guests get to fully experience
the system as, disappointingly, the hotel does not offer a
facility for renting or buying CDs to try out the system.
The beds are a feature. They look inviting, comprising
a feather mattress and the finest French bed linen and
duvet, decorated with scatter cushions. Sofitel are so
confident of their beds that there is even a

brochure in the room from which the wellheeled can place an order for the very same
item to be delivered to their home including
all the pillows, bed linen and duvet.
For once the in-room TV was able to
be comfortably watched from a rather
nice and surprisingly comfortable chaise
longue: a great improvement on the shortbacked and rigid armchairs that many
hotels provide which would be more at
home in an office reception than to relax
and unwind in. Its another nice touch.
Its a great shame that the property, which
is so tantalisingly near to the sea, doesnt have
access to either the beach front or even a
garden which would transform it into something
really special. Even so, the sea facing rooms
offer a panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf
right across to the Causeway making the Sofitel
Al Khobar an unusual combination of city center hotel and sea views.
As youd expect from a hotel group headquartered in the home
of gastronomy, the food selection in the hotels only restaurant, the
grandly named Caf Chic, is good. There is an open buffet virtually
throughout the day with a selection of dishes standard to the region.
These are well-prepared and nicely presented with a price indication
of SR185 per person, including taxes, for lunch or dinner. Regrettably,
for those unable to resist the temptation of a full buffet, there is
no one-course or soup-and-salad option. However, there is an la
carte menu available as an alternative. The restaurant is spacious,
comfortably furnished and has nice views over the Arabian Gulf.
A welcome point here, again setting Sofitel apart, is its strict
no smoking policy in the restaurant. In a region which has only
recently started to appreciate and react to the harmful effects
of smoking and the socially unacceptable imposition of second
hand smoke, Sofitels uncompromising no-smoking rule sets a fine
example that many others would do well to take on board.
There are alternative dining options: for those that book a Club Floor
room, these come with all-day access to a comfortable, seventh-
The Sofitel Al Khobar goes out of

its way to attend to the small points
that make a big difference
floor lounge offering a light buffet and refreshments throughout the
day. Also, on the first floor there is the Chocolate lounge which offers
refreshments and a snack menu and special pastries and desserts.
Once you have enjoyed the fine cuisine on offer, the extremely wellequipped and under-utilized gym is available to work off some
of the calories. In addition to the work-out room, the attractions
also include a sauna and steam room, jacuzzi and a small outside
swimming pool. Alternatively in the evening, a nice walk along the
adjacent Corniche will enable you to also enjoy the sea air.
The overriding feeling engendered by the hotel is that it has been designed
and is being run by an organisation that cares. The staff are attentive and
well-trained and appear truly happy to provide you a service, another
small but important point of differentiation. The Sofitel Al Khobar goes
out of its way to attend to the small points that make a big difference.
Barry Gray stayed at the Sofitel Al Khobar in

September 2011 as a guest of the hotel.
REcreation / REVIEW
Traditional tastes
of Saudi Arabia
Najd Village provides a sumptuous experience of the Central Region
o trip, no vacation or visit is complete

without sharing a culinary experience with
family or friends. This is especially true in
Saudi Arabia where providing refreshment
and sustenance to travelers remains an
integral part of original Bedouin culture.
While authentic Saudi food is hearty, richly spiced and
full of flavors, the challenge can be to find a restaurant that
offers traditional Saudi cuisine. Fortunately, in the capital
Najd Village restaurant (Quria Najdia in Arabic) is the best
choice for those who want to sample the Kingdoms cuisine,
particularly dishes from the countrys central Najd region,
in an ambiance that reflects earlier days in the Kingdom.
The restaurant has two branches in the capital the
first is located centrally on Al Takhasosi Road. The larger
of the two branches and the most family friendly is on
Abo Baker Sadiq Road opposite Prince Sultan University.
Both are built and decorated in the style of traditional
Najd housing with colored external walls with painted
decoration around the main architectural features
and the buildings border an open, central courtyard in
the style of traditional Arab houses. Adding a feel of a
bygone era, outside the Abo Baker restaurant youll find a number
of 1950s vintage era cars, including GMCs and Chevrolets.
Inside expect more of the same historic feel. Theres a myriad of antique
pieces inside the restaurant where there are displays of coins, jewelry,
watches, and even some weapons from decades past. A centerpiece
is a well with traditional rope and bucket and winch wheel to draw up
the water. To top it off, inside the roof is of palm fronds and the walls
are decorated to appear as if theyre made from mud. Surrounded by
the modern metropolis that is Riyadh, the theme of being hosted in
a bygone era certainly does take your mind off the chaos outside.
In keeping with the time-honored style of entertaining in this region,
you eat sitting on carpets on the floor at Najd Village. The mens section
is open so while theres a two foot wall around your sitting area you
will be able to look across the entire length of the restaurant. In the
family section you will be seated in your own private room, which
affords more privacy to your group. The restaurant will bring spoons
and forks, but eating with your hands can also be part of the fun.
As an honored visitor, on arrival youll be welcomed with copious
amounts of small glasses of Arabic coffee or tea (theres a tea room
just to the side of the main entrance) which allows you time to choose
from over 50 different dishes. House favorites include Kabsah, a rice
dish with your choice of lamb, chicken or shrimp. Theres also Magloba,
REcreation / REVIEW
a dish of meat or chicken on a bed of lamb and vegetables

which is turned upside down before serving. A favorite
is a rice and chicken dish from Saudi Arabias Western
Region which is cooked in milk known as Saleek.
Reflecting Najds farming tradition, the list of wheatbased dishes is extensive: theres Jareesh which is barley
cooked in yoghurt, or order goursan which is a mixture
of dry thin brown bread with mixed vegetables and
lamb. With the worlds largest region of date cultivation
on the doorstep, it is no surprise that theres also date
dishes such as Henainnee, a mixture of dates and brown
bread sauted in butter, or Afees, traditional brown
bread combined with seedless dates and butter.
If youre feeling even more adventurous why not
order camel meat Kabsah or Hashi Badya, a camelmeat dish topped off by a layer of jareesh, a layer of
goursan and a layer of rice. For those lucky enough
to come during the truffle season (yes, you can find
truffles in under desert scrub) then order a side dish
of truffles cooked with rice. You wont regret it.
The main dishes are served on large platters to be shared
between all the guests and in keeping with local habit, each
main course is to be tried by all present. The main courses
themselves are generous so if youre unsure about how much
to order ask the waiter. The rice dishes are bursting with
the flavor of the meats but you can also taste the spices,
onions, raisins, and lemons that are added to add extra taste.
The side dishes can be eaten
below: The architecture
of najd village restaurant
as starters, but youre best
reflects the building style of
the central region
pouring the yoghurt and pepper
voyager tip
salad over the rice and mixing the flavours.

If youre looking for something lighter,
Najd Village
the restaurants specialty Barley soup will
Al-Takhasosi Road
hit the spot, served with copious amounts
(+966) 01 464 6530
of freshly baked bread. A favorite bread is
sabeeb: you can choose from salty sabeeb
Abo Baker Sadiq Road
which is small bread slices served in a tomato
(+966) 01 225 0034
sauce or sweet sabeeb which is bread
drizzled with honey. Both are scrumptious
and will leave you always reaching for just one more bite.
Service at Najd Village tends to be very quick and efficient with waiters
bringing your order in only a few minutes. So, to savor your dinner over
the course of the evening, you can order your dishes in small amounts,
such as salads and starters, followed by main courses and later desserts.
Unfortunately, for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu is
a little limited but there are some traditional dishes such as sweet
sabeeb, Henainnee, ghafees, mohalibiya and for the health conscious,
water melon. The tea selection alone is worth a trip to Najd Village.
Theres a delightful range of teas to choose from and which are
flavored with a wide range of spices including cardamom, cloves,
ginger and saffron. Having eaten well, you can digest your meal and
while away your time sipping tea and enjoying conversation. Just
dont forget that sooner or later youll have to leave Najd Village.
Whats most surprising about Najd Village is the price. While the
quality of the food is excellent, youll be hard pressed to pay more
than 60 Riyals a person for a three course meal with drinks.
The restaurant opens from noon till midnight, staying open later
on Wednesday and Thursday, so timing is no handicap if you plan
to sample the delights on offer at Najd Village, but do call ahead if
youre planning to visit at the weekend to avoid a long wait.
lifestyles / My Favorite Place
Below: aMadain Saleh
The intrigue of history
Image: Waleed ALMARHOUM
His work took HE Talmiz Ahmed, the Ambassador of the

Republic of India to all four corners of the Kingdom. He tells
Saudi Voyager of his particular favorites prior to his departure
from the Kingdom on completion of his tour of duty
I have completed three postings
in Saudi Arabia: initially as Consul
General based in Jeddah (19871990) and twice as Ambassador
(20002003 and 20102011).
Overall, my stay in the Kingdom was
of about nine years and I have also
worked in other GCC countries as
well as in the US and South Africa.
During my tenure here, I have
travelled to a lot of the smaller
towns that exhibit the rich cultural
heritage of the Kingdom. The focus
on tourism is a recent development
in Saudi Arabia, which will be helped
by the excellent national road
network that has been built to a
very high standard. As increased
facilities such as hotels, motels
and service areas are added to the
network it will be further enhanced.
When we were first in the

Kingdom, our twin daughters were
with us and went to school here,
but they are now pursuing their
own careers and my wife and I have
been living in Riyadh by ourselves.
We have a rich social and cultural
life due to the number of events
of interest to the Saudi, diplomatic
and expatriate communities. These
have included our participation in
the Riyadh Book Fair, a major art
exhibition showcasing the works
of prominent Saudi and Indian
women artists, an international
film festival, and cultural shows
depicting Indian costumes and
folk and classical dance and music.
In our leisure time, we read a
lot, from political and historical
non-fiction to light thrillers.
My wife and I have been lucky

enough to travel extensively by
road across Saudi Arabia, and
these tours have appealed to our
combined interests in the history,
culture and economic development
of the country. We have visited
most of the major museums
including the National Museum in
Riyadh and regional museums in
Al-Ula, Hail and Najran. We have
also visited the historic sites of
Najran, Madain Saleh and Madinah.
The holy cities of Makkah and
Madinah are central to Islamic
history and culture, so a visit to
the various historical sites in these
cities, with a qualified guide, can be
most enriching. The same applies
to Jeddah, which has a number
of sites of considerable historical
value. I also enjoyed my three visits

to Madain Saleh, seeing the remains
of the Nabataean civilization and
the railway station of the Hejaz
Railway that was destroyed in
the First World War. We have
also enjoyed the historical site
at Najran and the rock carvings
outside the town on the caravan
route to Riyadh. On reflection, my
favorite places in the Kingdom
are Al-Ula and Madain Saleh. The
traces of the old civilizations, the
ruins of the ancient settlement,
the remains of traditional lifestyle
and a thousand years of history
are all very intriguing for me.
The development of Saudi Arabia
as a holiday destination, even for
residents has started quite recently
and with the way its moving
ahead it is likely that the Kingdom
will develop quite an interest.
Of course, the tourism industry,
which is quite new, will need to be
developed further, especially in
the rural areas, to help the country
become more tourist friendly,
but the people of Saudi Arabia are
very proud of their history and
traditions and welcome people who
are interested in their culture.
Approaching the country with an
open mind and a sense of adventure
will reap rewards for those
interested. The Kingdom has a lot to
offer of both religious and historical
value from pre-historic, preIslamic and the Islamic periods.
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
SLEEPING
in Saudi Arabia
With more locally trained staff and increasing focus on quality service,
accommodation options across Saudi Arabia are getting better and better.
Saudi Voyager highlights some of the favorites
Hotel options in Saudi Arabia
are extensive and range
from magnificent five-star
properties to charming local
and family-run hotels and
self-catering apartments. In
one of its regular features,
Saudi Voyager reports on
a range of options that
will meet the needs of

the most discerning of
travelers to the Kingdom.
Whereveryou are there is a
perfect place to sleep in Saudi
Arabia. Hotels and inns here
are some of the best in the
world and standards nationwide
continue to improve. On-the-
job training as well as postgraduate and university courses

are helping produce worldclass catering and hospitality
facilities that will dazzle the
most demanding traveler.
Many major hotel chains
have significant properties
in the kingdom, including
Marriott, the Four Seasons,

Hilton, Holiday Inn, and
Sheraton, and many are
expanding their presence.
This all bodes well for those
in Saudi Arabias hospitality
sector and for visitors eyeing
options in one of the worlds
most interesting destinations.
Hilton Makkah Hotel
Areas of interest
Saudi Arabia has 13 Administrative Provinces.
All have extensive accommodation options
Overlooking the Holy Haram Mosque and the Kaaba, the Hilton Makkah hotel
is set in the heart of Makkah. Whether the guests' prerogative is to dine out in
the 7 restaurants and cafs or do business in one of the 6 meeting rooms for
3 to 300 persons. The propoerty also boasts two 10,000-seater prayer halls
and an onsite shopping mall. The hotel has newly renovated rooms with direct
access to Haram, wireless Internet access, Caff Cino and a well-equipped
business centre.
Web: www.hilton.co.uk
Phone: 00966 (02)537 3800
Province name
AlBaha
Northern Border
AlJawf
AlMadinah AlMunawara
AlQassim
Hail
Asir
Eastern Province
AlRiyadh
Tabuk
Najran
Makkah AlMukaramah
Jizan
City name
Al Bahah city
Arar
AlJawf city
Madina
Buraidah
Hail city
Abha
Dammam
Riyadh
Tabuk city
Najran city
Makkah
Jizan city
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
Le Meridien, Makkah
Novotel Dammam Business Park
Overlooking the Holy Mosque and just one hundred meters from the King
Abdulaziz Gate, stands Le Mridien Makkah. It has a striking lobby with a
stepped ceiling and an ambiance of traditional Arabic hospitality. The hotels
eye-catching exterior promises a world of elegance in its fashionable interior.
The hotel features 255 guest rooms and suites elegantly decorated and
furnished with attractive, rich fabrics. One Royal Suite, two Diplomatic Suites,
31 Executive Suites, and 221 elegant guest rooms provide luxurious comfort
and an impressive view of the Holy Mosque nearby.
The hotel enjoys a convenient location just 25 minutes from Dammam

International Airport with direct access on the Al Khobar - Dammam
Highway and close to the heart of a large business park.It is an ideal
stopping point for a business trip to Dammam or Al Khobar or for a leisure
break as a family. The hotel offers modern and spacious rooms as well as
10 meeting rooms for business seminars and conventions.
Web: www.starwoodhotels.com
Phone: 00966 (02) 575 1111
Web: www.accorhotels.com
Phone: 00966 (03)845 5555
Fax: 00966 (03)814 3551
Le Meridien, Al Khobar
Ramada Gulf Hotel, Riyadh
Le Mridien Al Khobar, is an oasis of relaxation in lively Al Khobar, once a laid

back city of small shops but now featuring a multitude of contemporary malls
and boulevards. The surrounding area offers a glimpse of traditional stone
structures and Arabia as it once was. The hotel includes 15 meeting rooms that
can accommodate up to 600 guests, a sun-drenched outdoor pool, a fitness
center and tennis courts. All 330 guestrooms feature beautiful Gulf sea views.
The Ramada Gulf is located in central Al Khobar, a three minute drive from
the Corniche and overlooking Prince Saud Bin Jlewi Park. It features a wellequipped gym, massage services and panoramic elevators.
Rooms have a spacious layout and modern facilities, including free
Wi-Fi and 32 inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, bathrooms with
bathtubs and most with a kitchenette.
Guests can enjoy traditional Arabian specialties and international classics
at Le Jasmine restaurant. Momento Caf serves light snacks and drinks or
as an alternative there is attentive room service.
Web: www.starwoodhotels.com
Phone: 00966 (03) 896 9000
Web: www.ramadagulf.com
Phone: 00966 (03) 899 1010
Fax: 00966 (03) 1616
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
SLEEPING
in Saudi Arabia
Hilton Garden Inn, Riyadh
Madinah Hilton Hotel
The contemporary Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya hotel is centrally located
in the heart of the business district with all major corporations within walking
distance or a short taxi ride away. Riyadh International Airport is just a
30-minute drive, which makes it an ideal hotel for business travelers.
A busy restaurant and business-like reception makes it an ideal meeting place
and there are three flexible meeting rooms, and complimentary 24-hour
business center.
Madinah Hilton is cnveniently located a short walk from the Holy Mosque
and in the heart of Madinah's shopping district. The hotel also boasts its
own ground-floor shopping area and prides itself on the Lobster Thermidore
available in the Madinah Restaurant. The hotel has views of the Holy Mosque
and is just 25 minutes away from the Prince Mohammed Airport.
There is high-speed Internet access in the 24-hour internet caf and all the
hotel rooms and suites have high-speed internet access. Deluxe Rooms have
a separate seating area.
Web: http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
Phone: 00966 (01) 293 5533
Fax: 00966 (01) 293 5185
Web: www.hilton.com
Phone: 00966 (04) 820 1000
Fax: 00966 (04) 820 0557
Villa or apartment accommodation is available in Abha, Al-Habala, Al-Souda, Al-Qaraa and at the Abha Exhibition and
Resort Center near Abha airport. A total of 500 modern villas with one to five bedrooms are available year round.
For those traveling on a smaller budget, inexpensive rooms are available at the Syahya Airport Motel and the Al-Wadi
Motel in new Abha, where there are also 114 one-and two-bedroom apartments
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
VOYAGER
places to stay
Al-Faisaliah Hotel
Riyadh Inter-Continental Hotel
Sahara Airport Hotel

King Khalid Intl Airport
P.O. Box 12120, Riyadh 11437
Tel: +966 1 220 4500, Fax: +966 1 220 4505
Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers
P.O. Box 90807 Riyadh 11623
Tel: +966 1 454 3300
Fax: +966 1 454 1889
Email: reservations.riyadh@sheraton.com.sa
Website: www.sheraton.com/riyadh
King Fahd Road, Olaya

Tel: +966 1 273 2000
Fax: +966 1 273 2001
Email: freservation@rosewoodhotels.com
Website: www.alfaisaliahhotel.com
Four Seasons Hotel
P.O. Box 3636, Riyadh 11481

Tel: +966 1 465 5000
Fax: +966 1 465 7833
Email: Riyadh@ihg.com
Website: www.intercontinental.com
Riyadh Marriott Hotel

Tel: +966 1 477 9300, Fax: +966 1 477 9089
Email: res@marriotthotel.com
Website: www.riyadhmarriott.com
Novotel AlAnoud
King Fahd Road-Olaya
Tel: +966 1 288 2323
Fax: +966 1 288 2424
Email: h6532-res@novotelanound.com
Website: www.novotel.com
Hilton Garden Inn
Radisson Blu Hotel
Olaya Main Street Building 8951,

Riyadh,Saudi Arabia12611
Tel:966-1-293-5533
Fax:966-1-293-5185
Website: http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
Kingdom Center
P.O. Box 231000 Riyadh 11321
Tel: +966 1 211 5000
Fax: +966 1 211 5001
Email: reservations.riy@fourseasons.com
Website: www.fourseasons.com/riyadh
Al-Khozama Hotel
Olaya Main Road
Tel: +966 1 465 4650
Fax: +966 1 464 8576
Email: alkhozama@rosewoodhotels.com
Website: www.al-khozama.com
AlMubarakiah Plaza King Abdulaziz St.

Old Airport Road
Tel: +966 1 479 1234
Fax: +966 1 477 5373
Email: reservations.riyadh@radissonsas.com
Website: www.radissonsasblu.com
Holiday Inn, Riyadh, Olaya

Olaya Street, P.O. Box 69112 Riyadh 11547
Tel: +966 1 461 2000,
Fax: +966 1 461 2595
Email: hi.olaya.reservstions@ihg.com
Website: www.holidayinn.com/olaya.riyadh
RIYADH
RIYADH
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
JEDDAH & WESTERN PROVINCE

Jeddah Hilton Hotel
Le Meridien Jeddah
Madinah Road
P.O. Box 11633 Jeddah 21463
Tel: +966 2 663 3333
Fax: +966 2 663 2333
Email: reservations@meridien-jed.com.sa
Website: www.lemeridienjeddah.com
Holiday Inn Jeddah
Golden Tulip Jeddah
North Corniche Road

P.O. Box 128428 Jeddah 21362
Tel: +966 2 659 0000
Fax: +966 2 659 1111
Email: reservations.jeddah@hilton.com
Website: www.hilton.com
Jeddah Al-Salam
King Khalid Street
Tel: +966 2 631 4000
Fax: +966 2 631 7605
Email: reservations@hijeddah.com
Website: www.holidayinn.com
Jeddah Marriott Hotel

King Fahd St. Old Airport Road
Tel: +966 2 631 2201
Fax: +966 2 6311350
Email: reservations@goldentulipjeddah.com
Website: www.goldentulip.com
Palestine Road corner PR Fahad St.

Tel: +966 2 671 4000
Fax: +966 2 617 5990
Email: res.jeddah@marriott.com
Website: www.jeddahmarriott.com

Intercontinental Hotel, Jeddah
Park Hyatt Jeddah Marina, Club & Spa
Kandara Palace Hotel

Airport Road
Tel: +966 2 631 5444
Fax: +966 2 631 0042
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Southern Corniche AlHamra District

Tel: +966 2 657 2737
Fax: +966 2 657 2747
Email: Jeddah.park@hyatt.com
Website: www.jeddah.park.hyatt.com
Ramada Continental Jeddah
AlHamra Al Corniche Road

Tel: +966 2 661 1800
Fax: +966 2 661 1145
Email: icjeddah@icjeddah.com
68 / Saudi Voyager Autumn 2011
Al Corniche AlHamra
Tel: +966 2 661 1000
Fax: +966 2 660 6326
Email: reservations@cpjeddah.com
Website: www.crowneplaza.com
Palestine Street P.O. Box 7584
Jeddah 21472
Tel: +966 2 667 0777
Fax: +966 2 667 0666
Email: reservations@ramadacontinentaljed.com
Website: www.ramadacontinentaljed.com
Jeddah Trident Hotel

Mina Street, Jeddah
P.O.Box 17466, Jeddah 21494
Tel: +966-2-6474444
Fax: +966-2-6474040
Email: info@trident-jeddah.com
Website: www.trident-jeddah.com
Meridian Al-Hada (Taif)
Sofitel AlHamra Jeddah

Tel: +966 2 642 8555
Fax: +966 2 642 2395
Email: reservations@redseapalace.com
Website: www.redseapalace.com
AlHada Ring Road, P.O. Box 999 Taif

Tel: +966 2 754 1400
Fax: +966 2 754 4831
Email: reservations@lemeridian-alhada.com
Email: www.meredianhotel.com
Sheraton Jeddah Hotel

Corniche Road
Tel: +966 2 699 2212
Fax: +966 2 699 2660
Email: reservations.jeddah@sheraton.com
Website: www.sheraton.com/jeddah
Qasr AlSharq Waldorf

Astoria Collection
Palestine Street, P.O. Box 7375 Jeddah 21462
Tel: +966 2 660 2000, Fax: +966 2 660 4145
Email: reservations@sofitel-alhamra.com
Website: www.sofitel.com
Sands Hotel
The Westin Jeddah Hotel

North Corniche P.O. Box 51991
Jeddah 21553
Tel: +966 2 658 8200
Fax: +966 2 658 8201
Email: Jeddah.reservations@westin.com
Website: www.westin.com/jeddah
Al-Bilad Movenpick
Al Corniche Highway
Tel: +966 2 694 4777
Fax: +966 2 694 3737
Email: Jeddah@albiladhotel.com
Website: www.albiladhotel.net
Radisson SAS
Medinah Road
Tel: +966 2 652 1234
Fax: +966 2 651 6260
Email: reservations.jeddah@radissonsasblu.com
Website: www.jeddah.radissonsas.com
P.O BOX 7079 Jeddah 21462

Tel: +966 2 659 9999
Fax : +966 2 659 6666
E- mail : qasralsharq.jeddah@hilton.com
Website: www.qasralsharqjeddah.com
AlAndalus Area, P.O. Box 7030 Jeddah 21462
Tel: +966 2 669 2020, Fax: +966 2 660 9971
Email: info@sandsjeddah.com
Website: www.sandsjeddah.com
Durrah Beach Resort
Obhur Holiday Inn Resort

AlMalik Road, Corniche
Tel: +966 2 656 3030
Fax: +966 2 656 0110
Red Sea Coastline

Po Box 430,Jeddah Saudi Arabia
02 618 0211
Tel: +966 2 6180211
Fax: +966 2 6180210
Website: www.durrahbeach.com
JEDDAH AND WESTERN PROVINCE
Red Sea Palace Hotel
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
EASTERN PROVINCE
Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers
Dammam Palace hotel
Le Meridien Al-Khobar
Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Road,

P.O. Box 5397 Dammam 31422
Tel: +966 3 834 5555
Fax: +966 3 834 9872
Email: dammam@sheraton.com
Website: www.sheraton.com/dammam
P.O.Box 1591 Dammam 31441

Telephone: + 966 3 805 6060
Fax: + 966 3 805 6385
Email: info@dammampalacehotel.com
Website: www.dammampalacehotel.com
Corniche Road
P.O.Box 1266 Al-Khobar 31952
Tel: +966 3 896 9000
Fax: +966 3 898 1651
Email: reservation.alkhobar@lemeridien.com
Website: www.lemeridien.com
Ramada Gulf Hotel

P.O Box 79016 Khobar 31952
Phone : +966 3 899 1010
Fax: +966 3 889 1616
E-mail: reservation@ramadagulf.com
Website: www.ramadagulf.com
Al-Ahsa Intercontinental Hotel

King Khalid Street, Hafuf
P.O. Box 25 Al-Ahsa 31982
Tel: +966 3 584 0000
Fax: +966 3 584 0400
Email: hofha.reservations@ihg.com
Website: www.ihg.com
Al-Gosaibi Hotel
Pepsicola Road
P.O. Box 3006 Al-Khobar 31952
Tel: +966 3 882 2882
Fax: +966 3 882 2321
Email: reservations@algosaibi-hotel.com
Website: www.algosaibi-hotel.com
MAKKAH AND MADINAH

AlShohada Hotel AKMC
Ajyad Street P.O. Box 10056 Makkah 21955

Tel: +966 2 574 4401, Fax: +966 2 574 9422
Email: reservation@ akmc-alshohadahotel.com
Website: www.alshohadahotel-akmc.com
AlHarithyah Hotel
Abu Obaida bin AlJarrah Road
P.O.Box 7714 Madinah
Tel: +966 4 820 6164
Fax: +966 4 820 6333
Email: reservation@alharithyahhotel.com
Website: www.alharithyah.com
70 / Saudi Voyager Autumn 2011
Sofitel Elaf Taiba

Saad bin Moaz Road P.O. Box 7540 Madinah
Tel: +966 4 818 0050, Fax: +966 4 818 0030
Email: h3101@elaftaiba.com
Website: www.elafgroup.com
Dar Al-Tawhid
Intercontinenetal Hotel
Ibrahim AlKhalil Street,
P.O. Box 2728 Makkah
Tel: +966 2 541 1111
Fax: +966 2 541 1112
Email: tawhidmakkah@tawhidmakkah.com
Website: www.ihg.com
Elaf Ajyad Hotel
Ajyad Main Road
P.O. Box 3917 Makkah AlMukaramah
Tel: +966 2 572 2200
Fax: +966 2 572 4043
Email: info@elalajyad.com
Website: www.elafgroup.com
Taif Intercontinenetal Hotel

Hawiyah Street, Taif
Tel: +966 2 750 5050,
Fax: +966 2 750 5040
Email: taifconcierge@intercontinental.com
Awaliv International Hotel
Algaish Street
P.O. Box 9933 Taif 21944
Tel: +966 2 737 5555
Fax: +966 2 737 3555
Email: gm@awalivinternationalhotels.com
Website: www.awalivhotels.com
Mercure Grand Umm Alqura, Makkah
AlMasjid AlHaram Rd end Hojoun Bridge
P.O. Box 964 Makkah 21955
Tel: +966 2 570 2212, Fax: +966 2 574 4034
Email: sales@mercurequra.com
Website: www.mercure.com
Makkah Hilton & Towers
Ibrahim AlKhalil Street, P.O. Box 844 Makkah
Tel: +966 2 534 0000, Fax: +966 2 536 7500
Email: reservations.makkah@hilton.com
Ramada Hotel & Suites
DIRECTORY / HOTELS
Carlton Al-Moaibed Hotel, Al-Khobar

Dammam Alkhobar Highway
Tel: +966 3 857 5455
Fax: +966 3 857 5443
Email: res@carlton-hotel.com.sa
Website: www.carltonalmoaibedhotel.com
Dhahran International Hotel

King Abdullah Airbase
P.O. Box 32428 Agrabiah 31952
Tel: +966 3 330 5000
Fax: +966 3 330 5550
Email: dih@dhahotel.com.sa
Website: www.dhahotel.com.sa
Park Inn Hotel Al-Khobar
Al-Jubail Intercontinenetal Hotel
King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Road

P.O. 2408 Al-Khobar 31952
Tel: +966 3 810 0800
Fax: +966 3 810 0600
Email: reservations.alkhobar@rezidorparkinn.com
Website: www.parkinn-al-khobar.com
Jubail Industrial Area

P.O. Box 10167 AlJubai 31961
Tel: +966 3 341 7000
Fax: +966 3 341 2212
Email: reservations@icjubail.com.sa
Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com/aljubail
EASTERN PROVINCE
Prince Majed Street

Tel: +966 3 899 6111
Fax: +966 3 899 6777
Email: reservations@ramada-alkhobar.com
Website: www.ramadaalkhobar.com
Holiday Inn Al-Khobar
Old Airport Road
Tel: +966 3 858 8000
Fax: +966 3 858 1266
Email: reservations@hikhobar.com
Website: www.holidayinn.com
Dar AlHijra Intercontinenetal Hotel

King Fahad St., Central Area
P.O. Box 20201 Madinah
Tel: +966 4 820 7777, Fax: +966 4 820 7788
Email: hijramadinah@hijramadinah.com
Dar AlIman Intercontinenetal Hotel
Off Sitteen Street, P.O. Box 20205, Madinah
Tel: +966 4 820 6666, Fax: +966 4 820 6677
Email: imanmadinah@imanmadinah.com
Dar Al-Taqwa, Madinah
Northern Central Area
P.O. Box 20944, Madinah
Tel: +966 4 829 1111
Tel: +966 4 829 0611
Email: taqwamadinah@taqwamadinah.com
Madinah Hilton Hotel
King Fahd Road
Madinah 3936
Tel: +966 4 820 1000
Fax: +966 4 820 0557
Email: reservations.madinah@hilton.com
Email: www.hilton.com
Madinah Oberoi
P.O. Box 1880 Abizar Road
Madina AlMunawara
Tel: +966 4 828 2222
Fax: +966 4 828 2020
Email: info@madinahoberoi.com
Website: www.madinahoberoi.com
Makkah Grand Coral
AlHapaya Um Ul Qura Street
P.O. Box 4384 Makkah
Tel: +966 2 530 1234
Fax: +966 2 537 4055
Email: mgs@coralhotel.com.sa
Website: www.coralhotels.com.sa
Abha Intercontinenetal Hotel

AlSouda P.O. Box 14447 Abha
Tel: +966 7 224 7777
Fax: +966 7 224 4113
Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Abha Palace Hotel
New Abha Resort
P.O. Box 1100 Abha
Tel: +966 7 229 4444
Fax: +966 7 229 5555
Email: reservations@abhapalace.com
Website: www.abhapalace.com.sa
Mercure Khamis Mushayt
P.O. Box 892
Khamis Mushayt
Tel: +966 7 223 3466
Fax: +966 7 222 0828
Email: sm.mercurekm@gmail.com
Website: www.mercure.com
ABHA & ASIR REGION
ABHA AND ASIR REGION
industry / MICE
Marketing communications
sector gathers in Riyadh
Saudi's capital Riyadh hosted a

number of top-tier events this
summer, focused on developments
in the marketing communications
industry. The three conferences,
which headlined regional and
international speakers, highlighted
the Kingdom as one of the most
attractive locations in the region
for the marketing industry.
The first of the three events
was the second annual Arab Social
Media Forum. Launched last
year in Amman, the event is the
Middle East's largest gathering of
professional working in online and
digital marketing. In its move to
Riyadh, the forum was held under
the auspices of Saudi Arabias
Information and Culture Ministry
and focused on how social media
can be best used by marketers in
Saudi Arabia and outside of the

Kingdom both for marketing and
commercial communications.
Two weeks later, global media and
marketing services firm Mindshare
held its first ever Media Summit in
Riyadh. The conference brought
together advertisers, marketing
experts, ad agencies to discuss a
broad agenda which covered topics
from digital to outdoor advertising,
print media and television.
The summit was opened by
Dr. Riyad Najm, assistant deputy
minister at Saudi Arabia's Ministry
of Culture and Information. In his
opening address, Dr. Najm shared
with the audience the country's
plans to develop a regional radio and
television industry in the Kingdom,
as well as the aim of his ministry
to support the development of
more content in the Kingdom.

While Saudi is the most important
market in the region, much of the
material broadcast in Saudi Arabia is
developed outside of the country,
explained Dr. Najm. Wed like to
see more material created here,
to support our media sector and
also to better reflect the culture
and customs of Saudi Arabia.
Also staged was the Saudi
Branding and Communications
Summit 2011, which brought
together communications
specialists from the Middle
East to raise awareness of
communications as a discipline
among Saudi-based companies.
Over two days, international
marketing managers from
companies such as Nokia, Toyota
amd Proctor and Gamble joined
with Saudi-based practitioners,
including the Saudi Commission
for Tourism and Antiquities' vice
president for marketing and media,
Abdullah Al Jehani, to discuss
a host of issues ranging from
crisis communication to internal
messaging, corporate social
responsibility and how to reach out
to youth through communications.
In covering similar areas of
interest, the three events drew
attention to the potential the
Kingdom holds for the marketing
industry. Saudi Arabia, the largest
audience and the greatest media
spending market in the region,
is well-positioned to become a
regional hub for the MarComms
and entertainment industries,
stated one Saudi speaker.
You have to understand your
market and communicate your
company and product values so
that your audience relates with

you and your products, said Saudi
communications and marketing
consultant, Said Baaghil. Weve
got to think less about the means
of communicating and more about
the substance of what were trying
to say. There's no doubt that
we've come a long way in terms of
marketing as a discipline in Saudi
Arabia. However, we still need more
home-grown marketers, more
people who understand how to
communicate with an audience and
culture they understand and know
intimately as they have grown up
with them, Baaghil explained.
With the relevance of the topic,
the attractive local and regional
audience, and growing industry,
Saudi Arabia can expect to see
increasing activities in this sector.
Image: shutterstock
Saudi Arabia set to establish itself as an events hub for the marketing and communications industry
Sights
and
sounds
of the
souq
REcreation / RIYADH SOUQS
Located at the center of historic trade

routes, Riyadh has a fascinating crosssection of traditional markets. Jackie
Leger outlines some worthy of a visit
andering through the souqs of Riyadh offers you a

colorful journey. While meandering in and out of the
maze of passageways, each lined with traditional
old shops and stalls piled high with a variety of
goods, visitors are provided with a glimpse back into
the tradition and history of an almost bygone era.
Modern life may have transformed shopping habits and driven shoppers
into modern, air-conditioned malls, but these ancient outdoor markets,
lined with simple stalls and a colorful range of wares, are still an appealing
place to shop, barter, and discover another, more relaxed, side of life.
Riyadh has been a center for commerce for many centuries. Diriyah,
outside Riyadh, was the first Saudi state and a key trading point within
the central Najd region, being well placed along the northsouth caravan
route and attracting itinerant traders who stopped over on route to
Makkah. As a consequence, a market was established in the area hundreds
of years ago and became a focal point at the center of the community.
Markets were central to the local society, regardless of the size of the
population, and often evolved adjacent to mosques where

people congregated for Friday prayers. After prayers,
and at other times of the day, the souq became a hub for
socializing, as well as a place to buy ingredients for the days
meal, household items, or replacement tools. In old Diriyah,
the early shops were mere mud brick alcoves, closed with
decorative Najd doors. The market was enclosed within the
old city walls and remained so until the 1930s when a new
area, Bathaa-Jiri, was created as Riyadh expanded south
around Musmak Fort, which today is Riyadhs oldest building.
Regrettably, Diriyah old town was razed in 1818 and today,
the story of Riyadhs souqs begins at Thumairi Gate. Suwayda
Market, located south of Musmak Fort, has shops dating from
the 1950s. The hawkers here sell vegetables, inexpensive
household items, foods, and bric-a-brac. The sweet smell
of roasted sugar peanuts permeates the aira small bag
costing just SR1.00 provides you with a smell and taste of
traditional Arabia as you wander through the passageways.
On the other side of Musmak Fort, visitors can find shops
producing prayer beads known locally as Musbaha. The
making of these personalized strings of beads is a popular
local craft originating from the Al Madinah region. Each
Musbaha has 33 or 99 beads, each used as an aide-memoire
for an individual prayer and being made in a vast range of
colors, materials, and textures. Instead of cheap plastic beads,
the materials used by the talented craftsmen include bone,
coral, amber, carved wood, and polished stone, turning the
prayer beads from a functional item into a work of art.
Crossing Thumairi Street, the multi-cultural Tourist
Souq sells a range of inexpensive tourist trinkets. Carved
wooden camels, miniature painted holiday ornaments, metal ashtrays,

and a variety of keyrings are in evidence. There are also handicrafts
such as metal ornaments, coffee pots, and replica jewelry.
Further up the street the Gold Souq can be found. Although there is a
wide selection of readymade gold trinkets on display, the gold craftsmen
here will also make personalized pieces of jewelry to order, with or without
precious stones. They will also repair broken gold chains or reset precious
stones in rings. The gold shops make way for many antique sellers who
have, older, more traditional pieces of good quality and at affordable
prices. But dont be too proud to haggle. This is a pre-requisite of souq
shopping, and you wouldnt want to disappoint your trader would you? As
a general rule, counter any initial price suggested by a shopkeeper with
a counter offer of no more
than half the asking price.
A tall white and green clock
tower near the souq acts
as a striking landmark for
another market, the Souq Al
Adl, which is one of the most
traditional markets in Riyadh.
This market specializes in
traditional Saudi male attire
and there are a multitude of corner stalls and elegant shops. The Bisht,
or cloak, is probably the most distinctive element of national dress.
Custom requires men to wear a top covering over everything else when
at a formal or public event. The Bisht is made of high-quality fabric
with elegant gold braiding along the edge. Thobes, the standard white
garment, and gutras, the red and white checked headscarves, are sold in
numerous qualities and sizes. Lined up along shop walls you will also find
an enormous assortment of sandals or N'aal, made of high-quality leather
with embroidered stitching with no two pairs ever seeming the same.
Continuing down the maze of passageways, you will find the most
fascinating marketplace in Deira, the Antique Souq, which is a small covered
plaza with pointed tent roofs and housing traditional Saudi handicrafts.
There is a wide choice of stylishly painted Najd doors with aged locks, and
shutters salvaged from the demolition of old mud houses stacked high.
REcreation / RIYADH SOUQS
Traditional Arab daggers, etched with engravings, or swords

in leather scabbards are displayed aplenty. But the most
traditional and recognized icon of Arab hospitality available
here must be the Dallah, the traditional ornate Arab coffee pot.
The pots can be bought individually, or as part of a set together
with coffee-making utensils and small finjaan coffee cups in
metal or china. But beware, if you plan to try making Arabic
coffee at home, the process is more difficult than you think
and you will need more than just coffee beans and cardamom!
However, you will certainly find all the traditional coffeemaking accoutrements in the Antique Souq, including coffee
grinders, charming leather coffee bean sacks and wooden
bean boxes, brass mortar and pestles
for grinding, bellows, roasting pans,
and stirrerseverything that turns
coffee-making into a ritual and an art.
Nosing through the small rooms in
the back of the shops may also turn
up old musical instruments such as
traditional drums or even a rare rubaba.
For women, a wide selection of Bedouin
jewelry made in silver, bone, and stone
hang from pegboards. Braided silver belts decorated with
small rosettes, wrist bracelets and armbands, earrings, and
headbands have all their origins in the history of Saudi Arabia.
Turquoise and coral necklaces, or classic silver neckpieces
with amulets that open to hold verses of the Koran, are great
display pieces. Silver beads can also be purchased by weight
if youd like to try your hand at creating your own pieces.
To experience the exotic smells of the orient, the Incense
Souq is a must. Fragrances play an important role in the
lifestyle of the people of the Arabian Peninsulawhile
frankincense and myrrh are well known, oud is really the most
valued commodity. Oud originates from agarwood harvested in
Cambodia, India, Yemen, Oman, and the sub-continent. When
burnt inside the home in small containers it gives off a unique
perfume. The scented smoke, called bukoor, is used to perfume
everything from the general home to clothing and even the
hair. Incense burners can be bought in metal or wood decorated
with traditional patterns or mirrored glass. Oud is also available
as oud oil, which is a pungent perfume known for its medicinal
properties and a scent that strengthens the body and mind.
Continue down the walkways to the traditional Souq Zal or
rug market. The vendors are well versed in the long tradition of
rug-making from around the region, and the market provides
an insight into one of the regions oldest craftsweaving. Rugs
come in all qualities, sizes, and prices, and for the sharp-eyed,
even ones with Saudi Bedouin origins can be found. Usually
woven in strips for use as runners, wall decorations, or as
flooring in tents, the rugs are made of goats or sheeps wool
dyed in the traditional colors of orange, burnt red, and black.
For a contemporary city with many modern icons,
Riyadhs souqs can certainly provide visitors with a
fascinating insight into a traditional lifestyle that has its
origins dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years.
dont be too proud to haggle. This

is a pre-requisite of souq buying,
and you wouldnt want to disappoint

your trader would you?
PEOPLE / DAY IN THE LIFE
From humble beginnings

Starting out as a concierge at Riyadhs Hotel Al Khozama, Mamdouh AlArafshah has built up an enviable career in the hospitality industry, spanning
more than 25 years. He tells Saudi Voyager how he spends an average day
Saudi national, Mamdouh AlArafshah started his working life
as a bell-boy in the well-known
Riyadh hotel, the Al Khozama, before
working his way upwards through
various positions until, in 2000, he
was appointed to the position of
Revenue Manager with the opening
of Al Faisaliah Hotel, a sister property
jointly managed by Rosewood Hotels
& Resorts and owned by the Al

Khozama Management Company
(AKMC). Later, he worked with the
InterContinental Hotels Group for
five years, developing his knowledge
in the area of room reservations
and sales, again working in several
different positions within the hotel.
He returned to AKMC in August
2009, taking up a position in the
Business Development Division

that owns and manages properties
in Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.
I start my day with Fajjer prayers
followed by a light breakfast
along with my family before
dropping the children at school
on my way to the office, says
Al-Arafshah. This routine helps
ensure I get to the office punctually
each morning, he explains.
8:00am
On arrival at the office the first
thing to do is to review follow-up
actions from the day before, and
to make diary notes for any future
follow-up actions required from
the previous days activities. I
also attend to any emails that
may have come in overnight and
respond to them appropriately.
10:00am
AKMC owns two hotels in Riyadh
and also manages a 5star star hotel
in the holy city of Makkah and we
will shortly be managing two more
hotels in Madinah, states AlArafshah. The Al Khozama Hotel,
Madinah is scheduled to open in
the last quarter of 2011 and the Al
Faisaliah Hotel, Madinah is due to
open in the second half of 2012.
So we are all very busy working
towards these new openings. It is
an exciting time and as a member of
the business development division I
spend much of the morning sourcing
leads for the new businesses and
attending group meetings to discuss
opportunities and how we can best
manage these, says Mamdouh.
Image: supplied
1:00pm
Around lunch time, I may be
needed to meet with visitors to the
companys headquarters located
in the Al Faisaliah Tower, or to
conduct tours of the AKMC-owned
facilities in Riyadh, which include Al

Faisaliah Tower, Al Faisaliah Hotel,
Hotel Al Khozama, and Al Faisaliah
Mall, explains Mamdouh. In
between I manage to find myself
a quick bite of lunch, he says.
Al-Arafshahs responsibilities also
include supporting the business at
the AKMC-managed Al Shohada
Hotel in Makkah from his base in
Riyadh. So he schedules time to
make regular promotional visits to
potential business targets identified
in Riyadh, and explains special
packages and room rates available to
them. In 2011, the AKMC-managed,
Al Shohada Hotel in Makkah
secured the Highly Commended
trophy in the Best Domestic Hotel
category of the inaugural Saudi
Excellence in Tourism Awards
organized by the Saudi Commission
for Tourism and Antiquities which,
Mamdouh states has contributed
to my sales story when meeting
clients. The hotel has also received
recognition at the World Travel
Awards as the Leading Hotel in
Makkah for the two consecutive
years of 2010 and 2011.
4:30pm
In the late afternoon when work is
finished for the day, I sometimes go
to the Saudi Equestrian Federation
as I am a member of the panel of
judges evaluating participants in
jumping competitions. I start to
wind up my day at around 7pm
when I get home to spend time
with the family and to help the
children with their homework, says
Al-Arafshah. The hospitality
industry has given me a good
career with the opportunity to
meet lots of interesting people
and I am pleased to be playing a
role in the development of the
Kingdoms tourism industry,
Mamdouh concludes.

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Discover!

Autumn 2011 / issue seven

Tarut Island weekend

Saving the Houbara Bustard

s we go to press with this latest edition of Saudi Voyager, the

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 03

Discover! Saudi Arabia

Day in the life / 76

Mapping the future / 50

Chief Executive Officer

CONTENTS / SAUDI VOYAGER

Capital golf/ 52-53

The big picture / 40

Its all a question

As a hotel developer or operator, you may

when diligence is due

Tel +971 4 344 3734

Kings lifetime captured

humanitarian, political and religious arenas.

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 07

Record visitors view Saudi artifacts

The fifth edition of the annual Souk

Following record attendance

bin Salman, president of

archeological artifacts which

EU puts on show of partnership

08 / Saudi Voyager / Autumn 2011

strong belief that cultural exchanges help

Think tank debates urban heritage

with urban heritage development and preservation.

Saudi Moon Boat making Shanghai return

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 09

Garyah artifacts returned

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Recovery, has made great efforts

Prince Khalid to lead summit

Key local, regional and international players from the

Saudi and Turkey cement closer relations

10 / Saudi Voyager / Autumn 2011

nations could enhance tourism development through

Britain seeks closer ties

Book lists new approach

Students visit dig

World tourism chief

generate a rich source of income while

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 11

12 / Saudi Voyager / Autumn 2011

SCTA committed to Saudization

These activities will ensure a

and was overawed to be in the same room in which the

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 13

INDUSTRY / NEWS ANALYSIS

Making strides into KSA

remier Inn has over 600

14 / Saudi Voyager / Autumn 2011

Another developer has identified large

rates include accommodation for a family of

Museum design moves into the 21st century

The future of our past

he recent 1st Private Museum

enjoyable, even entertaining, experience.

and construction of museums and museum

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 15