Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life

Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)
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Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)
Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life
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Ali Almenaie with foreign tourists. (Supplied)
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Ali Almenaie with foreign tourists. (Supplied)
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Ali Almenaie with foreign tourists. (Supplied)
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Kholoud Abdulwassie with foreign tourists. (Supplied)
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Kholoud Abdulwassie pose for a group photo with visitors. (Supplied)
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Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life

Discover Jeddah brings the city’s soul to life
  • Ali Almenaie’s tourism project resulted from the desire to tell the story of the ‘Bride of the Red Sea’

JEDDAH: Jeddah has long been the gateway to the Kingdom, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economy through its historic ties to commerce and its unique position as a hub for religious tourism, primarily Umrah and Hajj.

With the launch of Vision 2030, the city was destined to be at the forefront of the National Transformation Program, which elevates the tourism sector and establishes an ecosystem capable of welcoming 100 million tourists annually.




Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

In a stroke of serendipity, Discover Jeddah was founded in 2017 — the same year the program’s execution began. Today, the tourism startup is not just encouraging local and international tourists to visit Saudi Arabia, but to discover Jeddah, the Kingdom’s vibrant coastal hub.

The concept is pretty simple: it is all about telling the story of the “Bride of the Red Sea,” said Ali Almenaie, the CEO of the project with roots in Jeddah, where he was born and raised.




Ali Almenaie, Discover Jeddah founder

He told Arab News: “With too much information out there, I felt that there was a need to show Jeddah through the eyes of those who love it, so that those who have not visited Jeddah or those who have but did not experience the heart and soul of the city, fall in love with it.”

As demand for authentic experiences grew, Almenaie pursued certification from the Ministry of Tourism to become a registered tour guide.




Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm and significant heritage, remains the most popular destination for local and international visitors. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

In 2023, he launched Discover Al-Balad, a tour service offering an immersive experience of one of Saudi Arabia’s World Heritage Sites.

On Instagram, Almenaie has curated a visual love letter to Jeddah and Al-Balad, capturing people’s interest, sparking their curiosity and encouraging more people to visit.

I felt that there was a need to show Jeddah through the eyes of those who love it, so that those who have not visited Jeddah or those who have but did not experience the heart and soul of the city, fall in love with it.

Ali Almenaie, Discover Jeddah founder

“From a young age I found myself drawn to the art of curation, capturing and collecting images that resonated with the things I cherished most in life,” Almenaie explained.

“I was captivated by the power of visuals to tell a story. This love for storytelling naturally extended to Jeddah, the city of my heart. I began to gather images that could capture its essence, hoping to piece together a narrative that was both personal and profound.”




A brief tour of Al-Balad takes about 1.5 hours, while a more in-depth exploration, including its hidden gems, can last three to four hours. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

Almenaie added that he felt there was “a glaring absence, a silence where there should have been a vibrant, visual tale of Jeddah.”

He said: “The city’s story was out there, waiting to be told, but it was missing the richness that only images could convey. I realized that what was lacking was a visual narrative — one that could bring to life the soul of Jeddah, beyond words, in a way that was immediate and impactful.”




Kholoud Abdulwassie, tour guide.

In addition to guided tours, Discover Jeddah offers advertising services that include storytelling about significant locations in Jeddah.

It also offers multilingual tours to ensure that everyone can easily appreciate the city’s significance and its heritage sites. It also suggests optimal times for tours, so visitors can make the most of their experience, capturing beautiful moments to cherish and share.




Domestic tourists have mostly been Saudis, and British, German, Russian, and Egyptian residents. (Supplied/ Instagram/discoverjeddah)

One tourist from Ghana provided feedback, which said: “This tour doesn’t just show you the structures and tell you the facts, it takes you back in time to sense, see, and feel the old city. The tour is very family-friendly and tailored to the interests of the audience.”

Almenaie said: “We are planning to add more tour guides who can communicate in Japanese, Chinese, Urdu, Hindi, and Malayalam.”

There are only five tour guides, including Almenaie, at present. The reason for the small number is to ensure that quality does not get compromised while giving tours.

And while the focus is on Jeddah, the company occasionally runs tours in Madinah, Makkah and Riyadh in Arabic, English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.

To Almenaie, running a tourism operation means avoiding “a purely transactional approach to business.”

He added: “This helps us identify people who have a genuine interest in discovering the city, allowing us to focus our efforts on them and save time by not pursuing those who may not fully appreciate what we offer.”

The most common nationalities using the services of Discover Jeddah are Americans, Brazilians, Europeans, Indians, and Ghanaians. Domestic tourists have mostly been Saudis, and British, German, Russian, and Egyptian residents.

One of the veteran tour guides is Kholoud Abdulwassie, who used to live in Germany. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in zoology from King Abdulaziz University, which gave her valuable insights into the fauna of Saudi Arabia.

She has been with Discover Jeddah for two years now, and told Arab News: “My love for my city, especially the historic Al-Balad, where my family’s roots are and our houses still stand, drew me to this role. After learning about Discover Jeddah, I was eager to join a team that felt like the perfect match.”

Abdulwassie believes that each day brings something new, and added: “On tour days we welcome guests and lead them through the wonders of Jeddah. On days without tours, we focus on brainstorming and creating fresh experiences to offer.”

Al-Balad, with its captivating historic charm, remains the most popular destination. Other must-see highlights in Jeddah include the bustling fish market, the luxurious Jeddah Yacht Club, the serene Al-Rahma Mosque, popularly known as the “Floating Mosque,” and the picturesque Al-Hamra Corniche, home to the stunning King Fahd’s Fountain.

A brief tour of Al-Balad takes about 1.5 hours, while a more in-depth exploration, including its hidden gems, can last three to four hours. Full-day tours, which cover multiple locations, typically extend to around eight hours. These experiences often include tasting traditional Saudi food and learning about the daily life of a typical Saudi family.

Abdulwassie said that to engage with tourists from different cultural backgrounds was crucial.

She added: “It allows me to tailor each experience to the unique interests of our guests.

“As Jeddah natives, we’re accustomed to interacting with people from all over the world, especially during Hajj. My personal experiences, having visited around 25 countries and lived in Germany and Egypt, provide me with a broad cultural perspective that I bring to every tour.”

Among the most challenging situations Abdulwassie encounters is dealing with Jeddah’s humidity and blistering summer heat.

She said: “Summer weather can be challenging, so we design special routes with frequent air-conditioned stops to keep our guests cool and hydrated.”

She added: “I once had the privilege of guiding a UK traveler who was visiting Saudi Arabia as her 198th country. It was an honor to show her around, and she later invited me to her home in London. Together, we enjoyed marking Saudi Arabia on her travel map.”

 


Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event

Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
Updated 4 sec ago
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Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event

Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
  • The event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Authority, held an exhibition in Riyadh to promote cybersecurity awareness.

Under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips.

Visitors could test their cybersecurity knowledge and learn about safe online practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently signed strategic agreements with the Saudi Information Technology Co. to enhance its cybersecurity.

Abdulhadi Al-Mansouri, assistant minister for executive affairs, and Majed Al-Mazyad, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, attended the signing.

Three contracts were signed in Riyadh, with Saad Al-Aboudi, CEO of the Saudi Information Technology Co., in attendance.

This collaboration aims to strengthen the ministry’s cybersecurity system, aligning with the Kingdom’s goals in this sector.
 


Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
  • The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning that there will be thunderstorms in several regions of Saudi Arabia until Friday.

The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and strong winds, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat are particularly at risk, while Turabah may have light rainfall.

The Riyadh region will also be affected, with light to moderate rain forecast for Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Hawtah Bani Tamim and Al-Kharj.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran, while the Eastern Province may experience light showers.

The Civil Defense has urged people to exercise caution, avoid areas prone to flash floods, including valleys, and refrain from swimming in flooded areas.

Members of the public should stay updated on the latest weather conditions through various media channels.

Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes offering relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.


Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 
Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

RIYADH: The second Saudi relief plane, operated by KSrelief, departed on Monday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carrying food, medical supplies and shelter aid to Beirut International Airport.

This mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.

This aid aims to alleviate the suffering of those affected in Lebanon and is part of the Kingdom’s support across various humanitarian and relief sectors.


Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure
Updated 14 October 2024
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Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure
  • Caves and sinkholes offer glimpse into the past with their unique geological formations
  • Kingdom’s 1,826 caves have underground tunnels formed naturally in dry limestone areas

Riyadh: At least 542 caves and sinkholes discovered in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region offer more destinations for the increasing number of tourists, adventurers and researchers interested in these structures, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Of varying shapes, these structures offer a glimpse into the past with their unique geological formations, said the report, quoting Burjas Al-Falih, a speleologist and a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy.

Among the most famous caves in the Kingdom are the Jabal Qarah in Hufuf, Dahl Heet in Riyadh city, and Shuwaimis in Hail region.

 

Caves and sinkholes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has recently begun examining these structures in the Northern Borders region as a part of its Caves Exploration Program, which began in 2022.

According to the center, there are at least 1,826 caves in the Kingdom.

These consist of underground passages and tunnels formed by natural processes in dry limestone areas — evidence of a historical era that experienced prolonged rainy conditions.

The breathtaking rock structures often feature stalactites and stalagmites.

The rock structures, often featuring stalactites and stalagmites, create breathtaking views. (SPA)

Al-Falih emphasized the importance of documenting cave explorations. By classifying locations, types and access, adventurers can explore these sites responsibly, he said.

Organizing official trips to these locations can also help ensure their protection, he added.

In an earlier SPA report, Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban, the chief executive officer of the NCW, explained that the discoveries in the caves hold significant environmental value for the Kingdom.

“The cave ecosystems serve as a historical museum, providing evidence of the biological diversity that has existed in the Kingdom throughout various historical eras, as well as the spatial, environmental, and climatic changes in the Arabian Peninsula,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the center’s earlier discovery of Arabian cheetah mummies in a cave — with some skeletons estimated to be over 4,000 years old — provided the first evidence of the species’ presence in the Kingdom.

Researchers from the center had also discovered rare bats and the remains of several extinct animals, he said.

The cave ecosystem is one of the rarest and most important of its kind in the world, recognized as a part of a nation’s natural heritage by UNESCO.


Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
  • The officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.

They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments.