tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31007881163546756092026-04-06T10:17:08.962+03:00Tales From The Magic KingdomLaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-73334846515900776062013-08-22T20:23:00.003+03:002013-08-22T20:35:37.204+03:00

When I first met Sinta, an Indonesian housemaid turned into a prisoner of a hospital room, her entire being had an effect on me that I'll never forget. Sinta's sincerity was so genuine it made her appear almost child-like in her trust of others. The kindness of her heart shone through the lovely but shy smile on her face. A smile that would light up the whole room and bring a special kind

Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967364754340653765noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-22754242042553773362013-08-17T01:10:00.002+03:002013-08-17T11:21:56.197+03:00

Dear Blue Abaya readers, the following is a guest post written by Alex Bint Eisa. I recommend her article especially for the non-Muslim readers to learn a thing or two about Jihad that you might not have known before. If you think you've got what it takes to write for Blue Abaya, your writing is factual, beneficial to the readers and as a bonus spiced with a dash of humor, feel free to contact

Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967364754340653765noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-73320371534599325722013-08-10T01:29:00.000+03:002013-08-10T02:01:16.280+03:00

Riyadh Municipality is organizing Eid Al Fitr celebrations for the year 2013 in over 200 locations around town. There's events for family, women only and children. It might be hard for expatriates to know where the festivities are and the timings. Finding the information in English is hard every year, unfortunately it's quite poorly advertised and promoted to the English speaking expats in Riyadh

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-38991848678378639032013-08-04T17:36:00.003+03:002013-08-07T23:04:18.912+03:00

UPDATE: Eid Al Fitr has been confirmed to begin on the 8th of August! Meaning, the Eid celebrations will be held on the first three days 8th, 9th and 10th of August! My article from the Destination Riyadh Magazine August 2013 issue: Top Ten Things To Do During Eid Al-Fitr Holidays In Riyadh Eid Al-Fitr 2013 in Saudi Arabia is expected to begin on the 7th of August. Most companies and

Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967364754340653765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-5110687128229661332013-07-31T15:26:00.000+03:002013-07-31T15:27:53.036+03:00

The Holy month of Ramadan changes the daily rhythm drastically in Saudi hospitals. Basically the hospital, just like the rest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, becomes alive at night and quiets down for the day during the Muslim fasting month. Read more here on how the Saudis usually visit the sick at hospitals.  Needless to say the amount of visitors during Ramadan will

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-79583584718529390272013-07-25T13:57:00.000+03:002013-07-25T15:04:08.668+03:00

One of the most popular outdoors activities for locals and expats alike is going out to the nearby desert for some quad biking. Quads, four wheelers, sand buggies, whatever you call them, it's always a blast to drive them! The best thing is women can also drive, even in an all-women groups. The Thumamah sand dunes outside Riyadh are a popular place for renting quads on the weekends. There's a

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-54815787751140779702013-07-18T14:48:00.000+03:002013-07-19T00:04:10.285+03:00

Ramadan Mubarak to all Blue Abaya readers! The following article was published in Saudi Gazette on Wednesday. I wrote the article because every year that I spend in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, the more all the over consuming and madness is starting to bother me. The true, original meaning of Ramadan has been totally forgotten and it makes me feel really sad to see what is has become for some.

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-61026714098688728412013-07-12T22:53:00.000+03:002013-07-13T23:19:03.122+03:00

I'm excited to announce some new developments for Blue Abaya! Some of you may have noticed that "Blue Abaya Photography" has opened a fan page on Facebook. Blue Abaya has also opened a store on Society6, a network where artists all over the world sell their artworks. Take advantage of the FREE Worldwide shipping PROMO exclusively for Blue Abaya Photography customers who

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-15380727951561317882013-07-12T11:52:00.000+03:002013-07-13T03:41:11.602+03:00

This article was published in the Destination Riyadh July issue! Get your DR copy at Danube, SASCO gas stations, Whites Pharmacy and all the major hotel chains. For a full list of the locations check the Destination Riyadh Facebook page Things To Do In DQ In The Summer 1. Enjoy a fun day at the wave pool. The Sports Club outdoor pool area is definitely one of Riyadh’s hidden gems.

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-48665041528697186862013-07-04T01:23:00.000+03:002013-07-04T14:57:43.538+03:00

The following is an excerpt from an article published in Newsline November 2012 issue. Journalist Naima Rashid writes about the three most popular expat blogs written by foreign wives to Saudis; American Bedu, Susie of Arabia and Blue Abaya. She talks about what all these blogs have in common, and how they offer a unique perspective and window into the Saudi culture.The entire article can be

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-60145244908577173672013-06-30T01:28:00.001+03:002013-06-30T01:28:59.438+03:00

The date season is just around the corner and so is Ramadan, the month when Muslims consume the most dates during the whole year! Millions of Muslims all over the world will be breaking their fasts with a date or three. Dates are extremely healthy in so many ways, they deserve a post on their own just to explain all their amazing health benefits..For now I will tell you where to go in

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-50734716372054302222013-06-23T02:11:00.000+03:002013-08-31T00:12:39.820+03:00

I wrote the following poem thinking of my own daughter, still so small and innocent. Her and her little brother are so close, always together and they love each other dearly. When I watch them happily playing together, oblivious to gender roles, sometimes I can't help thinking, will it be like this later when they are older? Will the surrounding culture have an effect greater than my own

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-71695784141235890902013-06-17T00:43:00.000+03:002013-06-22T17:38:21.452+03:00

.btext { font-family: "Georgia", Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 175%; font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; text-transform: none; color: #545454; } .htext { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; line-height: 120%; font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; text-transform: uppercase; }

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-59815752652035214552013-06-05T14:57:00.004+03:002013-06-06T00:56:35.222+03:00

There's no doubt that summer is here to stay. It's getting hotter by the day with recorded temperatures reaching almost 50C! Lots of women are looking for swimming pools in Riyadh that could be used by females only. There aren't many olympic sized public swimming pools out there, but a few great options are available for those looking for a refreshing and cooling day out at the pool. Whether

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-75789339023517593962013-06-01T12:30:00.000+03:002013-06-02T15:42:30.932+03:00

Please do not use any of the images on this post without permission, thank you! This article also appears on Destination Riyadh June 2013 Issue! Lake Kharrarah Park and Hifna Waterfall A lake and a waterfall in Saudi Arabia? Yes! Believe it or not such gems do exist and of all places, in the middle of the desert. The magnificent red sand dunes outside Riyadh’s city limits hide this surprising

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-10466125471389988082013-05-20T02:39:00.001+03:002013-05-20T02:39:04.068+03:00

My Article on Destination Riyadh May 2013 Travel Issue: Ushaiger Village Ushaiger village is located approximately 180km NW out of Riyadh and is one of the oldest mud villages in the Najd region. What makes Ushaiger special is the fact that some of the local families treasured their heritage so much they decided to renovate some buildings and parts of the town back to its old glory. And all

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-65136379815767733102013-05-08T03:38:00.001+03:002013-05-08T03:38:08.090+03:00

My article on Destination Riyadh's May travel issue: Top 10 Things To Do In Abha And Around Abha region is a very popular holiday destination in the summer due its beautiful scenery, the famous misty mountain tops and cooling breezes.  Tourists from all over the GCC flock here to escape the sweltering summer heat. At an elevation of 2200m above the Red Sea, the area enjoys pleasant

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-5635733897633166602013-04-12T01:12:00.000+03:002013-04-14T01:31:41.906+03:00

This is an article I wrote for Destination Riyadh April Issue: "Top Ten Things To Do At Janadriyah Festival" it's a quick guide and tips on the most interesting things to do in the festival area. Janadriyah opening times are for families from Asr prayer around 4 pm until midnight every day until 19th April!  "The annually held Cultural Heritage festival Janadriyah is undeniably one of the

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-80708429899431818592013-04-03T15:38:00.002+03:002013-04-03T15:38:18.386+03:00

Have you been to the Najdi village restaurant in Riyadh yet? Highly recommended for all expats and this is THE place to take your guests visiting Riyadh! This is my article which was first published in the first ever Destination Riyadh magazine March issue! Destination Riyadh is a sister publication of the popular Destination Jeddah. It's about time that Riyadh gets its own English language city

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-9510701642127944382013-03-28T15:43:00.000+03:002013-04-14T00:10:29.281+03:00

Janadriyah 2013 is just around the corner so I thought of sharing with Blue Abaya readers the guide I wrote for the Women's Skills Bureau March Newsletter. The festival will begin on the 3rd of April continuing until the 19th April 2013. The first few days are men only and the King will inaugurate the festival with a spectacular opening ceremony Operetta on the 3rd April. The

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-15957641285482325722013-03-16T01:59:00.003+03:002013-05-08T03:40:21.563+03:00

It's almost time for the annual Janadriyah Cultural Heritage festival, organized in 2013 for the 28th time. I for one have been waiting for this festival for months. I truly love going to Janadriyah and have been there every year since I came to Saudi in 2008 and some years I went on several days. The festival has surely changed a lot over the years but some things remain the same like

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-11246221598705926772013-03-06T00:14:00.000+03:002013-03-06T01:01:11.601+03:00

Remember the "Anonymous Saudi Man" who shared with us his insightful thoughts on tribalism, love and marriage in Saudi Arabia? (You can read that post here.) I'm so excited to share Saudi Man's candid thoughts on Blue Abaya for the second time. I really enjoy his open and to the point approach of analyzing the Saudi culture. This time he's bringing a very interesting and unheard of

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-12367393148788549082013-03-03T15:38:00.001+03:002013-03-03T15:38:36.431+03:00

For a nice day trip out of Riyadh, the village of Raghbah North West of the city is worth a visit. The old mud village has some interesting buildings and architecture, an ancient mosque and a watch tower which is possible to climb up and admire the views down to the city and the magnificent mountains in the background. This enchanting little mud village is located about 120 km outside

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-52080231783578839092013-02-27T23:59:00.000+03:002013-02-28T03:18:28.237+03:00

I'm so thrilled to announce that Blue Abaya has been nominated for the second time as finalist in the category Best Asian Weblog at the annual Weblog Awards, The Bloggies! Blue Abaya is the only Middle-Eastern blog among the five finalists! How awesome is that folks? Like really amazingly awesome. Thank you for those fans and readers out there who nominated Blue Abaya! Could not have done it

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100788116354675609.post-8709886957816117912013-02-24T03:45:00.000+03:002013-08-26T00:46:38.293+03:00

Sometimes I get royally pissed off. Today was one such day. I was feeling grumpy like the Grumpy cat pictured above. Let me tell you why. It started out The Perfect day, lovely weather, clear skies, let's walk to the park. Everything seemed promising.  Until the day was ruined by the World's Most Perverted Perverts. I normally try to ignore the pervert creep-o's around here and just

Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517032571160920075noreply@blogger.com59