Nomadic Lounge

Hardships & Friends

Ammar Awaad — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:45:39 +0000

“Sometimes a rough patch is so much more important than the good times. You learn, you grow, and you become stronger. And then next time you smile, you really appreciate it. Happiness becomes so much more enjoyable. So whatever it is, it’ll pass <3 and you’ll be smiling big again soon. Although I don’t know [...]

Stupid quote of the week: “Women driving spurs premarital sex”

Ammar Awaad — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:52:07 +0000

This article by the Associated Press made its rounds on the internet a few days ago and caused a lot anger amongst the Saudi women here. According to the article a “well known academic” (name was not given) was sent to the King’s council to advise them of the negative effects of women driving in [...]

I am Arab

Ammar Awaad — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:15:34 +0000

Lately, I have seen many good advertisements on Arab television, the one below is just made it on my top 3 list. It is an advert for the upcoming Doha Arab Games (which I had no clue existed till today)and highlights the characteristics and strengths of all Arabs. Great words, Great shots. Top 3 list (no particular order): one two and the third is [...]

Keep it clean people!

Ammar Awaad — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:37:23 +0000

Classes are done, I am walking down into the parking lot when I overhear two student’s disgust at something. As I turn the corner I see the problem instantly. It was hideous and stood out like a sore thumb. There is a semi empty trash can and scattered around is trash and food from a recent lunch [...]

How many saudi’s does it take to make a deposit?

Ammar Awaad — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:07:04 +0000

I really wish I did not have to write this piece, however, my experience yesterday at the bank left me wanting to shout a thousand things to the manager. My apologies in advanced for my lack of humor in the title, but it got your attention right? Yesterday after finishing classes, I had ran off to the [...]

When Saudi Women Vote …

Ammar Awaad — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:16:44 +0000

As hilarious as the irony in this picture is, I see real progress in Saudi Arabia in regards to women’s rights. Before, I continue, it should be made that overall Saudi and Arab women are not oppressed by their male counter parts as claimed by the west. As a matter of fact, my mother of Arab decent completed [...]

TacoBell in Riyadh!!

Ammar Awaad — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:04:46 +0000

Ever get that midnight craving? That gut girrgling (is that even a word?) craving? For me it is TacoBell! And I have been deprived from this unhealthy goodness for 5 years. Yea, even I admit TacoBell back home wasn’t exactly quality food, but it definitely hit the spot. It was our hangout spot in high school and our goto place [...]

Welcome Back! Nomadic Lounge 2.0

Ammar Awaad — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:34:57 +0000

Its been a while! The blog has since gotten a fresher simpler look, before it was unfocused and v1.0 was not cutting it. You may have also noticed that the logo has changed! This one is significant because it shows the reverse effect Saudi Arabia had on me, pixel me ( I always wanted a [...]

Planning on opening a business in Saudi? Think again.

Ammar Awaad — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:34:46 +0000

The Middle East has been a hotspot for new business opportunities and Saudi Arabia was not going to miss out on the economic success of its Gulf neighbors. Saudi has been working round the clock to build up it massive economic city near King Khaled Airport and is easing its regulations for Saudis and foreigners alike to obtain business licenses. I [...]

Skyline of Riyadh

Ammar Awaad — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:34:31 +0000

The skyline of Riyadh has changed dramatically since I arrived 5 years ago. These a few shots I snapped up-top the balcony of the 11A restaurant in the Fasiliah Tower during the Eid firework show.