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.”

 


Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference

Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference
Updated 19 sec ago
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Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference

Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference
  • Issue requires ‘multifaceted, sustained response,’ KSrelief chief tells Arab News

JEDDAH: After years of international neglect, the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region finally commanded global attention on Saturday as international leaders, humanitarian organizations, and government representatives convened in Jeddah for the High-Level Ministerial Donors Conference. 

Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali — struggling with conflict, displacement, and hunger. 

“The fact that we are all here today is already a success,” Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, told Arab News on the sidelines of the event. “This conference has brought a forgotten crisis back to the forefront, where it deserves to be, and we are giving voice to millions who have been ignored for too long.”

A crisis long overlooked by the world

For years, the multifaceted crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region has failed to capture the sustained attention of the global community. Despite the destabilizing effects of violent extremism, environmental degradation, and deep-seated poverty, the region has struggled to secure the international resources needed for an effective response. 

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the conference, Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s regional director for West and Central Africa, described the dire state of affairs.

“This is one of the most severe humanitarian crises we face, yet it receives far less attention than others,” Fagninou said. “Millions of women, children, and families are trapped in a cycle of suffering that the world seems to have forgotten.”

The violence that is responsible for much of the displacement of the local population in the area has largely been caused by armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to spread terror across northern Nigeria and the broader region. Their brutal insurgencies have forced more than 11 million people from their homes, creating one of the largest displacement crises globally.

Patrick Youssef, regional director for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross, emphasized this during his interview with Arab News. “Every year, we see more displacement, more conflict, and an ever-widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available,” he said. “Conflict and climate change are converging, making the suffering of these populations unimaginable.”

A human catastrophe: displacement, hunger, and desperation

The humanitarian fallout from the crisis is staggering. Families displaced by conflict now reside in overcrowded camps where basic necessities — food, clean water, and medical care — are in critically short supply.

Al-Rabeeah stressed the human cost, saying: “The numbers are not just statistics — behind every figure is a person who has lost their home, their livelihood, and their sense of safety.”

With more than 3 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria alone and millions more across Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the region’s humanitarian needs are overwhelming.

A particularly pressing concern is food security. According to UNICEF, 13 million people are at immediate risk of malnutrition, with children disproportionately affected. Fagninou warned that the situation is on the verge of spiraling further into disaster.

“We are on the brink of a catastrophe,” he said. “If the international community does not act now, millions of lives are at stake. This crisis is happening now — it is not a distant threat.”

Climate change: a growing threat to stability

Compounding the region’s instability is the devastating impact of climate change. Lake Chad, once the heartbeat of economic and social life for nearly 30 million people across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, has shrunk by a staggering 90 percent over the last 50 years due to climate change and unsustainable water use.

The loss of so much of the lake has severely undermined local economies, particularly in fishing and agriculture, while desertification is forcing nomadic herders and farmers into direct competition over dwindling resources.

Youssef highlighted the brutal reality of these interconnected crises in his interview, saying: “The interplay between violence, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation is overwhelming communities.

“We are seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change in real-time. Livelihoods are collapsing, and displaced populations are struggling to find even the most basic resources, such as water and food.”

Erratic weather patterns, including droughts and floods, have further worsened the situation, with agricultural production becoming increasingly unreliable. The Sahel region is now seeing the expansion of arid lands, driving migration and intensifying conflicts over resources. 

As Al-Rabeeah noted, addressing these environmental challenges is key to long-term stability. “It is not enough to provide immediate relief; we need to invest in sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies that can prevent future crises,” he said.

The urgent need for international action

Despite the magnitude of the crisis, it remains one of the most underfunded humanitarian emergencies in the world. The UN and international NGOs have repeatedly called attention to the funding gaps that have hampered efforts to meet basic needs, such as food, healthcare, and education. 

Al-Rabeeah underscored the importance of a sustained international commitment: “While food security and healthcare are immediate priorities, we must also focus on building resilience and creating pathways for development. This is not just a short-term emergency — it requires a multifaceted, sustained response.”

Both Fagninou and Youssef echoed his sentiments. Fagninou, speaking on the role of the global community, said: “The international community must recognize the urgency of this crisis and provide the necessary resources. Local governments are doing their part, but they cannot tackle this alone.”

Youssef, reflecting on the broader needs, remarked: “Humanitarian assistance alone will not end the suffering. We need a commitment to peace and stability, alongside humanitarian efforts. Without addressing the root causes of conflict, the cycle of violence and displacement will only continue.” 

A path forward: hope amid the crisis

The presence of high-level delegations, UN agencies, and major donor countries at the conference has produced a renewed sense of hope that the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region will no longer be overlooked, and signals a potential turning point in mobilizing international support. Al-Rabeeah, for one, expressed optimism.

“The fact that so many key stakeholders are at the table — from governments to international donors and UN agencies—means that this crisis is no longer being ignored,” he said. “I believe we can generate significant financial commitments, despite global economic challenges.”

This conference could prove to be a pivotal moment in the international response to one of the world’s most overlooked humanitarian crises. It is a call to action; a reminder that the people of the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin are not forgotten, and that — with the right support — there is still hope for a brighter future.


KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen

KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen
Updated 36 min 33 sec ago
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KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen

KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen
  • Under the terms of the agreement, 13,798 tons of essential food items will be distributed
  • The program will support activities that drive resilience by providing conditional financial assistance to participating families

JEDDAH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with the UN World Food Program at a high-level conference in Jeddah to provide $25 million in food aid to the most vulnerable families in Yemen, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agreement was signed at the OIC Donor Conference to Support Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, co-hosted by KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It was signed by KSrelief’s senior adviser for medical and humanitarian research, Dr. Ziyad Meemish, and the WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau.
Under the terms of the agreement, 13,798 tons of essential food items will be distributed, and the program will support activities that drive resilience by providing conditional financial assistance to participating families, to establish and rehabilitate resources that support the food chain over six cycles.
The initiative will directly benefit 546,364 individuals and indirectly assist a further 57,313 people in the governorates of Hudaydah, Dhale, Marib, Al-Bayda, Hadhramaut, Al-Mahrah, and Socotra.
Supervisor-general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, held several meetings at the conference.
He met with Skau and the two sides discussed the latest developments in KSrelief-WFP projects, which provide essential food aid and improve living conditions in needy communities.
Skau commended the Kingdom’s significant humanitarian role, exercised through KSrelief.
Al-Rabeeah also met with UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.
The two officials discussed cooperation and issues of common interest pertaining to relief and humanitarian affairs, as well as key topics tackled at the conference.
Additionally, Al-Rabeeah held a meeting with UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban.
They discussed humanitarian and relief efforts, particularly global support for children.


Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia

Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia
Updated 49 min 11 sec ago
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Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia

Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia
  • Kingdom’s unwavering support praised by minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr and Tunisian Minister for Equipment and Housing Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri have overseen the delivery of 1,568 housing units funded by the Saudi Fund for Development in Bakri city in the Ariana Governorate in northern Tunisia.

Abdullah bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, the Saudi fund’s director of North Africa operations, was present at the occasion, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The initial phase of the project, which is being implemented in various governorates of Tunisia, involves the provision of 4,715 social housing units with concessional financing from the Saudi fund totaling $150 million.

The Tunisian minister expressed gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support.

Al-Saqr congratulated the families benefiting from the project, which is designed to provide adequate accommodation for Tunisian citizens.

He pledged the Saudi fund’s commitment to carrying out all of its guaranteed development projects in the various regions of Tunisia.

An $85 million contract was signed last month to construct and equip the King Salman bin Abdulaziz University Hospital in Kairouan, Tunisia, through the SFD.

The project aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, establishing Kairouan as a regional health hub for the northwest and central regions.

This will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment and help bridge the development gap between Tunisian regions, promoting social growth and stimulating economic activity.

The Saudi fund has already provided Tunisia with funding for 32 development projects and programs through development soft loans totaling more than $1.23 billion.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has provided four grants through the fund, amounting to more than $105 million, to support various development sectors in Tunisia.


Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition

Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition
Updated 26 October 2024
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Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition

Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition

RIYADH: Hussein Al-Ghamdi, an 80-year-old farmer from Al-Makhwah governorate in the Baha region, has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient tradition of millet cultivation in the Shada Mountains.

By utilizing the region’s natural resources, he has transformed barren slopes into fertile terraces producing various crops, with millet as a staple, reports the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Ghamdi is passionate about agriculture and committed to passing on the tradition to future generations.

Millet, a resilient crop which is suited to the region’s arid climate, is an ingredient in local cuisine and is used to make dishes like bread and porridge. Its versatility and nutritional value have made it a staple food for centuries.

In recent years, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has recognized the importance of preserving the cultivation of millet.

It has initiated efforts to modernize farming practices to promote the crop’s nutritional benefits while expanding its cultivation area.

The annual millet festival in Al-Makhwah has also significantly revitalized the tradition and inspired younger generations to embrace agriculture.

By blending innovation with tradition, Al-Ghamdi continues to enhance the region’s food security and cultural heritage.


Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness

Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness
Updated 26 October 2024
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Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness

Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness
  • The three-day exhibition will feature workshops, meetings and lectures

RIYADH: The third Saudi Pet & Vet Expo, the only pet exhibition in the Kingdom, will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from Oct. 28-30.

The three-day exhibition will feature workshops, meetings and lectures addressing topics such as animal healthcare, disease prevention and modern veterinary care techniques.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will sponsor the event, creating an annual platform for local and international experts to exchange knowledge in veterinary medicine and pet care.

More than 120 exhibitors from 16 countries will showcase a range of products and services, including veterinary clinics, pet food companies, pet supply stores, vaccine manufacturers and animal welfare organizations.

It will also help to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the sector, encouraging pet adoption and promoting responsible ownership.

The event is expected to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and raise awareness about pet care and welfare.

The Saudi Arabian market for pet care is estimated at about SR4.4 billion ($1.2 billion), with a growth rate exceeding 9 percent annually, according to statistics published on the expo’s official website.

Saudi Arabia also imports pet and bird food from 18 countries worldwide, including the US, Spain, Germany, Italy, Thailand, France, Turkiye, China and India.