House Hunting in Riyadh: Things To Check Before Signing That Lease Contract

Okay, so we've been combing Riyadh for the rental home of our dreams and we think we found, The One. Okay, reality check. Probably not our dream home, but at least a comfortable place to live in here in Riyadh. But before we jumped in and signed the contract, we had to make sure that everything was going to be acceptable by turnover. After all who doesn't want to come home to a nice and cozy place, right? 

We've compiled a list of things you might want to consider when choosing your new home. Some of these may be self-explanatory but sometimes we get carried away by how the flat looks and we overlook the important things. Ready? Let's get crackin'!

Phone/Internet 

Hubby and I both depend on our computers for work. Suffice it to say that we cannot survive without internet access. Hubby had to make sure that our new flat could be fitted with an STC line and installed with an internet line or a fiber optic cable. In case, you know, we'll need 40mbps of internet at home. LOL.

Anyway, he called STC and they asked if the building already had an "STC Cabinet". Look for a metal STC sign around the building wall. If the building doesn't have an STC cabinet it will take longer for you to get a line. Ours took only 2 days to install because it was already STC-ready. Also if you plan to upgrade to a fiber optic line, check for the letters "FTTH" on the second row.

Water Pressure

The flat we found was nice to look at but when hubby came back to check, it turns out that the tap's water pressure was really low. So we asked to building owner to repair it first. Trickling water is a deal breaker if you live three floors up.

Cracks on the Wall or Ceiling Damages

When a building is new, sometimes it needs to "settle" first. This is very common for places that experience extreme temperatures as it causes the building materials to expand and contract before finally setting in. If it's just hair line cracks, that's normal and easy to repair. But if these are wide cracks that re-crack after repair, it may indicate structural issues with the building. You have to take note of these because you might be held responsible for damages when the time comes to move out.

Painting

Are you allowed to paint the wall? Do you really need to paint the wall? If you do, be prepared to work on it over the entire weekend. Do this at least a week before you move your things in as some paint smell can be really harsh. Talk to paint sellers to determine the right kind of paint for your needs and lifestyle. 

Air Conditioning

Some buildings are built with big rectangular holes ready for window type A/C installation. But some flats are built with split-type A/Cs in mind, in which case there are small built-in holes ready. Most of the time you won't have a choice in this matter and you won't be allowed to tear down the wall, so take note of this and weigh in your options. Split A/Cs are much more expensive than window-type A/Cs and hiring someone to install these units will set you back around 200-300 SAR/per A/C unit.

Kitchen

Is the flat outfitted with a built-in kitchen? That's great! If not, buying second hand kitchen cabinets at Haraj would cost around 1000 SAR plus installation charges. New kitchen cabinets costs around 1700 SAR - 3000 SAR including installation. The price depends on the kitchen measurements and you can customize the cabinets to suit your needs. You can also choose the colors of marble counter top and choose between an aluminum metal sink or a marble sink. You might also chance upon expats selling their kitchen cabinets but you'll have to find your own carpenter/plumber to install it. IKEA kitchens cabinets are beautiful but they also cost much more. But if you can splurge, why not. Hehehe. You can check out their website here: http://www.ikea.com/sa/en/

One of the dainty kitchens we found on our house hunting escapades

Tiled or Carpeted

Some units are fitted with beautiful tiles and this allows you to go carpet-free. Carpets on the other hand are good insulation and can maintain the room's temperature during Riyadh's harsh winter. Should you decide to install carpets it will set you back anywhere from 15 SAR to 100 SAR per square meter, depending on the quality. 

Electric and Water Bills

Check if the flat has its own electric and water meters. Some buildings do not have individual meters and you might end up splitting the electricity bill with 2 or more flats. Are you going to be comfortable with that? Different areas and buildings also charge differently. Don't forget to check if all the rooms have enough electric outlets.

Location

Is the neighborhood safe? Are there enough parking spaces? Is the building close to a bakala or grocer that sells drinking water and other stuff you might need? How close do you need to be to a Mosque?

The Contract

If you're ready to take the plunge, check the contract first before paying the Aqari Fee, as this fee is usually non-refundable and will cost around 500-1000 SAR. The contract will usually state who will be responsible for repairs so make sure that any problem/solution will be discussed before you sign the contract. Some building owners do not offer maintenance service and you'll have to shoulder the cost of repairs, so you have to make sure that everything is in tiptop shape prior to move in.

Tips 

It's much better if you look for a house with your spouse because you'll be able to decide right away whether a flat is acceptable or not. However, make sure that you are on the same page with what you expect to rent, your budget and what you can compromise. Also, if you really like a flat don't wait too long because it might not be available the next time you come back. Don't forget to bring water as you'll be in and out of your car a lot while you scout for flats.

While house hunting and choosing a flat can be tedious and time consuming, don't be deterred. Try to make it an enjoyable experience by brainstorming, daydreaming and planning with your spouse. Try to be creative together. If your wife's not in the Kingdom yet, take videos and photos of the flats you scout and show it to her online.  Keyword here is Together.

The trend of finding your home online is becoming more and more popular in Saudi. Websites like Lamudi and ERA are for those of us interested in renting or buying apartments, villas, lands, office space or even a piece of land. Results will show photos of the properties and other contact details of the seller. Oh and they have listings in both Arabic and English, so locals and expats can use them. It`s a good way to check your options before getting in the car and start running around from a place to another without having a clue about the property you're visiting.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

Sampaguita Pride

How To Deal With Christmas in KSA

(or the non-existence of it...)

A few hours to go before Christmas! We all know how hard it is to be away from home during the holidays, especially when you're all alone in a land that doesn't even recognize Christmas. Here are our few tips to our kababayans in the desert of Saudi Arabia where December 25 is considered as a normal working day for every one.

1. Be homesick and do something about it. On ordinary days, OFWs tend to get homesick already but the level of homesickness goes up a notch during holidays when memories of you and your family enjoying Noche Buena come to mind. Acknowledge that you miss your family and friends. Acknowledge that you miss your holiday rituals in the Philippines. Don't deny yourself of these nostalgic yet happy thoughts. And then, call home. Or use Skype and Facetime to see your loved ones after your work. Greet family members and friends, wherever they are, a very Merry Christmas. That's what Facebook and Twitter are for. Of course the chances of you being envious of seeing them celebrating Christmas together in the Philippines might create another wave of nostalgia and self-pity but think of how happy they are and how you helped and caused this happiness. 

2. Always have the Christmas spirit in you. There's no Christmas in Saudi Arabia but you can always bring the Christmas spirit in you. Or at least, create it. No, we are not encouraging you to flaunt your Christmas decors and attend Christmas parties in isterahas... please don't! But here are a few ways on how to get into the Christmas spirit without getting yourself in trouble...

a. Listen to Christmas songs at the comfort of your homes or personal music players. Just avoid "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" and all the other sappy songs that will just make you tear up. Listen to the happy ones. Even Jingle Bells, if you wish, just to get you in that merry groove. 

b. Have an awesome dinner. Even if you're alone, indulge! And what's the very first indulgence that comes into mind? Food! Whether it be in a restaurant that you're trying for the first time or a restaurant that serves your ultimate comfort food... or in the comfort of your flats (because you can cook a mean caldereta or kare-kare or menudo), eat something wonderful and exceptionally satisfying. Have that steak for goodness' sake! Dinner doesn't need to have keso de bola or hamon. It just have to be something special that you don't usually eat or something that reminds you of Christmas Noche Buena back in your home country. You can even host a small dinner for your colleagues or flat mates if you want. All boys or all girls only okay? 

c. Decorate a small space in your room. Don't expect us to tell you where to get Christmas trees and Christmas decors in Saudi Arabia because well, we don't know and that's a little bit too out there. You can, however, print some stuff like greeting cards. Even shiny objects and glittery sashes are found easily in Abu Riyalin stores. You don't have to make it bonggang-bongga. One or two to cheer you up is okay. Light up some candles with peppermint or hot chocolate or pine scents (you can find them in Bath and Body Works) to create a simple holiday ambiance. 

d. Dress up. Red and green are just not the colors of Christmas and we would like for you to avoid these colors when going out tonight or the days around Christmas. Go for something glamorous like black and gold or silver. Don your embellished abayas if you like. Use a lot of accessories. Sparkles and bling bling tend to remind you of the holiday rush. Glam up your nails with glittery, metallic, or uber shiny polishes. Wear red lipstick! Wear something new!

3. Have gifts. You don't have to wrap them in Christmas-y wrappers! It doesn't even have to be big ones. A small special token is enough for your friends or colleagues (who can relate to the celebration, of course). It doesn't even have to mean "Christmas gifts." It can serve as friendship gifts or thanksgiving tokens. It can mean anything good and wonderful, with or without occasions. Stumped on what to give? How about books, frames, scented candles, lip balms, caps, etc.? I'm sure you have a lot in mind. Also, give yourself a gift! (Very important!) Buy something for yourself. Itching to get a new cellphone to replace your battered one? Or maybe a new camera? Or a new abaya? Whatever it is, give yourself a gift. You deserve it.

4. Make December 25 special. You don't have to treat the day as "Christmas" per se but why not do and try something new on this day? Here are some ideas:

a. Write a letter. Remember the days when email and text messages didn't exist? Handwritten letters are still nice. It still creates warm fuzzies in your stomach and brings up a lot of memories when your children used to send you ones. Write letters to them or to your loved one back home. 

b. Relive 2012 by making a collage or a list. It's so nice to reminisce the year that was. The highlights will make you proud and happy. The lowlights will bring a tear and a lesson.  

c. Get a haircut. A new hair style to celebrate? Why not! Book an appointment to salons or go to your trusted barber and get that much-deserve hair or nails service. Get a massage after work! 

d. Donate to charities and causes. Clothes for the victims of Typhoon Pablo, for instance. Or to our kababayans in Riyadh who are in need. Ask the Philippine embassy how you can donate and help! 

e. Get on that ride! Try Riyadh's entertainment centers like Star City and Al Hokair Land. The Pink Tarha ladies haven't been to these places but we'd looove to. 

There are a lot more of "new" things to try and activities to do. Be as imaginative and creative as possible. We support you! (As long as they're legal activities, of course! ;)

5. Be kind. This should be done every day but an extra dose of kindness on special days is not a crime. Smile at strangers (just don't smile like a maniac, haha!). Say hello to your tea boy and ask him how his day was. Give an extra tip to the nice taxi driver that brought you home or the waiter that served you cocktails. Share your lunch with a colleague. Pray for joy and peace. 

Saudi Arabia doesn't recognize Christmas and doesn't tolerate expats celebrating it so we'd like you to treat this day as normal as possible when in public. After all, Christmas, wherever you are, doesn't have to be flaunted to be celebrated. It's up to you how you celebrate this day and how you can translate the message of this special event in your lives. 

Be merry. Be jolly. Always. Happy holidays! ~ Sundrenched

How To Visit the UAE from KSA

Get a visa, of course! The thing is... are you eligible for a visa on arrival? Or do you need to apply for one before going? ;)

I'm sure most of you have read Eyecandy's Dubai entry and we've received a few inquiries regarding UAE visas. Some, we couldn't answer and some, well, we suggest answers. But here's a mini primer, which we hope can help you.

I also had the chance to visit the United Arab Emirates last April to attend my high school friend's wedding. I stayed mostly in Abu Dhabi and visited Dubai for a day (more on my trip on a later entry). The visa policy of the UAE is quite straight forward. Let me zero in on their policy about residents of GCC countries but are not GCC nationals. Ergo, we Filipinos living in Saudi Arabia (or any other non-Arab, non-Western expats for that matter). It's as simple as this:

GCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry. 

Did you understand it? Let's break it down a little further if it's still quite confusing. 

(Disclaimer: This analysis is based on our experience and understanding.) 

- What is a visa on arrival? 

This means that you're not required to apply for a tourist visa before you go to the UAE. You can just get the visa once you arrive in the airport. You don't have to go to the UAE embassy to apply for it (like what you do for a US or Schengen visa). You need to pay less than 200 dirhams at the airport of your entry for the visa.

- Who can get a visa on arrival? 

You can get a visa upon arrival only if you're a high professional (listed above) and it says so in your iqama. Those who are working as, say, engineers, but have 'drivers' in their iqama cannot get a visa upon arrival. Don't laugh. This iqama confusion and misrepresentation happen sometimes so better have your professions in your iqama checked.

- You are of a high profession and your family is going with you... can they also get a visa on arrival? 

Yes. As long as they are your eligible dependents (meaning, it says so in their iqama that they are your dependents). 

- Can we travel by land to the UAE?
Only if you're eligible for visa on arrival. Most tourist/visit visas which are released through travel agencies or sponsors should travel by air. From Riyadh, it's a 12-hour journey to Dubai on cars and buses. It's around an hour if you travel by plane.

- You are not of a high profession but you work in the public sector (ex. government hospitals), can you get a visa on arrival? 

Probably. Eyecandy's iqama states that she is a librarian and she works for a government hospital. She got a visa on arrival. A reader said they were medical secretaries but they work for a government hospital, they also got visa on arrival. To be sure, visit the UAE embassy in the Diplomatic Quarters (this is what E did) or call them in their phone number below. 

- What if you're not of a high profession but still wants to visit the UAE? 

You will require a visa before going and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor will be the one to apply the visa on your behalf. Valid sponsors may be as follows: 

a. Hotels and tourist companies can apply, on your behalf, for a tourist visa (valid for 30 days), or a service visa (14 days), or visit visa (30 days extendable).

b. Airlines and airline handlers on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour transit visa 

c. Other organizations based in the UAE 

d. Individuals (relatives or friends) already UAE residents may apply on your behalf. 

The easiest way among the four is the first option, especially when you have no family or friends in the UAE who can help you. Use an authorized travel agency in the UAE to apply the visa for you. 

When I was still clueless about all this process, I inquired via email in one of the travel agencies in Dubai. Here's what I gleaned on my email with South Travels JLT. (Disclaimer: The Pink Tarha is not related to South Travels JLT.) 

*This is for the visa valid only for 14 days. 

- They can process a visa request for $180 (per passport). 

- The visa they process is valid for arrival by plane only, NOT by bus. 

- Visa processing takes 3-4 UAE working days (take note that in the UAE, their weekend is Friday and Saturday). 

- Visa processing will start 10 days before the guest's arrival. 

- Submit the following via email attachment: 

* Clear copy of passport page with your personal information 

* Clear copy of iqama page 

* Colored passport size picture 

* Confirmed return airline ticket 

* Duly filled up application form (that will sent to you by the agency via email) 

- There's no guarantee that your visa will be approved, and immediately. And like any other visa application, yours can also be denied on various grounds. Visa approval is still subject to UAE Immigration Rules and Regulations. 

South Travel JLT answered all my questions regarding the visa process and they were really helpful. However, it turned out I wouldn't be needing their service.

I'm quite sure you will still have lots of questions. You can read this primer from UAE Interact, which we used in this entry. And you can inquire with various authorized travel agencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Most of them answer inquiries. But to be really, really sure, you can also visit the UAE Embassy here in Riyadh to inquire. Don't be afraid to ask. 

United Arab Emirates Embassy in Riyadh 

Diplomatic Quarter Abu Baker Al-Karakhi, 

Q. Omer Bin Omaiah Street, 

P.O. Box 94385, Riyadh, 11693, KSA 

T: +966-1-4881227

E: uaer@cyberia.net.sa


NOTE: To all those who are asking if their job positions in their iqama will entitle them to a visa-on-arrival, we cannot say for sure. We can not confirm this so please, call the UAE Embassy for proper verification. We don't want you to get in trouble just in case we say yes, you are entitled to it, and end up having problems when you arrive in the immigration.

How To Spend Your "Staycation" in Riyadh

The eid vacation is upon us! Where are you going? Visit our revamped travel page for some suggestions. We're pretty sure a lot of our kabayans are getting ready to hit the outdoors as far from Riyadh as possible. Al-Khobar and Dammam, anyone? Or Jeddah perhaps? Some are going out of Saudi Arabia. Sampaguita Pride is currently on a Europe trip with her family (such a lucky gal) while the rest of The Pink Tarha ladies will be spending our eid vacation at home. At home. Yes, seriously. 

Eyecandy and I have been out of the country months ago so we're lacking money to fund more trips. Shoegarfreeruby is going to the Philippines this September so she's saving up for that. All in all, we're really stuck in the house for the time-being. Well, as we always say, find positivity in your situation. So for those who will be hanging out their houses with no plans of going out this week, here's how to have some awesome "staycation" (stay-at-home vacation)! 

1. Take naps. 

More time to snooze!

Lots of it, if you want! You can even sleep through your vacation and we won't take it against you! Haha! You deserve it. Also, the idea of staycation is feeling the feeling of being on a vacation by deviating from your daily routine. You can disregard your chores for 2 days or more and just eat and sleep; the same things you can do while staying in, say, a hotel or a resort. Of course you have to get to your chores after but at least you get to relax, have fun, and enjoy your time first. You earned this free time  this year so... own it!

How To Send Money Back Home

We know a lot of you already know how to remit money to your home country but we are quite forgetting that a lot more expats are new in Saudi Arabia and a stream of new blood is coming in almost every day. They might require assistance and information on such processes. We were surprised when one of our kabayans emailed us on how to send money to the Philippines and we all went "Oo nga naman pala!" We haven't written a how-to on this topic. So here it is! :)

First and foremost, you need to have an iqama (residential permit) to do this. It will be easier for you to sign up. Every thing in your Riyadh life becomes relatively easy when you have your iqama already. I signed up for an account in Enjaz a few months ago. It was my first time to do so.

REMITTANCE CENTERS

Enjaz is one of the popular remittance centers in Riyadh. A lot of Filipinos and other nationalities go to Enjaz and I'm not surprised when I saw branches packed to the brim during salary day. Fortunately, I am living near the Suleimania branch. It's in front of the Military Hospital and beside Blue Ribbon Bakery. I went on a Thursday morning and it was already packed with people. 

1. Fill-up a form that will ask you about your important information (name, address, birth date, etc.). Check the form if you've filled it up completely.

2. Present your iqama (residential permit) along with the form to the person behind the computer desk. He'll input your information in their system and photo copy your iqama to go along with your form.

3. Receive your Enjaz card with a smile (yes, with a smile dapat... bawal ang masungit! Hehe!). Check your card if it contains the following information: Name, CIF No., and Center No. They will all be filled by the Enjaz representative.

4. To remit money to the Philippines, just fill up a form for bank transactions. The remittance fee now is SR16. You can also send via Western Union for SR25. Their is a smaller form that only asks for the receiver's full name, country, and amount. Present the forms along with your Enjaz CIF Card and money to the window. Ladies have a separate line and window.

That's it! Easy as 1-2-3! They also keep track of who are you sending to, especially when you have a few accounts or persons in mind. It gets easier and faster when you come the next month and the next... These remittance centers offer cash payouts, credit to account on all banks, and door-to-door cash delivery.

I haven't opened an account with Telemoney but I'm guessing they have the same process as Enjaz. If you'll ask me what's better between Enjaz and Telemoney, I can't answer you. It probably depends on what's nearest to you. Haha. (That's what my father said. He has both Telemoney and Enjaz cards so...) Here's where to find branches for ENJAZ and TELEMONEY.

How to Register as Overseas Absentee Voters

When I was on vacation in the Philippines last November, my sister handed me an envelope that arrived a few months before. It contained my absentee voter's ID. Wow, finally, another government ID that I can present whenever an official ID is needed (hindi na lang passport ang official ID ko, yey!). In fairness, I didn't expect it to arrive at all. Looking at it, I remembered the day I dragged my father to register for the absentee voting here in Riyadh and the day I get to vote again, It was my first time to vote outside the Philippines. How time really flies. 


It was in 2010 that we elected the Philippines' president, vice-president and 12 senators. What do you think of their performance now? Do you like it? Abhor it? No comment? If you want to have your say on the next legislative elections on 2013, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has opened the OAV Registration last November 12, 2011 and it will go on until October 31, 2012 . If I were you, I won't wait until the deadline to visit the embassy to register. Register now! Habang maaga pa at wala pang pila, gooo! :)


Here's how (madali lang 'to, promise!):
1. Visit the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on Saturdays to Wednesdays during working hours (8:00AM to 5:00PM) or Thursdays (8:00AM to 12:00Noon).
2. Bring your passport or iqama for registration.
3. Look for the registration booth and follow their procedures.

You can only register if you are:
1. a Filipino (syempre)
2. at least 18 years of age on the day of the election (May 13, 2013)
3. not disqualified by law
4. registered overseas absentee voter with approved application to vote in absentia
* If you're a registered absentee voter who didn't vote in the 2007 and 20120 elections, you need to register again because your name was already removed from the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters.

Fast and simple! You'll be finished in no time at all. Read my experience in 2009. It's probably more or less the same.


Once registered, you'll be able to vote in the senatorial and party-list representaive election. For more details and information, contact Attaché Maribeth T. Ferrer at telephone number 01-480-1918.

Here we are again convincing you to register and vote. You might wonder, "Why would I waste my time in going to the embassy to register and then to vote in 2013 for a government that doesn't exactly know I exist or a doesn't take care of me or is corrupting my country?" First and foremost, this is not a waste of time. Like what I said to my father when I was convincing him to register in the OAV, we are given the right to vote. We should claim it! This is one of life's free things that gives us the power to decide what we want and who we want to lead and serve us. It does sound nationalistic (chos!) but it's true. Your government doesn't know you? Well, it's time they should! It doesn't take care of you? Well, it's time to choose people who will! It's a corrupt government? It's time to clean house then! When you register, vote, and see the performance of the people you voted and did not vote, you can brag of their achievements as leaders or can tease your father (who voted differently) for voting such a corrupt official. Hahaha. 

Even if we're far away from the Philippines, we are given a chance to 'say' something about our government. The OAV gives us that voice. REGISTER NOW! :)

How To Keep Your Skin Moisturized in the Desert

I really love beauty products especially natural and organic ones. I also like to try new things on my own. I make my own facial masks and color my own hair. *yes, it's actually easier than I thought.*

I was already a lotion junky in Manila. Even though it's really humid I would still wear lotion. Why? Because I've seen the long term benefits of moisturizing your skin. My grandmother had the smoothest skin and even at 50, her skin was still supple. She didn't have a lot of wrinkles and if she did, it was only visible when she smiled.

The skin is the largest and most exposed organ in our body and we should remember to take care of it. Beautiful skin really glows and makes one look youthful. And I would gladly endure the lagkit factor (though I don't really feel it) if it will ensure that my skin will age gracefully.

When I moved back to Riyadh a few years ago, I had to slowly change my beauty regimen to fit the climate. You see, in Riyadh, regardless whether it's summer and winter, it's always dry... really dry... so I really had to double my efforts to take care of my skin. Here are my tried and tested natural remedies to dryness.

For the body:

To lock in moisture, I use olive oil! Yep, olive oil. Right after I shower, before I towel dry, I lather on some olive oil. When I'm done, I use the excess olive oil on my face and massage it for a minute. Then I towel dry and put on some lotion on my body. I find that lotion glides on smoother when I do this and it keeps me from re-applying.

Virgin Olive Oil at our local bakala

Don't forget to wear lotion with SPF 15 to protect your skin from sun damage! This is actually the key to taking care of your skin. I usually apply a mix of sunblock and lotion on my arms, the back of my neck, my feet and wherever else my skin is exposed to the sun. This is the best way to maintain your fair skin and avoid further sun damage like darkening, sun spots and sun burn. Wa-epek lahat ng whitening creams if you don't use sunscreen. Do remember that even though it's winter, you still need the SPF. The sun is still there... no matter how cold it gets.

For the face:

After I wash my face, I apply a mix of Aloe Vera gel, SPF 15 lotion and my liquid foundation. This combo helps prevent makeup from looking "caked on". During the evenings, I use Vitamin C serum or Aloe Vera Gel before hitting the sack. On weekends, I prepare a yogurt facial mask for deep moisturizing. ^_^ (I use full cream natural yogurt, it's only 1sr per cup at any bakala or grocery store.)

For the hair:

Oh let's not forget our hair! Conditioning is really important if you regularly blow dry, curl, iron or color treat your hair. And because I color my hair, it's really important for me to keep it moisturized to prevent split ends. I use shampoos and conditioner specifically for color treated hair. Apply conditioner from the middle down to the tips to avoid product build up on your scalp.

Almarai natural yoghurt for 1sr.

On the weekends, I use a mixture of yogurt and olive oil on my hair and leave it on for at least an hour. Then I wash it off. The yogurt hair mask has the consistency of coconut milk minus the smell. Plus natural yogurts are cheaper here as compared to buying gata at the Pinoy market.

So what are you waiting for? Bring on the TLC!

xoxo,

Sampaguita Pride

Q&A Portion 12

Hi dear tarhas! How's January treating you? It's still cold in Riyadh and a Saudi officemate told us that it'll reach -7 degrees this weekend. Oh my! Let's all bundle up then! :) Anyway, we know we owe you a lot of entries and hopefully, we'll be able to recover from all those 'silent' weeks. You'll be hearing more from us in the next few days.

Orayt then, let's begin!

It's been a long time since we had the Q&A Portion. If you notice, we tend to create a series of entries and then ignore them. Like hello A Photo A Day, Collage Week, and Q&A Portion?! Where are you now? Haha. (We also forget to write entries, imagine?! Haha!) Yes, yes, we tend to write according to what we feel like writing and not go within a scope within a schedule. So, anyway, we'd like to revive the Q&A Portion and this time, we have a "Where Can I Find...?" edition. We've been asked by readers and likers in our FB page where we can find some stuff. Some blog readers might have not encountered the answers in our FB page so we're sharing them here too.


Where Can I Find...

1. An eye mask/sleeping mask

The easiest and most convenient place would have to be Claire's. They have this funky-designed eye masks suited for children and adults trying to be children. Sometimes, we see them in lingerie shops too. If you want it free, ask a stewardess for eye masks when you're flying to Saudi Arabia or anywhere. And nick keep them. We're sure they wouldn't miss it. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airlines give their passengers free loot bags with travel necessities in them. ;)

2. Jeffrey Campbell shoes/bags

There are no JC stores here in Riyadh. You can only buy them online. Shoegarfreeruby almost always go to Solestruck.com for her unusual shoe needs. Sometimes, we also use Envishoes and Nasty Gal. Sundrenched warns you against using the latter though because she didn't have a good experience shopping with them.

3. Kikay Camels

This is probably the most asked item in the blog. Where did we get these cute keychains? We got them from a bazaar in our workplace. The bazaar has long been gone so we don't know where they are now or if they have other branches in Riyadh. What we do know is these kikay camels, along with Saudi Arabia souvenirs (mugs, photo frames, magnets, etc.) are fairly easy to find. Gift shops in the city carry them. For example, there's a perfume/gift store carrying this near Al Rajhi Supermarket (beside the Military Hospital).

4. BB Creams

For those who are encountering this for the first time here, BB (Blemish Balm) creams are all the rage in Asia in 2011. They act as moisturizer and light foundation in one. There are a lot of BB creams brands in Korea and the Philippines but we haven't seen them here in Saudi Arabia. Maybe because it's not made for the Middle Eastern market. Remember that we have different types and colors of the skin so what works for Southeast Asians might not work for the Middle Easterners. A reader asked us about the Missha brand. It's not available here in Riyadh. Your best bet is online shopping, of course.

5. H&M Cosmetics

They're here in Riyadh! While not really known for their high quality makeup line (ala MAC), H&M carries very affordable cosmetics that are best for those who are just starting to build their kikay kit or those who just wants to add something new and versatile in their kits. Sundrenched hoarded their lip glosses and eyehadow palettes just because. Haha. The H&M branch in Granada Center carries them. (S haven't been to any other branches since she got back from my vacation in the Philippines.)

6. Organic Products

When we were trying the Master Cleanse (major fail for S), we scoured the city for organic stores that might carry pure maple syrup (not the ones we pour in our pancakes). We found Bio-Best in Olaya (across Al-Akaria Mall). We called them first to find out if they have the item we were looking for and good thing, they did. They offer a variety of organic foods, organic beauty products, and even natural supplements (herbal medicines). There are two more shops in Oruba Road that offer organic products but we failed to get their names. We usually pass them when we go to Tokyo Restaurant. In the Kingdom, there's Al Watania Agricultural Company, which uses organic fertilizers on their produce and natural feeding on their animals. Their products can be found in Tamimi and Azizia Hypermarkets. These huge supermarkets (also Lulu) also offer imported organic brands so be on the lookout on your next grocery shopping day.

7. Beauty Products and Salon Supplies

In the Philippines, we have Hortaleza or HBC for our salon products needs. In Riyadh, we have Nazih Trading in Olaya Road, just in between Centria Mall and Habitat. They offer a lot of beauty products  (hair care, skin care, makeup, nail treatments) and salon supplies in more affordable prices (as opposed to going to the salon and paying  SR150 for a hot oil treatment for instance). You can even buy salon furniture here if you want to build your own in-house parlor. Sosyal! We found O.P.I., one of the leading nail polish brands in the world, here.

Do you have other questions? Do you want to find anything ( we don't do missing passports or cellphones, okay?)? ASK us by commenting in the blog, visiting our Facebook page, tweeting your questions @thepinktarha, or emailing us at thepinktarha@gmail.com! :)

How To Find Your Way in Riyadh

How do you address the address situation in Riyadh? It's not easy to remember places. Believe me, when I first went on my trip in the city center on May 2008, I muttered to myself, "I will never ever be able to navigate this city!" Riyadh is a grid of long and wide roads, boxy and low-rise housing and villas, and a ramble of Arabic-named stores. Fast forward to today, I can pretty much go out on my own (of course, equipped with taxi tips from this blog: here, here, and here)  and I can pretty much find addresses, no matter how vague they may seem.

Here is The Pink Tarha's ONLY tip:

Hire a reliable car/taxi driver that knows his way around. ;)
A good and knowledgeable driver can save us from haggardness and stress. Most of you probably have your own drivers but for those who don't have, pick your own suki from the drivers of taxis you've ridden. Choose the one you're most comfortable with (and someone whom you can trust your life with).

Of course, our reliable drivers are not know-it-alls. No one knows where every store or house is so it's really a good thing to have good drivers who'll be patient enough to take you round and round an area to find the specific location you're looking for. ;)

Now you may ask, what if our drivers don't know where to go? Or what if I have a husband (aka driver) who gets cranky when I ask him to go to this place but I don't know where that place is either? Or the taxi driver keeps on saying "mallum" (I know) when I asked him if he knows this place and suddenly becomes clueless when I'm already inside?

Well, here are our other tips when the ONLY tip doesn't work for/doesn't apply to you:

1. Never leave your house or workplace without knowing where to go. If you have a restaurant or store in mind, look up their address in the Internet. If the address is as vague as "Tahlia St. Riyadh, KSA" then call their contact number and ask them where it's located. If they don't have a contact number or no one is answering, ask The Pink Tarha. Hahaha. Chances are, we've already visited the place, or have seen it in our lakwatsas. Ask in our Facebook wall so we can answer faster. :P

2. Memorize major streets and highways. If they're major, they're popular! Check if you know where these are:

Can you see the Faisaliah Tower up ahead?

^King Fahd Road

Newly-constructed!

^King Abdullah Road 

Try if you know the following streets and visualize them in your mind:

Makkah Road

Khurais Road

Oruba Road

Olaya Street

Tahlia Street

Takhasussi Street

Thalateen Street

Dabab Street

3. Remember prominent buildings. They will serve as your landmarks, guides to your trips in the city. And we're not just pertaining to the Kingdom Tower or Faisaliah Tower. All the big and popular malls can serve as landmarks. Or those establishments which have huge, catchy signs in the major highways or those with unusual shapes or structures. Remember hotels and government buildings (hello, Ministry of Interior!) too. Associate these landmarks to the major streets. 

In your neighborhood, try looking out your window (I hope they're not too screened) and see the stores or eating places around you. Your building will probably have a number too. I thought ours doesn't exist but it was right in the center, just above the doorway of our building! Haha. What if you're in a residential district where most houses/villas are the same? Chances are, you have a number outside. Or take note of the color of your gate and walls. Draw maps to your house so you can guide relatives and friends over. Speaking of maps...

4. Learn to navigate maps. I know, I know... it's so old school. But they're helpful! What isfthe only available address in the Internet for the newly-opened store you're looking for is on Wikimapia? When Sugar Sprinkles in Takhasussi was new, I looked up the store in the Internet and found this map:

Where you at?

That little red box is where it's at. Now, if you look at surrounding details, there's not much to go on. Er, an empty lot? There are a lot of those here. Wow, the building near it has a pool. Nice! Okay, so you can't find it looking from above so what you do is to zoom out a bit until you can see the surrounding areas in a wider scale. To give you that perspective, here's what it looks like zoomed out:

Click to see larger image.

I spotted the Kingdom Center a few frames below. Hello, would I know where that is?! You bet! Now that I know where it is, I scrolled down a bit more to know that Faisaliah is way below (South) so Riyadh Gallery must be up that map (North). I can already clearly see the roads in my head and they're like puzzle pieces forming into a picture.

From King Fahd Road, I will just turn left to Oruba (where the ornate  AlGarawi building is in the corner) and head to Takhasussi. From there, turn right and drive straight. From that time on, I'll already be on the lookout for the Sugar Sprinkles on my right side.

This visualizing and analyzing is easy if you have mastered tip numbers 2 and 3. Don't worry, you'll get there. Just be observant when you're out and about Riyadh. :) Thank goodness, the street signs in Riyadh are also translated in English now. There was once a time when I just stared helplessly at those Arabic green signs and arrows looming overhead. I could only translate the numbers then.

5. Use a GPS device. My father would have laughed at me if I told him I'm still studying and consulting maps when the coordinates are clearly in the page too.  From the Wiki, it says Coordinates: 24°44'7"N 46°38'54"E for Sugar Sprinkles. With the right GPS device, it will be easy for you to find the place.

Hi-tech navigation!

However, I don't own a GPS device and the father is not always around. I'm guessing you have the same fate with your fathers and husbands so it's always handy to heed tip number 3. However, most guys will benefit from this tip because they're the ones using these devices. The Pink Tarha are actually thrilled to receive questions from guys asking us for the GPS coordinates of a place (ex. Edge of the World, Red Sand, etc... sige na, kayo na ang may GPS device!) but sorry guys, we don't have a GPS device and we don't even know how to use it. Besides, where's the fun in using that in a city?! Lol.

Do you have your own tips and suggestions on how to find your way in Riyadh? We'd love to hear them. We'd like to read 'lost and found in the road' stories too so do share.

Hope our tips above can help you. If all things fail, ask and you shall be answered. :P

*Click on photo for photo sources and credit.  

§undrenched

Addressing Adresses

Eyecandy and Sampaguita Pride grew up in Riyadh. Shoegarfreeruby has been here for 10 years. Me? Nearing 4 years. And you know what's odd? We still don't know where we live exactly. Uhuh. Let me explain.

When you ask one of us where we live, we will answer you with "at the back of Nafoura Restaurant" or "near King Fahd Medical City." There's no specific answer. Because like everything else you'll find in Riyadh, KSA, the address/location system is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Folks who are living outside Saudi Arabia, here are a few things you need to remember about an address here in Riyadh.

1. We live in P.O. Boxes. Okay, not exactly LIVE there because we wouldn't fit but addresses are P.O. Boxes. There are no flat numbers, apartment numbers, and street names like normal addresses have. Most of us use the P.O. Box of the companies where we work instead of where we live (houses and flats) because we don't avail of our own.

These are not the usual P.O. Boxes in Riyadh. I hope.

For example, a nurse working in King Fahad Medical City can use this address:

[name]

[department]

P.O. Box 59046

Riyadh 11525

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Take note that you don't even have to specify the hospital or company. The P.O. box number and zip codes are the important things to put there. Most companies and hospitals have their own mail room that sorts and distributes mails and packages. If it was following the Philippine address system, it would have went like this:

[name]

Department of Pediatrics

Room 62, Building 26

King Fahad Medical City

Abdul Aziz Bin Musaed Bin Julowi St.

Suleimania, Riyadh

11525, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

It is longer so having a P.O. box has its own advantages. One disadvantage though of having a P.O. box as an address is when we shop online. Some stores do not ship to P.O. boxes. Sometimes, I have to contact their customer service and tell them that hey, it's all we have here in Saudi Arabia! So I hope stores like that are reading this.

2. Houses and buildings have no identification numbers. They have numbers alright but they're mostly ignored. You will not usually see them in our address. We just know them and would use that to direct relatives and friends who are coming over. I use all prominent landmarks around our place to direct people. For example... here's a conversation I have when ordering for delivery.

Resto Guy (RG): Hello.

Me: Hi, I'm ordering for delivery. Here's my order (blah blah).

RG: Where are you located?

Me: In Dabab St., turn right to Ar Razi St. The street going to Military Hospital.

RG: Where exactly?

Me: Uh, building 25, flat number 3.

RG: Where is that? Near Military Hospital?

Me: Uh, a few blocks away from the hospital.

RG: Blocks?

Me: I mean, not so near. I mean, a little bit. (HUH?!)

RG: Uhhhh...

Me: The building is beside DHL, across Little Ceasar's...

RG: Okay, I will just tell the driver to call you.

It gets frustrating that's why whenever we order for delivery, the father insists that I call. Why does it always have to be me?! Hehe. Of course, that would've been easier if I can speak Arabic or the operator (or the driver) can speak English. Some delivery guys find the right street and just cruise up and down until they find the right building. Btw, that in the conversation is a true location but it's not where our flat is located so please don't stalk. Hahaha. Jk.

3. Street names here are long and winding roads. Imagine saying to someone, "We just live in the corner of Abdul Aziz Bin Musaed Bin Julowi St. and Al Amir Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz St... kuha mo?!" Most popular roads have, thank goodness, shorter names like Olaya, Mecca, and Oruba. Some have nicknames which are totally unrelated to their real names seen on maps. For example, Abdul Aziz Bin Musaed Bin Julowi St. is better known as Dabab St. while Al Amir Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz St. is better known as Thalateen St. The parallel street named Al Amir Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz St. (spotted the difference?) is known as the hip and happenin' street of Tahlia. Confused much?

Oh, and if the confusion is not enough, they're also spelled in various ways. Tahlia can be Thalia, Tahaliya, Talia... Takhasussi can be plain Takasusi, complicated Thakhassusi, or longer Takhassousi. Spell them however you like to pronounce them. Go! :)

4. Floors are counted as ground floor, first floor, second floor, etc. It's different from how we count in the Philippines where we consider the ground as first floor and so on. Sometimes there are some buildings who follow that so to each his own. No one said there's uniformity around here. Haha. Thankfully, no one lives in sky-high condominiums with 40 floors. Not yet.

Eeenie meenie miny moo, to what store should I go?

5. Most store signs are in Arabic, especially the ones in the older areas of the city. It makes it more difficult to find the right store for foreigners and expats unless it's a common store for something. Some stores look like offices from the outside and it's upon you to guess what they are correctly. Hope the store keeper or manager speaks English.

And just to remind you... Riyadh is not just a city. It's also a province. So there's a Riyadh City located in Riyadh Province (ArRiyadh). It's like Tarlac City in Tarlac province in the Philippines. There's also a "Riyadh Center" symbolized by a circle with a dot in the middle on most road signs. We don't really know what is within the city center and where it ends but we just take it as this: if you're near the Faisaliah and Kingdom Towers (two highest buildings in Riyadh), then you're still in the city center. Once you get out of range of the two (meaning if you see them in your horizon like needles sticking out of the sand), consider yourself out of the center and into the outskirts.

The faraway hazy area? That's the outskirts and beyond.

Needless to say, it's confusing to find a specific address here unless they're prominent and famous. It's always been a must to provide maps to a specific destination, especially if we're talking residential. We wonder how ambulances, fire trucks, and police find the places when they get emergency calls. We guess local knowledge really helps a lot. But what if you're new in the city? What if you don't go out as much? What if you rely on Google Map, Wikipedia, and GPS coordinates?

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR WAY IN RIYADH?

Do it the Pink Tarha style! Tips on the next entry! Hope you don't lose your way before then. ;)

*Click on photo for photo sources and credit. 

§undrenched

How To Renew Your Passport in Riyadh

If there is only one ID a Filipino should have, it should be a passport. Not only is it one of the most recognized documents in the Philippines, it's also the most recognized ID in any part of the world. Don't get caught not having without a passport, much less an expired one. So, make sure you renew your passport on time. Please remember that traveling in most countries will require you to have a valid passport for 6 months. For example, your passport expires on December 25, 2011 and you're traveling to Japan today, they won't let you in the immigration because your passport is no longer valid for 6 months.

When I first went home for vacation in the Philippines, I was so excited and forgot to renew my passport months ahead. Good thing, it only took a month for me to receive my new one or else, I had to re-schedule every thing. My father, who doesn't really pay attention to these "trivial" things, didn't know his passport is expiring in two months and he had to travel to Pakistan for work. He had to ask the embassy for a passport extension, which will only be given with valid (business or emergency) reasons. He finally had his passport renewed and he waited a month or so to receive his new passport.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh has recently introduced a new appointment system for e-passports. You don't have to wait in line anymore and you'll be able to request specific dates and time. It would be less hassle for your work or everyday activities. Only renewals are accommodated on this new system. Lost passports and new passports for children will be entertained as walk-ins. The Consular Section will accommodate 120 applicants daily so it is a must to get your appointment. Wag pasaway! :P No appointment, no entry! no processing!

The following information is taken from the Press Release No. 74-2011 (24 August 2011) of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

How to get an appointment to renew your passport
1. The new appointment system is free of charge and the applicants may enlist themselves directly by visiting the Philippine Embassy-Riyadh website at http://www.philembassy-riyadh.org/ and clicking on the E-Passport Online Appointment.
• Family applicants must indicate all the names of its members. Otherwise only one slot would be provided to them.
 
2. Applicant should make an appointment at least 3 days before his/her intended day of personal appearance in the Embassy.

3. Applicant can request an appointment date and time.

4. Applicant will be informed of the date and time of appointment.

5. If the appointment is not confirmed, the applicant must request for another appointment.

6. The applicant should be at the Embassy at least 15 minutes before the appointment for personal appearance.

7. Late comers will be entertained after finishing all applicants who came on time.

The Embassy is open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon except on regular Philippine and Saudi holidays.

Requirements for e-Passport renewal:
1. Personal appearance
2. Original old passport
3. Photocopy of old passport (data page only)
4. Duly accomplished passport application form that can be downloaded from the Embassy website: www.philembassy-riyadh.org or obtained from Window 1 of the Consular Section or at the Information Desk at the Embassy lobby (no photo needed)

Requirements for replacement of damaged passport:
1. Personal appearance
2. Original damaged passport
3. Affidavit of Damaged of passport
4. Duly accomplished passport application form (no photo needed)
 
Requirements for replacement of lost of passport:
1. Personal appearance
2. Police Report with English translation
3. Affidavit of Lost of passport
4. Duly accomplished passport application form (no photo needed)

(Note:  There is a 15 days waiting period before the approval of the passport application)

Requirements for newly born applicants for e-Passport:
1. Report of Birth form accomplished in 4 copies. (Form available at the Consular Section of the Embassy or the website)
2. Arabic and English temporary birth certificate and/or other supporting documents (e.g. Notification of Birth from the clinic/hospital where the child was born) – 3 copies
3. Marriage Contract of parents duly authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila (if married in the Philippines) or authenticated by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs with English translation (if married in KSA) – 3 copies
4. Photocopies of parents' passports (data page only) – 3 copies
5. Duly accomplished passport application form (no photo needed)

What to do on your appointment date

• Come to the Embassy at least 15 minutes before the appointment time.
• Proceed directly to the encoding Area for encoding
• After encoding, proceed to Window 6 (Cashier) for payment. 

Passport  Fees  

Renewal 
e-­‐Passport  SR  240.00 
Lost  Passport  

Green  or  MRP   SR  360.00  &  SR100  for  authentication 
e-­‐Passport          SR  600.00  &  SR  100  for  authentication 
Newborn  children  

Report  of  Birth   SR  100.00 
e-­‐Passport          SR  240.00   
 
How do I get my new passport?
 
• After 30 days after applying for your passport, you may check the Embassy website at www.philembassy-riyadh.org to find out if your passport has been received by the Embassy and is ready for release.  You may also call 482-3815, 482-3559 and 482-1577
 
Releasing of e-Passport (Window 3)
 
1. Releasing will be in the afternoon only from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
2. Bring the following: 
a. Original old passport
b. Official receipt
 
If you cannot appear personally to collect your new passport, you may authorize a representative and give him/her a signed letter of authorization stating your full name and the representative’s full name. 

Riyadh Living

We've been your lifestyle guide for 3 years now and we love doing this for all of you. Hopefully you get a lot of tips from us and we've made your life in Riyadh a little bit easier. Of course, we don't magically let information appear in our fingertips and blog about it. We have resources too for events, sales, restaurants, and happenings in Riyadh and we're sharing them with you today. We're not paid in making this list (we just wish, lol... just kidding). Here are some guides which can help you in living here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

CITY GUIDES

ArRiyadh 

Everything about Riyadh... and KSA in general

It's all about Riyadh! Obviously... Lol. This website by the High Commission for the Development of ArRiyadh is very helpful in all aspects but it's mainly focused on tourism. They have the links to events and government ministries, information on tourism and sports and directory in their sidebar. And thank goodness, the website is in English! They have a pretty informative sidebar on the attractions found on the various regions in KSA. We usually visit this site just to get a glimpse of the tourist spots in other provinces... places which we can't visit as of now... like the Al-Wahba Crater in Makkah  or the Asir National Park  or the Relica of the Nabataean Empire in Tabuk.

Riyadh Events 

What are you doing for the weekend?

With that site name, you don't have to wonder what's in it for you when you visit. Riyadh Events lists down festivals and conferences in the city complete with their date, time, venue, and contact details... in English! Sometimes, we just visit the site to find out what festivals are celebrated in other places (because we're curious like that). Filipinos are not the only ones who celebrate feasts and festivals according to the region's products! For example, they're having a Honey Festival in Al-Baha and Summer Festivals in Najran, Al-Jawf, and Qassim. Who would've thought, right? If only we can visit each festival, then we're on our way! Now na!

Riyadhciti.com 

RiyadhCiti, a lifestyle magazine

This website is a lifestyle regional guide that delivers business and local events, courses, and lifestyle tips. They mostly focus on new happenings, launches, and news. Launched in 2009, this site is clean, sleek, and simple. We think that their main target readers are Saudis because most events featured are for them but it doesn't mean that expats cannot glean any info focused on them. There are a lot of tidbits for us too. So if you're interested in no-fuss reports on exhibits, conferences, and launchings of new products and services in Saudi Arabia, RiyadhCiti will point you to the right direction. They just don't update often but it's still worth bookmarking.

Riyadh Today 2011

We've featured Riyadh Today in this blog already. This handy book has everything too. So if you're not online most of the time but still wants to know every thing about Riyadh from directions, store contact numbers and basic information on Riyadh living, then this is the guide for you. Sundrenched likes to peruse the book once in a while. The directory and the shopping guide map prove valuable to her. For SR20, this book is sulit!

FOOD GUIDES

My Saudi Guides 

Yummy, yummy!

Indecisive on where to dine to next? Click on this site and you'll be lead to where you have to go. Though the site looks jumbled from all those letters and words in both English and Arabic, it has a good list of restaurants in the city with complete details and photos. They also have reviews and comments from diners so you'll have a grasp of how good (or bad) the resto is. We usually consult MSG when we want to eat in a new restaurant. They give first dibs on the newly-opened resto or bakeshop in the city. And if they do, we're there pronto! LOL. The Pink Tarha also contributes photos here. My Saudi Guides has a beauty guide called Oh La La Beauty but it's not as stocked as the Yummy Yummy Guide just yet.

Riyadh Eats 

An online restaurant guide

Still at its beta stage, Riyadh Eats is proving to be just as informative as its sister site Jeddahfood.com. We've been wishing for a Jeddahfood-like website for Riyadh and we're glad that the creators of Jeddahfood made our wish come true. They don't have many resto reviews yet but at full throttle, Riyadh Eats might just be as popular as its sister site. We love its simple yet elegant look. We like the concise yet substantial reviews and the photos used are eye-catching too. The site is giving away an iPad 2 at the end of the month. Click here for more details. 

DISCOUNT GUIDES

Cobone Riyadh 

Seal the deal!

Groupons have landed in Riyadh and Cobone is at the helm of this new deals phenomenon. Cobone features a daily market-focused deal on the best things to do, see, eat and buy in cities across the Middle East. We love the overall look of the site and everything is easy to understand. They have unleashed some really worthy deals from restaurants in Riyadh. Their first one was a lunch deal in Ketchup, which we think is worth it! There are current deals on Pane Piatto and Pizza Company. And if you're planning on having a vacation in Dammam and Jeddah or any major city in the Middle East then look for deals in their connecting sites too. Their Destinations deals are awesome and very tempting.

Balaash 

Deals, discounts, and freebies!

Balaash means FREE in Arabia so who wouldn't be amazed? No, they don't actually offer every thing for free but they make sure we get the best value for our money... and discounted at that! More sale coupons, woooot! Balaash provides specific sale alerts for specific items and brands in specific stores. So specific, right? Lol. So you don't even have to scout every newspaper or catalog in the city. You get to see them in Balaash's sites. Their discount deals and coupons are currently in their Facebook page but they also provide a link for to download coupons easier. Just print and present! We like their recent Al-Manahil Spa promo.

Burnt Deals KSA 

A gathering of deals and discounts in the city

This is somewhat new so we don't know what they're focused on. If our assessment is right, this site will gather all the best deals in the city daily and present them in the site. Let's stay tuned for more!

Okay, so that's it for now. We'll be coming up for a part two with Insider Guides this time. Hope you don't forget The Pink Tarha once you explore these sites, orayt? Happy living in Riyadh! :D