Up The Riyadh Water Tower

One of the iconic landmarks that I first saw when I got here in Riyadh in 2008 was this tall striped tower that fans out upward looking like a standing top or a mushroom with its head upside down from afar. We always see it when we go to Batha. Almost everyone I asked about it says it's a "water tower." Ermn, oookay. So is it filled with water? Does it supply the whole of Riyadh? Is it true that there's a restaurant on top? Can we go up there?

An icon; photo taken from the U-turn slot to Batha

Five years and 2 months after, I already have the concrete answers. First, it's not filled with water. Second, it doesn't supply the whole of Riyadh with water. It was built to supply water to the former Murabba Palace founded by King Abdul Aziz in 1936. This palace compound is now home to the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre comprising of a remodeled mosque, the National Library, the Memorial Hall, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and the King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives. (We featured the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in the blog in 2009. Read it here and here.) To the south of this compound is the Riyadh Water Tower which was also remodeled. A small theme park was built around it. Below this tower structure lies four floors of water. So yes, it is indeed a water tower. But we're talking about its basement and not its stalk. There's no restaurant on top. Maybe before but none anymore. Finally, yes, you can go up.

An airplane ride in Al-Watan Park

The tower itself is inside the Al Watan Park, which is a bit retro-looking for us. It's as if time stood still in this theme park: the rides were a bit old and looks rickety, the displays were worn out, the staff looks bored and tired, and the food looks stale and there were very few choices (if you consider three stalls of Corn in a Cup choices then urmn, you haven't left your house for a long time). Maybe we went on a humdrum night and there weren't many people but still. It felt like we were in a trance and were trapped in an old toy kingdom. Well if you think about it, maybe they're just keeping up with the theme of the whole complex... you know, history. Hehe. Jk. Anyway, there's a 5 riyals entrance fee. You can enter via the entrance near the KAHC or the main entrance with the old tower in front.

The entrance gate near the tower

Gold and light blue stripes

The ground around the tower

Tickets to the old water tower, priced at SR 10 per person can be bought at the entrance gate. We proceeded to the tower entrance and we were greeted by a staff who got our ticket stubs and told emphasized that we need to pick the 16th floor button on the elevator. So we were expecting that maybe, there were other buttons to other floors... only to be greeted by a button which says 0 for ground floor and uh, 16, which is meant for the 16th floor. Just two choices and yet, we were specifically told to choose the button which says 16. Uhhh, of course!!! Hahaha! Oh, and he also warned us not to throw anything from above; eyeing our bottles of mineral water suspiciously. Seriously, why would we do that?! And there are people who do that?! Tsk.

The entrance to the elevators

Upon landing on the the 16th floor, we were greeted by emptiness. There was no restaurant. Maybe remnants of it but it was long gone. So here's what we saw:

Why, hello Riyadh!!!

The swiveling doors leading to the outside

Here lies the restaurant that is no longer here. :P

Chairs to savor the moment

The old water tower viewing deck has lost its glory, especially with the rising of the new and more modern buildings like the Faisaliah Tower and the Kingdom Tower but we found the old water tower charming in its old, nostalgic feel. It's nearer the views, with iron gates impending your view, but if you can see past that, you'll get glimpses of the traditional Riyadh. 

Batha area

Riyadh, the other side

The busy street leading to King Fahd Road

KAHC onwards

Faisaliah and Kingdom in the distance

The KAHC below; Al Murabba district

We saw Batha, the beloved expat's haunt. We saw the modern towers in the distance; so near yet so far. We saw the KAHC grounds below. We saw the the glittering lights of places on the outskirts of Riyadh. We saw Salam Park, or rather, the tree outlines and shadows covering it, and the Dirah area. 

Here are some panoramic shots:

The Suwaidi District and beyond

The City Centre and beyond

We also saw a lovely couple, the only two persons with us on the top, sitting in an old carpet and sharing a meal. Awww, sweet! Yes, it is a simple dating place (for married couples only, please). It doesn't have the crowd and the craziness of the city center. More importantly, it has the silence that lets you share more meaningful conversations. Best to go there during the early days of winter though. It's quite warm now and the sandstorm has just spread its dust here.

Al Watan Park is open from Thursdays to Saturdays during Ramadan but for a limited time only.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia

Combine your visit with a tour of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Chances are, you'll be the only persons in the huuuge place. You can take photos and yes, you can also frighten yourself and your friends ala A Night at the Museum. Check schedules here. 

Yallah, go! ;) ~ Sundrenched

Riyadh Water Tower
Al Watan Park
King Faisal Road, Al Futah, 
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contact Form
Map

Red marks the spot.

Directions: From Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh Avenue Mall, go straight towards the Deira area. You'll see the museum grounds on the right. Go straight past the museum grounds and the stop light. The water tower is on your right. 

Ramadan Tents and Iftar Buffets {Riyadh Hotels // Part 1}

Ramadan is upon us once again. We wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed and fulfilling month. May your sacrifices and offerings be acceptable

As you all know by now, at least for expats living in Saudi Arabia, the country changes overnight. (If you're new to Ramadan, check our guide here.) During the day, Riyadh becomes a ghost city with the Muslims fasting and the expats working on shortened hours (unfortunately for me and other The Pink Tarha ladies, our schedule is unchanged). In the afternoon, rush hour becomes literally a rush hour as people scramble to get home to break fast. 

Iftar, the evening meal when Muslims break their fast, is meant to be shared with families, friends and the community. Nowadays, with the contemporary changes to the Ramadan culture, hotels and restaurants have ushered in Ramadan tents and Iftar buffets. Whatever your belief is on the presence of these luxurious and extravagant culinary indulgences during Ramadan, we at The Pink Tarha are just here to share the information as they come. We rounded up hotels offering Ramadan tents and Iftar buffets...

The grandeur of The Ritz

For a majestic, grand Iftar, visit The Ritz Carlton in Makkah Road. SR 295 per person in their events hall and SR 275 per person for their buffet dining in Al Orjouan Restaurant, which serves Lebanese cuisine. Call 011-802-8020 for reservations.

Delicious spread at the Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Centre has a Ramadan Tent.  SR 325 per person in their Ramadan Tent and SR 325 at Elements Restaurant. For reservations, call 011-211-5544.

Rosewood Hotel in Faisaliah

Al Fawanees Ramadan Tent in Al Faisaliah Rosewood Hotel offers Arabic, Asian, and international cuisines at SR320 per person. To reserve, call 011-273-2222.

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers along King Fahd Road has an Iftar buffet at a more affordable price: SR 180 per person. To reserve, call 011-4543300.

The Mosaic Restaurant in Marriott-Riyadh

Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Al Ma'ather Street offers an Iftar buffet at SR 230 per person from 6:30 to 8:30PM and SR 160 for Sohur buffet from 11:30PM to 3:00PM in their Mosaic Restaurant. For reservations and inquiries, call 011-4779300.

The Courtyard Marriott

Marriott's sister company, Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, in Al-Hada District in Al-Sahmi Street has more affordable Iftar buffet at SR 169 per person. Their sohour buffet which starts at 3:30am is at SR 119. Call 011-283-7300.

The Al Yasmeen Restaurant inside the Crowne Plaza Minhal in the Old Airport Road is popular for its variety and selections. Their Iftar buffet is at SR 195 per person. For inquiries and reservations, call 011-874-9200.

The Intercontinental Riyadh has an Iftar Buffet for SR 245 per person and a Sohur Buffet that starts 12:00 midnight in their Al Bustan Restaurant which costs SR 185. For inquiries, call 011-465-5000. 

The Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel in Al Mubakariah Plaza along King Abdulaziz Street has an Iftar Buffet for SR 215. It opens around 7:00PM and a Suhor Buffet for SR 115. For inquiries, call 011-479-1234.

Iftar is done during or after the maghreb prayer which is around 6:45PM this month. Hotel dining rooms and restaurants usually open around 6:30 onwards. More hotel and restaurant lists in our next entries so stay tuned for those. The Pink Tarha ladies usually enjoy 1-2 Iftar deals in restaurants so we're pretty excited to see what the new Iftar offers are in restos in and around Riyadh.  

Of course, by publishing these kinds of lists, it doesn't mean that we patronize the extravagant consumerism that sometimes goes with this season. After all, even if The Pink Tarha ladies are not Muslims, we know that Ramadan should not be about gluttony, too much entertainment, and shopping. It still is about spiritual growth, togetherness, and generosity. Again, the list above (and succeeding ones) is just here for mere information for those who are interested. ;) ~ Sundrenched

Check out part 2 here.

Wishes Granted

Every Overseas Filipino Worker wants to go home to the Philippines to be with their families and the 100 Lucky Juans contest of Cebu Pacific is making the wishes and dreams of OFWs in the United Arab Emirates come true. The winners for Week 3 and 4 were already announced and The Pink Tarha had a happy yet nostalgic time browsing through the winners' entries. 

We feel their emotions emanating through their photos, videos, and writings. It's not easy to be away from the homeland and it's never easy to be away from our loved ones. We can relate to some of the entries saying that they wanted to grant the wishes of their parents and children to come home. After all, the Pink Tarha ladies were once these children of OFWs who long to be with our fathers who were abroad for quite a long time. 

Just like Ginalyn Caputol's entry which says, "My plan for my homecoming would be to grant my father's 60th birthday wish, his wish is my presence during his birthday. I would like to surprise him and give him a big party. I've never been home for 3 years." Now that she won a free flight back to the Philippines for a vacation on October, she has a chance to surprise her father. What a tearful reunion that would be. Sigh... 

Mhea from Jumeirah, Dubai has a wish for her family on her next vacation. She wants to give her mother a treat and bond with her siblings, nephews, and nieces. "Wala akong ibang iniisip kundi ang magbakasyon ulit sa Pilipinas... Gusto ko silang ipasyal sa mga lugar na dati dati tinitignan lang namin sa magazines. Gusto ko ring magsimba kasama ang buong pamilya. Simple pero very sweet homecoming." Well, guess what Mhea! Wish granted. 

Gina Basilan, on the other hand, wishes to experience the beautiful nature of the Philippines aboard the Cebu Pacific airplane with her family. "Being unhappy is not easy. I miss my family in the Philippines. I want to visit them after four years." 

She even said that she hopes to ride with Cebu Pacific. Your wish is Cebu Pac's command, Gina! 

And finally, Suzeth Jalandoni from Sharjah, UAE gets a chance to bond with her son this October. "Sabik ako maparamdam sa baby ko yung pakiramdam ng pagiging ina. Halos araw araw ng aking buhay dito sa UAE, inaasam ko na sana kasama ko lang ang anak ko at pamilya ko... Dito ko lubos naiintindihan kapag magulang kana pala, kahit mahirap, kahit mapalayo ka, bsta mabigyan mu lang ng magandang buhay at masuportahan ang pangangailang ng pamilya, lahat nakakaya. Kung pwede ko nga lang pabilisin ang araw pra lang bakasyon ko na!" 

Start counting the days to October, Suzeth! 

All these wishes and dreams are so close to our hearts as OFWs in Saudi Arabia. Every day, we want to see our loved ones in the Philippines and if only we can teleport whenever we think of them, we'd do it all the time (work be darn! Hahaha, kidding!). Good thing, there are flights like Cebu Pacific which brings us closer to our families and friends back home. Congratulations to the winners of the 100 Lucky Juans contest! 

For those who hasn't joined yet, you still have time to submit your entries to the 100 Lucky Juans contest. Good luck! ~ Sundrenched

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.

Epic Curio

Artists, I found your heaven! 

But first, let me tell you how my friends and I found it. You know how I like researching before going on a store in Riyadh right? (It actually spawned an entry on how to find your way in Riyadh.) So I found this map in Curio's Facebook page. I was feeling confident that we can find it immediately. After all, the map tells me to just turn left when we reach the intersection after Riyadh Gallery in King Fahd Street. Based on this map, the store was supposed to be on the right side...

Guess where it is? Yes, on the left side. Jam, a friend who wasn't aware at first that we're going to a store named Curio already saw in on the other side of the street while I and her sister Jou were staring at the right side. She thought, "Oooooh... Curio... niiiice!" Only when we were kilometers away did she told us that she saw it. *facepalm* But we're sooo glad she found it. Hahaha! It took a couple of U-turns and an irritated taxi driver to reach Curio. Haha! Anyway...

Curio Art Supplies in Imam Saud Bin Abdullah Street is one store you shouldn't miss. Even if you're just a trying hard artist like me, drop by and ogle at the many ways you can create beautiful arts and crafts. Students of the arts, or those doing school projects, can find something helpful and useful here. I consider this as my wasteland, a place where I wanted to buy every thing even if I don't need it. It's good for the store but bad for my wallet. I wanted to buy every thing!!!

An artist's field of gold.

We had to wait for the prayer to finish. When it opened, we filed inside like giddy little kids who just found a candy store. I was screaming in my head and ooohing and aaahing at the art supplies I'm seeing in industrial room-inspired racks and shelves. Without further adieu, here's what you can find in undoubtedly one of my favorite stores in Riyadh now:  

My kind of candy land.

I like the simple yet sleek industrial touches.

The centerpiece for me is these steel chests that has jars containing markers. The expensive kind. So if you're obsessed on marking, this is where you go to first. 

Krink highlighters and markers

You want colors?! Have more!

Krink is one of the popular brands of markers. The ones on the transparent jars are ink markers and water-based paint markers. They have a more compact kind of paint marker which can fit any artist's pocket:

Get krinking!

More paint markers for large areas.

In the corner is a shelf filled with acrylic paints from Golden Artist Colors, a company started by Sam Golden and his family in 1980 in New Berlin. Golden Artist Colors' paints known for its highest quality and consistency.

This is an artist's gold!

Acrylics that are exceptionally smooth and buttery

There are also other brands of acrylics with different finishes...

Acrylic sprays from Montana

Acrylics with velvety finish

Daler Rowney liquid acrylic in pearlescent finish

Can't get enough of acrylics eh?

Of course, what's painting without the brushes? A whole wall is devoted to brushes of all kinds and sizes.

Brushes of all sizes!

Palettes and brush sets

In the middle of the store is a small rack and shelf of more art supplies:

The middle scene

You're missing the papers and books for your art? On the lower tier are heaps of books for pencil sketching, acrylic painting, calligraphy, etc.

Papers and sketch books

A small rack is devoted to Max Oil Colors from Grumbacher Art:

For the oil painting enthusiasts

Above this rack is a place for Fimo Clay from Staedtler:

Soft clay for your projects; up to 24 brilliant colors!

Speaking of clay, there are a lot of crafts for your kids too. One huge shelf is for activities you can do for your kids. Or if they know better, leave them to it. ;)

Sets for your artistic kids. If they're not that artistic, it's never too late! ;)

Clay, markers, paints that are safe for kids to use.

Have a fun art day with your children! Oooh, I miss Crayola!

And now we come to my favorite shelf in the whole store:

I LOOOVE YOU!

Why? Because it contains my favorite things in the whole wide world! Haha! I told you I'm not an artist. Far from it. But I want to try and I find the items on this shelf the best starters for someone like me who only has a beautiful handwriting to be proud of. (Naks! Haha!)

For this alone, I am already head over heels!

The Moleskine is one of the best finds in this store. My friend and I were looking for Moleskine for the longest time! It's the legendary notebook used by famous people (Van Gogh, Hemingway, and Picasso lang naman!). I doubt using this would make you famous but just in case, your writings and drawings will last a long time because Moleskine notebooks guarantees them to last. The Moleskine in Curio is limited but I just like the ruled notebook so I'm one happy customer. (Okay basically, it's just one helluva expensive notebook.)

Can you guess what this is?

You know this!!!

Beloved Sharpie!!! You might think I'm crazy but I like Sharpies!!! (Notice how I used an excessive number of exclamation points in two sentences?! That's how excited I am in seeing these pens!) Ermn, I just like using Sharpie markers and highlighters. If I can hoard all the colors, I would!

Be mine! All the lot of you!

There are other brands of permanent pens too:

In various sizes and colors.

The Copic brand is expensive.

Those colors from Tombow! Hay, love!

Here are other medium that you can use:

Pastels anyone?

Watercolors too.

Pencils, of course!

Calligraphy pens, the reason why I'm here!

Other interesting finds in Curio:

Pens made of recycled bottles.

Rule the world!

Glue for all your project needs

Easels and boards

Paintings for sale

Books and art magazines

I even found one of the fashion illustration books I was eyeing in an online book store for quite some time:

If only I can draw this well! SR59

Curio has a lot of good quality art supplies that will satisfy the artist in you. And even if you're not quite the Picasso or da Vinci, visiting this store will awaken the artist that might be running in your blood but you're just too busy to mind. I feel like I become a notch more creative just by being in this store. Prices are a bit above average. If you want to inquire on prices, you can contact Curio (details below) and they reply fast. Don't forget to visit their Instagram account to see more available brands and products.

I'm off to the cashier!

What I took home with me.

Share with me your creations, okay? I'll be very glad to see them. I might show you my calligraphy projects too... after a few months or so. Haha! Yes, it will take me that long to learn. I'm quite worried at the result, haha! Oh well, 'creativity takes courage!' ~ Sundrenched

Curio Art Supplies 

Imam Saudi Bin Abdullah Street

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

T: +966-11-2297090

E: info@curioartsupplies.com

W: www.curioartsupplies.com

FB: www.facebook.com/curio-art-supplies

Twitter: @curioksa

IG: CurioKSA

Map to Curio

Directions: Travel in King Fahd Road until you reach Riyadh Gallery. On the intersection, turn left. Go straight. Curio is on the left side. Take the U-turn slot to reach it.

If you're looking for places in Riyadh, visit this comprehensive Riyadh Map made by the Saudi Expats Podcast team.