timeoutjeddah.com Winter 2024 3 Jeddah Discover the best of the city this month FEATURES AND REGULARS 6 City Life 8 Things to do 18 Family-friendly activities in Saudi 20 AlUla’s must-see events 54 Food 58 Sport 60 Family & Kids 62 Wellbeing 64 Attractions 66 Hype dish Sweetloop PAGE 12 It’s terrace time Patio season is back. If you’re making a reservation, it *has* to be at these top outdoor spots PAGE 36 Life of luxury These are the plushest Saudi hotels to splash out on for your next staycay. You deserve it PAGE 46 Refresh your social feeds Grab your camera and capture Jeddah’s #trending drinks and dishes to rack up those likes. These are the hottest things the city is eating. Prepare to go viral4 Spring 2023 timeoutjeddah.com Time Out Jeddah Riyadh Gallery Mall, 1st Floor, Offi ce 21, King Fahd, Riyadh, P. 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JOIN THE CONVERSATION @timeoutjeddah @timeoutjeddahar facebook.com/ timeoutjeddahofficial @ timeoutjeddah @ timeoutjeddahar @timeoutjeddah @timeoutjeddahar Is there anything better than winter in Jeddah? Of course we love all seasons in the Red Sea city, but this time of year is something special. We can truly enjoy the great outdoors without sauna-like humidity levels – and that includes dining out. And you’re in luck – you have the ultimate guide to the city’s most picturesque patios and terrific terraces in your hands right now. Hungry for more? We know that you always are. Prep your camera and get ready to snap the city’s #trending dishes and drinks. If you’re looking to have your viral moment, we’ll show you where to go and what to order. We promise that they taste as good as they look. Like we said, winter is where it’s at. See you on the terrace. It’s the only place to be. Hello, Jeddah (ﻢﻜﻟ رﺎﻴﺨﻟاو ،ينﺘﻐﻠﻟﺎﺑ توأ ﻢﻳﺎﺗ ﺮﻓﻮﺘﺗ ؟ﺔﻴﺑﺮﻌﻟا ﺔﻐﻠﻟﺎﺑ ةءاﺮﻘﻟا نﻮﻠﻀﻔﺗ ﻞﻫ*) A word from the team... Published by ITP MEDIA SAUDI LTD © 2024 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK.The Red Sea city has plenty of seafood spots, but no one is serving it quite like Alaaly Seafood. The City Yard restaurant welcomes you into an elegant but comfortable space right in the heart of Jeddah. Take a seat in the plush surroundings and get ready to eat. Enjoy a welcoming ambience with top service as you feast on the freshest catch from the Red Sea – and we mean freshest. You can take your pick from the gigantic display. Your chosen order is then Enjoy the freshest catches at Alaaly meticulously prepared by skilled chefs following the traditional style of cooking. This is authentic Saudi seafood that has been perfected over years. You can taste the difference in every bite. It’s best you go very hungry and with a large group because the Alaaly menu offers a wide selection of delicious seafood dishes, including fresh fish, succulent shrimp, amazing lobster and much more. Each dish is characterised by innovative presentations and rich flavours. You won’t forget a meal here. Tuck into a sharing platter with friends or family, enjoy a casual business lunch or head over to celebrate a milestone. You can’t go wrong. Alaaly Seafood was named Best Seafood at the Time Out Jeddah Restaurant Awards 2024. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Alaaly today for a sensational seafood meal. You can find out more on Instagram at @alaalyseafood. O City Yard, Ar Rawdah, @alaalyseafood (050 787 3166). Partner Feature This Jeddah restaurant is a destination for seafood-lovers6 Winter 2024 timeoutjeddah.com THE JEDDAH BOOK FAIR is returning to the city this December. So, readers, mark your calendars. The Jeddah Book Fair will be held from Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 21. It’s the perfect occasion to pick up a new book – or five. Get ready for an unforgettable cultural experience, as Jeddah transforms into a vibrant hub of books, ideas and creativity. Walk through corridors filled with the scent of new books and shelves piled high with stories from all over the world. Whether you are a fan of novels, interested in historical books or looking for rare publications, you will find the Jeddah Book Fair 2024 a haven for all your literary interests. Best of all – it’s free to attend. Find a new read at the Jeddah Book Fair Think of the Jeddah Book Fair as a cultural window that brings together local and international literary publishers and translators with passionate readers. This year’s programme is packed with engaging events, from interactive lectures to workshops that explore art, writing, publishing, and translation. Don’t miss your chance to meet renowned authors at book signings and dive into thought-provoking panel discussions on literary and cultural themes. It’s a must-visit for any book-lover. The new edition of the fair promises plenty for all readers, with activities and events suitable for all ages. This includes a cultural theatre which will host daily performances, combining literature, art and music. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops focusing on the art of writing and publishing. As for kids, the fair has allocated a dedicated space full of creativity and fun. From handicraft workshops to interactive storytelling, little ones can have a fun time. Don’t miss out. O Free. Dec 12-21. Jeddah Superdome, King Abdulaziz International Airport, moc.gov.sa. “Pick up a new book – or five” City Life TOJ_EN009_6_7_City Life_13458675.indd 6TOJ_EN009_6_7_City Life_13458675.indd 630/11/2024 21:1830/11/2024 21:18timeoutjeddah.com Winter 2024 7 ARE YOU READY for a wonderful time? It’s time to visit The Wonder District. If you’re missing City Walk and Little Asia, The Wonder District is the most talked-about attraction to head to, so round up the family ASAP. The action-packed festival is part of the Jeddah Events Calendar and there’s plenty to explore with culture, food, shopping, sport, games, rides and lots of activities for all ages. If you love animals and scary experiences, there are plenty of both at this popular attraction. Don’t miss the interactive shows, range of games that will test your skills and the family-friendly performances at the Ash Shati event. There are 10 thrilling sub-zones you can’t miss. These include: Blast Off, Let’s Play, Smiley Beach, Spooky Circus, The Wonders, The Wonder Job and Wonder Theatre. You can also check out food and beverage stations, a retail area, rides and carnival games. You’ll want to plan multiple visits to this new festival because there’s so much to see and do – and more cool stuff is added every week. You’ll need to pre-book your tickets via webook.com. We’ll see you there. O SAR35. Open 4pm-midnight (weekdays), 4pm-1am (weekends). Ash Shati, webook.com. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 is roaring into town Be wowed at The Wonder District SAVE THE DATE: the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 is officially heading back to Jeddah. What’s even better is you can get your tickets now. Marking its fifth edition, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 races will take place from Sunday April 18 to Tuesday April 20. The adrenaline-filled event sees the world’s best drivers take to the tracks of the famous Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The popular circuit, previously known as the ‘fastest street track’ on the Grand Prix 2024 calendar, is 6.17 kilometres and it’s located along the Red Sea. It has 27 turns with cars averaging 250 kilometres per hour. The first Saudi races took place in 2021 and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has since become an annual event highly anticipated across the region, for the races as much as the mega concerts. The event also brings tonnes of international performances. Previous acts include Calvin Harris, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas and Swedish House Mafia. The line-up for 2025 has yet to drop, but watch this space for the latest. Grand Prix visitors can also enjoy the popular fan villages featuring food stalls, fairground rides, theme-park-style excitement and more for the whole family to enjoy. Want in? You can get tickets via tickets.saudiarabiangp.com. Choose from general admission or grandstand options, or treat yourself to premium lounge tickets for a truly VIP experience. O Sun Apr 18-Tue Apr 20, 2025. Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, @saudiarabiangp. TOJ_EN009_6_7_City Life_13458675.indd 7TOJ_EN009_6_7_City Life_13458675.indd 730/11/2024 21:1830/11/2024 21:188 Winter 2024 timeoutjeddah.com Things to do Unleashing the beats Balad Beast 2025 is on. The mega MDLBEAST event is taking over the historic neighbourhood of Al Balad from Thursday January 30 to Friday January 31. There are more than 70 artists lined up to perform across four stages. Previous acts included Bebe Rehxa, DJ Snake, Ty Dollar $ign and Wu-Tang Clan. O Thu Jan 30-Fri Jan 31, 2025. Al Balad, mdlbeast.com. TOJ_EN009_8_10_THINGS TO DO_13431082.indd 8TOJ_EN009_8_10_THINGS TO DO_13431082.indd 830/11/2024 21:1930/11/2024 21:19timeoutjeddah.com Winter 2024 9 Brilliant brekkie EXT. SEVENTEEN A cosy home-grown spot When you want to eat heart-warming dishes, but don’t feel like cooking, head to Ext. Seventeen for brunch. The diverse menu has a range of crowd favourites such as shakshouka, apple pancakes and labneh toast with sun-dried tomatoes. Go here with family and friends for a great time. O Open daily 7am-11.30pm. Al Zahra, @extseventeen (92 001 4159). SORREL AT PLEO A modern fusion breakfast spot Craving savoury eggs and cheese or something sweet like fluffy French toast? Sorrel has you covered with a delightful menu that caters to every palate. The concept, which is sister to burger joint Pleo, was awarded Best Breakfast at the Time Out Jeddah Restaurant Awards 2024, so you know it’s good. The modern breakfast restaurant is a favourite morning destination thanks to its unique fusion menu. O Open Sat-Wed 8.30am-2.30pm, Thu-Sun 8am-3pm. An Nahdah, @sorrel.sa / pleoarabia.com. ON FILM Don’t miss this sequel The Red Sea Film Festival 2024 returns to Jeddah this year with a superb selection of innovative Arab and international films. The fourth edition of the festival has the slogan 'Cinema has a new home,' inspired by the historic charm of Al Balad, the festival's vibrant venue. O Dec 5-14. Al Balad, redseafilmfest.com. Up on the rooftop It’s terrace season in Jeddah and we have a brand-new lounge to check out. Head over to the rooftop hotspot Soleil in Rosewood Jeddah Hotel. Enjoy breathtaking Red Sea and city views at the open-air lounge along with fusion bites and refreshing mocktails. This is a brilliant spot to catch up with friends on the weekend. Just make sure that camera is fully charged before going over to the Ash Shati hotspot. O Open daily 5pm-2am. Rosewood Jeddah Hotel, Ash Shati, rosewoodhotels.com (012 260 7140). Go thrifting Are you looking for unique pieces to add to your winter wardrobe? Enter Out of 10, Jeddah’s first thrift store. Discover funky clothing and accessories, cool merch and more one-of-a-kind finds at affordable prices. Don’t miss the retro band tees section. O Sun-Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat 5pm-12.30am. Al Murjan, @outof10__. TOJ_EN009_8_10_THINGS TO DO_13431082.indd 9TOJ_EN009_8_10_THINGS TO DO_13431082.indd 930/11/2024 21:1930/11/2024 21:19Next >