Ishabil.com

There is a first time for everything, and for me, the world of international film festivals opened its doors in the heart of Jeddah. It was the final day of the Red Sea Film Festival , and I finally managed to secure a spot in this grand celebration of storytelling. The Race Against Time Scanning the schedule, one title caught my eye: Black Dog , a Chinese film that seemed promising. I booked my ticket online and waited for my shift to end. By 3:00 PM, I was done with duty, and after a quick meal, I was ready to head out by 4:00 PM. The journey to Al-Balad, however, tested my patience. I waited nearly 20 minutes for the regular bus. While a taxi crossed my mind, my pocket reminded me to stick to the budget. Due to festival road closures, the bus took a long detour through Sharafiyah. I was gripped by tension; the ticket clearly stated that entry wouldn't be allowed once the screening began. I finally hopped off the bus near Juffali Mosque with o...

🚗 The Rush to the Start I decided to join at the last moment. My colleague and frequent travel partner, Dr. Ijas, drove, and we were joined by another coworker, Pramod. We started at 2:00 PM, already knowing little about the destination other than that it was a green area outside Jeddah. We arrived at the starting point 45 minutes late, only to find that the other vehicles had already departed. We immediately set off, following the group's live location. We soon realized we were on a road I had traveled once before when returning from Usfan. The drive was scenic, with views of camel herds, small farms, and picturesque hills. Our road eventually narrowed into a two-way track, winding through hills with climbs and bends. It was then that we spotted the name  MADRAKAH  written on a hillside. We passed through Madrakah Market and finally reached the waiting spot, having traveled about  140 kilometers . Over ten cars and a large ...

 My wife and children already boarded their flight back home, bringing an end to a beautiful two-and-a-half-month chapter here in Jeddah. Having my family by my side in Saudi Arabia has been one of the greatest desires of my life, and looking back at the memories we created, my heart is completely full. Getting them here wasn't without its challenges. I had booked their tickets well in advance, eagerly counting down the days. But at the very last minute, SpiceJet threw a wrench in our plans by canceling the flight. It was incredibly stressful, and I was determined not to let it ruin our long-awaited reunion. I ended up spending a bit more money to secure tickets on a different airline, and thankfully, they arrived on the exact day we originally planned. I have to express my deepest gratitude to the management at Taj Polyclinic, where I work. They were remarkably supportive, stepping in to provide us with comfortable accommodation and kindly adjusting my work schedul...

For most expats and visitors in Saudi Arabia, the ultimate travel checklist revolves around the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. But when my family arrived in the Kingdom on a two-and-a-half-month visit visa, my wife had one very specific, non-negotiable destination written at the top of her bucket list: the mountain-carved, rose-scented city of Taif . Perched high in the Sarawat Mountains, Taif is famous for its cool breezes, terraced gardens, and deep Islamic history. It is the perfect escape from the coastal humidity of Jeddah. Traveling with a big family—myself, my wife, and our three energetic children, three-year-old Ishwa, Isha, and Shabil—means that logistics can quickly become a nightmare. To keep things seamless, budget-friendly, and completely stress-free, we decided to book a popular one-day guided package trip. Our launching pad was Sharafiya , a bustling neighborhood widely known as the vibrant "Malayali capital" of Jeddah. Dawn at Sharafiya: The Journey...

Jeddah is famous for its vibrant city life, historic districts, and the bustling Northern Corniche. However, if you truly want to escape the crowds, experience untouched coastal beauty, and discover hidden local treasures, you need to head south. On a quiet weekday afternoon, our family decided to do exactly that. We planned an evening getaway to Al Saif Beach , a beautiful destination located on the Southern Corniche of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Situated about 50 to 60 kilometers south of the Jeddah city center, it promised a completely different vibe from the usual city beaches. Here is the story of our unforgettable road trip, filled with unexpected stops, swimming adventures, traditional salt fields, and thrilling beach rides. The Journey Begins: From Mahjar to the Deep South Our mini-adventure started at precisely 4:00 PM . We packed the car with snacks, extra clothes for the kids, and a spirit of adventure, then set off from the Mahjar are...