Ishabil.com

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...

Jeddah, the bride of the Red Sea, never fails to surprise us. Every corner of this vibrant city tells a story of tradition meeting modernity. Recently, my family and I—my wife, and our three children, Isha, Shabil, and our little three-year-old explorer, Ishwa—decided to spend a memorable evening exploring some of the most iconic spots along the beautiful Jeddah Corniche. Our itinerary was packed with excitement: the famous "Floating Mosque," the ultra-modern Jeddah Yacht Club, the artistic Promenade, and finally, the wonders of the deep sea at the Fakeeh Aquarium. It was a journey filled with awe, laughter, and beautiful memories that we will cherish forever. The Journey Begins: From Mahjar to Al-Rahmah Mosque Our adventure started in the afternoon. We booked an Uber from our residential area in Mahjar and headed straight towards the northern coast of the city. As the car moved along the sweeping roads of Jeddah, the bustling city view slowl...