The Harlem Shake - in Jeddah

A few days ago, an epic event occurred on the streets of Jeddah in broad daylight - the Harlem Shake. It was an organized underground event with hundreds of young people participating. The logistics of pulling off such an event here in Saudi Arabia, where public gatherings such as this are outlawed, are challenging. Had word gotten out to the police ahead of time, I'm sure measures would have been taken to quell such an incident from happening in the first place. As it was, apparently the crowd was dispersed by police, but not until several videos like this one were filmed by attendees.

Don't Miss It! Head Over Heels in Saudi Arabia

Dr. Maisah Sobaihi (photo: Vimeo)

"Head Over Heels in Saudi Arabia" is a one-woman comedy show written and performed by Dr. Maisah Sobaihi, exploring the lives and loves of Saudi women with humor and insight.  I had the pleasure of seeing this delightful show and writing about it several years ago in 2008.  For my review and synopsis of the play, please click HERE.  Since that time, Sobaihi has repeated her performance many times, and this week she is doing it again.

WHERE:  EFFAT UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM in JEDDAH - GATE 13


WHEN:     MONDAY, FEB. 18 (in ENGLISH) and 
                  TUESDAY, FEB. 19 (in ARABIC)

TIME:       8:30 PM 

MEN AND WOMEN ARE WELCOME, BUT WITH SEPARATE SEATING
 
PRICE:     250 SR

BUY TICKETS AT 

Head Over Heels In Saudi Arabia - 3-Minute Promo Video from Maisah Sobaihi on Vimeo.

Almakkiyah: Angawi House

Angawi House is the current residence of famed local Jeddah architect Dr. Sami Angawi.  It is a study of western Saudi Arabia's traditional Hijazi architecture.



The interior of the home is not decorated with expensive museum pieces but is instead filled with ordinary functional and traditional decor.

The variety of materials utilized in the construction and finishing of the home is astonishing.  Angawi is a master at combining materials, textures, and shapes.  Many of the home's objects are quite old, such as a 300 year old carved door at the entrance.

The heart of the home is a beautifully aqua blue tiled indoor swimming pool, the bottom of which is a mosaic tile pattern that looks like a Persian carpet.  This inner courtyard is surrounded by rich carved wood on multiple levels and hanging plants.

Also used throughout the home are stained glass, arches, and colored lighting.  Pillows, carpets, and varied accessories complete the finishing touches in every room of the house. 

Intricately carved wooden architectural details and Moroccan style lamps are just some of the features that all work together to make this home very special. 

There is none of the stiffness and formal pretentiousness that I have seen in some households here in Saudi Arabia.  Instead the home is warm, welcoming, and comfortable. 

Angawi designed the house to fully take advantage of the prevailing winds in Jeddah, which naturally flow from the north and the west, to keep the air stream circulating throughout the entire house much of the year.  This cuts down on the need for air conditioning in this hot climate. 

The living space in this home is maximized and made good use of, with nooks and crannies used for built in seating areas, planters, and even a rooftop garden.

The entire house is a visual treat which is layered with magnificent colors, patterns, and designs featuring geometrics, florals, and Arabic calligraphy.

Angawi graciously opens his amazing home to visitors mainly arranged through special group tours. 

For more information about Angawi House, email:    info@amarcenter.me