Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally

Jeddah Rally

​An international rally through dunes and mountains

The terrain of Saudi Arabia is ideal for racing modified 4x4 vehicles through. The sand dunes, the shale fields, the rocky outcrops all make for good racing and exciting viewing.

Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally

Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally

Having achieved success on the Middle Eastern Rally Championship, Saudi driver Abdullah Bakhashab has been involved with assembling a team to organize the Jeddah Rally, to add to the annual motorsports circuit in Saudi Arabia.

The Competitors

First run in 2014, the Jeddah Rally attracts many of the entrants the Ha’il Rally does, with competitors being both Saudis and other nationalities. Again, like Ha’il, there are professional racing vehicles as well as keen amateurs who have embraced the challenge of preparing a vehicle to race several hundred kilometers through the desert.

Motorbikes and Quads are encouraged to enter the Jeddah Rally

Motorbikes and Quads are encouraged to enter the Jeddah Rally

The Stages

The opening leg of the Jeddah Rally is run at night

The opening leg of the Jeddah Rally is run at night

The first stage, run at a location to maximize the viewing opportunities for spectators, and at night so the heat and humidity of the Jeddah coast has dissipated somewhat, involves competitors racing round a track in order to record the best time and battle for starting position.

Racing through the shale fields during the Jeddah Rally

Racing through the shale fields during the Jeddah Rally

The next two days are dedicated to stages run in the desert.

Racing through the sand at the Jeddah Rallly

Racing through the sand at the Jeddah Rallly

To keep up to date with the latest news about the Jeddah Rally, click here

The organizers have worked in close consultation with the Civil Defence and Police to make sure there are easily accessible viewing points for spectators, at vantage points that will provide some spectacle, as well as the start and finish lines.

A father and his children watching the action at the Jeddah Rally

A father and his children watching the action at the Jeddah Rally

Safety First

Helicopters are available in case of emergencies at the Jeddah Rally

Helicopters are available in case of emergencies at the Jeddah Rally

Whenever venturing onto the desert, whether as a recreational group or a sporting event, safety needs to be a primary concern. Not only is the safety equipment checked thoroughly, but spare parts are also a necessity, and keeping an eye on the proceedings from the sky there are military helicopters that can react quickly in case of emergencies.

Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally

Racing through the desert at the Jeddah Rally

Whilst not yet having achieved the following of the Ha’il Rally, the Jeddah edition is a well organized event with spectacular racing that will grow every year it is run.

​For a short movie showing a Land Rover tackle some of the course, click here

The Jeddah Rally Twitter feed has some great photos from the events

Feel free to add any comments about the Jeddah Rally in the comments section below.


An international rally through dunes and mountains (author: Andy Conder)

Arabian Oryx and ostrich at Nofa Golf Club

Nofa Golf Club

Three of KSA’s four golf clubs are in around Riyadh. There is also a private one in the eastern region, and there is talk of a fifth over in the western region at some stage.

Of the three in Riyadh, the most impressive is undoubtedly Nofa Golf Club.

Time Out from the City

Located on a huge property to the south of Mecca Road about an hour out of Riyadh, visitors will notice the huge metal dishes close to the entrance. These collect solar energy and are rumoured to provide power to the entire estate.

Click here to see how to get to the club (thanks to Wael Soliman)

Not Just Golf

Horses are exercised early in the morning at Nofa Golf Course

Horses are exercised early in the morning at Nofa Golf Course

There is more than just a golf course on this property. It is also a facility for training horses, and if you get there early enough in the morning (before the heat of the day sets in) you may get to see some being exercised.

As well as a training facility, Nofa also has a track for horse racing, and apparently the stables are world class. The back nine of the golf course are contained inside the track.

Golf and horse racing at Nofa Golf Club

Golf and horse racing at Nofa Golf Club

Well watered fairways contrast with the surrounding sand dunes at Nofa Golf Club

Well watered fairways contrast with the surrounding sand dunes at Nofa Golf Club

The grass at Nofa Golf Club is well watered and always in great condition. The contrast of the lushness of the fairways and the surrounding sand dunes makes for an aesthetically pleasing experience.

Well watered fairways contrast with the surrounding sand dunes at Nofa Golf Club

Well watered fairways contrast with the surrounding sand dunes at Nofa Golf Club

A Safari Park Too!

Arabian Oryx and ostrich at Nofa Golf Club

Arabian Oryx and ostrich at Nofa Golf Club

Ostrich at Nofa Golf Club

Ostrich at Nofa Golf Club

An added bonus to Nofa Golf Club is the animals. There is a ‘safari park’ on the property, and there are several animals that can be spotted during a round: Arabian Oryx, ostrich, and others.

There are also villas on the property that can be rented out for a weekend golfing getaway.

To visit the resort website, click here.

Our Opinion

Nofa is an excellent golfing option, and the extra activities make it a pleasant outing for non-players too. It is the furthest from Riyadh of the clubs in the region, but the facility encourages players to spend some time there after a round, and food is available for those who want to stay for lunch.

Please let us know your experience of Nofa Golf Club in the comments section below.

Spectator at the Ha'il Rally

Ha’il Rally

An international sport event hosted in Saudi Arabia

Yazeed Al-Rajhi's Hummer at the Ha'il Rally

Yazeed Al-Rajhi's Hummer at the Ha'il Rally

People of the Desert

The people of Saudi Arabia have their origins in the desert. Even though the vast majority of the population now reside in cities and towns, there is still an immense fondness for evenings spent under the stars, away from the ever expanding city centres, with groups of friends gathering to do some of the things Saudis hold dear: making kabse over the fire, grilling BBQ, drinking tea and coffee, staying up and talking into the early hours of the morning.

Tea and coffee in the desert at the Ha'il Rally

Tea and coffee in the desert at the Ha'il Rally

Modern Saudi Arabia has embraced car culture, and in the cities a day doesn’t pass without a person seeing first hand Saudi youth trying to pull some tricks with a family sedan – a practice which is frowned upon by most, except the perpetrators, as being dangerous to those who are performing such stunts as well as to other motorists and their families.

Motorsports in the Desert

Unique landscape at the Ha'il Rally

Unique landscape at the Ha'il Rally

In response to these feelings, it makes sense for there to be an outlet incorporating both elements, and the Ha’il Rally was the first motorsports event in the kingdom to seize the initiative.

The first rally was in 2006, and is held annually. Since then it has been run as an official FIA Baha competition, part if the world championship, as well as a more locally focused event. The popularity increases every year and has proven a major boost to tourism in a region which for many years was overlooked in comparison with other parts of Saudi Arabia.

Boy Scouts saluting King Salman at the Ha'il Rally

Boy Scouts saluting King Salman at the Ha'il Rally

Safety First

Before the action starts there is a thorough scrutineering process, which sees international experts (who are involved with various Formula 1 events) checking the vehicles to make sure they comply to strict safety standards (as laid down by the world motorsport governing body, the FIA) as well as to engine specifications according to which class the vehicle will be competing in.

Checking helmet specifications at the Ha'il Rally

Checking helmet specifications at the Ha'il Rally

Spectator stage at the Ha'il Rally

Spectator stage at the Ha'il Rally

A Motorsports Extravaganza

Spectator stage at the Ha'il Rally

Spectator stage at the Ha'il Rally

The first day of racing is a showcase for the spectators. The teams drive a course of between four and six kilometers, aiming to finish in the quickest possible time to gain the best starting position for the desert stages.

At the start of the desert stage of the Ha'il Rally

At the start of the desert stage of the Ha'il Rally

The next few days sees the drivers speeding over the desert course, checking in at the waypoints, and returning to the service park in the afternoon.

Making sure to cross a waypoint during the desert stage of the Ha'il Rally

Making sure to cross a waypoint during the desert stage of the Ha'il Rally

Getting airborne at the Ha'il Rally

Getting airborne at the Ha'il Rally

A desert course is not an easy one to navigate. Teams are provided with road books showing the exact route they are supposed to take, and must not rely on GPS. (There are strict penalties for those who try.) The navigator must be alert constantly to make sure the waypoints are driven through (again, there are penalties for missed waypoints), and to make sure the vehicle sticks to the prescribed route, and doesn’t risk an accident by jumping a sand dune or crashing into rocks that are obscured from view. The drivers are not out for a weekend cruise, they travel at speeds in excess of 100 km/h for parts of the course.

Don't misjudge the bumps at the Ha'il Rally

Don't misjudge the bumps at the Ha'il Rally

International Talent

With a reputation that heightens every year, the Ha’il Rally attracts professionals involved in regional and international championships (the 2011 winner, Nasser Al-Attiyah came fresh from having won the Dakar Rally and is now competing successfully in the World Rally Championship) as well as talented and enthusiastic locals.

Nasser Al-Attiyah in his Dakar Rally winning VW at the Ha'il Rally

Nasser Al-Attiyah in his Dakar Rally winning VW at the Ha'il Rally

Abdullah Bakhashab at the Ha'il Rally

Abdullah Bakhashab at the Ha'il Rally

KSA produces some talented drivers. Both Abdullah Bakhashab (now retired) and Yazeed Al-Rajhi (currently enjoying a string of rally successes) are well known faces at the Ha’il Rally.

Yazeed Al-Rajhi (centre) with the Governor of Ha'il Province after winning the Ha'il Rally

Yazeed Al-Rajhi (centre) with the Governor of Ha'il Province after winning the Ha'il Rally

Trying to get closer to the action at the Ha'il Rally

Trying to get closer to the action at the Ha'il Rally

There are areas in the desert stages where spectators can view the racing, but safety comes first and these areas have to be closely monitored to ensure no lives are endangered. That said, there are always a few people who prefer to get a closer view, and the local police take great joy in pursuing such groups and shepherding then to safety.

Official Support

Ha'il Rally HQ is based in the Governor's recreational facility

Ha'il Rally HQ is based in the Governor's recreational facility

The rally has the full support of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (who actually organize the racing component) as well as the Governor of Ha’il and his family. It is a huge boost to the local economy, as flights, hotels and restaurants are booked out like no other time of the year.

Ha'il Rally closing ceremony is held in the Governor's recreational facility

Ha'il Rally closing ceremony is held in the Governor's recreational facility

Every year there are more side events added: hill climbs, drag racing, local market, vehicle experiences, just to name a few. For the 10th Anniversary the Royal Saudi Air Force even flew a display at the official opening.

The RSAF Hawks perform a fly past at the opening of the Ha'il Rally (credit: http://www.scalemodellingnow.com/waddington-international-airshow-2012)

The RSAF Hawks perform a fly past at the opening of the Ha'il Rally (credit: http://www.scalemodellingnow.com/waddington-international-airshow-2012)

The Ha’il Rally is one of the largest, most successful events in the kingdom. It is an opportunity to see some skilful racing, and to experience some authentic local culture, and is well worth a visit even for a couple of days.

If you would like to be kept up-to-date about it, visit the Facebook page.

Please add any comments you have about the Ha'il Rally below.



An international sport event hosted in Saudi Arabia (author: Andy Conder)

Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh (review)

Stylish surroundings at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Stylish surroundings at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

The first thing that hits you when you walk into Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh, is that it is designed in a very stylish manner. It displays a hint of opulence without being gaudy. It incorporates elements of Louis XIV and the Pompidou Centre in a way which manages to avoid falling into the trap of covering everything wooden with gold paint and thinking the height of luxury has been achieved.

As we know, however, restaurants aren’t (or shouldn’t be, anyway) a success because of looks alone, so how does Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh, fare on the food front?

Extensive Menu at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

The menu has two pages for lunch, and two pages for dinner; make sure you realise which you should be reading. The font size is not the most reader-friendly of any restaurant that have been reviewed here, although it does allow for an impressive number of dishes to be included on each page.

It is a nice touch that many of the fresh fruit and vegetables are on display, although it’s a shame the tomato and lemon that are used as decoration on each table aren’t more prime specimens.

Fresh fruit and vegetables on display at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Fresh fruit and vegetables on display at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Bread basket at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Bread basket at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Once the order has been placed with the waiter, a basket of bread is brought to the table. This has the unusual distinction of being bread made well, something that is lacking in the vast majority of restaurants in Riyadh.

Foie Gras at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Foie Gras at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Two of the most famous French starters are Foie Gras and French Onion Soup, and Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh, does both well.

French Onion Soup at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

French Onion Soup at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Main Courses at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

As for the main courses, there is a wide choice of pasta, pizette, fish and meat.

Lasagne at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Lasagne at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Whilst the lasagne was possibly more of a local interpretation than a traditional recipe, the salmon comes highly recommended and is well prepared and very tasty.

Grilled salmon at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

Grilled salmon at Appétit Kitchen, Riyadh

This stylish restaurant also has a very cool website

Continue reading

Copper Chandni restaurant, Riyadh (review)

The Copper Chandni, Riyadh cannot be approached without a comment on its design. It is an impressive reproduction of a Mughal-style palace tastefully created so that it suggests an authentic experience once inside.

The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Mughal Design Elements

Waiting area at The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Waiting area at The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

On entering, the theme is continued, with attractive wooden furniture, decorative arches, solid tables, stylish alcoves, and intimate dining booths, which ensure privacy for your party, although not sound-proofing.

Private dining booth at The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Private dining booth at The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

The experience could be improved if there was a call button for the waiters, but as things are, diners either have to wait for them to come and check, or to take the initiative and venture outside the booth.

DIning booth at The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

DIning booth at The Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Are Appearances Deceiving?

Zaffrani Sherbert at Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Zaffrani Sherbert at Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Starting with drinks, it is unusual that sparkling water is not available, and this may be an attempt to direct guests to the blended drinks on offer. The Zaffrani Sherbert is an excellent choice.

The best way to start an Indian feast is with papadums, and a feature of Copper Chandni, Riyadh, is that they come in snack sized pieces, removing the necessity to break whole papadums into smaller bites. The three sauces that accompany them are subtle in flavour, and won’t overpower your senses, although it is a shame there is no chutney on the premises.

Papadums, mixed starters and naan at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Papadums, mixed starters and naan at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

The mixed starters is a good way to experience several options (chicken, meat and cheese balls) although why they are accompanied by hummus is a mystery.

Naan, Chicken Tandoori and Dal Ma Chandni at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Naan, Chicken Tandoori and Dal Ma Chandni at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Also recommended, the chicken tandoori and tikka pieces are well cooked and succulent, as are the rawa prawns.

Chicken Tikka at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Chicken Tikka at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

There are good bread options available, and both the naan and the paretha are well made and of good consistency – not too doughy.

The Curries

A wide selection of available curries and grills are available, and it is worthwhile asking the waiter for recommendations. The best way forward is to decide the main ingredient – chicken, mutton, prawn, fish or vegetables – and to decide on the curry accordingly.

Presented in individual bowls, the curries sit atop aflame that ensures they stay warm during the meal. The curry sauces are thick, tasty and well made, with no sign of excess oil floating on the surface. 

As delicious as the prawn curries are, and as appealing as they look it is a shame that the prawns themselves seem to fall into the category of shrimps, a little too small to relish.

Prawns Masala at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Prawns Masala at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Biriyanee rice at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

Biriyanee rice at the Copper Chandni, Riyadh

For all the choices of rice dishes, it is surprising that there is no pulau rice available.

Our Opinion...

The Copper Chandni, Riyadh, overall, is a place that serves good food in very pleasant surroundings. Despite some staples which are missing from the menu, there is enough choice to make sure that guests have a very enjoyable experience. But be warned, it is by no means the best value Indian restaurant in Riyadh.

There are several Copper Chandni restaurants in Saudi Arabia. For further details, click here

Please share with us your experiences of the Copper Chandni, Riyadh, in the comments section below.

Yokari restaurant, Riyadh (review)

Centria Mall is one of Riyadh’s most stylish, with high-end stores selling exquisite goods. It is also home to some very upmarket and excellent restaurants.

Stylish Design at Yokari, Riyadh

Yokari is a prime example. A lot of thought (and money) has gone into the design of the interior, and there are some superb creations that are produced in the kitchen.

Place setting at Yokari, Riyadh

Place setting at Yokari, Riyadh

There is a departure from the norm of Japanese restaurants in that there is no sushi bar. Yokari is a place where you book your table and that is your base. There is no interaction encouraged with the kitchen. The fillets and cuts are on display, but you have to get up from your table to examine them.

The menu treats everyone like they are an expert in Japanese food. There are no photos or explanations, just the name of the dish and the price. The waiters are happy to explain, but that involves them standing in the gap between tables, which is not very large, so if someone at the next table needs to get up, the waiter has to move, disrupting whatever he is explaining to the table.

There are many options for drinks, but most of them seem not to be available, hence it is wise to follow the waiter’s lead and suggestions. That said, the mojitos, available in a variety of flavours, are excellent.

Mojitos and Karashi Ebi to start with at Yokari, Riyadh

Mojitos and Karashi Ebi to start with at Yokari, Riyadh

There is the normal selection of fish available for sushi, and they also offer the elusive fatty tuna, which on a good day feels like there is a slice of butter between each section of flesh. Sadly, however, not every day is a good day. The salmon tends to be of excellent quality though.

Salmon and Fatty Tuna sashimi at Yokari, Riyadh

Salmon and Fatty Tuna sashimi at Yokari, Riyadh

Wagyu Beef with Truffle sushi at Yokari, Riyadh

Wagyu Beef with Truffle sushi at Yokari, Riyadh

A unique addition to the sushi is the inclusion of meat. One of their specialities is Wagyu beef with truffle, although the wisdom of offering this with Japanese rice is questionable.

The kitchen has spent time creating a signature selection of maki rolls, and there are some interesting creations. Particularly recommended is the Unagi Saku Saku, which has a variety of seafood surrounded by rice, and is then deep fried so the outside is satisfyingly crispy. The presentation is also excellent, with sauces drizzled over the rolls.

Yakiniku and Unagi Saku Saku at Yokari, Riyadh

Yakiniku and Unagi Saku Saku at Yokari, Riyadh

There is a good selection of main courses too, and it is recommended to order one or two as a pleasant meaty balance to the sushi that started the meal.

The Experience at Yokari, Riyadh

Yokari is by no means a restaurant of moderate prices. It is perhaps the most expensive Japanese restaurant in Riyadh. It is a place where people come for the food rather than the ambience.

Despite the stylish design, there is little atmosphere, and despite the tables being in close proximity to each other, and overall feeling of privacy is maintained. The chances are that the only interaction diners will have is with themselves and their waiter.

The food is brought to the table promptly, and thankfully not all at once, which creates a sense of build-up through the meal. This is a place where the kitchen is very proud of its creations, and wants guests to enjoy what has been produced.

Do not expect to be able to order platters of sushi, Yokari is a far more of a gourmet experience, somewhere which stands out as opposed to following the regular pattern. It is certainly a delight to the eyes.

The Pink Tarha ladies treated themselves to a birthday dinner at Yokari. Read about it here

How does our experience of Yokari, Riyadh compare to yours? Add your opinion to the comments below.