March 2020 - Page 2 of 2 -

Observe Self-Care During Quarantine

Don’t Ignore Self-Care in Quarantine

COVID-19 has left us no choice but to observe absolute social distancing and stay in quarantine. In the time of this global pandemic, our civic responsibility is to give unconditional support to the government and do as we’re told!

We must stay at home and keep ourselves and the people around us safe.

Yes, it can get boring. Even after watching the news, scrolling through social media, and eating, there remains a lot of time to kill.

Why not invest this time in ourselves? It’s a good time to observe self-care.

Here’s a list of things we can do to get rid of our boredom in a productive way.

1. Exercise

If you’ve always wanted to get into the habit of exercising daily, use this time to establish that habit.

Start with light exercises like going for a walk (remember to maintain social distance). Or indulge in high-intensity exercises like weight lifting, cycling, or swimming. Whatever mode of exercise you pick for yourself, it’ll be beneficial for you in every way.

Exercising will help you pass time and benefit your mind, body, and soul.

2. Eat healthily

You certainly can’t go out to dine. Grab this opportunity and establish the habit of eating healthy.

Avoid junk and fast food
Eat fruits and vegetables that boost the immune system
Avoid cold water and other cold drinks
Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated!
Quit smoking!

Vegetables on a surface — Eat those veggies

3. Think

There’s a fine line between thinking and overthinking. It’s healthy for the mind to not cross that line.

You’ve got a lot of time. Sit somewhere quiet and meditate about what’s working fine in your life and what needs to be resettled.

Think about the questions we normally avoid. Reflect on your future, career, family, and friends.

Thinking will help you to define and organize experiences, lay out a plan, reflect and create.

You won’t get this time again, think about things that matter!

man standing facing window — Think, reflect, and take a deep breath

4. Read in Quarantine

Reading is the ultimate escape for most of us. Make use of this time and invest your time in reading.

Read the book that’s been on your shelf for a long time. It looks like quarantine got you plenty of time.

Start reading, it’s the perfect time for solitude!

5. Binge-watch

Even if you claim you’ve watched every season of a show, there’ll be still something left to watch.

Ask for suggestions from friends or lookup online. Surely, you’ll find your new favorites in the process.

Man watching television. — Don’t forget to grab some popcorn

6. Learn a skill

Since you got a handful of days, you might as well learn something new.

Spend this time learning productive skills. Learn how to knit, sew, draw, paint, sketch, cook, bake and the list goes on.

Select a thing that interests you most and learn. Consider this quarantine a blessing in disguise and help yourself grow in the meantime.

7. Play online games

Use technology in a productive way! Find a game online to play and join tournaments to win cash prizes.

Kafu Games, by Hala Yalla, is the best Esports hub in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It has a place for everybody, from amateurs to professionals and gamers to organizers.

It’s organizing the tournaments that you can join to combat your boredom. Take part in popular game tournaments like PUBG, FIFA, Fortnite, Overwatch and more to win the prize money.

https://kafugames.com/en/

Kafu FIFA banner — Your ultimate esports platform – Kafu Games

Make the best use of this time, observe self-care, and invest in your wellbeing. This is going to be the only time when you’re told to stay at home and do nothing!

Hala Yalla is offering live stream classes to help you lead a healthy quarantine. Meet a fitness instructor, get a beauty consultation, learn to dance, or play the guitar. Join the classes of your choice through the app to enjoy a discount.

Get the app on Android or iOS

Stay home, stay safe!

How To Not Get Bored during Quarantine!

Make the best use of your time during COVID-19

Staying at home during quarantine is the wisest thing we can do at the moment!

But, it’s getting somewhat boring.

To kill the time, think about everything you thought you’d do when you’ll get time. Now is a perfect time to do that.

But, if you don’t know what to do during this crisis, here’s a list of things that you can do without putting yourself and others around you at risk.

1. Cook together

Since you can’t dine out, bond with your family by helping them in the kitchen and other house chores.

Host your own cooking show from home and film it for fun (make sure your whole family participates in one or the other way). Surely, you’ll have a few good laughs while filming and watching it later will make you smile!

People cutting vegetables together — Have a flour-throwing competition!

2. Reading club at home

Make your own reading club at home!

Ask every member of your family to start reading a book. Race to see who finishes it the quickest. After everybody has finished reading, sit down, and discuss the theme and story plot with your fam.

Or ask your friends to read a book and discuss it with them online.

Open book in lap — You can never run out of books to read

3. Movie Night

Plan to watch a movie alone or ask your family to join you!

No matter how many movies you’ve watched, there’ll still be movies that you don’t know about.

Grab plenty of popcorn and snacks and start watching new movies, or rewatch the ones you can’t get over!

burning candle and open laptop — Classics never get old

4. Make a Family Scrapbook

Compile the family pictures that make you nostalgic and paste them on the scrapbook.

Write your thoughts, relive those moments. Fill your scrapbook with happy memories!

journal and pens. — Remember that time you fell in the tub?

5. Self Care

Since you’ve got all the time you ever needed, make use of this self-isolation by taking self-care. Ask your family to join you.

Set a routine and follow it regularly. Practice yoga, meditate and keep on exercising. By the time quarantine will end, you’ll get into the habit of self-care.

6. Dinner Party

When you can’t go out and nobody can come in, plan a dinner party with your family.

Set candle lights, turn on the fairy lights, and enjoy the quarantined dinner party.

Burning candles on dinner table — Make sure the curtains don’t catch fire

7. Paint

Express yourself through painting. Get creative on the canvas and paint your mind out.

If you don’t know how to paint, learn from YouTube tutorials and recreate it till you’re able to create!

8. Redecorate your home

Considering the amount of time you have on your hands, might as well change the setting of the house.

Redecorate, wash the curtains, paint the walls, be your own designer here!

9. Play games

Since everyone’s home, play the games you used to play before you grew up.

Play hide and seek, hide behind the door, under the bed or in the cupboard, and make sure to scare them good!

Play cards or board games. There are plenty of games that we can play inside while keeping ourselves and others safe.

Old man playing cards. — The cards have been dealt

10. Play Esports and Join Tournaments

In this era of advanced technology, it’s impossible not to find anything online.

Keep practicing the games you’re good at. Keep playing!

Kafu Games, by Hala Yalla, brings you the hottest most popular sports tournaments for the biggest titles on every device. Participate in PUBG, FIFA, Fortnite, Overwatch, COD, and more to win the prize money.

https://kafugames.com/en/

Make the best use of this time and spend time with your family. This is going to be the only time when you’re told to stay at home and do nothing!

Download the Hala Yalla app for live-streaming classes on cooking, sports, health, arts, and more!

Get the app on Android or iOS

Stay home, stay safe!

List of international achievements in Sports by Saudis

Achievements in sports that every Saudi should be proud of!

We may play sports just for entertainment and fun, but the benefits of sports go beyond that. It’s much more than a pastime!

Sports play a multi-dimensional role in the development of a country. It has grown into a business that’s helping a country financially by generating income.

Through the sponsoring of sports teams and events, the world’s biggest brands demonstrate the power they exercise in the sports business throughout the world.

Active participation in mega-sport events also improves infrastructure, generates employment, and increases the influx of foreign capital in the country.

Saudi Arabia recognized the global economic impact of the sports industry and established the ‘General Presidency for Youth Welfare’ in 1974. Its purpose was to organize and manage sporting events in the country.

Since then, Saudi players are participating in international events including the Olympic Games, the Asian Games, and the Arab Pan Games

The hard work has started to bear fruits.

Medals won by Saudis

Here’s a list of recent medals won by male Saudi national teams:

Saudi Arabia has qualified for four of the last five FIFA World Cups.
The Saudis have won 25 gold medals, 13 silver medals and 23 bronze medals in Asian Games.
Saudi teenager Mosaad Aldossary won $250,000 in the global FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final.
In the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics, Hadi Al-Somaily won the silver medal for ‘Men’s 400-meter hurdles.
In Equestrian, Khaled Al Eid won a bronze medal for Individual show jumping in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Ramzy Al Duhami, Abdullah Al Saud, Kamal Bahamdan and Abdullah Sharbatly won the bronze medals in the Equestrian team jumping in the 2012 London Olympics.

Now let’s talk about the other half of the population.

2010 marked the slight easing of Saudi women’s participation in sports, and since then, sportswomen have only continued to climb the ladders of success.

The hockey players are seeking a license from the Saudi GSA to register themselves as the first Saudi hockey team to represent the country at international levels.

Accomplishments of Saudi Sportswomen

Here’s a list of accomplishments by female Saudi national teams:

A Saudi woman fencer won a gold medal at the sixth GCC Women’s Games in Kuwait.
In the épée fencing, a Saudi lady won a bronze medal at the GCC Women’s Games.
The Saudi bowling team finished its competition in fifth place at GCC games.
Sarah Attar and Judoka Wojdan Shaherkani were the first two female athletes to ever represent Saudi Arabia in the Olympics (London 2012).

Acknowledging the sports sector as a business opportunity, Saudi’s Vision 2030 intends to excel in sports and be among the leaders of the sports industry regionally and globally.

With this vision, Saudi Arabia is trying to diversify the economy and further improve its financial resources and economic stability.

For this purpose, they’re hosting global level sporting events in the country. These sporting events will encourage Saudis to participate in sports and win for Saudi Arabia in International events.

International sports events in KSA

In 2018, Saudi Arabia hosted the first motorsport event in Diriyah. This formula E race was an event of global significance.
Jeddah invited international boxers for the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. The event was the first of its kind to happen in the Kingdom.
Drone Racing League in Jeddah was the first professional league to happen in the country in 2018.
GSA hosted the first Riyadh International Marathon in Feb 2018.
Saudi Arabia hosted its first WWE women’s wrestling match in Oct 2019.
Clash on the Dunes was the first-ever World Heavyweight Title fight in the Kingdom. The fight happened as a part of the Diriyah season in Dec 2019.
The first professional tennis tournament was staged in Diriyah in Dec 2019.
The Kingdom is planning to host the Saudi Arabia Snookers Masters in Riyadh in October 2020.

Person riding a horse. — A person riding a horse.

Saudi Arabia wants to increase the number of accomplishments in every game. Hence, GSA is hosting these events, to showcase and enhance Saudi talent and potential.

In the past year, the number of sports being played in the Kingdom has risen dramatically. The increasing number of sporting events is increasing, and so is the excitement in Saudis.

For tech assistance and event management, GSA partners with Hala Yalla. Together they’re trying to encourage a healthy lifestyle with fun and entertainment.

Download the Hala Yalla app to enjoy healthy living.

Get the app on Android or iOS

Visit these 7 Best Beaches in Saudi Arabia to enjoy the sun and sand

Who says KSA is just a desert land? Read about beautiful beaches in Saudi Arabia

Sound of waves with the warm wind caressing your cheeks. What could be a better combination than this? It’s all found here, on the beaches of Saudi Arabia!

To enjoy this duo of wind and sand, visit Saudi Arabia and experience the serenity of its beaches. Our Kingdom is surrounded by three bodies of water – the Gulf of Aqaba, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. Naturally, there are more beaches than you think!

On the coastal line of more than 2500 km, there are many private and public beaches that you can visit to enjoy with your friends and family.

Feel the sky above, sand below, and peace within with these top 7 beaches in Saudi Arabia:

1. Al Fanateer beaches

Located in Jubail, Al Fanateer Beach is popular among tourists and locals alike.

Walk on the beach to feel the white sand under your bare feet or sit with your family and friends in green lawns. The beach also has a children’s playground.

There’s a mall nearby that provides lip-smacking food and a shopping area for pre and post-beach trips.

Stroll on the paved walking paths shaded by palm trees, or sail a boat across the sea.

2. Durrat Al Arus

Located in “Dahaban” -the old village of Jeddah- Durrat Al Arus is an artificial island constructed in 1996. This beach started the trend of private beach resorts in Saudi Arabia.

The beach has 1000 villas, a diving school, a golf course, and a theme park. Tourists can rent the villas and relax.

The island has a world of its own. There are mosques, commercial centers, coffee shops, a golf club, an equestrian club theme park, and a yacht marina. It has high privacy residential units equipped with mobile networks, satellite TV, hospitals and everything you’ll need.

Since the villas are very popular, they are booked ahead of time. If you’re planning to go, be sure to get an advance booking.

3. Silver Sands

In the bright sunlight, spend a lazy day on the silver sands. Ward off all your tiredness with a relaxed afternoon on the shore.

The beach offers fun activities like open water swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, and a small island for other activities.

The island is privately owned, so there’s an entrance fee. The island is strictly for families, to make sure everyone has a great time!

4. Farasan Beaches

Farasan Al Kabir is the largest island in the Farasan Islands. Located some 50 km away from Jizan, the islands are rich in underwater wildlife.

The beach is famous for diving. Dive in the crystal blue azure water to discover the coral reefs and different sea species.

Besides diving, you can also relax on the sand or stroll on the beach while waves massage your feet. Or, you can ride a ferry and make memories for a lifetime.

5. Half Moon Beach

If you’re looking for a perfect family picnic spot in Al Khobar, Half Moon Beach is the place for you.

Naturally shaped like a half-moon, the beach has nice and clean sand. Enjoy car drifting, horse riding, and swimming in the sea.

Mosques fenced private seating, and shower areas are also provided for beach lovers.

Pack your picnic baskets for a visit to the half-moon beach.

Read about 7 Natural Landscapes in Saudi Arabia that’ll leave you in awe!

6. Haql beach

On the Gulf of Aqaba, lies the Haql beach in the province of Tabuk.

A shipwreck is left at the mercy of nature on this beach, which gives its other name ‘the Shipwreck beach’.

The beach exists in its most natural form. You’ll be left with nature alone to enjoy the sound of waves and wind. On the beach, you’ll be mesmerized by the view of Sinai mountains over the far end.

7. OIA Beach

Inspired by Greek islands, the OIA beach is a white stoned hotel featuring a minimalist vibe.

Located 12 km away from the Jeddah highway, the beach hotel has 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. The villas have terraces from where you can enjoy the heavenly view of the seashore.

There are casual Greek themed white painted walls, lounge and restaurants, International cuisines, sushi cafes, pools, a gym, kids clubs, and a female-only indoor pool. Water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and a floating water park are also available for adventure lovers.

Every beach has its unique smell and feel. Experience the feel of Saudi beaches, feel the combination of three S, ‘sun, sea, and sand’ on the heavenly beaches of Saudi Arabia.

Discover many more fun places and experiences on Hala Yalla Super App. Download the app now on Android or iOS

Top 5 Restaurants serving Best Mandi in Riyadh

Try these top 5 restaurants to enjoy the best mandi in Riyadh

Mandi is popular throughout the world for its use of rice and meat with a perfect blend of spices and sauces. Saudi Arabia has carefully nourished various mandi flavors in its land, and the taste and popularity of foreign cuisine couldn’t sideline this traditional and local food. If you’re looking for the best mandi in Riyadh, you’ve come to the right place!

Arabic restaurants are equally popular for their warm ambiance, unique seating arrangement, and mouthwatering aroma. So here’s our list of restaurants that serve the best mandi in Riyadh, ones you should definitely try:

1. Al Nafoura

The Lebanese restaurant Al Nafoura is one of the most famous Arabic restaurants in Saudi Arabia.

This restaurant offers authentic traditional Arab taste to food lovers throughout the Middle East. Originally famed for its seafood, you can order all types of Mandi and Kabsa here too.

Al Nafoura operates various branches in the country. You’ll find at least 10 of them right here in Riyadh.

For reservations: 011 215 8888; https://www.nafora.com.sa/

2. Al Romansiah

In the year 1418 AH, Romansiah opened its first branch in Riyadh. Since then, Romansiah is busy catering to the needs and wants of their customers, one special mandi at a time.

The love for Romansiah is evident from the fact that they’ve opened up 30 branches in the regions of Riyadh, Al-Kharj, Al-Qassim, Al-Ahsa, Dammam, Jeddah, Medinah. They have also exported the Saudi taste in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

They pay attention to every detail of quality and taste. The restaurant chain is known to be the ‘branches of romance’ which provide a relaxing atmosphere with luxury and sophistication.

Apart from mandi, you can order desserts, barbeque, kebabs and Spanish food here. For the love of food, enjoy the romance in Romansiah!

For reservations: 9200 00144; https://alromansiah.com/

Read about other traditional restaurants here

3. Najd Village Restaurant

Enjoy the most art of taste in the most traditional way possible.

Located right in the middle of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Najd region holds traditional and historic importance.

Najd Village restaurant is popular for its delicious mandi dishes and traditional architecture. People gravitate back to it for its combination of simplicity, privacy, and taste.

Besides the main course, they also offer special village bakery made products and various lamb specialties.

For reservations: +966920033511; https://najdvillage.com/

4. Bait Shawaya

Bait Shawaya is a local restaurant chain for traditional food. The first branch was opened in 1425 AH, now there are more than 90 restaurants throughout the country.

They have a special focus on the hygiene and quality of the products used.

Popular for its grilled meat and rice, Shawaya also serves various delicious combinations of mandi and Kabsa.

For reservations: 9200 33336; https://www.shawayahouse.com.sa/

5. Rise

On the Makkah highway, this restaurant is worth a try.

In the traditional seating arrangement, the restaurant offers a warm and relaxed environment to devour delicious mandi.

For reservations: +966555028290; http://www.mathamrise.com/

It’s a part of Saudi culture to have mandi every week. Have you had yours this week?

Let us know which restaurants you’ve visited and which mandi appealed the most to you!

Download the Hala Yalla Super app to book the best restaurant, culture and community experiences in Saudi Arabia.

Get the app for Android and iOS

Learn how playing sports impacts your life. Top 7 benefits

Sports not only provide entertainment. Learn the top 7 benefits of sports

Just like reading is necessary for mental health, playing sports is important for physical health.

It doesn’t only act as a pastime, but it also helps in the establishment of healthy habits and routines.

There is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of sport and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s list down what active sports do for us.

1. Mental health

The physical activity involved in sports stimulates hormones that help to sharpen focus, increase self-esteem, improve memory and boost mood. It also reduces the chances of depression and anxiety.

How?

Physical activeness forces you to engage yourself fully in the task at hand, leaving behind thoughts and worries you may have had beforehand. Active sport stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural happy chemicals.

Staying active is the easiest way to stay happy!

2. Physical health

A physically active body leads to better physical health. It enhances the immune system and reduces the chances of getting sick.

The chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are lower in an active person. The physical activity involved in sports improves the overall health of the cardiovascular system and prevents hypertension.

Are you trying to lose weight? Join a team and start playing active sports. It burns calories, reduces body fat and improves metabolism as well.

3. Psychological benefits of Sports

Playing sports helps us psychologically, both in the short and long term.

Active sports stimulate happy hormones that keep us away from depression and sadness. It allows us to challenge ourselves, set goals, and motivates to be better than yesterday.

Long term psychological benefits come from communal experience. In a team, we learn to trust others, depend on our teammates, learn to give and accept help, and work together towards a common goal.

Playing sports also instills leadership qualities in players which they can apply in all dimensions of their life.

Man tying child's shoelaces — Man tying child’s shoelaces

4. Muscular strength

Active sports can help us improve muscular strength and endurance. It improves joint flexibility and aids the building of dense and strong bones. Also, players have fewer chances of osteoporosis and serious injuries and have improved stamina and concentration.

Participation in aerobic activities -such as running, cycling- improves blood circulation and effective transportation of oxygen in the body.

Researchers have also observed improved reflex responses in athletes.

5. Improves the sleep cycle

Sports also help in the improvement of the sleep cycle. Tiredness makes us fall asleep faster and we also enjoy deep sleep.

Exercise during active sports increases body temperature. The drop in temperature after an exercise stimulates the sleep cycle. It also reduces insomnia, anxiety and depressive symptoms and helps you fall asleep quicker.

However, it’s recommended not to play late in the day. It’ll leave you too energized to sleep.

6. Sports teaches failure

It’s the most long term benefit that impacts the player’s personality and changes their outlook on life.

Sports allow the players to learn to live the highs and lows of both winning and losing.

These setbacks build resilience and make them strong.

They go through the experience of coming to terms with defeat and learn from their mistakes. It helps them to cope with their social, academic and physical hurdles with ease.

7. Having fun

Alongside every benefit we get from playing sports, the best of all is fun.

Sports bring entertainment, enjoyment, strength, reason to hang out with friends, and motivation to stay active!

Play with your friends, start active living and enjoy the fun and excitement it brings!

Two boys in soccer field — Two boys in a soccer field

To achieve Saudi Vision 2030, GSA is organizing many sporting events in the Kingdom. Stay updated on these events with the Hala Yalla app and make an active and healthy community around you. Download the app now on Android or iOS