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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.

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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