SAY the word ‘Jeddah' and what comes to mind? Old neighborhoods, plush malls, visitors from around the world and stately families all make up the mosaic called Jeddah. Destination Jeddah, a magazine launched by Rumman Company attempts to celebrate all things Jeddah, and help residents and visitors explore the city from a fresh perspective. The first issue of the magazine was launched recently at Al-Suhaily building and according to the magazine's Editor-in Chief, Enas Hashani, “It is all about exploring Jeddah. Before going abroad, let's explore our own city, its beauty and its charm.” From Corniche drive to the Red Sea, exclusive hotels and exhibitions to fine dining, trendy restaurants and high fashion, this magazine has it all. The magazine introduces the growing urban city to first-time visitors and offers local families and residents a glimpse of what Jeddah has to offer in the way of the latest events, entertainment and culinary outlets. Hashani said the project began seven months ago and is part of two ventures: One is Destination Jeddah Magazine and the other is a website ‘Fainak'. “We want to prove ourselves as the best guide to Jeddah,” she said. According to Hashani, the criteria for selecting subjects for each issue is the most difficult part. The magazine's editorial team decides what to carry in each issue, and it helps that the writers have lived for a while in Jeddah so that they can write accurately, being familiar with the city. “Everybody likes the glamor of lavish malls and luxury hotels but the city's history and small shops selling authentic goods in the old area also attract tourists very much,” she said. Hashani said she loves going to the old area of Jeddah and eating special ‘Kebdah' and some other traditional dishes from one of the small eateries there. “This particular shopkeeper there has been in this business for the last 30 years. He has his own history and there are many shops in the area which have been owned by the same family for generations. This is what is so unique about it,” she says. Visiting the old Jeddah souk is a tradition among locals and currently the souq is under renovation in order to receive more visitors. Hashani said, “We are watching the business, entrepreneurs and youth who call Jeddah home and we sense a new generation taking pride in a vibrant, growing city.” The magazine's next issue will be covering the Taif region and subsequent issues will cover Madina, Makkah and other cities in the Kingdom. “Our Madina issue will be very special as we will visit the city as a team and will be observing each and everything there as a tourist,” she said. Jessica Stockwell, the Executive Editor of the magazine said that there are six full timers in the Destination Jeddah team. Some other freelance writers are also contributing and covering different aspects of Jeddah region. “Our project rediscovers the city of Jeddah and will be a series of maps for a 21st century explorer, so they can look at it to help visitors and locals alike navigate and get around. Besides tourist spots, Jeddah offers diving trips and some of the best coral reefs and fish species in the world,” she said. __
