JEDDAH: For years, Jeddah, the bride of the Red Sea, has been a favorite destination for divers looking for a thrill underwater. Exploring the wonders beneath the surface, you are transported from reality to a different world with a positively ethereal feel. It’s a favored pastime for many, and a popular new shared family activity.
Eighteen-year-old pre-med student Joud Al Dabbagh told Arab News that the newfound love for scuba diving is shared by not only herself, but her siblings, too, the youngest being only 12.
“Listening to my cousin tell of his scuba diving excursions two years ago, I was enthralled and within two days my siblings and I signed up,” said Joud.
After completing the first phases of the training and just before experiencing firsthand diving off the coastline, they didn’t know what to expect.
To their surprise, they were immersed into a new world of wonder just a few feet away from the shores of the city.
“I’ve never felt like this before,” said Joud. “I wasn’t fearful but it was surreal as I didn’t realize how the Red Sea had so many gems. I was in awe and in constant amazement. My siblings and I all felt the same way and scuba diving has brought us closer together, we shared something in common that we all enjoyed and that we look forward to every time we head out together.”
To take diving lessons, you’d need to be at least 10 years of age for the most basic course for the “Open Water Diver” certification. Children under 15 will become Junior Open Water Divers and are allowed to dive down to 12 meters.
A large number of scuba diving centers can be found in the city, but divers are always advised to be vigilant and understand the rules by educating themselves before starting scuba diving courses. It is recommended that they understand the repercussions and penalties to avoid any problems.
Thirty-one year-old behavior analyst Shumaila Jaffrey has been diving for three years in Jeddah and her love for scuba diving is shared with her brother.
“Although I don’t dive with family members, I do have a friend who dives with his wife and another whose wife will be joining soon, as well. I find it really cool and I want my parents to come and try it out as well. They have a fear of the water but it would be a good experience for us as a family to bond together,” said Shumaila.
“Naturally, there are no means of communication underwater except through signs. There doesn’t need to be a verbal communication; it’s the silence and pure peacefulness that I’d want my parents to enjoy. It is very relaxing and it’s sharing the experience that builds the bond.”
Building trust is one point that has been reiterated by many, mothers and daughters, fathers and their children, and the disconnect from the distractions of daily life helps in building the bond. Simple, peaceful and a great family activity in the gem of the Red Sea.
Scuba diving in Red Sea: Family adventure finds new depths
Scuba diving in Red Sea: Family adventure finds new depths
- Building trust is one point that has been reiterated by many, mothers and daughters, fathers and their children, and the disconnect from the distractions of daily life helps in building the bond
Saudi Arabia jails expat for five years for harassing a woman
RIYADH: An expatriate living in Saudi Arabia has been sentenced to five years in prison for harassing a woman.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution’s Morality wing completed its investigations into the issue, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday, and after being referred to the relevant court, tried and found guilty, he was jailed and also fined SR150,000 ($39,986).
The Public Prosecution affirmed its keenness and determination to protect public morals, adding that any violation of this requires criminal accountability.
Saudi FM receives Montenegrin counterpart in Riyadh
- During the meeting, the two officials reviewed cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance and develop it in various fields
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Montenegrin counterpart Filip Ivanovic in Riyadh on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance and develop it in various fields.
They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.
Governor of Taif meets with Saudi cultural director
- Prince Saud bin Nahar was briefed on SASCA’s strategy and initiatives aimed at fostering and empowering talent in the cultural and artistic fields
- A cooperation agreement was signed between SASCA and Taif University
RIYADH: Governor of Taif Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud met Princess Haifa bint Abdulmohsen, the director of development and partnerships at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, at the governorate’s headquarters on Thursday.
The governor was briefed on SASCA’s strategy and initiatives aimed at fostering and empowering talent in the cultural and artistic fields, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The parties were also present at the signing of a cooperation agreement between SASCA in Taif and Taif University.
Saudi FM holds phone calls with Belgian, Spanish counterparts
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib on Thursday.
During the phone call, the two officials discussed developments in the region, particularly developments in the Gaza Strip and efforts made in this regard.
Prince Faisal also made a phone call to Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares to discuss regional issues and the conflict in Gaza, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
ilmi, PNU launch museum studies program
- New micro-credential courses open to all high-school graduates, undergraduates
- Program includes Arabic, English, in-person, remote, long and short-term courses
RIYADH: A new museum studies program in Saudi Arabia has opened for registration, offering micro-credential and long-term courses.
It is the result of a partnership between ilmi, a center for science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics learning, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
ilmi — meaning “my knowledge” in Arabic — is a science and innovation center that aims to empower young people in Saudi Arabia.
A philanthropic NGO initiative created by Princess Sara bint Mashour bin Abdulaziz, wife of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ilmi is incubated, supported and funded by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Misk, as a subsidiary, and operates in partnership with Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.
The museum studies program includes micro-credential, diploma, minor and elective courses.
It is open to recent high-school graduates and university undergraduates keen to secure entry-level positions in museums, as well as professionals seeking new skill sets and career paths.
Created by ilmi and PNU experts from Saudi Arabia and around the world, the program offers a blend of online and in-person learning, alongside Arabic and English tuition options.
Micro-credential courses will blend online and in-person learning, and are available to applicants over the age of 18.
Courses include museum impact studies, museum education and awareness, an introduction to museum technologies, fundamentals of museum management and integrating digital technology.
Courses on offer for PNU students include an introduction to museums elective and specialist minors in museums and digital technology, exhibit design and content development.
A two-year diploma in museum management will also be available for both PNU students and recent high-school graduates.
Registration has opened for the first online micro-credential course starting this month: Fundamentals of museum management.
All further micro-credential courses will take place in May and June, with the diploma, minor and elective programs starting in September at the beginning of the academic year 2024/25.
Program graduates can also apply to work alongside ilmi experts as they design and launch unique, informal learning programs across the Kingdom.
For more information and registration, click here.
