Rana Hajjar

Cultural Leader • Proactive Previvor Conscious Mother • Aspiring Writer From Jeddah, living in Riyadh Join Al Jalees @aljalees.sa Read • Grow • Connect

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Born to Run, Built to Think

Ameenuddin, a determined runner, set a challenging goal and achieved it not only through perseverance but also with the support of eight books that accompanied him throughout his journey.

ركن الكتب

تطبيق أبجد و الجليس: شراكة جديدة

بين أبجد والجليس رابط يشبه القراءة.. من الحروف تبدأ الحكاية، ومع الرفقة تستمر ‏‎يسعدنا تدشين شراكة جديدة بين منصة أبجد للكتب الإلكترونية والصوتية ومؤسسة الجليس الثقافية، لنمضي معًا نحو تجربة قرائية أقرب، وأسهل، تجمع بين سهولة الوصول إلى الكتاب، وجمال الالتقاء حوله.

Interviews

Mansour Bakheet: The Architect of Belonging

When Bakheet embarks on a new design project, he responds to the site's context and the history of the location. He doesn't see design as a decorative layer; to him, it's the fundamental core of everything he does. Mansour didn’t set out to

Interviews

The Story of Nadia; World Traveler

She’s been to 100 destinations, and here’s her story: “The world is truly beautiful—and it’s worth it.” Nadia didn’t just happen to travel; it was in her blood. Growing up, her father worked at Saudi Airlines, so the family was constantly moving around the globe.

Books Zone

The Let Them Theory, by Mel Robbins 'Summary & Analysis'

Al Jalees team created this document to help you learn the theory and apply it to your life. We highly recommend reading the book and the bonus chapters. Al Jalees featured The Let Them Theory twice within our literary circle reading calendar in both Arabic and English. Download the full

Cultural Heritage

Eid Traditions Around the World

Let’s find out how every culture celebrates Eid in their own unique way The morning of Eid Al-Fitr feels like sheer happiness, inviting unfeigned smiles, delightfully chosen attire, and an ambience of hope and joy. The occasion is rooted in connection, shared rituals, and quality time. Two billion people

Special Features

Why do we celebrate Int'l Women's Day?

The answer lies within every woman who refused to be invisible On March 8th of every year since the early 1900s, the world captures the day in dedication to celebrating women, their achievements, their sacrifices, and their resilience. The idea of International Women’s Day (IWD) was approved and spread

Health And Wellness

In Times of Uncertainty

One thing is in our control When almost all the events happening in your world feel too ugly and horrifying, when humans intentionally hurt each other in the name of power and greed, and no one seems to be doing anything to rescue the weak and fallen. When you see

Interviews Featured

Are We Facing A Global Crisis in Childhood?

We kicked off 2026 with a topic that nudged us to reconsider the actions we take everyday! Is it a global crisis? or are we misreading the change.

Member Spotlights

Between the Starting and Finishing Line

Member spotlight: Halah Alenizi This month’s Al Jalees winner, Halah Alenizi, is someone who quietly challenges herself, both on the page and on the road. Drawn to Al Jalees for “the positive vibes and the readers themselves,” she says what keeps her coming back is simple: how she feels

Cultural Heritage

When Time Slows: Living Through Ramadan Beyond Fasting

Ramadan, a month of reflection, renewal, and connection, arrives when the crescent moon is sighted the night before. This divine energy sweeps through our communities, filled with anticipation and joy, despite the hardships many prepare for each year. Some of us feel a familiar nervous excitement as we anticipate family

Special Features

Koorsoo: A Faint Glimmer of Hope

Global theme of the month at CreativeMornings is Koorsoo, which means hope, and Al Jalees explores the meaning from a literary lense.

Why Do Children Rebel?

We chose the topic of Rebellion this week, in connection with the book of the month, “The Anxious Generation.” We posed a reflective question to ourselves.

Health And Wellness

Living with Anxiety: Stories from Al Jalees Community

Anxiety is often spoken about in numbers, diagnoses, and headlines. This week, we chose to speak about it as a lived experience. At Al Jalees, our conversations are centered around books and culture, so this often takes us somewhere deeper. This month, we are reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan

Cultural Events

In Their Own Words: Voices From The Circle

We invited our members to share their reflections on their experience with Al Jalees Culture Club, and the response was deeply moving. Alongside the generous words of appreciation, we also welcome constructive criticism, because thoughtful feedback helps us grow and shape a better experience. At the heart of Al Jalees

How are you welcoming the New Year?

Authors and thinkers have been debating that the concept of New Year’s Resolution is weak when it relies on intention without structure. Let’s analyze this with Al Jalees.

Personal Growth

Are You Really There for Your Pre-teen?

In light of the upcoming book of the month, “The Anxious Generation,” we delved into the topic of adolescence. We compiled a collection of advice, scientific insights, and personal stories to help you gain a deeper understanding of your preteen.

Featured

11 Years of Al Jalees: 11 Lessons and Milestones

As we celebrate 11 years of Al Jalees, we look back on the lessons that changed us and the milestones that built us. From books to people, this is a story of growth, connection, and shared curiosity.

Growing Through Discomfort: Lessons from Lucien Zeigler

Growth sounds inspiring, but Lucien Zeigler reminds us it’s rarely comfortable. His talk revealed how discomfort and uncertainty drive real progress. Al Jalees breaks down his ideas through a literary lens. Written by HUMANS!

Cultural Events

Al Jalees Turns 11: Celebrating Our Anniversary With James by Percival Everett

As we mark 11 years in the cultural scene, we chose this timeless, reimagined classic and we invite you to celebrate with us.

Literary Analysis

Book Clubs: Where Reading Fosters Connection

Discover the benefits of joining a book club, and the impact of reading groups on our community.

Interviews

Diriyah Storytelling Festival: Where Heritage Speaks

The Diriyah Storytelling Festival opened with a powerful conversation led by three celebrated novelists — Omaima Al-Khamis, Rajaa Al-Sanea, and Badriya Al-Bishr — who explored how women have shaped, protected, and reimagined the nation’s narrative identity.

Books Zone

The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection invites us to embrace authenticity and courage over perfection. Join Al Jalees as we explore how vulnerability, belonging, and self-acceptance can reshape how we live, love, and lead.

Special Features

How to Stay Soft in a Hard World

CreativeMornings x Al Jalees, at The Cultural House The World Could Use More Softness The world feels hard in so many ways. Staying soft doesn’t mean being fragile, it means having the courage to live without carrying an armor. When things fall apart, let’s learn patience and let

Health And Wellness

The Power of the Previvor Mindset, by Rana Hajjar

With the power of prevention, this piece explores the mindset of the previvor, proving that strength begins not in treatment, but in the choice to know, to act, and to live with intention. Read part 2/2 of our Voices of Hope articles.