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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Saudi Arabia: Life in the Desert >> The Gates of Riyadh > Impressive
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03-JAN-2015

Impressive

We came across this neighborhood one evening on our way back home from a supermarket, and I was so intrigued by a gate I wanted to go back and see more. It’s not as upscale a neighborhood as the one I photographed last year, but I always find it interesting to see how people live here.

This has to be one of the most impressive gates I’ve ever seen in this country.

Update: A translation and explanation of the writing on the gate, quoted from the Quran:

"In God’s will (Mashallah),

Strength is sought from Allah alone (God is the only source of power)"

(Mashallah is used to appreciate something that you own or have like a house, car, good looking kids, etc… which means that it was the will of God to get these gifts.
Also, it is mentioned to keep the evil eye and envy away.)

A massive house, posted earlier:


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1/320s f/10.0 at 13.2mm iso100 full exif

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Dan Greenberg09-Mar-2016 20:56
Looks pretty upscale to me. Very nicely framed. ~BV~
Julie Oldfield20-Aug-2015 03:40
It makes it feel imposing. Very well composed. V
hamery19-Aug-2015 11:58
Beautiful composition of this gate and great perspective too, Helen. V+
Zoltán Balogh19-Aug-2015 11:39
This is really nice Helen! V
Jeff Real18-Aug-2015 22:51
I love these colors and details, Helen ~V~
Carol Rollins18-Aug-2015 14:15
This is beautiful and, yes, impressive.
Martin Lamoon18-Aug-2015 09:37
Superb capture of this fine building
v
Sandy Rich18-Aug-2015 00:49
An impressive angled entrance. I would hope that it is a welcoming invite written on it.
Patrick Goossens17-Aug-2015 22:12
These houses are big but rather uninviting and designed to keep everyone out. I like a cosy house.
joseantonio17-Aug-2015 20:55
an impressive gate indeed.V
danad17-Aug-2015 20:11
An impressive gate, but not really welcoming :) V.
Jim Coffman17-Aug-2015 19:33
Impressive gate and home! WOW!!!
Colin Storey17-Aug-2015 19:25
Perfectly composed symmetrical scene. v
globalgadabout17-Aug-2015 18:56
the lively script does contrast with the austere house..once the palm fronds are cut free the view could be even more flowing..
LynnH17-Aug-2015 18:41
A very impressive gate and looks like some new palms were just added. Fascinating how this home seems like a fortress. V