Saudi hookah

Types of Saudi hookah

The Saudi hookah is a traditional water pipe, often called shisha or qalyan, used for smoking flavored tobacco. It is a social and cultural activity across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. Different types of Saudi hookahs are available, catering to various tastes and preferences.

• Traditional hookah

  Traditional hookahs are made of brass, copper, or stainless steel. They have tall metal stems, large bowls on top for molasses tobacco, and wide bases filled with water to cool smoke. These classic shishas are often used in cafes and homes across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. People enjoy the smooth, flavorful tobacco smoke from the big bowls of maassel hanging out together while inhaling from the hoses. Traditional hookahs have a long history and are still popular today.

• Modern hookah

  Modern hookahs combine traditional and contemporary design elements. They use materials like glass and aluminum to create sleek, stylish pipes. The large water-filled bases and tall metal stems are still present for filtering and cooling the smoke. However, modern hookahs may have improved features like multiple hoses, adjustable airflow, and optimized bowl designs. These upgrades make for a better smoking experience while keeping the social aspect of hookah. Modern machines look great in any lounge or home setting.

• Portable hookah

  Portable hookahs, also called travel hookahs or mini hookahs, are smaller, lighter versions of the traditional water pipe. They are designed to be easily carried around and set up wherever, making them great for on-the-go smoking. Despite their compact size, portable hookahs still provide a smooth, flavorful tobacco experience similar to larger models. Popular materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and glass are used to construct these durable shishas so that they can withstand travel. Whether going to a friend's house or enjoying the outdoors, a portable hookah lets users enjoy shisha wherever they please.

• Luxury hookah

  Luxury hookahs are high-end, expensive models known for their exquisite craftsmanship and premium materials. These shishas may be made with fine details from brass, glass, crystal, or marble. Luxury hookahs often feature intricate designs and decorations that make them status symbols. Users can expect superior quality, smooth draws, and exceptional smoking experiences. Due to their lavish construction, luxury hookahs are usually showcased in exclusive lounges or opulent private homes. They represent the utmost in hookah sophistication.

Design of Saudi hookah

• Tobacco Bowl (Head):

  The tobacco bowl is located at the top of the hookah. It is usually made of clay or ceramic and holds the flavored tobacco, known as shisha. The bowl has small holes at its base to allow the smoke to pass into the stem.

• Stem:

  The stem is a crucial part of the hookah, connecting the bowl to the water jar at the bottom. It is usually made of metal and contains the smoke produced from burning charcoal in the tobacco bowl. The stem has several holes that enable the smoker to inhale through different types of pipes.

• Water Jar (Base):

  The water jar is located at the bottom of the hookah. It is usually made of glass or metal and contains water, through which the smoke is cooled and filtered before being inhaled by smokers. The water also helps to create bubbles when smoke passes through it, giving an interesting visual effect.

• Hoses:

  The hoses are the pipes that allow users to inhale the smoke directly from the hookah. They are usually made of rubber or silicone for flexibility and strength. One end of each hose is attached to a stem while another is free for use by smokers. Some hookahs have multiple hoses so that several people can smoke at once.

• Tray:

  The tray is a flat metal piece located just below the tobacco bowl on top of the hookah stem. It collects any spilled molasses from the bowl and holds charcoal used in smoking. Some trays have decorative designs that add to the overall appearance of the hookah.

• Clamps:

  Clamps are small clips or fasteners used to secure different parts of a hookah together, ensuring stability and durability during use. They can be found holding the stem to the base or attaching hoses and other accessories.

Scenarios for Saudi hookah

• Social gatherings:

  In Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, smoking hookah is a popular social activity. Friends and family often gather around a hookah to chat, laugh, and spend time together. Whether it's at home, in a cafe, or at an outdoor party, sharing a hookah shows hospitality and community.

• Restaurants and cafes:

  Many restaurants and cafes in Saudi Arabia have hookah lounges or outdoor areas where customers can enjoy their meals and drinks while smoking hookah. It is a relaxing way to spend time dining with friends. Some places even offer flavored tobacco specifically designed to pair well with certain foods and drinks.

• Weddings and celebrations:

  Hookahs are often present at weddings and other large celebrations in Saudi culture. They add to the festive atmosphere and allow guests to socialize. The hosts may provide different types of hookahs so that everyone can try them during the event.

• Relaxation and leisure:

  Many Saudis enjoy smoking hookah as a form of relaxation after work or on weekends. It is common for people to invite a few close friends over, play some music, and spend hours leisurely passing around a hookah. The slow, communal nature of smoking makes it ideal for winding down in the evenings.

• Visiting family:

  When Saudis visit their extended families or when foreigners come to visit Saudi families, a sign of welcome and friendship may be for the hosts to offer their guests a hookah. It shows respect, and both sides can talk about old times and new things while enjoying flavored tobacco together.

• Outdoor picnics:

  Hookahs are also popular at outdoor picnics, known as 'shisha picnics' in some places. Saudis love spending time in nature, and bringing a portable hookah along enhances the enjoyment of fresh air, good food, and company. Flavored tobacco adds to the fun of being outside.

• Gaming and hookah:

  Many young Saudi men enjoy playing video games or traditional board games like backgammon while smoking hookah. The two activities go well together and create a lively social environment. Gamers can take turns between moves or rounds to let the smoke circulate from one hookah mouthpiece to another.

How to choose a Saudi hookah

• Purpose and Usage:

  Before buying a hookah, people should consider why they are getting it. Is it for partying, relaxing, or enjoying tasty tobacco? The size and style of the hookah will change depending on its use. Bigger hookahs are better for groups, while smaller ones are easier to carry around.

• Quality and Material:

  Good hookahs last a long time and work well. Look for ones made from solid metals like brass, stainless steel, or copper. Their bases can be glass, acrylic, or even some metals. Thick glass bases are more likely to withstand bumps. Acrylic bases are less likely to break but may be less traditional. Check the hoses for durability. Silicone hoses are popular because they're easy to clean and don't absorb flavors like older leather hoses.

• Design and Aesthetics:

  Choose a hookah that looks nice and fits its surroundings. Traditional hookah have ornate metalwork and glass bases with vibrant colors, while modern ones may have sleek, minimalist designs with unique materials and colors. Consider the visual appeal of the hookah to users.

• Number of Hoses:

  Decide how many people can smoke at once. More hoses mean more people can smoke simultaneously. Hookahs with many hoses are good for groups but may require a lot of suction to get the smoke moving. Some multi-hose hookahs come with a shut-off valve for inactive hoses, preventing air from escaping.

• Height and Portability:

  Think about where the hookah will be used. Taller hookahs are better for bigger groups because they provide a more excellent smoking experience. Smaller hookahs are better for travel and small places. Their setups take less time.

• Brand Reputation and Reviews:

  Get hookahs made by trusted companies with good reviews. Brands like Khalil Mamoon, Al Fakher, and Starbuzz are known for their reliable products. Research brands before selecting a hookah so users can be confident in its quality and performance.

• Accessories and Customization:

  Check if the necessary parts come with the hookah. Some come with bowls, hoses, and charcoal trays, while others might need users to buy extras. Also, look for customizable parts like different bowls and hoses, allowing users to personalize their hookah experience.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between a hookah and a bong?

A1: Both are water pipes used for smoking. However, a bong is usually used for smoking cannabis, while a hookah is used for smoking flavored tobacco known as shisha.

Q2: How can one tell the good quality of shisha tobacco?

A2: The best shisha has a rich fragrance, is made from fine tobacco leaves and molasses, and does not contain artificial ingredients.

Q3: What makes the flavor of shisha?

A3: Shisha tastes come from flavored molasses or honey and can have anything from fruit to mint to spice flavors.

Q4: Why do some hookahs have multiple hoses?

A4: Multi-hose hookahs are good for group smoking sessions where different people want to try out different shisha flavors at the same time.

Q5: What is the purpose of the bowl in a hookah?

A5: The bowl holds the shisha tobacco and is placed at the top of the hookah so that when it is lit, the smoke passes through water into the users' lungs.