Welcome to issue 2 of @AlefMagazine with the beautiful cover design by Saudi native Yusef Alahmad.

In this issue Alef showcases the regional talent, teaches people about the sacred journey of Hajj, and talks about how karak plays an important part in the lives of people living in the Gulf. Throughout, writers profile people and places in the editorial sections of Listen, See, Taste, Speak and Touch.

Other stories include a travel story to the Abu Dhabi mangroves, an illustration series of Qatar's souqs and markets, and a feature length interview with Qatari National Archer Ibrahim Al Mohanadi.

Alef also showcases the music scene in Bahrain, the craftsmanship of Kuwait, and the editor sits down with Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem