JEDDAH: The literary world’s most legendary writers – Herman Melville, Anton Chekhov, Franz Kafka and Virginia Woolf among them – all had day jobs. Chekhov worked as a tutor and caught and sold goldfinches. An Italian insurance company employed Kafka.
Toiling through a mundane existence by day and allowing the creative juices to flow late into the evening is often the lot of a writer. And Riyadh-based Naif Alkhairallah, 37, has a lot in common with his literary forbearers. He is a banker by day and author and comic artist by night. He is also a prime example of the many Saudi night owls who answer the call of creative writing.
Alkhaiallah’s debut novel “Black Bonds” is one of the few books at the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) written in Arabic. Comic Con opens today in Jeddah
“MEFCC is the reason ‘Black Bonds’ is out,” Alkhairallah told Arab News in an exclusive interview prior to the launch of the first Saudi Comic Con (SCC).
“It was the event that ignited the dormant energy/skills that helped me to come up with ‘Black Bonds,’” he added.
As a child, Alkhairallah got to know about superheroes through Sesame Street, where they used to feature a sketch of Spider-Man.
“Since then, I became fascinated by the world of superheroes and comic books,” he said.
He prefers the term fan over geek, as the later means – at least to Alkhairallah — an unfashionable or socially inept person, which is unjust for art and story enthusiasts.
“Black Bonds” is about witchcraft, but is not inspired by a certain comic character. Rather it is the horror genre that fascinates Alkhairallah. “Most of the horror stories/movies usually take place in foreign countries,” he said. “Nothing would fit a Saudi horror/thriller story more than magic and witchcraft,” he added.
Digging into the novel’s concept, a dark future awaits “Sager,” the main character, in a story that takes place in Saudi Arabia with an unexpected turn of events.
“Black Bonds” is about the choices people make that might seem right and appealing but whose results might be disastrous.
According to Alkhairallah, the idea of magic that exists in the Arab world is huge, but no one ever talks about it. “It’s like a taboo, but this is the subject that I’m covering.”
One of the names that helped in the making of his debut novel is Abdulrahman Al-Tamimi who, he said, is an excellent scriptwriter and adds value to the story line.
Enthusiasts of the genre Alkhairallah explores say that illustration and storytelling are two skills the Saudi artist possesses. The artist said that he cannot judge which skill is better than the other, as the journey will reveal which of them he excels at more.
Alkhairallah said that there are some interesting ideas popping up for future projects but for now he is keeping them on the side. He is fully occupied with his day banking job and the book.
Alkhairallah joined Dubai’s MEFCC in 2013, where he was inspired yet shocked by the amount of talented Arabs making their own comics.
As the SCC unfolds today, Alkhairallah was lost for words to describe his excitement to meet the local comic fans in Jeddah.
“The country is appreciating the buried talents –- creating a venue that would give them the courage to show the world their abilities,” he said. “Such young talents will definitely feed the industry not only in the Kingdom but also in the whole region.”
Three announced celebrities: Mads Mikkelsen, Julian Glover and Giancarlo Esposito will bring a western touch to the Saudi event. The somewhat cross-cultural pollination in Thursday’s SCC is only showing Alkhairallah the beginning of a new era in the Kingdom’s entertainment industry.
The three-day event promises Saudi-based fans an exceptional weekend. Saudis, according to Alkhairallah, are not only into Marvel/DC comics, but they are fond of the Japanese animations, either Arabic dubbed or subtitled.
The artistic gene runs in Alkhairallah’s family who, he said, is blessed to have their support.
Alkhairallah’s passion for superheroes started in childhood. “I remember tightening the bed sheet as a cape.” His favorite superhero of all time is Batman.
A translated version of Go Nagai’s Japanese manga “Grendizer” was the first comic book Alkhairallah laid hands on.
Believing in oneself and practicing are two major tips Alkhairallah gives aspiring talents. “If you can dream it, you can do it,” he concluded.
The inaugural SCC, organized by Time Entertainment and supported by General Entertainment Authority, runs through Friday at the Take Off Center, the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Comic Con creates showcase for buried talent
Saudi Comic Con creates showcase for buried talent
KSrelief’s charitable work in Yemen, Afghanistan continues
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its charitable work in Yemen and Afghanistan, with the provision of medical services and shelter kits to individuals in need.
In Yemen, the Al-Ja’dah Health Center clinics in the Midi District of Hajjah Governorate continued to treat beneficiaries from Aug. 21 to 27 through KSrelief’s support.
The clinics provided comprehensive healthcare services to 96,184 patients, including in the field of internal medicine, reproductive health, pediatrics, communicable disease, and emergency services, treated injuries and referred complex cases, state news agency SPA reported.
The center also secured medicines, medical supplies, laboratory reagents and supplies, and medical and non-medical consumables for 60,823 individuals, treated 123 children suffering from malnutrition and vaccinated 451 children.
In Yemen’s Marib Governorate, the Saudi aid agency provided in November medical services to 453 individuals who had lost limbs. KSrelief’s ongoing project has so given 1,829 various services including fitting and rehabilitating prosthetic limbs, physical therapy and specialized consultations.
In Afghanistan, KSrelief distributed on Thursday 276 shelter kits in Khogyani district of Nangarhar province as part of the 2024 shelter project attending to returnees from Pakistan and people affected by floods.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s burning of Gaza hospital
- Kamal Adwan Hospital was one of the last operating in the northernmost part of the Gaza Strip
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday denounced the burning of a Gaza hospital by Israeli forces and the forced removal of patients and medical staff from the facility.
Hospital officials said that Israeli troops raided Kamal Adwan Hospital on Friday, gathered staff outside the facility, removed their clothes, and took them to an unknown location.
Israeli soldiers then set fire to several parts of the facility, which is one of the last operating in the northernmost part of the Gaza Strip, including the surgery department, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave.
The actions constitute a violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the most fundamental humanitarian and ethical norms, said a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry.
Israel claimed Hamas fighters had been operating in the facility, which hospital officials denied.
Saudi Arabia to provide $500m in new economic support for Yemen
- Budget, stability, Central Bank of Yemen targeted
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced on Friday a new economic support package for Yemen worth $500 million and aimed at bolstering the government’s budget, stabilizing the Central Bank of Yemen, and fostering the development and stability of the Yemeni people.
The latest assistance includes a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions, alongside $200 million to address the Yemeni budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The latest funding forms part of a larger $1.2 billion initiative through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. The program focuses on enhancing food security; supporting wages and operating expenses; and aiding the Yemeni government in implementing its economic reform agenda.
The new support aims to establish economic, financial, and monetary stability in Yemen by strengthening public finances, building government institutional capacity, and enhancing governance and transparency, the SPA added.
The assistance will empower the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth, create job opportunities, and place Yemen’s national economy on a more sustainable path for economic and social development.
Saudi Arabia’s previous economic assistance included deposits in the Central Bank of Yemen, which increased foreign exchange reserves, stabilized the local currency, reduced exchange rates, and stimulated the growth in gross domestic product.
The assistance also lowered fuel and diesel costs, reduced prices of imported food commodities, and supported the import of essential goods, including wheat, rice, milk, cooking oil, and sugar.
In addition, Saudi grants have helped the Yemeni government manage operating expenses, pay salaries, and mitigate the economic crisis by boosting foreign exchange reserves and restoring confidence in Yemen’s financial institutions.
These measures reduced reliance on borrowing to finance budget deficits, enhanced financial system stability, and alleviated inflationary pressures.
Saudi Arabia has also prioritized critical sectors in Yemen through grants and projects implemented by SDRPY, including more than 260 development initiatives across various Yemeni governorates, covering education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, and fisheries.
These projects have improved access to essential services; provided medical treatments for chronic diseases and cancer patients; supported education; and ensured the provision of petroleum derivatives for electricity generation.
Saudi Arabia’s grants for petroleum derivatives have played a vital role in operating 80 power plants across Yemen, boosting energy efficiency and revitalizing productive and service sectors.
Diriyah Season exhibition honors symbols of Saudi resilience
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah’s legacy explored in immersive display for Second Saudi State’s bicentennial anniversary
RIYADH: Diriyah Season’s “Enduring Resilience” exhibition highlights the life of ruler Imam Turki bin Abdullah in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Second Saudi State.
“I enjoyed the exhibition. I honestly think that exhibitions like this are so important because they show Saudi history and the bravery of important people of the past, such as Imam Turki bin Abdullah,” said Maha Al-Aamri, a Saudi visiting the exhibition being held at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace with her friends.
Speaking about what stood out to her, she said, “All of it … The storytelling about Al-Ajrab Sword was probably the best part of the exhibition.”
Al-Ajrab Sword is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kingdom’s history, representing the courage, determination, and nobility of Imam Turki in unifying and restoring the sovereignty of the Second Saudi State in 1824 when he entered Riyadh.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Al-Ajrab Sword is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kingdom’s history.
• It represents the courage, determination, and nobility of Imam Turki bin Abdullah in unifying and restoring the sovereignty of the Second Saudi State in 1824.
Through the exhibition, visitors are transported back in time through a guided and immersive journey that explores how Imam Turki established and shaped the Second Saudi State, reclaiming the land and restoring the legacy of his ancestors.
“The experience was very nice and something different to try,” Vindeep Gupta, a computer technician working and living with his family in Riyadh, told Arab News.
“I will just say that I wish it (the exhibition) was bigger, but I like that it captured the struggles and challenges in achieving the victory … The historians did a good job in making the display,” he said.
Among the areas of the exhibition where visitors noticeably spent more time taking pictures and videos was Turki’s Cave.
According to a document published by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Imam Turki sought refuge in a cave high atop a rugged mountain, choosing it as his base of operations. The cave, located in Aliyyah, became one of the most well-known in Najd.
Its inaccessibility made it a perfect hideout, strategically situated near several key towns and villages including Al-Kharj, Al-Houtah, Al-Hareeq, Al-Hulwah, and Al-Dalam.
The exhibition, in Arabic with English translation, is open to the public until the end of the year. It offers a deeper understanding of the values of unity, belonging, justice, and loyalty that were exhibited by the imams of the state.
Black limes: a unique staple of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine
- Dried citrus adds zesty kick to dishes
- Originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climes
RIYADH: Anyone who has not yet dived into the world of black limes is in for a treat. Known in English as dried limes or black lemons, these intriguing ingredients are referred to as noomi basra in Iraq, limoo amani in Iran, and loomi in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
They are a must-have for elevating culinary creations and have graced dishes across the Middle East and North Africa for more than 1,000 years. It’s about time they were brought into every kitchen.
So, what exactly are black limes? Think of them as the sophisticated cousins of fresh limes. They undergo a transformation process: first, they are packed in salt, and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
The result is a hard, dried fruit that delivers a remarkable burst of flavor.
When it comes to taste, black limes pack a powerful punch. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sour and slightly sweet, rounded out by a touch of bitterness.
“It was a game-changer to realize that (adding black lime) isn’t just about adding tanginess to a dish — it’s a full-on spice with a smoky aroma and earthy notes that bring out so much flavor,” Shadia Al-Bayat — a home cook from Qatif — told Arab News.
“Beyond that, it’s packed with nostalgia, calling to mind traditional Gulf dishes like seafood, grilled meats, and hearty stews. It’s also the key to the signature hot ‘loomi’ tea, a staple at traditional gatherings and celebrations,” Al-Bayat added.
FASTFACTS
• Black limes are packed in salt and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
• They add a zesty kick to Saudi dishes; they originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climate.
This unique profile makes them perfect for enhancing stews, tagines and a variety of other dishes. A black lime added to a cooking pot will instantly elevate any meal.
Cooks can get creative with black limes. They can be used whole or crushed into powder, allowing for versatility.
Imagine a flavorful tagine or a warming soup that gets a delightful kick from a black lime. If preferred, the lime can be removed before serving, but leaving it in adds an appealing touch.
For something refreshing, blend black limes into limonana, a delightful drink that combines lemon and mint, perfect for quenching thirst.
And for something soothing, consider brewing some dried lime tea — a comforting drink that can settle the stomach and provide a sense of warmth.
They also make excellent additions to marinades for meats and fish, giving dishes a fantastic zest.
In Saudi cuisine, loomi is a prized ingredient that adds a distinctive tangy flavor to traditional dishes.
In kabsa, a popular rice dish, black lime is added whole or ground to add acidity and elevate the dish’s depth.
Black limes have a history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where they were a valued ingredient in ancient cooking.
Historically, they were prized not just for their flavor, but also for their ability to preserve food in the warm climate. Over time, dried limes became a staple in various cuisines, with each culture adding its own flair to their use.
Today, they are recognized for their versatility and are celebrated in dishes in many cultures.
Beyond their culinary charm, black limes come with health benefits, too. Packed with vitamin C, calcium and potassium, they are a nutritious addition to any diet.
Black limes are a cultural staple. While they share ties with fresh limes, black limes have a distinct personality, bringing an intriguing bitterness and complexity to dishes.
They can even be spotted in spice blends like baharat, because a little extra flavor never hurt anyone.
Black limes are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can bring depth to cooking and are worth adding to any culinary repertoire to impress the taste buds.
