Saudi chef wows guests with a desert dessert at Al-Ula gala in Paris

Pastry chef Mayada Badr
Updated 11 April 2018
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Saudi chef wows guests with a desert dessert at Al-Ula gala in Paris

  • Chef Mayada Badr received positive feedback for her original dessert
  • Mayada received her culinary education at the renowned Cordon Bleu in Paris

A Saudi chef delighted the guests at a gala dinner to honor Saudi-French collaboration to enhance the cultural heritage of Al-Ula with a unique taste of Arabia blended with a hint of French decadence.

Pastry chef Mayada Badr’s choice for dessert was an original creation, Al-Huda, an Arabic word meaning “guidance.”
 
“I chose a vacherin with the creaminess of ice-cream, surrounding a soft gooey center of coffee and cardamom, covered by a rose meringue, bringing a mix of Saudi flavors with a French technique,” she told Arab News.

“The French have a more sensitive palate than ours, so I used very subtle flavors.  Arabic coffee, for example, is very strong, so I used it at the base, and when the dessert is mixed, the flavors blend beautifully, complementing the rest of the flavors.”

Many of the flavors were unknown to the French, so Mayada made sure that not only would she provide the best ingredients for the selection of desserts, she brought along many from Saudi to have the team test and understand the mix of flavors.  “The guests were surprised by the kanafeh macaroons.  I brought the threads with me and the fusion was surprisingly fun, introducing the guests to the flavors and cuisine from a different part of the world.”

The feedback was positive, with a lot of “compliments to the chef.”

Many guests didn’t believe the chef was Saudi, a notion Mayada wants to change with her innovative creations.

“The feedback was amazing, everyone loved the fusion of flavors,” she said. “The dessert was a perfect example of how East meets West.  Arabs invented the ice cream originally, or bootha, and many forget that.  The West took it and perfected it in the cake, then we took it back and fused it with our flavors, combining both cultures in the sense of history.”

Dubbed the “Queen of Macaroons” in Saudi Arabia, Mayada received her culinary education at the renowned Cordon Bleu in Paris and after completing her Grand Diplome, she interned at the prestigious Laduree and Bastide de Saint Antoine in Grasse before returning to Saudi.  

Her love of French pastries inspired her to open Pink Camel, a high-end French patisserie salon best known for its unique fusion of macaroon flavors. 

With a seven-year career so far, her time spent in the culinary world has been eventful.  She was chosen by the renowned Parisian caterers, Potel et Chabot, to be the patissier for the gala.

Mayada’s love for the art is no surprise to many who know her.  She’s a consultant for food and beverage companies as well as a patissier and business owner.

How to make Mayada Badr’s Al Huda 
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS
Italian meringue
250g sugar
120g egg whites
70ml water
Halawa ice-cream
1 litre whole milk
300ml single cream
100g egg yolks
200g sugar
250g halawa paste
5g salt
Arabica pearl
200g hollow white chocolate
balls, 2.6 cm
100g single cream
100g white chocolate
5 cardamom pods
50g roasted coffee beans
100g single cream
100g white chocolate
5 cardamom pods
50g roasted coffee beans
Almond biscuit
120g ground almonds
120g butter
120g sugar
2 eggs
40g flour
1g vanilla pod
Whipped cream
200 g single cream
10 g orange blossom essence
 
METHOD
Italian meringue
Heat the sugar in the water until the temperature reaches 116°C. Start beating the egg whites and slowly pour in the sugar mixture. Beat for another 10 minutes and put everything in a piping bag. Make raindrop shapes and smooth them out until 2 mm thick, and leave to dry for 24h. 
Halawa ice-cream
Bring the milk and cream to a boil. In another bowl, mix the sugar and egg yolks. Pour half of the milk + cream mixture into the egg mixture, and mix until completely blended. Pour over the remaining milk mixture and cook till the temperature reaches 80°C. Remove from heat and pour over the halawa paste and salt. Mix and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight before putting it in an ice-cream maker
Arabica pearl
Place the chocolate balls on a tray in the refrigerator. In a saucepan, heat the single cream, roast and grind the coffee beans and place them in a muslin cloth with the cardamom which was grounded earlier. Add the mixture to the cream and bring to a boil, let it simmer for 5 minutes, and then put it in the refrigerator for approx. 4 hours for it to infuse. Filter the mixture after 4 hours. Place the preparation on heat with the white chocolate until it melts completely. Let cool before putting it in the chocolate balls using a piping bag. Keep chilled.
Almond biscuit
In a mixer, mix all the ingredients and spread the pastry mixture on to a baking tray. Let cool in the refrigerator for half an hour, and cut it into the desired sizes. Bake the pastry mixture at 180°C until golden brown.
Whipped cream
Whisk the cream with the orange blossom essence.
 
ASSEMBLY
Place the ice-cream in a cone mold and insert an Arabica pearl in the center. Cover with the biscuit and freeze for approx. 4 hours. Mix the whipped cream and the remaining meringue mixture, place the preparation in a St-Honoré piping bag and cover the frozen cones. Decorate the dessert with the dry meringue and gold leaf. Keep in the freezer until it is time to serve.
 
From the 2017 Edition of La Crème De La Crème – European Cream & European Pastrie, published by by Cniel and the European Commission within the framework of the Cream of Europe program.
 


Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
Updated 5 min 59 sec ago
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Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

  • In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light”

JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.

FASTFACTS

• Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

• Programs like ‘Hala,’ launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”

Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”

 


MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

Updated 4 min 23 sec ago
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MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

  • Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, has congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a successful Hajj season.

“This success reflects the Saudi government’s great efforts and capabilities in serving pilgrims and ensuring they perform rituals with ease, safety and security,” he said.

Al-Budaiwi praised the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure, precise organization, use of modern technologies — including artificial intelligence — and skilled workforce.

“These efforts delivered an exceptional Hajj experience and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving Islam and Muslims,” he added. The secretary-general also lauded the Kingdom’s continuous development of the Hajj system.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies.

He praised the generous care provided to pilgrims, highlighting the smooth movement between holy sites and the commitment to ensuring their comfort and spiritual focus.

 


Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

Updated 3 sec ago
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Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

  • Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present

JEDDAH: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu departed Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and several other officials accompanied Muizzu to King Abdulaziz International Airport to wish him farewell, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present.

 


Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

As Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. (SPA)
Updated 09 June 2025
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Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

  • Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance
  • Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an

MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts.

They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Gift buying represents joy at Hajj’s successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added.

Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an.

Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates — ajwa dates being especially sought after.

The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.

These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.


Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj

Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program.
Updated 09 June 2025
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Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj

  • A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense
  • Psychological, medical and social care is provided to relatives of martyrs and injured personnel throughout the year

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership’s commitment to citizens.

A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year.

One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s support.

He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Al-Zahrani added that the ministry’s efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state’s respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families.

Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department’s close, familial bond with their families.

“We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership’s close supervision,” he said.

The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families.

It also reflects the leadership’s approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.