Sangeeta Desai has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer
The role will see Ms Desai increase her involvement with OSN
Updated 30 August 2021
Arab News
Dubai: Sangeeta Desai has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer at media group OSN (Panther Media Group Ltd) with immediate effect the company announced Monday. Ms. Desai has served as a non-executive director on the Board for over a year.
Mr. Faisal Al Ayyar, Chairman of OSN said: “The Board is delighted that Sangeeta has accepted the position of Interim CEO, which will increase her involvement with OSN. Sangeeta has a proven track record in successfully leading large scale company transformations, scaling businesses, navigating disruption, and growing global brands.
Most recently, Ms. Desai was Group COO and CEO of Emerging Markets at Fremantle, and prior to that she was COO of Hit Entertainment. She started her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan.
OSN describes itself as the region’s 'leading entertainment hub' and is the exclusive distributor of The Walt Disney Company’s new Disney+ Originals in the Middle East region. It has long-term partnerships with major studios including Disney, HBO, NBC Universal, Fox, Paramount, MGM, and Sony, providing content in Arabic, English, and Filipino.
Relatives of Bashar Assad arrested as they tried to fly out of Lebanon
Wife and daughter of Assad's cousin arrested at Beirut airport
Updated 3 min 43 sec ago
AP
BEIRUT: The wife and daughter of one of deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad ‘s cousins were arrested Friday at the Beirut airport, where they attempted to fly out with allegedly forged passports, Lebanese judicial and security officials said. Assad’s uncle departed the day before.
Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad — the son of former Syrian Vice President Rifaat Assad, the uncle of Bashar Assad — and their daughter, Shams, were smuggled illegally into Lebanon and were trying to fly to Egypt when they were arrested, according to five Lebanese officials familiar with the case. They were being detained by Lebanese General Security. Rifaat had flown out the day before on his real passport and was not stopped, the officials said.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Swiss federal prosecutors in March indicted Rifaat on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering murder and torture more than four decades ago.
Rifaat Assad, the brother of Bashar Assad’s father Hafez Assad, Syria’s former ruler, led the artillery unit that shelled the city of Hama and killed thousands, earning him the nickname the “Butcher of Hama.”
Earlier this year, Rifaat Assad was indicted in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Hama.
Tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have entered Lebanon illegally on the night of Assad’s fall earlier this month, when insurgent forces entered Damascus.
The Lebanese security and judicial officials said that more than 20 members of the former Syrian Army’s notorious 4th Division, military intelligence officers and others affiliated with Assad’s security forces were arrested earlier in Lebanon. Some of them were arrested when they attempted to sell their weapons.
Lebanon’s public prosecution office also received an Interpol notice requesting the arrest of Jamil Al-Hassan, the former director of Syrian intelligence under Assad. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati previously told Reuters that Lebanon would cooperate with the Interpol request to arrest Al-Hassan.
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
Updated 48 min 13 sec ago
Lama Alhamawi
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.
Visitors were drawn to Turki’s Cave, created based on a cave Imam Turki strategically sought refuge in. (AN photo by Lama Alhamawi)
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 exhibition takes visitors on a guided and immersive trip back in time as they explore the establishment and shaping of the Second Saudi State by Imam Turki. (AN photo by Lama Alhamawi)
“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.
The ‘Enduring Resilience’ exhibition transports visitors back in time through a guided and immersive journey that explores how Imam Turki bin Abdullah established and shaped the Second Saudi State. (AN photo by Lama Alhamawi)
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.
The exhibition takes visitors on a guided and immersive trip back in time as they explore the establishment and shaping of the Second Saudi State by Imam Turki. (AN photo by Lama Alhamawi)
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
Updated 48 min 38 sec ago
Hind Al-Khunaizi
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.
Black limes boast a harmonious blend of sour and slightly sweet flavors, rounded out by a touch of bitterness. (AN photo)
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.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Yum-A-Sama’ – a sushi spot in Riyadh
Pricing is reasonable, making it an attractive option for regular orders
Updated 50 min 42 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
Yum-A-Sama has quickly established itself as one of the top sushi spots in Riyadh, operating as a cloud kitchen that consistently delivers fresh treats.
The raw salmon is incredibly delicious, and the tuna is equally impressive. A must-try item on the menu is the torch salmon nigiri. Each dish showcases the freshness of the ingredients, making it a delight for sushi lovers.
In addition to sushi, Yum-A-Sama offers a variety of salad bowls that are generously portioned. Options include crab salad, chicken salad, and a veggie salad bowl for those seeking vegetarian choices. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for sushi or a refreshing salad.
Pricing is reasonable, making it an attractive option for regular orders. I find myself ordering from them twice a week because the quality remains consistent, and the food is always fresh. This reliability is a significant factor in why many customers keep returning.
Yum-A-Sama also features some unique signature dishes that are worth exploring.
Items like the spicy mango sushi, sunset salmon, special crab, samurai fry, and pink tara are just a few of the creative offerings that set this restaurant apart from others in the area.
For convenience, Yum-A-Sama can be easily ordered through popular delivery apps, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes without hassle.
Overall, the combination of quality, variety, and reasonable pricing makes this outlet a go-to choice for those craving delicious sushi in Riyadh.
Strikes came in response to series of Houthi attacks on Israel
No immediate comment from Israel, the US or Britain
Updated 52 min 28 sec ago
AFP
SANAA: An air strike hit Yemen’s capital on Friday, a day after deadly Israeli raids, according to the Iran-backed Houthis who blamed the US and Britain for the latest attack.
A Houthi statement cited “US-British aggression” for the new attack, as witnesses also reported the blast.
There was no immediate comment from Israel, the United States or Britain.
“I heard the blast. My house shook,” one resident of the Houthi-held capital Sanaa told AFP.
The attack followed Thursday’s Israeli raids on infrastructure including Sanaa’s international airport that left six people dead.
The strikes came in response to a series of Houthi attacks on Israel.
The Houthis have also been firing on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping route for months, prompting a series of reprisal strikes by US and British forces.
