RIYADH: Christmas would not be complete without a mouthwatering traditional turkey dinner. That is why, in the run-up to the festive season, households celebrating the holiday in Riyadh are on the lookout for the best place to buy their bird.
Whole turkeys can be bought from Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket in the Saudi capital, but preparing an entire bird from scratch can be difficult and time-consuming. Many families will therefore look for pre-prepared dishes to save on time and mess.
“Since I moved to Riyadh earlier this year, I began the search for home-made turkey for hosting Thanksgiving for my Saudi friends,” Mildred, 32, from the Philippines, told Arab News. “People told me about Yawmiyat Catering and it was the most delicious I ever tried.
“Don’t tell my mom!”
Dalal Hajj Ibrahim, a 60-year-old Lebanese chef and owner of Yawmiyat Catering, is famous for serving one of the best turkeys in Riyadh. Although she mostly sells Lebanese cuisine and other Arab-inspired dishes, her festive fare has proven especially popular.
“Our style is that we serve two special dishes daily so our guests feel like they’ve been invited to their friends’ for a warm meal,” Ibrahim told Arab News.
Ibrahim says she has been an avid reader of culinary and recipe books since the age of 20. “I’ve always loved cooking for family and friends and hosting dinners and feasts. And so I translated that feeling into Yawmiyat’s cozy family kitchen,” she said.
At first, Yawmiyat did not offer turkey on the menu. It was only after she noticed a gap in the market for Thanksgiving and Christmas catering that she made it a speciality.
“Since I opened four years ago, people kept calling me before special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas asking me to prepare turkey for them,” she said.
“I did my research in the Saudi turkey market and found that only five-star hotels are serving turkey feasts and very few new restaurants.”
The majority of Yawmiyat’s customers who place orders for turkey dishes are Saudis and Lebanese, while other foreigners make up about 5-7 percent of her clientele. Indeed, many Muslim Saudis have adopted the festive meal tradition having experienced it abroad.
“I loved spending the winter season in Washington D.C. because of the festive atmosphere,” Abdullah Khalid, 28, who was a student at the George Washington University in the US, told Arab News.
“Every year, I would celebrate Thanksgiving and be invited to my friend’s house for dinner.”
Since moving back to Riyadh, Khalid has consistently celebrated Thanksgiving with his family.
Ibrahim’s Christian customers are also grateful to find a familiar flavor. Mic, a Saudi Arabia-based South African from Cape Town, told Arab News that despite being away from home, he still celebrates Christmas.
“Turkiye is pretty important on Christmas. It’s very much a delicacy. Usually you’ll settle for chicken, but that’s just not good enough for the celebrations and cozy vibes.”
Mic recalled his perfect Christmas Eve. “Family and friends, music, great company, a crispy golden turkey and just chatting into the early hours of the morning and celebrating the occasion.”
As Muslims are a large minority group in South Africa, Mic says religious coexistence is something that he appreciates about his life back in Cape Town.
“Where I am from, at the end of Ramadan, we’ll celebrate with our friends by sharing iftar with them and their families. They also look forward to sharing the joy with us on Christmas.”
It takes Ibrahim about six days to prepare a turkey for the oven. First the turkey has to defrost for three days in the refrigerator before it is brined in a sugar and salt solution with vegetables for 24 to 48 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Next, the meat is injected with a blend of butter and fresh herbs.
“The fourth step is the spices, and that depends on your preference,” said Ibrahim. “My signature turkey recipe has a mixture of Arabic and American seasoning to create my personal flavor.”
Her clients seem to prefer a Middle Eastern twist, which is served with a rice stuffing, packed with spices, seasonal dry fruits and chestnuts.
As for the cooking process, the turkey is baked for one hour for every few pounds, and basted every 30 minutes. “It’s very important to cover the turkey as it bakes so it doesn’t lose its moisture and juices,” said Ibrahim.
For the final 30 minutes, the turkey is uncovered and placed back in the oven so that it gets a crispy golden exterior.
Until just a couple of years ago, almost all turkey meat was imported into the Kingdom from the US company Butterball LLC. “Luckily, Saudi Arabia now has farms for grazing turkey and that freshness truly makes all the difference in the end result,” said Ibrahim.
“Our clients understand the long process and so they order it a week before. We accept orders through calls or walk-ins.”
Ibrahim says that the best sides to serve with turkey are pumpkin soup, potatoes, carrots, ginger, cranberry sauce, gravy, and bread stuffing. “A side salad made with beetroots, pecan and pumpkin is also a great way to stimulate your palette,” she said.
“All like that time spent caring for the turkey translates into this single moment when loved ones are gathered cozily around the feast. Maybe that’s one of the reasons it’s served on special occasions, because of the love that goes into preparing it.”
Why the humble Christmas turkey is seeing growing demand in Saudi Arabia
https://arab.news/6pfa6
Why the humble Christmas turkey is seeing growing demand in Saudi Arabia
- Kingdom’s Christian expats and their Muslim neighbors are embracing the holiday staple
- Dalal Hajj Ibrahim of Yawmiyat Catering shares her tips for preparing the perfect roast dinner
Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says
TOKYO: Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, who is in Tokyo with the Saudi National Orchestra, says music “bridges cultural boundaries and has a very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.
Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo, he said, gives people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures and really to be in harmony. And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”
The program includes traditional music directed by Saudi Director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”
“We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku,” he said. “But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.”
“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”
Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Imperial Orchestra Gagaku performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar, the regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”
He hopes that Friday’s performance is not a one-off but becomes the foundation of a rich and long-standing collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.”
“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”
Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has helped a Yemeni prosthetics center provide medical services to 536 people in October.
The Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Taiz Governorate provided various medical services Yemeni beneficiaries who have lost limbs, the Saudi Press Agency said.
During the project, 1,757 services were provided including measuring, manufacturing, fitting, delivering and maintaining artificial limbs and prosthetics, in addition to rehabilitation and physiotherapy services.
KSRelief also signed a deal with a Yemeni civil-society organization to provide shelter for the neediest families affected by floods and torrents in Hadhramaut.
KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon
- KSrelief provided medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its humanitarian activities in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon with the provision of medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals.
At Jordan’s Zaatri Camp, the Saudi aid agency provided medical services to 2,738 patients during the second week of November. General practitioners treated 657 patients, internists saw 125 patients dealing with diabetes, hypertension and asthma.
The pediatric clinic examined 270 children, while the emergency department attended to 297 patients. Meanwhile, dentists attended to 183 patients
The gynecology clinic served 182 women while ear, nose, and throat doctors clinic treated 57 patients for conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and otitis media.
The ophthalmology clinic assisted 51 patients and provided them with medications. The cardiology clinic received 27 patients, and the diagnostic radiology clinic conducted examinations for 25 patients.
Other medical services provided also included laboratory tests, x-rays and vaccinations.
In Afghanistan, 200 shelter kits and 200 tents have been handed out for the benefit of 1,200 individuals as part of a project for returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan and those affected by flooding.
In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 530 purchase coupons to orphans and people with disabilities in Akkar region, Beirut, central and western Bekaa and Armoun.
The coupons allow recipients to buy winter clothing of their choice from approved stores.
Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards
- Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to Kingdom’s entertainment sector honored
RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority was named the most influential personality of the last decade at the MENA Effie Awards ceremony in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, which was held on Thursday as part of this year’s Riyadh Season calendar, honored Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and its emergence as a global hub for world-class events, the SPA added.
Alalshikh thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support in his acceptance speech, attributing the achievement to the “collaborative efforts of the nation’s people.”
He added that the recognition was a nod to the Kingdom’s growing global stature in the entertainment sector.
The 15th year of the MENA Effie Awards, which were hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, celebrated innovation and excellence in the marketing and advertising sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.
This latest accolade followed Alalshikh’s recent distinction as one of the 50 most influential figures in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, awarded by the British online newspaper The Independent earlier this year.
Under Alalshikh’s leadership, the GEA has transformed the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, with Riyadh Season becoming a flagship event attracting millions of visitors each year.
Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go
- Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years
RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.
The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.
A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.
Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.
“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”
HIGHLIGHT
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.
Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.
Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.
Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.
“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”
Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.
“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”
Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.
“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.
“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.
“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”
Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.
