Meet the Saudi chefs and food bloggers demystifying the kitchen for millions on social media during Ramadan

Hatoon Al-Toukhi, a Saudi chef specializing in Italian cuisine. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 April 2023
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Meet the Saudi chefs and food bloggers demystifying the kitchen for millions on social media during Ramadan

  • Saudi chefs take to social media during Ramadan to share easy, innovative recipes

RIYADH: Social media platforms are a go-to recipe finder for millions of people around the world, including Saudis looking for iftar and sahoor recipes.

Food bloggers have reported a surge in followers during Ramadan, encouraging them to create innovative, easy to cook recipes.

Alaa Alkhathlan has more than 100,000 subscribers on Instagram at @iberryki and over 600,000 on her YouTube channel at @Berry Kitchen where she spreads her passion for cooking and Saudi food.




Fig snack by Alaa Alkathlan @iberryki on instagram. (Supplied)

She said: “Being committed to the things you love makes you inspired. I enjoy creating delicious recipes and inspiring videos that are easy to follow. Anyone who wants to be a good cook must do it repeatedly until they succeed. Sooner or later, they will.”

Yahya Al-Jaber from Jeddah has racked up more than 27,000 followers on his Instagram account @yahya.aljaber.

He said: “I believe that the field of cooking is a beautiful and creative world in which you can navigate and be creative and different, each in its own way.

Watching one recipe can lead to another recipe idea, or one can find inspiration from a snapshot of the three- minute video clip.

Yahya Al-Jaber, Food blogger

“Watching one recipe can lead to another recipe idea, or one can find inspiration from a snapshot of the three-minute video clip. Inspiration is an important and highly effective factor in improving the quality of performance, development, and excellence.”

Al-Jaber grew up watching cooking programs on TV and then trying them out. At first, the results were not always successful, but through trial and error he found a way. During Ramadan, he creates content that is quick and simple to follow.

Afnan Al-Ghamdi has 2.9 million followers on Instagram at @afnan1993.




Fries with dip by Yahya Al-Jaber @yahya.aljaber on instagram. (Supplied)

One of her followers, Sara Ali, said: “She has the most easy and creative way of cooking. Her recipes are so simple yet unique. Every Ramadan it has turned into a ritual for me to constantly follow her and dig in for some new ideas for cooking.”

Fatimah Ahmed, from Jeddah said: “Most of the food bloggers share the food products they use to make the dishes. It gets so easy for us to follow and motivates us to try our hands at creating those recipes.

“They inspire and get us hooked to their pages especially during Ramadan when we are searching for easy and innovative recipes every day.”




Social media has given the opportunity to explain the recipes in the most methodical and quick way. (Supplied)

Ahmed’s favorite food bloggers to follow in Ramadan on Instagram are Wejdan Mohammad (Wejdan_mohammad_1), Hadeel Bokhari (hadeel.bokhari), and Mohammed Inani (Moe_inani).

Another food blogger, Ahmed Saeed, said: “I learn a lot from other food bloggers and chefs around the world. Social media has given the opportunity to explain the recipes in the most methodical and quick way, in turn making it simpler for understanding.”

He practices his recipes several times before presenting them to his followers.




Chef Jouhainah. (Supplied)

Saudi chef Haifa Alshammari, who is based in Al-Khafji, runs a catering business from home via Instagram at @delicious_kfj. With more than 5,500 followers, she said: “I used to watch cooking videos, then decided to make these dishes myself.”

She noted that social media was a useful tool to promote her business as customers could watch her meal preparations.

One of her most popular dishes is pasta with mushroom and chicken. Here is the recipe: Boil the macaroni. In another pot, add butter and chicken breast (cut into small pieces) and leave it on a low heat for seven to 10 minutes.




A dish by Chef Haifa Alshammari. (Supplied)

Add mushrooms, thinly sliced onions and zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir over a low heat for 10 minutes. Add sliced black olives, cooking cream, a pinch of black pepper, salt, a little Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Then add the boiled pasta.

Hatoon Al-Toukhi is a Saudi chef with 15 years’ experience in Italian cuisine. Married into an Italian family, she learned how to cook authentic Italian food from her mother-in-law.

She runs workshops in Jeddah teaching Italian cuisine using recipes from her Instagram account.

Al-Toukhi said: “I try to offer something unique, having specialized in authentic Italian cuisine.”

She has more than 28,000 followers on Instagram at @hatoonaltoukhi which meant she had to constantly innovate to keep them engaged. “For influencers, Ramadan is our season, a time for innovation of recipes and videos. Through my accounts, I give alternatives to recipes, and I teach recipes that are easy to make.”

On the difference between being a chef on social media or in a restaurant, she said: “It’s different because I choose what I cook on social media. I choose the recipes. And I go authentic.”

For example, she pointed out that the Italian way to make fettuccine alfredo is quite different to the mainstream method. “Italians don’t use cream or add chicken to their pasta,” she explained. Here is her recipe done the Italian way:

For the pasta dough, use two cups of flour, four fresh eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients together and let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough and shape it to the size of fettuccine in the pasta machine and sprinkle it with a little flour so that it does not stick together.

To make the sauce, use two tablespoons of butter, one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, two cloves of garlic, and one stick of rosemary. Melt the butter, add the garlic and rosemary, and fry them a little until the rosemary turns brown. Remove it from the butter so as not to burn it.

Boil the water, add salt, pasta, and let it boil for two minutes or until it floats on the surface of the water. Remove the pasta from the water and mix it with the butter, keeping aside the boiling water of the pasta to use in the sauce.

Add some salt to the pasta, half the amount of the Parmigiano, and some boiling water and stir the pasta, then add the rest of the cheese and water again until the consistency of the mixture becomes creamy.

Mom-of-three Jouhaina Alhoumaidan studied cooking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is specialized in French cuisine. She is now working at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Malaysia and runs cooking tutorials on Instagram at @jouhainaalhoumaidan.

She started in 2017 by sharing healthy recipes from home. After that, she decided to study cooking to develop her skills. She believes a cook must follow specific rules when working at a restaurant such as delivering dishes for customers at a specific time and manner. “Working at restaurants is challenging.”

Working on social media was more flexible giving chefs the freedom to be creative, she said.

“I received so much support from people when I started. These people helped me gain more confidence through their trust in my skills. I felt the obligation to give back,” she added.

Alhoumaidan pointed out the need for chefs to continuously experiment with new flavors to improve their style of cooking and techniques.

 

 


Saudi Interior Ministry confirms ban on transferring or publishing security surveillance camera recordings

Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi Interior Ministry confirms ban on transferring or publishing security surveillance camera recordings

  • Anyone who violates the rule will be punished with a fine of SR20,000 ($5,327), interior ministry says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry confirmed that the provisions of the “Use of Security Surveillance Cameras” law prohibit the transfer or publication of security surveillance camera recordings.

Security surveillance camera recordings can only be transferred or published with the approval of the ministry or the Presidency of State Security, based on a judicial order, or at the request of an investigating authority.

The ministry explained that anyone who violates this rule will be punished with a fine of SR20,000 ($5,327).

This includes anyone who transfers or publishes recordings in violation of the law or damages or vandalizes security surveillance camera systems or recordings.


Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition

Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition

  • Dammam collection running until Jan. 10 features sculpture, video and imagery

DHAHRAN: Visitors are immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of art as Hussain Alismail unveils his compelling solo exhibition, “W’ard,” at the SASCA Art Gallery in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Launched on Dec. 30 last year and running until Jan. 10, the exhibition is a captivating journey through the artist’s evolving vision.

‘Wa’rd’ series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)

In the “W’ard” series, Alismail breaks free from his signature style, which often features bold continuous-line drawings in striking shades of black and red.

Instead, the collection showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Hussain Alismail’s artworks delve into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.

• His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.

Visitors can expect to encounter an array of fascinating works, from collages that fuse imagery, mixed media pieces with texture, three-dimensional sculptures, to dynamic video installations that spark imagination.

Hussain Alismail creates a new piece while visitors watch at his W’ard exhibition in Dammam. (Supplied)

At the heart of Alismail’s work lies the symbol of the rose, a timeless emblem of unity that surpasses differences, inviting connection among visitors.

He said: “For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.”

This cultural reference runs throughout the exhibition, highlighting the themes in Alismail’s artwork.

For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.

Hussain Alismail, Saudi artist

Through his collection, Alismail creates an artistic experience that celebrates unity in the diversity of humanity.

“I see my artwork as a reflection of who I am, but once it’s out in the world, it belongs to everyone to interpret and connect with however they choose,” he told Arab News.

Alismail is not only a gifted artist, but also a committed scholar, having recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a master’s degree in design innovation and technology at RMIT.

His time in academia, which he describes as research-focused, has significantly influenced his art. “I’ve found these skills super useful for my art in this exhibition and they’ll definitely play a bigger role in my upcoming projects.”

Alismail holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drawing and painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, as well as a bachelor’s degree in creative arts in visual effects and entertainment design from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.

His academic background enriches his creative practice, fueling his artistic exploration.

Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Alismail delves into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.

His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.

Beyond canvas and paper, Alismail’s artistic skills include photography, videography and digital graphics, allowing him to create stories that invite exploration.

“Medium serves as a platform for discovery. I constantly challenge myself to go deeper into techniques and artistic presentations,” he said.

For the exhibition, Alismail embraced a variety of innovative mediums. “I played around with 3D design, 3D printing, AI generative imagery and various other hands-on mediums,” he said.

Additionally, he aims to create a vibrant experience, expressing his desire that viewers feel “joyful and leave with a smile on their face.”

Inspired by cultural stories around him, Alismail combines personal and community tales in his art, enhancing the diverse narratives he shares.

With an eye toward revitalizing cultural connections, his work fosters an enriched understanding of our shared human experiences.

“What my audience has seen from me before is different from what I’m creating now, and I know it’ll have even more depth down the line.”

 


Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh

Updated 06 January 2025
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Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh

  • The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works

RIYADH: Two major electrical substations were launched at the Diriyah megaproject in Riyadh on Monday.

The substations will be operated by the Saudi Electricity Company and will speed up the development of projects in the historical area of Diriyah as well as nearby Wadi Safar.

“Today is very special to us,” Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, told Arab News, before underlining the importance of developing infrastructure to be able to complete projects in time for Riyadh Expo 2030.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and the CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, Khalid Alghamdi during the launch of the two substations. (Supplied)

Inzerillo further elaborated on how the project requires sustainable development because it will be serving a large number of people.

The housing project “will cater to 100,000 people who will live, work, recreate, and pray with us every day,” the CEO said. “So, you need all-new, smart-city technology that the Kingdom is leading on.”

The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works.

HIGHLIGHT

The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

The second substation, developed by the Saudi Electricity Company through Maetel contracting company, will be one of the main power sources for Wadi Safar.

This will result in a combination of the area’s natural beauty with modern infrastructure, including hospitality assets and sports facilities such as the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, and Wadi Safar golf course.

Also at the event, the acting CEO of SEC, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, expressed his excitement for this significant event and milestone.

“The completion of the bulk substation and the primary substation marks a new era for Diriyah, one that combines advanced infrastructure with our shared vision of creating a sustainable, world-class city,” Al-Ghamdi said.

“We are honored to work with Diriyah Company to bring power solutions that are both reliable and in harmony with Diriyah’s architectural heritage,” he added.

Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s main megaprojects, supported by the Public Investment Fund. The project will eventually have homes for 100,000 people and is aiming to host millions of visits per year by 2030.

The Diriyah project alone contributes $18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and will create 178,000 job opportunities, according to the Diriyah Company.

The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

While the city is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it also has historical importance because Diryiah is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 


Saudi aid agency KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Syria by road and air

Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Syria by road and air

  • 60 agency trucks deliver food, shelter materials and medical supplies to meet needs of the Syrian people
  • Six planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrive at Damascus International Airport

RIYADH: Sixty trucks carrying relief supplies from Saudi Arabia crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria on Monday, as part of a humanitarian effort organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief.

The trucks contained essential supplies including food, shelter materials and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Also on Monday, six planes planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrived at Damascus International Airport.

Jordanian authorities said 600 trucks filled with aid have entered Syria through the Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone since the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s regime on Dec. 8. The director general of the zone, Irfan Khasawneh, told the Jordan News Agency that the flow of goods has remained consistent since then.

The shipments are addressing the needs of the Syrian people for essential items such as food supplies, energy equipment and spare parts for machinery, he added.

Trade is flowing smoothly, with transactions completed promptly and without delays, Khasawneh said, and staff at the zone are ready to handle larger volumes of trucks and goods in the days ahead.


Anti-extremism group Etidal helps Telegram remove 160m items of extremist content in 3 years

Updated 06 January 2025
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Anti-extremism group Etidal helps Telegram remove 160m items of extremist content in 3 years

  • Riyadh-based organization says the collaboration has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts
  • Platform thanks Etidal, says partnership has been instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content

RIYADH: The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, also known as Etidal, said on Monday that more than 31 million items of extremist content were removed from messaging service Telegram during the final quarter of 2024.

This brought the total number of such items removed from the platform since the start of their partnership in 2021 to more than 160 million, it added.

Etidal, which is based in Riyadh, said international cooperation is important in efforts to address extremist ideologies and counter the global threat posed by terrorist organizations, and that the collaboration with Telegram has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts.

The platform said it has intensified its efforts to combat extremism since 2022 and expressed its appreciation for the partnership with Etidal, saying it has proved to be instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content.

“There is no place for incitement to violence or terrorist propaganda on Telegram,” it added.

Etidal said it uses advanced technologies to help monitor and analyze extremist content, and detect the deceptive propaganda and tactics used by terrorist organizations in an attempt to evade content removal. It added that its efforts form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to help safeguard societies through an integrated approach, including targeted media campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism.

In addition to its partnership with Telegram, Etidal has established strategic collaborations with other international organizations. In 2021, for example, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN Counter-Terrorism Center.