RIYADH: At only 23, Abdullah Sharbatly has transformed his passion for cooking into a vibrant online presence.

The Saudi Arabia content creator has garnered more than 150 million views for his captivating and sometimes shocking videos.

Sharbatly’s content is not for the fainthearted; it might be triggering for vegans as he often films live animals including ducks, rabbits and goats before cooking them.

In just one year, he has carved a niche for himself by showcasing dishes using ingredients not commonly featured in everyday cooking.

“What truly boosted my followers was the unique food I prepared,” Sharbatly said.

“I became the first in Saudi Arabia to create content like this, showing live animals, and my videos stood out for being short, never exceeding 20 seconds, focusing on easy and simple cooking techniques.”

Living in a fast-paced environment taught me to keep my videos short and direct. I wanted to ensure that even people with busy livescouldsee Sharbatly is determined to how easy it is to prepare great food quickly.

Abdullah Sharbatly, Culinary content creator

This innovative approach has allowed him to condense entire recipes into quick clips that resonate with viewers, particularly those with busy lifestyles.

Sharbatly’s journey began when he moved to the UK to study. It was there that he and his friends decided to film themselves cooking a simple pizza in an oven.

To their surprise, the video went viral, reaching 1.8 million views on TikTok. “I was always into vlogging but I used to vlog my adventures at the beach while riding jet skis. When this video hit 1 million, I decided to focus more on cooking videos.”

His early experiences in the UK not only influenced his cooking style but also expanded his horizons regarding different cuisines and ingredients.

“Living in a fast-paced environment taught me to keep my videos short and direct,” Sharbatly explained. “I wanted to ensure that even people with busy lives could see how easy it is to prepare great food quickly.”

One of his standout videos features him cooking a sheep’s brain, a traditional Arabic delicacy, while another highlights the preparation of a baby goat. “I love cooking,” he said. “I used to cook anywhere I traveled, but it never occurred to me to film it before.”

Despite his massive popularity, Sharbatly has not become a fulltime influencer. “Social media is a hobby for me. I don’t need to make it an income because I’ve always loved filming.”

He continues to work in business with his family, balancing his passion with his professional life.

Sharbatly’s approach to content is based on the idea that cooking should be accessible and enjoyable.

“Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming,” he emphasized. “I want my viewers to see cooking as an adventure,” he said. “Using unique ingredients creates excitement and discovery.”  

His philosophy resonates with his audience at a time where attention spans are shrinking. “People appreciate content that gets straight to the point,” he observed.

By condensing his content into short clips, he effectively removes the stress often associated with cooking. “Great meals can be made quickly and easily,” he said.

Among his favorite dishes to prepare is lamb, slow-cooked with traditional spices. “It reminds me of family gatherings and celebrations,” he explained.

Another favorite is seafood, especially lobster, which he finds luxurious yet simple to cook. “These dishes allow me to honor traditional flavors while adding my own creative touch,” he said.

Transitioning from casual cooking to more dedicated content creation came with its challenges. Sharbatly had to learn the intricacies of filming, editing, and presenting his cooking in an engaging manner.

“The balance between staying true to my personal style and appealing to a broad audience was the biggest challenge,” he said. He also had to adapt to the fast-paced nature of social media, where trends change rapidly, demanding constant innovation.

Looking ahead, Sharbatly aims to expand his platform with a line of products and workshops, and inspire more people to embrace cooking. “I’m exploring potential collaborations with other chefs and influencers,” he revealed.

The most rewarding aspect of his journey has been the positive feedback from those who try his recipes. “Knowing that I’ve helped someone discover their passion for cooking, or made their day easier, is incredibly fulfilling,” he said.

Sharbatly is determined to remain grounded. “It’s all about prioritizing and managing my time effectively,” he said.

Sharbatly dreams of cooking for his late grandmother. “I’d love to share some of the dishes I’ve created using the skills I learned from her,” he said.

RIYADH: The AlUla Dates Festival Auction has seen increased interest from investors in the palm and date sector from various countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Royal Commission for AlUla has carried out marketing and media campaigns to promote the various types of dates in the region, the investment opportunities it has facilitated for investors, and the dedicated sales platforms inside and outside the Kingdom.

AlUla dates are renowned for their diversity and quality.

The palm sector in AlUla governorate represents the most significant agricultural activity, covering an area of about 16,579 hectares, with a total of 3,116 date palms and an annual production of about 116,055 tons.

The date palms of AlUla are distinguished by their diverse varieties, with barni being the most prominent type, accounting for 80 percent of the annual harvest, in addition to the varieties of halwa, anbara and medjool

The festival runs through to Nov. 9, held every Friday and Saturday in AlUla.