RIYADH: Visitors to the 10-day Saudi Feast Food Festival have been getting a taste for authentic and diverse flavors from around the Kingdom.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission and being staged at King Saud University in Riyadh, the event celebrates the country’s culinary heritage.
Open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. until Dec. 2, the festival features 13 zones including culinary art heritage, theater, the Gourmand Awards, Greece, business, and a children’s interactive farm.
The Greek zone highlights the country’s traditional dishes and food culture, while the culinary arts heritage area has been divided into five sections representing different regions of Saudi Arabia and showcasing their history, identity, and food through exhibitions, live cooking shows, artisanal displays, and cultural performances.
The tasting experience begins with the Tabuk region where popular dishes often use ingredients unique to its topography.
Some of the Saudi chefs taking part in the event are rising culinary stars. Habiba Abdullah’s popular Tabuk-inspired offerings are free of hydrogenated oils and Maggi cubes, a lifestyle choice she made after her son was diagnosed with diabetes.
She said: “I have been using olive oil in my cooking, and I made a promise to myself to try and alter the lifestyle of other families to avoid diabetes and other illnesses resulting from unhealthy lifestyle choices.”
Abdullah has worked as an assistant chef at the Ritz-Carlton and is a certified international trainer and consultant in cooking. She teaches Saudi culinary students at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Asir, another featured region, is famous for its honey and coffee. Chef Noura Al-Asiri, from Asir, has been offering visitors the chance to sample arekah, a traditional regional dish made from dough which is grilled on a sheet pan before being plated for ghee and honey to be poured in the middle, and then decorated with dates.
Meanwhile, the smell of fried kingfish topped with regional spices has been drawing festivalgoers to the Eastern Province zone.
Argentine chef Chakall said: “I traveled to over 130 countries, and Saudi Arabia became one of my favorites; the diverse food from its regions, and the people are honest, friendly, and kind.
“I tasted food from different regions in Saudi Arabia, and I was blown away with what I saw, I had no idea what the food and the people were like before coming here.”
Chakall’s TV show in China and Germany is watched by millions of people, and he runs five restaurants in Portugal. And at the Saudi festival, he took part in a Gourmand Award zone discussion about his culinary journey.
The award is an international competition for food culture content, honoring the best cookbooks. In Riyadh, the zone offers local food enthusiasts an opportunity to meet leading industry figures.
Saudi cuisine showcased at food festival
https://arab.news/rj6wv
Saudi cuisine showcased at food festival
- Open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. until Dec. 2, the festival features 13 zones
- The Greek zone highlights the country’s traditional dishes and food culture
How a new Saudi initiative aims to spur collaboration in space sector
- World Economic Forum’s Nikolai Khlystov says launch of Center for Space Futures, in Riyadh’s C4IR, comes at an interesting time
- The center wants industry actors to design policies that optimize the benefits of space economy and address emerging space risks
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in the space industry by unveiling initiatives that emphasize innovation, sustainability and international collaboration.
At the heart of this strategy is the launch of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Riyadh and its Center for Space Futures, hosted by the Saudi Space Agency.
This transformative initiative comes at a pivotal moment for the space sector, as the industry faces increasing demand for fresh approaches.
The C4IR reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to pioneering solutions that will drive growth and innovation in the global space economy. It is also a key pillar of Vision 2030 — Saudi Arabia’s roadmap to economic diversification and technological advancement.
Speaking to Arab News, Nikolai Khlystov, lead for space technology at the World Economic Forum, described the initiative as timely. “The space industry is transforming very rapidly right now,” he told Arab News. “There is a need for new and innovative approaches.
“The Center for Space Futures is being created at a really interesting time. It will provide a new way to bring together different actors and introduce fresh perspectives and discussions just at the time when lots of new ideas and visions are being created.”
The center will act as a platform for collaboration between stakeholders across government, private industry, and international organizations. By fostering these connections, the center is expected to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for space challenges.
One of the primary missions of the C4IR is addressing the challenge of sustainability in space. Orbital debris and increasing satellite traffic present significant risks to the safety and future of space missions.
“This is specifically getting at the issue of traffic — the increase in traffic of satellites that we have, and the resulting increased risk of collisions,” said Khlystov.
“We have more and more active satellites giving us all this valuable data, but we also have many older debris fragments, both small and large, still floating up there.”
To address these issues, Khlystov said the C4IR is collaborating with WEF on its first major project. “We are working actively to see where we can find common ground and make small advances when it comes to the challenge of orbital debris and sustainability in orbit.
“By bringing together different actors and putting forward innovative ideas — whether it’s best practices or financial mechanisms — we hope to address these challenges.”
Neglecting sustainability could endanger scientific missions and the broader space economy.
By focusing on innovative solutions like satellite recycling, deorbiting technologies, and traffic management, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in the space industry are aligned with its goal of becoming a major contributor to the global space economy. With a combination of strategic global partnerships and a strong domestic industrial base, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to drive innovation.
FASTFACTS
• Public-private collaboration is central to Saudi Arabia’s strategy for leading global efforts in space sustainability and innovation.
• Space data applications, such as Earth observation and navigation, benefit Saudi industries like energy, minerals, and disaster management.
• Emerging space technologies, including asteroid mining and microgravity manufacturing, represent future opportunities for Saudi Arabia’s space ambitions.
“The Kingdom is really well positioned on the global arena, and it has also notable and innovative domestic industrial players,” said Khlystov.
“In terms of creating new economic models, particularly when it comes to space, it will be important to engage lots of industry on the ground.”
The economic impact of space activities is largely felt on Earth through the application of space data. “The biggest chunk of the impact of space activities is actually on the ground,” said Khlystov.
“It’s through space data — diverse satellite-generated data — which significantly impacts various industries.”
These applications, which include Earth observation, navigation, and connectivity, are already proving invaluable in sectors such as energy, minerals, and disaster management.
Saudi Arabia’s focus on leveraging space data aligns with its broader goals of improving efficiency and resilience in its domestic industries.
Public-private collaboration is deemed critical to the success of the space sector, particularly in addressing challenges like orbital debris and sustainability. Saudi Arabia’s global positioning makes it uniquely suited to lead such efforts.
“Public-private collaboration is key in this sector because it is a global sector by nature,” said Khlystov. “The Kingdom can lead on some of these key questions when it comes to space sector evolution, opportunities, and also challenges, particularly the challenge of space sustainability.”
The C4IR is designed to foster these collaborations by bringing together government agencies, private companies, and international organizations.
By building strong partnerships, Saudi Arabia is creating the foundation for a thriving space industry that benefits both regional and global stakeholders.
The global space industry is teeming with emerging technologies that promise to revolutionize the sector. While some, like asteroid mining and microgravity manufacturing, are still in their infancy, they represent exciting opportunities for the future.
“There are lots of exciting technologies being developed right now,” said Khlystov.
“There is, of course, the future applications where we’re going to be able to deorbit satellites and address this issue of space debris. Maybe refuel them, recycle them. Perhaps in the future, we’re also going to be able to manufacture different materials in orbit.”
Building a thriving space industry requires the right infrastructure and ecosystem. Saudi Arabia is already taking significant steps in this direction.
“The Kingdom already has many building blocks in place, including significant land resources, laboratory spaces for research and development, and an emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Khlystov.
“Establishing strong local champions, like the Neo Space Group, is crucial for driving innovation and growth.”
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster a healthy startup ecosystem and invest in infrastructure, such as dedicated laboratories, are laying the foundation for a sustainable and innovative space sector.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of international events, such as the “Connecting the World from the Skies” global forum, is another key aspect of its space strategy. These events provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
“These events are absolutely essential because they bring together different actors from around the world,” said Khlystov. “When you host these conferences in places like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it brings key actors together and facilitates dialogue.
“It also helps build new relationships while addressing important global discussions.”
By hosting such events, Saudi Arabia is fostering international partnerships that will advance the global space agenda.
With the launch of the C4IR and its focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is shaping the future of the global space industry.
“Congratulations to the Kingdom,” said Khlystov. “It’s going to be really exciting to see how these activities evolve, and we’re very much looking forward to the outcomes.”
Saudi Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan on official visit
- Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh welcomed at Islamabad International Airport
RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, the speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, officially visited Pakistan on Tuesday.
Al-Asheikh arrived at Islamabad International Airport and was welcomed by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki was at the airport, along with senior Pakistani officials and MPs, the SPA added.
Saudi rights progress ‘irreversible’ due to youth popularity, says EU official
- Kingdom is ‘quickly modernizing,’ Olof Skoog tells Arab News
- ‘I’ve been very impressed with the changes for women in particular’
RIYADH: Much of Saudi Arabia’s progress is “irreversible” due to its popularity among young people, an EU human rights emissary has told Arab News.
Olof Skoog, EU special representative for human rights, sat down with Arab News to discuss the progress made by the Kingdom, ahead of the 4th EU-KSA Human Rights Dialogue that took place in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Regarding the changes in recent years, Skoog said: “I see them very much as genuine reforms. Saudi Arabia (has) a very youthful population. The country is quickly modernizing, in a way, more attuned to what happens around the world, and the young people are very much onto that.”
“That’s why I think that much of what is happening here is irreversible, in a way, because the next generation is going to demand to maintain these rights, at least, for girls and women.
“The more you see women take a very strong part in the entire workforce here, from lawyers to doctors to judges and politicians, I think that’s also going to be an irreversible inspiration for the next generation.”
Elaborating on Saudi Arabia’s progress in women’s rights, Skoog added: “I’ve been very impressed with the changes for women in particular.
“And during a very short period of time, a lot has happened for empowering women, including in the workforce. This is something we are happy to see. And, I’d like to encourage further steps in favor of equality in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, women’s rights have seen significant advancements, beginning with the 2018 lift of the ban on driving.
These reforms have extended into increased workforce participation, initiatives to empower women in the workforce, greater legal and social protections, increased leadership roles in government and business, participation in security and military service, and autonomy over travel and personal decisions.
Skoog also discussed the importance of addressing remaining challenges in both Saudi Arabia and the EU.
He said that there is still progress to be made by Saudi Arabia when compared with European societies, but also acknowledged the shared shortcomings of both regions: “Unfortunately, in all societies, including in Europe, there’s difficulties when it comes to gender-based violence, for instance, and we are trying to mobilize strong legislation and campaigns against that.”
Part of the EU’s role around the world is to promote and engage with civil society organizations and create a well-rounded space for them to share concerns.
With the delicate matter of addressing human rights issues seems to be a challenge to balance while promoting strong diplomatic and political ties, Skoog ensures that it does not have to be.
“I think Saudi Arabia is very much showing right now in this reform agenda that any authority, government and leadership needs to be very attentive to the interests, rights and aspirations of their population,” he said.
“It’s very much about human rights. It’s very much about building a strong contract between the population and the government, or the government and the population.
“It’s political rights, it’s civic rights, but it’s also economic, social and cultural rights, and they all go together.”
The special representative said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034 will bring global attention to the country’s labor laws, as was the case with Qatar when it hosted the event in 2022.
“I think with the World Cup, it’s just going to raise scrutiny from the outside world, even more to Saudis, you know, the construction industry and with everything that’s going to have to happen here,” he said.
A new area both entities are working hard to address is ensuring that the private sector is compliant with international obligations in promoting dignity and human rights in its workforce, supply chains, digital presence and sustainable practices.
“There’s quite a lot there that the EU is busy trying to make sure that, you know, if we find that the private sector is unable to voluntarily commit to certain codes of conduct or rules we’ve established, sets of regulations that bind them to it…
“The private sector companies that want to do business within in Europe need to show that they are responsible and sustainable in their supply chains,” he said.
While the EU provides a sense of guidance on the international standards of human rights conduct, collaboration is, ultimately, a two-way street.
The representative spoke about the importance of meaningful cross-regional dialogue, including criticism of the EU itself.
“There’s been, over the years, strong migratory pressures on the EU, as on many others, especially after 2015 with what happened in Syria then. I think that has also tested the EU’s commitment to international obligations when it comes to asylum and that kind of thing,” Skoog said.
“We also have xenophobia, racism, or antisemitism, or anti-Muslim expressions in our societies that need to be dealt with,” he added.
“No society is free from challenges and trying to strike the right balance between freedom of expression, but not in a way that brings hatred or also incites violence.”
Saudi minister of culture meets Egyptian president
- Prince Badr extends greetings from King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of culture, met the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Tuesday.
Prince Badr extended greetings to the Egyptian leader from King Salman, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi Minister of State Issam bin Saad bin Saeed; the Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez; and the Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini attended the meeting.
Wooden wonders of Baha — female artists revive artistic cultural heritage
- The initiative particularly empowered women to master skills like wood carving, which are deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric and architectur
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Baha region a new wave of female artists is breathing life into centuries-old decorative arts, preserving a heritage once at risk of fading into obscurity.
The area’s architecture has long been a symbol of cultural richness. Visitors are intrigued by the artistry of Baha’s historic buildings with their carved wooden features. Etched, burned and painted, they are testimony to a vanishing craft.
The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, backed by the Ministry of Culture, has initiated a series of workshops to revive these traditional skills.
Ali Al-Baidani, director of the society, said: “Through these workshops, notably the ornamental basics course, we preserve these centuries-old techniques while nurturing a new generation of interested individuals and artists,” he said.
So far, the 10-week program — which features a two-hour session every Saturday — has attracted 20 participants across a range of age groups. Those taking part learn traditional Islamic, geometric and floral decorative patterns, with several female artists creating striking designs.
Abdulaziz Al-Majthel, a calligrapher and visual artist, explained the curriculum covers these styles through both theoretical and hands-on training. Plans are also in hand to exhibit the most significant works produced during the workshops.
He added the initiative particularly empowered women to master skills like wood carving, which are deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric and architecture.
Laila Al-Hamid, who supervises the workshops, pointed out how art has historically been a marker of distinction in Baha, influencing everything from the decoration of doors, windows, and columns to personal artifacts.
Trainee Eidah Al-Zahrani said the workshop has transformed perspectives on wood carving and ornamentation, shifting it from a cultural identifier to a viable economic craft.
“Our ancestors carved wood with simple yet masterful strokes, creating a spiritual connection between artisan and craft that bridges time, place, authenticity, and history,” he said.
Badriya Al-Zahrani, another artist, added: “The workshop represents more than just skill development. This is about preserving a handicraft that has resisted both technology and time through programs and workshops organized by cultural institutions.”
In Baha, the legacy of ornamental art goes beyond architectural elements, influencing everyday items from farming tools to traditional attire, ensuring the region’s artistic heritage continues to thrive in contemporary times.
