Explore the culinary diversity of Jeddah’s iftar scene

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Al-Mirkaz Tent at Laylati Hall offers a ‘captivating bedouin tent atmosphere’ featuring a variety of cuisines. (Supplied)
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Al-Mirkaz Tent at Laylati Hall offers a ‘captivating bedouin tent atmosphere’ featuring a variety of cuisines. (Supplied)
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Updated 31 March 2024
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Explore the culinary diversity of Jeddah’s iftar scene

  • The iftar menu is inspired by Jeddah’s rich history, featuring a variety of tasty local dishes that reflect the historical influence of sailors, fishermen, merchants, and pilgrims guided by the moon and stars

JEDDAH: Jeddah’s iftar scene offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair.

As Ramadan enveloped the city in its spiritual embrace, a variety of culinary treasures provided unforgettable iftar experiences.

Ahmed A. Darwish’s expertise and passion for culinary excellence set the stage for an exploration of the top iftar spots in Jeddah.




Al-Mirkaz Tent at Laylati Hall offers a ‘captivating bedouin tent atmosphere’ featuring a variety of cuisines. (Supplied)

Darwish is the CEO and co-founder of Foodies Inc., a specialist agency catering to both restaurant enthusiasts and owners, including content creation services that go beyond traditional social media management.

Darwish told Arab News about the five best iftar experiences in the coastal city.

Alfolk

“Alfolk Ramadan tent at Shangri-La hotel features a buffet of global dishes and live cooking stations, surrounded by opulence,” he said.

After two years of success, Alfolk has become one of the most distinctive modern Ramadan destinations in Jeddah, with designs inspired by the city’s historical significance as a gateway to Makkah.




Alfolk Ramadan tent at Shangri-La hotel. (Supplied)

Diners can indulge in the finest culinary innovations, while learning about the city’s maritime heritage. The iftar menu is inspired by Jeddah’s rich history, featuring a variety of tasty local dishes that reflect the historical influence of sailors, fishermen, merchants, and pilgrims guided by the moon and stars.

Families can also benefit from the children’s club services, where youngsters between 2 and 12 can enjoy a fun and educational experience with a variety of organized activities.

The price is SR488 ($30) per adult and SR289 per child aged between 6 and 12.

Shababik

“Shababik offers a dive into Lebanese culinary traditions with family recipes in a warm, inviting atmosphere,” Darwish said.

Prices start from SR290 per person and SR150 for children under 8.

Marina Petite Cafe

“Marina Petite Cafe blends Arabic culinary delights with scenic views, creating a Beirut-like experience by the Red Sea at the Marina Yacht Club,” he said.

Prices start from SR230 per person and SR100 for children.

Al-Mirkaz Tent

“Al-Mirkaz Tent provides a captivating Bedouin tent atmosphere for an immersive iftar experience. Renowned for its stylish ambiance, it has consistently been recognized as the ‘see and be seen spot’ each year,” Darwish said.

Catering to diverse segments of Saudi society and capable of hosting over 600 guests, the tent presents a fusion of Saudi, Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern culinary delights.

It has been situated at Laylati Hall since 2019.

A splendid dining area has a buffet-style offering of traditional Arabic and international cuisine, priced at SR560 per person and SR280 for children aged 5 to 11. Children under 5 are not permitted.

Relish

Guests can embark on a distinctive culinary adventure through ancient Lebanese recipes, artfully crafted into delectable dishes presented in an elegant open buffet setting.

Relish has two branches in Jeddah and Makkah, with prices of SR149 for adults and SR75 for children aged 7 and above.

 


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.