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The iftars you still need to try in Riyadh 

Fairmont Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 April 2024
Arab News
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The iftars you still need to try in Riyadh 

  • As Ramadan nears its end, here are our recommendations for the best iftars in the Saudi capital 
Updated 05 April 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The influx of restaurants opening in Riyadh in recent years has transformed the city’s iftar scene, offering a huge array of options for breaking the fast each evening. And with just a few days left in the holy month, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the Saudi capital’s best food venues. 

Whether you're in the mood for a traditional Saudi feast, a gourmet international spread, or a fusion of contemporary flavours, Riyadh’s vibrant dining landscape has something for everyone. 

Carbone 

This trendy Italian restaurant brought a slice of New York’s dining scene to Saudi Arabia when it opened in the Mansard Riyadh last October following its rise to fame in the Big Apple. The original US branch of Carbone boasts an impressive celebrity clientele, with stars including Adele, Justin Bieber and Rihanna often spotted enjoying intimate dinners at its secluded tables. For iftar, the Riyadh restaurant’s set menu offers traditional Arabic coffee and desserts alongside contemporary Italian dishes such as chicken Massimo, funghi trifolati, spicy rigatoni and tortellini al ragu. While you might not spot quite as many A-list celebrities as you would in NYC, the top-notch staff are renowned for making you feel like a star yourself. 

PRICE: From SAR400 ($107) 

LOCATION: Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road  

CONTACT: +966 11 829 0919 

Fairmont Riyadh 

This five-star hotel near King Khalid International Airport is lighting up its Al-Thuraya and Al-Marasem ballrooms for Ramadan as part of the “Luminous Nights” series (inspired by “the desert’s golden tones”) in collaboration with Saudi immersive events expert Dr. Ali Madkhaly. The foyer has been transformed into a Ramadan bazaar featuring local haute couture, signature scents, specialty coffee roasters and traditional weaving. In addition to a buffet across the two ballrooms, and for an extra fee, up to 50 guests per night can enjoy a menu created by the chef Luigi Taglienti who runs the Michelin-starred LUME in Milan. Dishes on Taglienti’s menu include langoustine, white risotto, lobster, sea bass and lamb carpaccio.  

PRICE: From SAR350 

LOCATION: Business Gate, Qurtubah 

CONTACT: +966 11 826 2629 

Four Seasons Hotel  

Step into the newly redesigned Ramadan Tent at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh’s iconic Kingdom Center for an iftar inspired by Arabian elegance, in a space featuring gold accents and traditional motifs. The buffet is spread across seven islands and live cooking stations, with signature mixed grills from the Josper charcoal oven served alongside poke sushi cups and artisanal sourdough pizza. For dessert, take your pick from a selection including ever-popular kunafa, creamy gelato, and a chocolate fountain. For an added touch of luxury, book the exclusive Chef's Table experience, complete with dedicated butler service and personalized dishes. The hotel also welcomes families; there is a special area for children, ensuring an enjoyable Ramadan experience for guests of all ages. 

PRICE: From SAR285 

LOCATION: Kingdom Center 

CONTACT: +966 11 211 5000 

Il Baretto 

One of the first spots to open in the glitzy King Abdullah Financial District back in 2021, Il Baretto has become a mainstay of Riyadh’s fine-dining scene, with its elegant corniced dining room fully booked most evenings. For iftar, the restaurant is serving a special “Luna del Ramadan” set menu that pairs local favourites like mango laban mocktails with Italian classics including Caprese salad and spicy penne all’arrabbiata. For each of the first four courses, diners can select between an Arabic or Italian option, before a round of mini ice cream cones for dessert. For those looking to bring home their own slice of the Il Baretto experience, takeaway tiramisus are available from 5.30 p.m. each day until the end of Ramadan. 

PRICE: SAR184  

LOCATION: King Abdullah Financial District 

CONTACT: +966 9200 12508 

Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah 

Set in a grand iftar tent that can host up to 1,800 guests, the “Fawanees Experience” serves up a lavish feast of classic Saudi cuisine alongside sweet Ramadan beverages like jellab, kamer el-dine, and tamer hindy. There is also a dedicated play area for children, with those under the age of seven dining for free. For an a la carte iftar with a view, take the elevator to Asir Lounge at The Globe — the golden orb at the top of Al-Faisaliah — which offers panoramic vistas of the city’s twinkling skyscrapers. Groups can book out a private space in the restaurant for up to 25 guests for SAR35,000. 

PRICE: From SAR550  

LOCATION: King Fahd Road, Al-Olaya  

CONTACT: +966 11 273 2000 

The Ritz-Carlton 

Beneath the dazzling chandeliers and ornate ceilings of one of the city’s most famous hotels, the iftar experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh never disappoints. Guests can choose from the grand ballroom or a more intimate setting beside the former palace’s indoor pool for a wide-ranging buffet selection drawing inspiration from across the Middle East and Asia. For a final indulgent flourish, finish the evening at the Palais des Délices patisserie, where homemade pastries, oriental sweets, premium coffee, tea selections and signature beverages inspired by local ingredients are served on a terrace that overlooks the hotel’s fountains and gardens. 

PRICE: From SAR630 

LOCATION: Makkah Al-Mukarramah Road, Al Hada 

CONTACT: +966 11 802 8020

Topics: Riyadh Ramadan

Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media

Updated 04 May 2025
Arab News
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Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media

Updated 04 May 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: In a new post on social media, supermodel Gigi Hadid has confirmed her long-rumored relationship with partner Bradley Cooper with her first-ever photograph of the couple together.

The US Dutch Palestinian model took to Instagram on Saturday night to share photographs of her 30th birthday party, held in late April in New York. In the carousel of images, Hadid can be seen kissing Cooper while standing behind a tiered birthday cake.

Social media commenters, and news outlets, quickly spotted the post and dubbed it the “hard launch” of their relationship.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

Hadid, 30, and Cooper, 50, were first linked in October 2023.

"I feel so lucky to be 30!" Hadid captioned her post. "I feel so lucky for every high and low - for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! I’m so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!"

"So lucky for the support and encouragement from all of YOU around the world, every day and on my birthday last week," she continued. "I had the best time celebrating, and it’s a blessing to feel so loved!! I am grateful and honored to take on a new decade."

Cooper shares daughter Lea De Seine, 8, with model Irina Shayk while Hadid shares her daughter Khai, 4, with One Direction alum Zayn Malik.

The birthday party was held at Le Chalet in New York City on April 25.

Hadid entered the venue with Oscar nominee Cooper, and met up with her sister Bella Hadid, mother Yolanda Hadid, father Mohamed Hadid, Russian media personality Keni Silva and US actress Anne Hathaway, among others.

Gigi’s birthday was on April 23, and the internet was abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends who sent birthday wishes to the supermodel as she turned 30.

Bella shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate, writing: “IT’S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA.”

Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter’s 30-year journey. “Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn’t been one day without you on my mind,” she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.

Kevin Hart brings laughs and life lessons to Abu Dhabi with ‘Acting My Age’

Updated 03 May 2025
Dalal Awienat
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Kevin Hart brings laughs and life lessons to Abu Dhabi with ‘Acting My Age’

Updated 03 May 2025
Dalal Awienat

ABU DHABI: Kevin Hart returned to the stage at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday with his signature energy and a new show, following his successful performance there in 2023.

“It’s good to be back,” Hart said, kicking off a night of relentless humor and heartfelt honesty.

As part of the Abu Dhabi comedy festival, Hart performed a classic American standup show mixed with a lot of self-deprecating humor. 

Titled “Acting my Age,” the show is themed around understanding old age and realizing that aging is about gaining experience and wisdom. 

With jokes about his endless injuries and health problems, Hart’s signature facial expressions and animated vocals brought the show to life, and left members of the audience in tears of laughter. 

The show was targeted at an older crowd, and Hart was able to capture their attention with his personal anecdotes. 

Crowd work and audience interactions were missing from his performance and some people yelled out to grab his attention, but he mostly ignored these callouts. 

As usual, his line delivery was on point and he was able to easily transition from one story to the next while maintaining running gags throughout the show, which lasted about an hour. 

Opening for Hart were a group of comedians who go by the name of “Plastic Cup Boyz.” The trio, consisting of Joey Wells, Will “Spank” Horton and Na’im Lynn, delivered an entertaining and captivating opener for the show. 

Hart ended his performance with heartfelt sentiment, saying: “The win in life is old age. Old age is not guaranteed.” 

Topics: kevin hart Abu Dhabi

Maya Akra on the Oscars and making space for Arab voices in Hollywood

Updated 03 May 2025
Hams Saleh
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Maya Akra on the Oscars and making space for Arab voices in Hollywood

Updated 03 May 2025
Hams Saleh

DUBAI: Lebanese actress and comedian Maya Akra has spent years carving out her niche across Beirut and New York. This year, that journey reached a new milestone when “Anora,” a film she appears in, won five Oscars, including Best Picture.

But for Akra, the recognition is just one part of a much longer story.

“I was raised by ‘Comedy Central’ (and) … ‘The Nanny.’ Fran Drescher was my hero,” Akra told Arab News. Her early love of performance was sparked at home, where her father, a filmmaker, recorded endless hours of her childhood on VHS. “Being in front of the camera has been my reality since I was a baby. I have hours of footage from my childhood, sometimes just talking endlessly like I was the host of my own show. Somehow that early lens shaped me,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maya Akra (Acra) (@mayaacra)

She began performing on stage at a young age, often drawing from real-life experiences marked by grief, resilience and reinvention. After building her career in Lebanon — working behind the scenes at MTV, acting in student films and her comedy sketches going viral — Akra moved to New York to pursue acting and stand-up full-time.

Now part of the city’s vibrant improv and comedy scene, she has performed at venues such as The Stand, Stand Up NY and Broadway Comedy Club.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maya Akra (Acra) (@mayaacra)

Her acting work includes short films, commercials and theater, often centered around stories of identity and migration. “I’m drawn to stories that spotlight the emotional and cultural struggles of Arab immigrants,” she said.

Akra is passionate about breaking the mold for Arab characters onscreen. “Arab talent is slowly gaining more visibility in Western media… (but) the industry still has a long way to go. Too often, the roles offered to Arab actors are still limited to certain tropes, like the villain, the terrorist or the oppressed woman.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maya Akra (Acra) (@mayaacra)

“We have so many untold stories that reflect the diversity and success of Arabs in America,” she added.

While “Anora” was not an Arab story, being part of an indie project that defied expectations — and that went on to sweep the Oscars — was a powerful moment for Akra. She had been invited to the ceremony but did not attend.

“I didn’t even watch the ceremony. I had just moved into my apartment. I was in a really emotional place. I had just lost my aunt,” she recalled. “Then suddenly, I got a message: ‘You’re featured in the Best Picture of 2024!’ I was stunned. It felt completely surreal. I was so happy, and I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Looking ahead, Akra is focused on continuing to tell real, layered stories through both comedy and drama. “I carry Lebanon with me into every room,” she said. “I’ll be at the Oscars when I win my own one day. I’m claiming that.”

Topics: Maya Akra

Ramy Youssef’s ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ comedy hits close to home

Updated 03 May 2025
Shaistha Khan
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Ramy Youssef’s ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ comedy hits close to home

  • Focus on challenges facing Muslim Americans post-9/11
  • Stark reminder that today’s dystopia is no laughing matter
Updated 03 May 2025
Shaistha Khan

TORONTO: American-Egyptian comedian and actor Ramy Youssef’s first animated venture “#1 Happy Family USA,” on Amazon Prime Video, is a satirical take on the challenges faced by Muslim-American families in a post-9/11 world.

Created with Pam Brady of “South Park” fame, the eight-episode series opens with a darkly comic twist of fate — the Egyptian-American Hussein family is at the airport when news breaks of the World Trade Center attacks.

And from that moment, everything changes. The patriarch and owner of Hussein’s Halal Cart is convinced that “we must work harder at being like them. So, we blend in.”

To fit in, Hussein shaves his beard and pushes the family to “look more American.” Meanwhile, mom Sharon (also known as Sharia) embraces her faith with renewed conviction by donning a hijab.

Twelve-year-old Rumi (voiced by Youssef) finds himself an outcast at school and is now forced to navigate not only the throes of middle school and adolescence, but also the harsh realities of a post-9/11 world.

Each character is so vividly portrayed that you can easily imagine your Arab teta or the local Pakistani imam in the mix. The well-timed vocal interjections and cultural (Arab and American pop-culture) references bring an extra layer of freshness and humor to the show.

Known for his Emmy-nominated “Ramy,” Youssef continues to shed light on the Muslim-American experience.

The show evokes the familiar sentiment of fear. It captures the lived reality of Islamophobia and surveillance in Muslim communities, and explores related themes of identity struggles, microaggressions, and code-switching.

We can laugh at the Hussein family’s antics, but the show serves as a stark reminder that in today’s dystopian and polarized political climate, there is little humor to be found.

Topics: Ramy Youssef #1 Happy Family USA

UK comedian Russell Brand appears in court on rape charges

Updated 02 May 2025
AFP
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UK comedian Russell Brand appears in court on rape charges

  • He faces two counts of rape, two of sexual assault and one of indecent assault
  • Arriving for the first court hearing in the case, Brand made his way slowly through a crush of media and onlookers gathered outside the court
Updated 02 May 2025
AFP

LONDON: British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared in a London court on Friday to face five charges of rape and other sexual offenses and said.
Brand, 49, who became known internationally as the husband of pop star Katy Perry after forging a career in Britain with his risque comedy routines, was charged last month.
He faces two counts of rape, two of sexual assault and one of indecent assault.
Arriving for the first court hearing in the case, Brand made his way slowly through a crush of media and onlookers gathered outside the court.
The celebrity, dressed casually in a dark colored open-necked shirt and jeans, spoke only to confirm his details before being granted bail and ordered to appear in court again on May 30.
In a video response on X after he was charged, Brand denied all the alleged offenses and said he was “grateful” for the “opportunity” to defend himself.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity,” he said in the video.
The charges relate to offenses alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2005 involving four women.
Prosecutors charged him after a police investigation into allegations following a broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
London’s Metropolitan Police have said the investigation remains open and urged “anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information” to contact officers.
Brand is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area on England’s south coast, as well as the abuse and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of central London.
He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 — both incidents alleged to have taken place in Westminster.
The court confirmed that he lives part of the time in the United States, but Brand also gave an address in the southern English county of Buckinghamshire.
Born in 1975 to working-class parents in Essex, east of London, Brand began his stand-up career as a teenager.
He burst onto the scene as a provocative, often lewd comedian before transforming into a Hollywood star, then an anti-establishment guru and conspiracy theorist who has millions of fans online.
He has almost seven million subscribers on YouTube, 11.3 million on X and 4.8 million on Instagram.
He presented a show on the BBC’s Radio 2 station between 2006 and 2008 but left after an on-air prank when he left a sexually explicit voicemail for “Fawlty Towers” actor Andrew Sachs about his granddaughter.
He also presented a “Big Brother” spin-off show for several years and wrote columns for the left-wing Guardian newspaper and penned two autobiographies.
Brand was married to US star Perry for 14 months between 2010 and 2012.
He is now married to the author and illustrator Laura Gallacher, with whom he has three children.

Topics: Comedian Russell Brand rape UK court

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