Saudi culinary treats: From spicy kibda to flavorful balila

During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 06 April 2024
Follow

Saudi culinary treats: From spicy kibda to flavorful balila

  • Saudi food stall owners rejoice as Kingdom’s Ramadan markets draw crowds seeking to fulfill Hijazi cravings

JEDDAH: For many Saudis, the holy month of Ramadan is not only a time to rejuvenate spiritually, but also an opportunity to start small businesses and share the tastes of local culinary treats.

During the month, good, affordable snacks may be found at stalls in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets and residential areas, where Saudis and visitors can take in the festive mood of Ramadan.




During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)

The main draws are the vendors serving a range of street cuisine and regional specialties, such as kibda (fried liver) and balila (boiled chickpeas with cumin, vinegar, pickled cucumber and other spices), as well as traditional Ramadan drinks, particularly sobya (made from barley, dried bread, raisins, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon).

These stands have grown to be a well-known aspect of the holy month and they offer seasonal opportunities to business owners hoping to capitalize on the throngs of people that fill the streets throughout the night.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Among food items popularly sold at Ramadan markets are kibda, balila and traditional Ramadan drinks like sobya.

• The food stalls offer seasonal opportunities to business owners hoping to capitalize on the throngs of people that fill the streets throughout the night.

• Hussain Al-Malki, whose stall is known for its Hijazi food, said he appreciates the chance to interact with people during Ramadan.

They are also an important means of earning revenue and give Saudi entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their expertise to a wider, eager audience.




During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)

Hussain Al-Malki, a 42-year-old father of four, runs a balila and kibda stand in one of the streets of Al-Zahra district. Al-Malki, whose stall is known for its Hijazi food, expressed how much he appreciates the chance to interact with people during Ramadan.

Wearing traditional clothes, Al-Malki and his business partner Hussain Abu Taleb took a break from their government jobs in Jeddah to run the stand. The duo stated that they had wanted to run their own business and had come up with the idea of a food stand in Ramadan.

It is a tough competition around here as you see many stalls around me, but, thanks to Allah, we get good money out of it which is good enough to keep me going.

Um Ahmed, Food stall owner in Al-Balad district

“It is an annual business for me and my partner in Ramadan … a long time ago we thought about doing something useful in Ramadan and we came up with the balila and fried liver stall,” Al-Malki said.




During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)

“Alhamdulillah, it is a great business and we make a good money during the blessed month,” he added.

On another corner in Rawdah district, hardworking young boys Basem Al-Mutabagani, Hamid Turkistani and Imad Al-Fadel sell potato fries — a simple yet classic snack that never goes out of style and continues to attract customers.




During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)

“We found that the potato stall was the best additional source of income because there is a large demand for potatoes and people rush to buy them during Ramadan,” said Al-Mutabagani.

The three young sellers come to the Ramadan market right after Isha prayers and leave around 3 a.m. This Ramadan was their second year managing the stand, and their ambitious energy has resulted in some show of creativity with potato as their star ingredient. “Every year we try to add a new spirit to the stall by adding cheese or various sauces to potatoes and people really like it,” he said.




During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)

Many Saudi women can also be seen selling flavorful items like balila, kunafa, potato dishes and kibda in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, which is a Ramadan Season hotspot.

One such seller, Um Ahmed, and her daughter welcome customers to their food stand located amidst a long line of stalls. She told Arab News that she appreciates the opportunity to make the extra money and noted that it is her first year in Al-Balad selling balila and potato items.




During the month, thousands explore festivities in Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets that also offer popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)

“I think people are more comfortable buying food that is prepared by women as they are more particular about cleanliness,” she noted.

“My preparation starts at home and then after Maghrib prayer, I go to Al-Balad to start preparing my food stuff and clean my stall. It is a tough competition around here as you see many stalls around me, but, thanks to Allah, we get good money out of it which is good enough to keep me going,” she said.

Thousands of visitors explore Al-Balad each day since the beginning of Ramadan, and Um Ahmed and other women managing stalls say they stay busy all through the night.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

FASTFACT

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

 

 


First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

  • Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.

The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.

The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.

Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.

Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

  • They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.

 


Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad

Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad

  • Invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan by Iraqi counterpart

RIYADH: King Salman received an official invitation from Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid on Sunday to attend the 34th regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, as well as the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, both set to be hosted by Iraq later this month.

The invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting in Riyadh with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials discussed ties between the two countries and reviewed key regional and international developments.

The meeting was also attended by Saud Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs.


Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health

Event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development.
Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health

  • Minister launches initiatives to enhance Kingdom’s workplace safety

RIYADH: The seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference opened in Riyadh on Sunday under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health.”

The three-day event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

Al-Rajhi launched initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia’s occupational safety and health system, including the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Compliance and Excellence Incentives Program, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide.

Al-Rajhi said that work-related deaths in Saudi Arabia have dropped to less than one per 100,000 workers since the council’s establishment.

Meanwhile, the number of locals in occupational safety and health roles has risen by 130 percent, reaching more than 29,000 by the end of 2024, compared with 2022.

Al-Rajhi also highlighted improvements in safety compliance and automation. “The compliance rate with safety standards reached 72 percent by the end of 2024, and the automation of safety procedures exceeded 62 percent, up from 30 percent in 2020.”

The conference draws high-ranking officials, experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as the challenges and opportunities in global labor markets.

It covers six key themes: workplace sustainability; digitization and technology in occupational safety; the economics of safety; the future of research and innovation; emerging challenges; and human behavior and safety culture.

This focus reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving work environments and achieving professional standards in line with global best practices, a key goal of Saudi Vision 2030.

The event highlights national efforts, displays modern technical trends, supports specialized research, and promotes the Kingdom’s legislative framework to international standards, contributing to the success of major national projects.

Al-Rajhi referred to international reports on workplace challenges. “International reports highlight the serious challenges facing work environments globally. Approximately 3 million worker deaths are recorded each year due to accidents and occupational diseases.”

He said about “395 million non-fatal work injuries occur annually. Statistics show 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths from heat stress, and 15 percent of workers globally suffer from mental disorders related to stressful work environments.”

The conference program includes specialized scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, where 30 innovative projects are being presented.

An accompanying exhibition features local and international organizations, with several significant agreements expected and new initiatives to advance the Kingdom’s occupational safety system.

The ministry also emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to securing a healthy work environment and ensuring worker safety, which enhances labor market competitiveness and overall quality of life.

Al-Rajhi said: “In line with Vision 2030, we aim to make work environments safer, higher quality, and more attractive. This supports employee well-being, boosts labor market competitiveness, and fosters a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.”

The General Organization for Social Insurance launched a directory for occupational safety and health standards at the conference, serving as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in the Kingdom.

This initiative aims to enhance safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards, as part of its broader strategy.

Based on international best practices, the directory provides clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and hazards.

It covers more than 4,500 standards in six main sectors: public industries; construction; agriculture; maritime activities; transport; and mining. It also classifies more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities.