Abdullah Sharbatly is culinary world’s hottest rising star

Abdullah 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. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 September 2024
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Abdullah Sharbatly is culinary world’s hottest rising star

  • Compelling content includes filming animals before cooking
  • Saudi, 23, has now garnered over 150m views on social media

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.




Abdullah 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. (Supplied)

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 approach to content is based on the idea that cooking should be accessible and enjoyable. (Supplied)

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.




Abdullah 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. (Supplied)

“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.

 


Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Updated 19 March 2025
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Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

  • Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday

RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday, leading the General Directorate of Civil Defense to urge the public to exercise caution, stay in safe areas, avoid flood-prone valleys and watercourses, and refrain from swimming in them.

It emphasized the importance of following official instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail and winds, causing dust and sandstorms.

Similar conditions are expected in the Riyadh region.

The directorate indicated that the regions of Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, Qassim, and the Eastern Province will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Moderate rain is expected in the Najran region while the Hail region will have light showers.


Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

  • Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority is stepping up inspections on foreign trucks in Saudi Arabia to enforce land transport regulations.

Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Each offense resulted in a SR10,000 ($2,666) fine and immediate impoundment of the vehicle, the SPA added.

In Riyadh, 86 inspections revealed 24 offenses and impoundments, while in Jeddah, one offense and impoundment were recorded from eight inspections.

The authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, which results in a SR10,000 fine and a 15-day impoundment for first-time offenders.

Repeat offenses result in escalating penalties: SR20,000 and 30 days for the second offense; SR40,000 and 60 days for the third; SR80,000 and 60 days for the fourth; and SR160,000 and 60 days for the fifth. Persistent offenders face having their vehicles confiscated.

These nationwide campaigns enhance transport oversight, ensure fair competition, and support the national carrier, the SPA reported.

In collaboration with relevant bodies, the authority has set four key regulations for foreign truck operations: obtaining an electronic transport document via “bayan.logisti.sa,” limiting transport to return journeys, complying with local carrier rules, and settling offenses before entry or exit.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

Updated 19 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

  • In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families
  • In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh, 200 packages were distributed, while 685 baskets were given to needy families in Lebanon.

In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also distributed 1,100 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan. The project will distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning to their homes.


Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

Updated 19 March 2025
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Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

  • New pact inked with entertainment firm Sela
  • Promotions to take place at Anime Japan 2025

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, has signed a new strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia entertainment company Sela.

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration with renowned Japanese companies and create new opportunities for their participation in Riyadh Season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Potential collaborations will enable Japanese companies to engage with Saudi Arabia and international audiences through events and experiences in the Kingdom with the facilitation of Manga Productions, the SPA reported.

In 2022, Sela unveiled a 33-meter-tall statue of the anime character Grendizer, which set a Guinness World Record during Riyadh Season of that year.

This year, Manga Productions announced its official sponsorship of Anime Japan 2025, one of the world’s leading events in the creative industry.

During the event from March 22 to 25, the company’s booth will promote investment opportunities, according to the SPA.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an attack that targeted the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A roadside bomb exploded near the presidential residence on Tuesday shortly after Mohamud’s convoy left the palace grounds, but the head of state was unharmed, according to officials.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people against all threats to its security and stability, reiterating its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”

Reports said that up to four people had been killed, including a journalist who was in a nearby building that collapsed after the explosion.

Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The president’s entourage was traveling to the airport to head to the frontlines in Middle Shabelle, where Mahamud is expected to oversee the military campaign against the militant group.

The Somali government has increased its effort to crush Al-Shabab in recent months in Middle Shabelle as well as other regions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to Somalia’s people and government.

The British embassy in Mogadishu denounced the attack and offered condolences to the victims.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the embassy said in a statement.

Mohamud was in the Kingdom in November to attend the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and urged for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.