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.

 


How Saudi Arabia is pioneering soil quality and water conservation solutions

Updated 22 March 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is pioneering soil quality and water conservation solutions

  • SandX is a biodegradable sand coating that reduces water evaporation by 80 percent using nature-inspired technology
  • CarboSoil is a breakthrough in soil amendment and carbon capture, enhancing plant growth and reducing emissions

JEDDAH: For more than a decade Saudi Arabia has invested in sustainability, implementing groundbreaking initiatives to combat desertification, improve soil quality and preserve water.

These efforts are transforming the Kingdom’s landscape, aligning with the broader goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.

One of the most ambitious projects is King Salman Park in Riyadh — one of the world’s largest urban parks. The initiative focuses on increasing green spaces, restoring soil health and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Native tree planting and sustainable water management systems are key components, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.

Meanwhile, on the Kingdom’s east coast, Saudi Aramco has spearheaded efforts to manage soil erosion, improve water retention and enhance biodiversity.

But it is in the laboratories of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of sustainable soil solutions.

Terraxy technology in the lab. (KAUST photo)

Himanshu Mishra, an associate professor at KAUST, has spent the last decade addressing some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest environmental challenges. A specialist in water properties, his early research led him to an eye-opening realization about the Kingdom’s water usage.

“When I came to Saudi Arabia, I learned about the stress on water,” Mishra told Arab News. “Somebody told me that 80 percent of Saudi Arabia’s water is used for food production, yet (the country) is importing most of its food. That just blew my mind. I was disturbed by it.”

Inspired by nature’s ability to repel water, Mishra co-founded SandX, a biodegradable, water-repellent sand coating designed to reduce water evaporation.

The technology mimics nature’s super water-repellent surfaces — like butterfly wings and bird feathers — to create a revolutionary material.

“This material, it hates water. It absolutely hates water,” said Mishra. “This is SandX, and water doesn’t penetrate it.

Screen grab from a video showing KAUST researchers applying Carbosoil at a SandX testing site. (KAUST video)

Each grain of SandX is coated with a nanoscale layer of biodegradable paraffin wax, reducing water evaporation by over 80 percent without the use of plastics. “Bacteria will eat the wax, so SandX will become sand again,” Mishra said.

“No one has ever done this in Saudi Arabia. We are the engineers, the first ones to do that. We are pioneers in this.”

Water scarcity, however, is only part of the challenge. “Do you know how old this water is?” Mishra asked, holding up a bottle. “This water is older than our planet. We have limited water resources, but we still have some resources. What we don’t have (are) fertile soils.”

Himanshu Mishra. (Supplied)

Green spaces in Saudi Arabia are heavily dependent on imported peat moss, he said, a practice that is not only expensive but also counterproductive to sustainability.

“You import so much peat moss every year — it’s a multi-million-dollar market. And you rely on these imports. It defeats the whole purpose of sustainability.”

To address this, Mishra developed CarboSoil, a groundbreaking soil amendment and carbon capture technology derived from organic waste.

A layer of SandX applied like mulch over wet soil greatly reduces evaporation. (KAUST/Terraxy photo)

Unlike traditional compost, which eventually releases carbon back into the air, CarboSoil locks carbon into the soil while enhancing plant growth.

“This is the only technology known to humanity that does soil amendment and carbon capture at the same time,” he said.

Field trials for CarboSoil are ongoing, with production scaling up following a KAUST Innovation and Economic Development grant. Mishra believes the impact will be transformative.

“Our technology will contribute to food production and greening projects in arid regions,” he said. “When you apply it on plants, they grow bigger and stronger — like 60 percent bigger, with wider trunks. Enhanced food production. Enhanced yields. That’s additional carbon capture.”

Oil palm waste. (Getty Images)

Looking ahead, Mishra envisions Saudi Arabia leading the world in carbon dioxide removal.

“I can guarantee you that as we continue to scale up this production under the stewardship of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, in less than five years, Saudi Arabia will be ranked number one in carbon dioxide removal deliveries on the planet.”

The startup’s ambitions extend far beyond the Kingdom. “Right now, our goal is to contribute to the landscaping and green sector in the Kingdom,” he said.

“In phase three, we start building factories for poultry farms, date farms, and other industries. Phase four is we will expand to the wider Middle East.”
 

 


Saudi aid center distributes 3,800 boxes of dates in Aden

The distribution benefited 22,800 individuals. (SPA)
Updated 21 March 2025
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Saudi aid center distributes 3,800 boxes of dates in Aden

  • The center distributed 300 food baskets in Costanta, Romania, benefiting 1,500 individuals.

ADEN: The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid recently distributed 3,800 boxes of dates across the districts of Mansoura, Sheikh Othman, and Dar Saad in Aden province, Yemen.

The distribution benefited 22,800 individuals, including displaced persons and people with special needs, as part of KSrelief’s 2025 date assistance distribution project in the country.

The center also distributed 300 food baskets in Costanta, Romania, benefiting 1,500 individuals. This is part of the Etaam Food Basket Distribution Project.

These initiatives are part of the Kingdom’s relief and humanitarian efforts carried out to support those in need and alleviate suffering worldwide.

 


Saudi deputy foreign minister meets Chad’s president

Updated 21 March 2025
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Saudi deputy foreign minister meets Chad’s president

  • Al-Khuraiji conveyed to Deby and his people greetings and well wishes from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

AMDJARASS: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji met recently with Chad’s President Gen. Mahmat Idriss Deby Itno in Amdjarass.

Al-Khuraiji conveyed to Deby and his people greetings and well wishes from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During the reception, the officials reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest global developments.

The reception was attended by Chad’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Saber Fadl, and several other ministers and officials of the African nation.

Also present was Ali bin Hassan Jafar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Sudan.

 


Attempt to smuggle 22,496 unlicensed pills foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

Updated 21 March 2025
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Attempt to smuggle 22,496 unlicensed pills foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

  • Security authorities call upon citizens and residents to report all available information about any activities related to drug smuggling or selling

JAZAN: Al-Afwaj security patrols in Jazan foiled an attempt to smuggle 22,496 unlicensed medical pills and 3 kg of hashish in Faifa Governorate. The seized narcotics were handed to the relevant authority.

Authorities in Jazan arrested a violator of the border security system, of Ethiopian nationality, for promoting amphetamine. Preliminary procedures have been completed and the offender referred to the competent authority.

Land patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Raboah in the Asir Region led to the arrest of six violators of the border security system, of Ethiopian nationality, for smuggling 120 kg of qat. Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics handed to the relevant authority.

Security authorities call upon citizens and residents to report all available information about any activities related to drug smuggling or selling. They can contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in the other regions. The organization can also be contacted by email.

 


Taif governor meets plants cooperative members

Updated 21 March 2025
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Taif governor meets plants cooperative members

  • The prince was briefed on the association’s recent initiatives, as well as upcoming programs and activities

TAIF: Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar met with Abdulrahman Al-Sherbi, president of the Rose and Aromatic Plants Cooperative Association, in the presence of representatives from relevant government agencies.

During the meeting, the prince was briefed on the association’s recent initiatives, as well as upcoming programs and activities.

The governor commended the collaborative efforts between government and public entities, highlighting the uniqueness of Taif’s roses and aromatic plants and their potential on the international stage.