Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed wins Voice for Change Silver award in Mexico
Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed was announced on Thursday as one of the seven Silver winners of the Voice for Change competition at the 73rd Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico.
“This is for all the hardworking single moms out there,” she wrote to her followers on Instagram after the announcement was made.
Joining Ahmed as Silver winners of the Voice for Change competition were Anouk Eman of Aruba, Saran Bah of Guinea, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, Matilda Wirtavuori of Finland, Snit Tewoldemedhin of Eritrea, and Raegan Rutty of the Cayman Islands.
The award was presented after the preliminary round, which featured 126 contestants from around the world showcasing swimsuits, evening gowns, and national costumes.
The Gold winners of the competition were Juliana Barrientos of Bolivia, Ana Gabriela Villanueva of Guatemala, and Davin Prasath of Cambodia.
Besides Ahmed, there are two other Arabs representing their countries: Logina Salah from Egypt and Nada Koussa from Lebanon. Miss Universe UAE is Emilia Dobreva, a Kosovo-born model who has lived in Dubai for 10 years.
For the National Costume competition, Ahmed donned a flowing green gown featuring gold embellishments and a structured shoulder cape. She also wore a gold headpiece and held a large gold incense burner prop.
Salah opted for a Cleopatra-inspired ensemble in shades of blue, gold, and bronze, designed by Simeon Cayetano. The cape featured hand-painted pyramids and the Sphinx, framed by protective wings. Hieroglyphic scripts adorned the lower portion of the cape.
Koussa wore a rich purple ensemble with intricate silver embroidery. The outfit included a tall, cylindrical, metallic headpiece and a full-length cape with pronounced shoulders, adorned with leaf-like motifs that extended down the back. The dress underneath was composed of a lighter, shimmery fabric.
DUBAI: Rachel Zegler, star of Disney’s upcoming live-action movie “Snow White,” turned heads at a promotional event in Europe this week when she appeared in a breathtaking creation by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Featuring intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork and a regal silhouette, the gown was a testament to Saab’s signature artistry. In soft, ivory-toned fabric, it featured delicate floral appliques and shimmering embellishments, with a structured bodice supported by thin straps. A flowing overskirt cascaded into a train.
The overall aesthetic was of a dreamy, enchanted forest, in line with the Snow White theme.
Featuring intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork and a regal silhouette, the gown was a testament to Saab’s signature artistry. (Getty Images)
The actress carried a red apple-shaped purse, a symbolic nod to the fairytale’s poisoned apple. She also wore silver platform heels and minimal jewelry.
The new “Snow White” is a reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, which was Disney’s first feature-length animated film.
Zegler stars as the titular princess, alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
Controversy has plagued the movie since it was first announced. Many activists called for a boycott due to Gadot’s stance over the conflict in Gaza.
An Israeli and former member of the Israel Defense Forces, Gadot has been an outspoken supporter of Israel on social media as well as in a passionate speech on March 4 when she was honored at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in New York City.
“Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” she said.
Zegler has repeatedly given interviews and used social media to advocate for a “Free Palestine,” indicating a rift between the two leads.
Meanwhile, some Disney fans have questioned casting Zegler as Snow White as she is a Latina actor. The “West Side Story” star also faced backlash when she called the 1937 original “dated” because the prince “literally stalks Snow White.”
Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed Jeddah and Nada Alturki
RIYADH: As we center our days around fasting in Ramadan, it can be fun to spice things up. Here are a few unusual and memorable ways you can experience iftar this month.
A desert experience
(Supplied)
Take a journey back to how our elders used to break their fast with this unique experience in the desert.
The journey starts at a camel farm where a guide will share more about the treasured animals and their significance in Saudi culture.
Sit down and relax afterwards at a traditional Kashta, an outdoor picnic, to break your fast with dates and laban before heading to the tent for the main meal.
The cost per person is SR700 ($187) through the WeBook app.
24-hour escape to Hofuf
Known as one of the largest date-producing areas in the world, Al-Hofuf is the perfect place for a day of serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty.
Departing from Riyadh, this experience takes you to the city in the Eastern Province where you will enjoy the sunset at Al-Asfar Lake to break your fast.
You will then depart to the Old Souk for a traditional iftar at a local restaurant, to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the region.
It also includes a trip to the historic Ibrahim Palace. The next morning, you will discover the unique rock formations of Al-Qara mountain and its caves before returning to the capital.
The price per person is SR2,500 through WeBook.com.
Iftar at a family farm in Muzahmiya
This year, the Ftoon family are opening up their home to guests.
This memorable Ramadan experience is a chance to break your fast with the family before enjoying a peaceful horse ride on the premises.
You will then head back for the main meal, a home cooked dish prepared by Umm Ftoon.
The experience is SR500 per person via WeBook.com.
Break your fast on a traditional mud house rooftop
Gaze at the stars atop a traditional mud house in Diriyah before the summer heat sets in.
A culinary expert will guide you through a traditional Saudi Arabia dining experience, explaining the significance of each dish, as you mingle with new faces in an intimate setting.
The price per person is SR300 through WeBook.com.
Unique Ramadan experience on Red Sea with AROYA Cruise
If you are looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy iftar or sahoor this Ramadan, AROYA Cruise, the first-ever Saudi Arabia cruise line, offers a truly special experience.
Throughout the holy month, AROYA will be anchored in front of the prestigious Jeddah Yacht Club, welcoming guests to break their fast or enjoy a late-night meal while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Red Sea.
From 4 p.m. until noon the next day, visitors can explore the ship’s luxurious facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and one of the largest kids’ clubs at sea.
Special Ramadan-themed activities include guest speakers and wellness programs, adding to the immersive experience.
For those who want to extend their evening, “Ramadan Along the Horizon” offers the option of an overnight stay.
Tickets start at SR499 for adults and SR299 for children under 17 through Aroya.com.
Saudi artist Lulua Alyahya discusses the works from her current solo show ‘Nafs’
‘I hope people see themselves in my work,’ says Lulua Alyahya
Updated 14 March 2025
Jasmine Bager
JEDDAH: Saudi artist Lulua Alyahya’s “Nafs,” running at Jeddah’s Athr Gallery until March 25, is her first solo show in her homeland.
“The title means ‘self,’” Alyahya tells Arab News. “I thought that would be suitable for my first Saudi solo. I’ve exhibited loads in the UK, but the work takes on a completely different meaning when it’s home. The work is very much about the Gulf in general, but specifically Saudi in a lot of ways.”
The 26-year-old is a graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art and Goldsmiths, University of London. Her work blends personal and collective narratives to explore identity through introspective, minimalist paintings.
Alyahya’s process is intuitive. Her latest works, primed with black gesso, embrace darker tones and undefined backgrounds. Here, she talks us through five pieces from her current show — something she says she doesn’t find that easy.
“It’s kind of hard to speak about my work because what I hope is that people see it and see themselves in it. That’s kind of the story behind the title too. I wanted a word that people could literally see themselves in and for that to be the underscore behind all the images.”
‘Jubbah Petroglyphs’
I made this painting in 2023. At the time, I was really fascinated by pre-Islamic petroglyphs in various parts of Saudi Arabia. This one is from Jubbah, near Hail. My family is originally from Hail and when Saudi started to take all these incredible initiatives of uncovering our pre-Islamic history and integrating those stories into our national identity, I just got super interested in looking through, like, Aramco’s archaeology archives and all these different things. I spoke to friends and family about their experiences of these places. I really wanted to make a painting of this specific rock where there are these repeated carvings of camels; I’m interested in camels as a symbol as well, because they’re obviously visually linked to this part of the world. If you go to a tourist shop in the Gulf, you get camel keychains and stuff. I don’t know if ‘kitsch’ is the right word — probably not — but it’s just feels very obvious; it’s very on the nose. And I’m interested in taking symbols that feel on the nose and making them mysterious or playing with the effect of that imagery. I pull from different things all the time; there’s never just one thing that I’m looking at, it’s more that I’m living, reading, speaking and then the paintings come out. There’s a painting I have at Hayy Jameel called “Boardroom” which has these men sitting at a meeting table and looking at a wall which has one of these petroglyph camels on it. Sometimes, there are references to other paintings — little callbacks. There are a lot of inside jokes. Humor is such a big part of the work.
‘Smoke Break’
The titles always come after the paintings, and I often leave things untitled — but this one kind of lends itself to the title because the guy’s having a coffee and smoking a cigarette. This is just a painting about rest, but there’s a lot of energy in the way that I’ve painted it; it’s very gestural and there are lots of these marks and splotches of paint.
‘Magic Chocolate Ball’
These girls are very funny. Like I said, humor is a big part of my work and this is a piece where I had fun and it was fun to show people. It’s based on a memory of a dessert that I think is so familiar to people living in the Gulf; you order this chocolate ball and the waiter comes over and pours hot melted chocolate on it and the ball melts and reveals something inside of it. I’ve seen it so many times and it just came to mind as I was painting, super-impulsively. What I’m interested in is how people see themselves, or others, in the imagery — or how they don’t. It’s a satirical approach to what’s happening in society. Satire is super-important, but it’s never just one thing or the other — it’s always a combination of various different tones and positions that I’m taking. Like, this is funny to me and I’m choosing to show it, but obviously there’s an emotional connection happening as I’m painting it.
‘Untitled (2024)’
It’s this guy on his phone sitting near a pool. He’s a solitary figure. Then there’s two horses and two palm trees. This took me quite a few months to paint. Sometimes I’ll have an idea and paint it and it doesn’t work out at all. That happens a lot more than you’d think. So, I’ll cover something over, then add something new and then cover that thing and then add something new, just waiting for this moment where the elements carry some kind of poetic logic that I trust will translate to the viewer. It’s always hard to articulate — but very easy to know — when it hits that point.
‘Guard Dog’
I love dogs. I paint them a lot. This one is a German Shepherd, which is a guard dog. It’s based on a sketch — it’s very similar to a lot of other works I made. Sometimes, I get stuck on something and it repeats itself across multiple works and other times it’s a one-off thing. I prefer not to try and control it and just let things direct me.
Recipes for Success: Chef Laia Ferrer Baile offers advice and a tasty recipe
Updated 14 March 2025
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: From Michelin-starred kitchens in Spain and France to luxury dining destinations in the Maldives and Bangkok, Chef Laia Ferrer Baile has built an impressive career.
Born and raised in Barcelona, Baile knew from a young age that she wanted to be a chef. She ended up training in some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred Restaurante Disfrutar.
Now, as head chef of Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located on Ummahat Island off the coast of Saudi Arabia, she brings her expertise to the Kingdom.
Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (Supplied)
“My experience in Saudi has been amazing,” she tells Arab News. “The people are really welcoming, the food is amazing, and the environment I’m working in is fantastic.”
Here, Baile shares her thoughts on simplicity in cooking, customer preferences, and her favorite cuisines.
When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?
I remember putting thousands of things on a dish in university because I thought the more things I put, the more the teacher would like it. But it was a disaster. I’ve learned that simplicity is best. You don’t need to add thousands of things to make something taste good. Sometimes it’s just salt and pepper.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?
Enjoy what you are doing. I always say to my family: “This isn’t a race.” Relax and enjoy the moment. Be curious about what you are doing, and learn why you are doing it.
Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (Supplied)
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
As a Spanish woman, I think it’s extra virgin olive oil. We call it liquid gold. It can make anything very simple become amazing; like, if you just put a bit of olive oil on a piece of bread, it will always be better.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?
My first instinct was to say no. But, then my boyfriend said, “How can you say no to that question? You do that all the time.” So, apparently, I do. But I also like to enjoy my experience. I think it is when I’m expecting something to be very good and it isn’t — that’s when I'm really critical. When I’m not expecting much, like street food in Bangkok or a small family restaurant, I won’t be that critical. But when I go to an expensive place that I really want to try and they disappoint me, then I will be.
What’s the most common issue you find in other restaurants?
Overcomplicating the dishes. Also, there are restaurants where you can feel that the servers don’t want to be there, so they will always lack care.
What’s your favorite cuisine?
I have two kinds of favorite restaurants. There are the ones I go to with my family or friends to enjoy and celebrate — these are the ones where I find my comfort food that reminds me of my mom’s food and all the Spanish things. But I also like to find new touches that elevate food a little bit. These also inspire me. So I really like to go to Michelin restaurants, where the chefs are doing something new, just to give me a spark.
Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (Supplied)
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
It used to be curry. I used to love making quick curry dishes — I’d always have curry paste at home. Now, though, I like to cook pad Thai because it is my sister’s favorite dish. I always try to cook that when I am in a rush. It tastes good and it’s quick and easy to make.
What customer behavior most annoys you?
It really annoys me when people want to change the ingredients of dishes. I can understand if, for example, someone doesn’t eat tomato, then we will try to remove it. And I understand if people have allergies; I’m allergic to leek, for example, and when I go to some restaurants, people won’t believe me because there are a lot of people who say they have allergies when they don’t. We take it very seriously in the kitchen when someone says they have allergies: We cook the food separately, and we will clean the kitchen from top to bottom and we have special cutting boards and knives that we will use just for that person. So, if they say they are allergic when they aren’t, it really wastes our time.
What’s your favorite dish to cook?
Suquet de Peix, a potato-based seafood stew. It brings me back to my roots. When I was a kid, my family owned an apartment by the beach, and it was a very typical dish in the area.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
Anything that has to be cooked with flour or sugar, like pastries. I think I’m really bad at it. I think it’s because I tell myself every day that I’m bad at it and I don’t practice the skills for it. Don’t ask me to make a soufflé, for example; it will be an omelet.
As a head chef, what are you like? Are you very strict, or quite laidback?
Right now, I’m leading an all-female team. Most of them are fresh graduates, so I can’t be too harsh or aggressive with them. I really try to give them a positive and empowering environment, because I’ve worked in very, very bad kitchens where they would scream and throw things. I wouldn’t want them to experience that. But we always have to have discipline. It’s the most important thing.
Chef Laia’s chicken kabsa croquetas recipe
Chicken kabsa croquetas. (Supplied)
Ingredients:
For the filling:
1 cup cooked chicken (spiced with kabsa seasoning: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, cumin)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp grated carrot
1 spoon of tomato puree
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the béchamel sauce (croqueta base):
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed
Salt and white pepper to taste
For coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
For frying:
Vegetable oil
Instructions:
Prepare the filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, the garlic and the carrot until soft and translucent, then add the tomato and keep cooking for 10 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken, ground cinnamon, and cumin. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
Make the béchamel sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for two to three minutes to form a smooth paste (roux).
Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
Season with salt, and white pepper.
Mix the spiced chicken into the béchamel sauce until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface), and refrigerate for at least two hours or until firm.
Shape the croquetas:
Once the mixture is firm, take small portions and shape them into cylinders or balls about the size of a golf ball.
Coat the croquetas:
Roll each croqueta in flour, dip in beaten egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
Fry the croquetas:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
Fry the croquetas in small batches until golden brown and crisp, about two to three minutes.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tips:
For a baked version, brush the croquetas with olive oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
You can freeze the croquetas before frying for a quick make-ahead snack.
DUBAI: The Saudi influencer shares her favorite shows, top trends, and the accessory she would never pair with a little black dress.
Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?
Well, it’s actually an anime series called “Attack On Titan.” But for a live-action show it would be “Stranger Things” for sure. And for a movie, “Interstellar” remains untouched.
Worst TV show you’ve ever seen?
I would say “Dynasty.” It was too dramatic for my liking with no good plot.
I hate silver accessories for a little black dress. I feel like gold adds a touch of elegance and contrast, whereas silver can sometimes look too muted or harsh against the darkness of the dress.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
Bohemian style. I love how effortless, free-spirited and artistic it feels. It really aligns with my personal style. The flowy silhouettes, earthy tones and intricate patterns make every outfit look relaxed and stylish. My favorite pieces are maxi skirts, crochet tops and layered jewelry, especially with natural stones or beads. They add such a unique personal touch.
Worst fashion trend of 2025?
Slim-fit pants. I never liked skinny jeans back in the day, and I don’t think I’m going to start loving them now either.
“Do not take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.” It helps me filter out negativity and focus only on constructive feedback from people whose opinions truly matter. Not everyone’s judgment is valuable or relevant to your growth. It’s been a game-changer for building confidence and staying true to myself.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
I have been advised to behave a certain way if I wanted to “grow.” That advice made me anxious and disconnected from myself. Then I realized that all it takes is just to be authentic.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“The Four Agreements.” I love it because it offers such simple yet powerful principles for living a more peaceful and authentic life. The four agreements are: being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. It completely shifted my mindset. It helped me let go of unnecessary stress, improve my relationships, and focus on personal growth.
I don’t think I have read a bad book so far. You learn something from every book you read.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
I like to take a shower with salt to cleanse my energy whenever I am feeling low. And I put on good music and just dance! Dancing does wonders. Afterwards, I feel so much lighter, refreshed and more in tune with myself. The salt shower washes away any negativity, and dancing helps me shake off any stuck emotions. By the time I’m done, I feel re-energized, more positive and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
To not be present. It’s so easy to get caught up in overthinking, worrying about the future, or even scrolling mindlessly on your phone instead of fully enjoying the moment. When you’re not present, you miss out on truly experiencing happiness and appreciating how good things feel.
Bali or AlUla for sure. I love the serene beaches, the lush greenery and the spiritual energy of Bali. The culture is so rich, and the people are incredibly warm. It’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself. And AlUla feels like stepping into another world. It’s such a magical and unique destination. The history and untouched beauty of the place are what captivate me the most — it’s peaceful, mysterious, and awe-inspiring all at once.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Wake up early and start with a high-protein meal. That makes me feel more energized, focused and ready to take on the day. Waking up early gives me extra time to set the tone for the day without feeling rushed, and a high-protein meal keeps me full and fueled, preventing energy crashes. When I start my morning this way, I feel more motivated and clear-headed, making it so much easier to stay on top of everything.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Procrastinate and get lost in social media. It drains your energy, wastes valuable time and takes you further away from accomplishing your goals, leaving you feeling unproductive and frustrated at the end of the day.
Coldplay in Abu Dhabi. It was absolutely ecstatic — the atmosphere was just unreal. They really know how to connect with the audience and create this incredible sense of unity. The lights, the visuals, and the way the whole stadium came alive during songs like “Fix You” and “Viva La Vida” was magical. It felt like such a powerful, unforgettable experience. I left feeling like I had been part of something much bigger than just a concert.
Worst concert you’ve ever been to?
Justin Bieber. He seemed distracted, and the energy wasn’t what we expected. We’d all been big fans, but it felt like he wasn’t giving his best, which was disappointing. We were hoping for a high-energy, engaging show, but it felt more like he was going through the motions. It definitely didn’t live up to the hype.
