When Maryam Jillani was growing up in Islamabad, the last day of Ramadan was about more than breaking a month-long fast with extended family.
A joyous occasion, the Eid Al-Fitr holiday also was marked with visits to the market to get new bangles, wearing her best new clothes and getting hennaed. Not to mention the little envelopes with cash gifts from the adults.
“But, of course, food,” said Jillani, a food writer and author of the new cookbook “Pakistan.” “Food is a big part of Eid.”
At the center of her grandmother Kulsoom’s table was always mutton pulao, a delicately spiced rice dish in which the broth that results from cooking bone-in meat is then used to cook the rice. Her uncle would make mutton karahi, diced meat simmered in tomato sauce spiked with ginger and chilies.
Cutlets, kebabs, lentil fritters and more rounded out the meal, while dollops of pungent garlic chutney and a cooling chutney with cilantro and mint cut through all the meat. For dessert were bowls of chopped fruit and seviyan, or semolina vermicelli noodles that are fried then simmered in cardamom-spiced milk.
The vegetable sides were the one thing that changed. Since Ramadan follows the lunar Islamic calendar, it can fall any time of year.
These dishes, and many of the associated memories, make it into Jillani’s book, but she would be the first to acknowledge they represent just a sliver of the nation’s varied cuisine.
Her father, who worked in international development, used to take the family to different parts of the country. Later, she did her own development fieldwork in education across rural Pakistan.
Along the way, she found striking differences between the tangier, punchier flavors in the east, toward India and China, and the milder but still flavorful cuisine in the west, toward Afghanistan.
“I knew our cuisine was a lot more than what we were finding on the Internet,” she said.
After moving to Washington, D.C. as a graduate student, she started the blog Pakistan Eats in 2008 to highlight dishes that were lesser known to Western cooks. Research on the book began 15 years later, and she visited 40 kitchens in homes across Pakistan.
“Even though I hadn’t lived in Pakistan for over 10 years, each kitchen felt like home,” she writes in the book’s introduction.
She includes what she calls “superstars” of the cuisine, such as chicken karahi, one of the first dishes Pakistanis learn to make when overseas to get a taste of home. The meat is seared in a karahi (skillet) and then braised in a tomato sauce spiced with cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic and chilies before a dollop of yogurt is stirred into the pot.
Other recipes reflect the diverse nature of Pakistan’s migrant communities, such as kabuli pulao, an Afghan rice dish made with beef, garam masala, chilies, sweetened carrots and raisins.
“The idea behind the cookbook is to try to play my small part in carving out a space for Pakistani food on the global culinary table,” she said.
And of course, honoring her grandmother’s mutton pulao.
Jillani is hosting Eid this year at her home, now in Manila, Philippines, and she plans to make it, as well as an Afghan-style eggplant, shami kebabs, and the cilantro and mint chutney.
“If I’m feeling especially ambitious that day, I might make a second mutton dish,” she said. “I’ve been a bit homesick.”
As Ramadan ends, a new cookbook sheds light on Pakistan’s varied cuisine
https://arab.news/62re6
As Ramadan ends, a new cookbook sheds light on Pakistan’s varied cuisine
- Cutlets, kebabs, mutton karahi, diced meat simmered in tomato sauce spiked with ginger and chilies, and more round out the meal on the Eid Al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan
- These dishes, and many of the associated ones, make it into Maryam Jillani’s book, but she would be the first to acknowledge they represent just a sliver of the nation’s varied cuisine
Inside NEOM’s inaugural Artists in Residence program
- Eight artists, including four from Saudi Arabia, took part in the three-month residency
DUBAI: What does art have to do with the creation of a futuristic city in the middle of the desert? According to Michael Lynch, the head of the entertainment and culture sector at NEOM — Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion megaproject — it has a vital role to play.
“Building a region also requires artists to be working with us,” Lynch told Arab News. “We're talking about a future region within a forward-looking country. To make a community work, artists are an integral part of it, and to make a region work, artists in their various forms and with the various things that they want to work on are incredibly important to building the quality of life and the quality of experience for people.”
As proof of NEOM’s focus on art and culture, it kicked off its inaugural three-month long Artist-in-Residence program in September. Four Saudi artists — Bilal Allaf, Ahaad Alamoudi, Abdulmohsen Albinali and Ayman Zedani — took part and were joined by four international artists: Eduardo Cassina from Spain, Tamara Kalo from Lebanon, Giulia Bruno from Italy and Liva Dudareva from Latvia.
“For the residency, we paired each artist with a peer from eight different sectors across NEOM,” Lynch explained. “We had biotech, robots and design so that each artist had someone largely from the sector of engineering or completely different backgrounds. None of them were artists, but they were all young and interested in the idea of how the artists would work within the context of NEOM.”
The NEOM “peers” acted as guides to assist the artists in better understanding the region.
“I think the artworks created at the end of this period were quite different pieces of work but offered really incredible ways to understand the role of the artist within a community, within a future region, within NEOM itself as a starting point,” said Lynch
NEOM’s culture section collaborated with Dubai-based Alserkal Advisory to develop the residency. Its first phase saw the artists travel to NEOM to learn about the region, its landscape and the upcoming futuristic city. For the second phase, the artists traveled to Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, an art and advocacy foundation in Madrid, to work on the ideas inspired by their time in NEOM. The works were then exhibited in NEOM in late November for a short time, accompanied by lectures from the artists for NEOM staff.
“We saw the residency as a first step for us, and hopefully what we will then be able to do is repeat it over a period of time in venues across the region and ultimately some of the bigger venues that are due to happen with The Line,” added Lynch, referring to the linear smart city due to be constructed in NEOM.
Among the works, standout pieces included Cassina’s creation, which mixes the worlds of architecture and sociology. With “A Blanket for Dreaming,” the artist presents the history of the site of NEOM, which spans thousands of years, on a tapestry map, roughly 8.4 meters long and 2.1 meters tall. It tells the story of the area from the Nabataean period to the contemporary era and was created on a “hacked” Japanese automated knitting machine built in the 1990s, which Cassina found in Madrid.
“We had some people visiting NEOM around the time it was exhibited and they immediately wanted to purchase it,” said Lynch.
Performance artist Allaf, meanwhile, presented work featuring a dancing robot programmed by one of Neom’s engineers, demonstrating how the worlds of dance, art and robotics could intersect.
“The engineer is now also interested in how art can (be mixed with) engineering to make major public artworks for Neom in the future,” said Lynch, emphasizing that he hopes that in the same way as Neom has been able to showcase its architectural plans in exhibitions around the world, Neom’s culture sector hopes to be able to “replicate the artist in residence scheme in the next couple of years and have some of the work become part of a potential collection for buildings.”
Lynch said the residency had exceeded expectations for everyone involved.
“It was really important, I think, for the artists to understand the complexities of the 26,500 square kilometers of NEOM, and that it isn’t just about The Line as the dominant public manifestation of what has been going on,” said Lynch. “It was about their ability to travel around, look at the site, see what was happening, and to be able to respond to that. And hopefully we will hold onto those connections as we step forward.”
Riyadh’s Ahlam Gallery hosts group show ‘Stories in the Making’
RIYADH: “This is a group exhibition, created by a community of eclectic artists to exchange, talk, collaborate and build a connection in a healthy environment,” Dr. Ahlam Alshedouky, founder of Ahlam Gallery in Riyadh, tells Arab News.
Alshedoukhy is discussing “Stories in the Making,” a collection of 36 works by local and international artists which runs at the gallery until March 31. Approximately half of the participating artists were pre-selected for their unique stories, while the rest joined through an open call.
“Most of these works were created in the last year; one of the criteria is to present something new,” Alshedoukhy explains, adding that the exhibition puts “big lights on the artist’s journey and artist’s story.”
Jeddah-based Salah Jandali, founder of JZB Studio, says he created “functional art” for the exhibition — essentially four stools and a small table — that he hopes people will use to sit and reflect, or engage in conversation with others. The furniture blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
“Weaving was part of our daily lives. Today, it has become more of a decoration,” Jandali tells Arab News. “This affects demand — if people aren’t interested in this craft and no one works with it, over time, it will disappear.” But he believes that it “will gradually become widely accepted again.”
The designer sought out artisans to create the pieces. He collaborated with a palm weaver in Al-Ahsa, who worked from her home farm dyeing the palm fronds to match Jandali’s requirements. He also partnered with a carpenter known for intricate craftsmanship reminiscent of Japanese joinery. Bringing together techniques from both the east and west coasts, the work now comes full circle in the center of the Kingdom, Riyadh.
Abdullah Alkhorayef’s work for the exhibition, “The Origins,” explores where the designs for Saudi traditional clothing came from. Finding no concrete answers, he instead created his own version of the evolution of traditional wear in the region. “I decided to start at my own zero point, which is today,” he told Arab News.
“The Origins” comprises an installation made of black cotton linen featuring geometrical shapes that explore the origins of clothing, and a number of silkscreen prints on paper depicting the geometrical forms used.
The shapes within the black cotton linen installation were created by folding and sewing a simple rectangle in ways that cover the body. Each piece adds onto the previous one: so a simple draped cloth acquires an arm hole, then is divided in various ways — horizontally, vertically, and diagonally — combining mathematical and engineering concepts, to create garments that could be worn by humans.
Those shapes were then translated into visual compositions using the silkscreen technique and form an alphabet-like system that is personal to the artist, as if creating his own language for clothing.
“It all starts with simple shapes,” he says. “With all the chaos in the past 40 or 50 years, we lost the reasoning behind anything. With this exhibition, because of the cultural boom happening in Saudi, I just wanted to throw in a question for people to ask, challenge, and research.”
Saudi artist Zainab Abo Hussain’s tapestry “A Tide Once Near, Now Drifted to Memory” is an ode to her ancestry inspired by Islamic miniature painting, textiles and innovative construction techniques, as well as her own life.
“Childhood memories of my grandmother, who led our family while my grandfather (was) at work in remote areas, are a significant source of inspiration,” she says. “Evenings spent gathered around her, listening to her captivating stories, are cherished moments.”
The work aims to honor her grandmother by reimagining these narratives through contemporary miniature painting and manuscript art.
“Henna nights, in particular, provided precious opportunities for connection and storytelling,” Hussain continues. “These experiences deeply influenced my desire to capture and preserve such memories through my art.”
Best and Worst: Saudi influencer Alya Khalil talks fashion, food and entertainment
DUBAI: The Saudi influencer talks fashion, food and entertainment.
Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?
“Succession.” The drama, the outfits, the power struggles… it’s just so good. For movies, “Interstellar” blew my mind. The way it explores space, time and human connections is incredible. The visuals are stunning, the music is unforgettable, and the story really makes you think about love, sacrifice, and the unknown. Plus the scene where time moves differently on different planets is just crazy.
Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen?
I couldn’t get into (2009 British horror movie) “Triangle.” It’s the worst horror movie I’ve ever seen. It had an interesting idea, but the way it played out just didn’t keep me hooked. The characters weren’t very engaging, and by the end, it felt like it was trying too hard to be clever instead of actually being scary.
Best personal style moment so far?
Wearing evening dresses from my favorite Saudi designer, Huda Bamarouf. Nothing beats that feeling! I’ve worn Huda’s designs so many times, and every single time feels special. Huda is so unique. Her designs mix timeless elegance with a modern flair that truly sets them apart. My favorite piece is her stunning yellow “Alya” dress. It’s so elegant. It made a huge splash on social media, garnering tons of orders.
Worst personal style moment?
My teenage years — specifically the neon skinny jeans era. What was I thinking?
Best accessory for a little black dress?
A killer pair of earrings or a bold clutch. They are simple but they make a statement.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
I don’t like it when there’s too much going on — like layering a million necklaces with an oversized belt. It just kills the elegance.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
Effortless minimalism. It’s chic, clean and timeless. I love it.
Worst fashion trend of 2025?
I don’t like some of these extreme Y2K comebacks. Not everything from the 2000s needs to make a return!
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Stay true to your vision, but be flexible.” It’s been a real game-changer for me. Trends change all the time, and life throws surprises at you, so being able to adapt while keeping your true self has really helped me grow.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
“Follow every trend to stay relevant.” No thanks. True style is all about curation.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“The Alchemist” (by Paolo Coelho). It’s such a good reminder to trust the process. I love how it shows that the journey itself is as important as the destination. It’s not just about chasing your dreams — it’s about embracing every twist and turn along the way. The simple storytelling makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, and it reminds you that every setback or unexpected turn can lead to amazing discoveries.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
“Twilight” wasn’t my thing. I just didn’t love the writing style.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
Two things: a little retail therapy and putting together an outfit that makes me feel amazing. Shopping gives me a creative break. And when I step outside in an outfit that boosts my confidence, it feels like I’m reclaiming my power.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
Overcommitting and saying yes to everything just because you’re on a high. While it might feel exciting at first, it can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed. It sets you up for stress later on and can even affect your credibility if you can’t deliver on what you’ve promised.
Best holiday destination?
Italy. It’s beyond gorgeous. Not only does it boast stunning landscapes and charming cities, but its rich culture makes every moment feel like a dream. And the food is unforgettable: every meal is a celebration of taste, from fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas to decadent gelato. Wandering through Rome’s timeless ruins or the chic streets of Milan feels like stepping into a living museum of art and fashion. Every corner of Italy invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and immerse yourself in a vibrant lifestyle that’s as stylish as it is soulful.
Worst holiday destination?
I don’t like anywhere that’s so packed with tourists that you can’t actually enjoy it.
Best subject at school?
Art and literature. I’ve always been drawn to creative stuff.
Worst subject at school?
Chemistry. I respect it, but it was never my thing.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Plan your outfit the night before. It saves time and puts you in the right mindset.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Endless scrolling on social media. You suddenly realize that an hour has gone by and you’ve done nothing.
Saudi Arabia returns to London Design Biennale with ‘Good Water’ pavilion
DHAHRAN: Saudi Arabia will participate at the London Design Biennale 2025 with “Good Water,” an exhibition exploring the hidden costs and economies of water, running from June 5-29 at Somerset House.
Commissioned by the Architecture and Design Commission, the pavilion is curated by a multidisciplinary design collective comprising Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan and Fahad bin Naif. Drawing on their backgrounds in architecture, design and the arts, they will challenge conventional notions of access, distribution and the perceived value of water.
Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said: “Saudi Arabia’s return to the London Design Biennale marks another chapter in our commitment to design as a tool for dialogue and cultural exchange. We look forward to engaging in conversations on creativity, innovation, and systems thinking during our fourth participation in the event.”
The exhibition responds to this year’s biennale theme “Surface Reflections,” by inviting visitors to reconsider their relationship with water.
At the heart of the Saudi pavilion is a sabeel, a traditional water fountain deeply rooted in Saudi culture that provides complimentary water to anyone who passes by. It is seen as a symbol of hospitality and generosity.
The sabeel, within this context, represents a paradox. While it offers water freely, the reality is that no water is truly free, the exhibition argues. Every drop is made possible through a network of labor, energy and infrastructure — whether extracted through costly desalination, bottled and imported or transported through vast water systems requiring maintenance and oversight. The cost is absorbed by governments, corporations, and workers, yet the long-term impact is shared by all.
In this showcase, “Good Water” repositions the sabeel not just as a gesture of goodwill, but as a question: Who pays for “free” water? What does it truly cost?
“The pavilion uses familiar elements to draw attention to water’s hidden economies,” said the participants Tarabzouni, Jamal, Kattan and bin Naif in a joint statement. “It encourages visitors to drink with awareness, to acknowledge the price, and to recognize that while the cost of good water may be borne by someone else, it ultimately affects everyone. By relocating the sabeel to the London Design Biennale—where water scarcity is not an immediate concern—we reframe it as an object of scrutiny, making the invisible visible and the passive active.”
In 2023, Saudi Arabia participated at the 4th London Design Biennale with a pavilion titled “Woven” by Ruba Alkhaldi and Lojain Rafaa.
Fitness enthusiasts challenge themselves with pre-iftar hikes in Pakistani capital
- Hikers set out hour before sunset, break fast on trails on Margalla Hills National Park
- Participants say pre-iftar hikes help boost fat burning, maintain weight in Ramadan
ISLAMABAD: Zarnab Tahir struggled to catch her breath as the steep incline of the hiking trail at Islamabad’s picturesque Margalla Hills tested her endurance. Hiking can put one through physical exertion, especially when they do it on an empty stomach.
An hour before the sun sets and the call to prayer blares out from various mosques located in Pakistan’s capital city, a group of fitness enthusiasts take to the hiking trails in Margalla Hills National Park.
Islamabad Run With Us (IRU), which describes itself as Pakistan’s “pioneering running community,” is behind the pre-iftar hiking initiative.
“When you engage in pre-iftar [physical] activities during Ramadan, it gives you extra energy, an extra boost,” Qasim Naz, who founded IRU in 2016, told Arab News on hiking trail number three.
“And when someone joins in on an activity once or twice, they figure out it’s not that hard and they can sustain it comfortably.”
Naz stresses that staying active during the holy month is essential. The IRU organizes five activities a week, which include two runs and three hikes.
“Either we can maintain our weight, or if our goal is weight loss, we can achieve it by being in a calorie deficit while eating a healthy diet and exercising,” Naz explained.
Tahir, 22, meanwhile said she was committed to reaching the top of hiking trail before sunset. This was the second time she was hiking with IRU.
She agreed with Naz that group activities are “much easier” to sustain.
“I think it is important to go at your own pace and it’s so much easier with the group,” Tahir, a content creator, told Arab News.
“If you go alone, it’s kind of more difficult and you are like really slow but if you go with the group you can maintain that pace and I think it’s much easier that way.”
Mahwish Ashraf, a journalist associated with a foreign diplomatic mission in Islamabad, shared how she struggled the first time she went on a pre-iftar hike with IRU.
“The first time I was hiking, I returned from in between, I couldn’t complete it,” she admitted. “So, this is my second time hiking with the IRU, and gladly, I’m at the main point, the meeting point.”
Eraj Khan, a commercial specialist visiting from Australia to spend Ramadan with his family, said pre-iftar hikes give one “lots of energy.”
“For fat burning, it’s a great activity,” Khan said. “Especially because the last two hours of fasting are the hardest, most people feel really hungry. But so far, I’m loving it.”
As the clock continued to tick and evening settled in, the hikers began to pick up their pace. For Tahir, reaching the top of the trail before sunset was a victory in itself.
She had pushed past exhaustion, embraced the challenge and proved to herself that she was capable of more than she thought she could achieve.
And according to her, hiking with the group made all the difference.
“The energy of the group keeps you going,” she said. “Even when you feel like stopping, you see everyone else moving forward, and you push through.”
