JEDDAH: Around 700,000 tons of rice worth over SR2 billion is wasted per year in Saudi Arabia and putting a control on this will help the economy in a big way, say experts.
Rice in particular amounts to huge wasted quantities because of banquets, celebrations and social occasions involving providing food for guests, of which 40 percent ends up in the garbage, local media has reported.
Outside East Asian countries, Saudi Arabia is the largest rice consumer in the world with an annual consumption of 1.4 million tons, worth about SR5 billion.
India tops the countries in the world in exporting rice to the Kingdom, with imports accounting for about 68 percent of the total imports by Kingdom.
During the current year, rice prices recorded an increase by 5 percent, equivalent to 31 halala per kilo, although prices of the commodity in India decreased last year.
Nasser Al-Tuwaim, former chairman of the Saudi Consumer Protection Association (CPA), was quoted as saying that several parties and factors are responsible for the increase the prices of rice. "Unscrupulous merchants, extravagant consumers, monopolization practices and alluding to a limited number of importers are the main reasons for such price hikes during past years."
Economist Osama Filali said that the excessive wastage of food items have negative impacts on citizens and the national economy.
“The wastage and extravagance we witness during banquets and celebrations need a firm and serious stand from authorities to oblige kitchen owners not to respond to the demands of people who order unneeded and unjustified quantities of food,” he said.
Hasan Ahmad, head of the Bussma youth volunteer group, said the group has established a project to stop abundant food leftovers during social occasions.
“The project started with the idea to put a curb on food wastage and extravagance, and encourage people to rationalize in consumption, especially leftover food which is usually thrown into the garbage bins despite there being poor people who badly need it. Since that moment, the group adopted the project as one of its activities and put in place mechanisms on how to work out the tasks and achieve the objectives of the project,” he added.
He explained that the youths coordinate with halls and lounges where a wedding or a social occasion is held, and they collect food leftovers, wrap it in clean plastic containers and then distribute it among the needy, cleaners in particular.
Economist Farouk Al-Khatib said consumer behavior represents the main reason for the high demand for rice, which is the main meal for Saudi families.
“It is a known economic fact that when demand is high, prices increase. The solution in this case is to rationalize consumption by raising awareness among people on the importance of saving and rationalyzing in consumption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jeddah Municipality Spokesman Mohammad Al-Bugamy said the general directorate for hygiene distributed about 900 containers for saving bakery products with nine contracts for cleaning companies in Jeddah, including 14 sub-municipalities.
He added that the daily volume of waste and garbage stands at 6,000 tons, of which wasted food accounts for 60 percent. He called on residents in Jeddah to cooperate with the municipality to reduce such food waste by redistributing it to the needy instead of throwing it in the garbage.
700,000 tons of rice is wasted annually
700,000 tons of rice is wasted annually
Jeddah forum focuses on coral reef conservation
JEDDAH: The Red Sea Coral Reef Fish and Fisheries Forum began in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The two-day event aims to bolster efforts to preserve coral reef fish populations and fisheries while enhancing ecosystem sustainability in the Red Sea.
Organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, the forum brings together 37 experts in marine ecosystems from Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Several governmental entities are taking part to discuss cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other countries.
Additionally, the event showcases initiatives to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable development in the Red Sea.
The forum focuses on three main topics: Managing coral reef fisheries, mitigating the impact of fisheries on sea turtles and addressing threats to coral reefs to develop effective preservation strategies.
It is part of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s efforts to protect marine environments and enhance cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals for future generations.
Piece of cake: Saudi bakery competing with Paris’ best
MAKKAH: A Saudi-owned bakery in Paris is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s famed patisseries and giving the best French chefs a run for their money.
Blending French charm with Middle Eastern flair, Lam’s offerings include feta and za’atar buns, halva cookies and even the traditional Saudi kleicha.
Its founder, Abdullatef Al-Rashoudi, grew up in a family of seven children. His father, a brigadier general and commander in the Saudi army, relocated the family to the US for work.
His mother, of Syrian descent, was raised in Syria by the well-known Al-Rawaf family from Qassim. This created a unique cultural blend for Al-Rashoudi, shaping his modern outlook.
He told Arab News: “My life took a radical turn after my father passed away in 1997. I transitioned from childhood to facing significant responsibilities at the age of eight.
“I continued my studies at Dar-Assalam schools in Riyadh, graduating in 2007. I then joined the College of Medicine at King Saud University, where I obtained my medical degree in 2013.
“Afterward, I traveled to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious McGill University, and then to France in 2016 to start a fellowship program in orthopedic surgery.”
According to Al-Rashoudi, he faced some difficulties in the program, leading him to pause his studies and return to Riyadh, where he worked at King Saud University for a year.
“In 2019, I decided to completely change my career path after realizing that my true passion lies in culinary arts, not medicine,” he added.
“With the support of my family and a scholarship from the Misk Foundation, I pursued culinary studies at Le Cordon Bleu in France, a longtime dream of mine.
“There, I honed my skills in the arts, and after graduating, I worked in several famous bakeries in France, gaining experience in a field that is highly competitive with chefs of extensive expertise.”
After three years of intensive training, Al-Rashoudi realized his dream of opening his own business in Paris: A cafe that combines baked goods and coffee, distinguished by authentic Saudi touches.
The project brought on a unique challenge, especially in a city where baked goods are often considered an integral part of daily life.
Through his cafe, Al-Rashoudi introduced Saudi kleicha, an old folk Saudi pastry, as an exclusive treat for customers.
It is not part of the regular menu, but through this approach, he aimed to introduce the French public to Saudi culture. His goal was achieved, particularly with the satisfaction he has observed among customers.
With support from the Saudi community in France, who frequently visit Al-Rashoudi’s cafe, Lam has received excellent reviews, earning a five-star rating on Google.
Today, Al-Rashoudi aspires to expand his business to other cities in Europe, with the ultimate goal of blending Saudi culture with global culinary arts, showcasing Saudi cuisine as a leading and contributing force in the world of food.
Riyadh’s deputy governor receives Egyptian premier
Prince Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Riyadh region, received Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport on Tuesday.
Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini was also present at the reception.
Separately, Prince Mohammed also received Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammed Shehbaz Sharif and several other officials.
Madbouly and Sharif are heading delegations for their respective countries to attend the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN agency for Palestinian refugees
- Foreign Ministry describes the decision as a ‘flagrant violation of international law’ and an assault on international legitimacy
- It accuses Israel of attempting to erase the Palestinian identity through ‘ethnic cleansing,’ and of obstructing the peace process
RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Tuesday condemned a decision by the Israeli parliament that prevents the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees from working in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, describing it as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
The criticism by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs came a day after Israeli lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to ban the agency’s operations in those areas.
In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, the Foreign Ministry said the decision was a direct assault on international legitimacy that disregards the “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” affecting the Palestinian people and obstructs the UN’s role in providing essential services.
“The Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of the continuous and systematic practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in politically and militarily targeting the United Nations’ agencies and its relief organizations,” the ministry added.
It accused Israeli authorities of attempting to erase the Palestinian identity through “ethnic cleansing,” and of obstructing efforts to establish a comprehensive peace process.
It reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for UNRWA’s humanitarian mission, and pointed out that the agency’s mandate is rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 194, adopted in 1948, which enshrines the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA, which was established in 1949, provides vital aid, including educational, healthcare and social services, to refugees in Palestinian territories and neighboring countries.
In addition to banning UNRWA operations, the new Israeli legislation prohibits Israeli officials from cooperating with the agency or its employees.
Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser
- Al-Moghedi commended Saudi Arabia for its generous support, including funding initiatives for strategic projects benefiting member states
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, secretary-general of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja recently to strengthen efforts against terrorist groups.
During the meeting, Ribadu thanked Saudi Arabia for playing a leading role in maintaining regional security and supporting the coalition since its inception, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating closely with the coalition in combating terrorism, which has affected his country.
Al-Moghedi commended Saudi Arabia for its generous support, including funding initiatives for strategic projects benefiting member states.
He highlighted programs backed by the Kingdom for training security, military and civil agencies in affected states.
He also reviewed the coalition’s Sahel Program, aimed at supporting regional stability and countering terrorism.
Al-Moghedi and his delegation toured Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center, and met its director, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka to review the body’s resources, functions and operational mechanisms, as well as discuss potential collaboration.
This visit underscores the coalition’s vision to enhance cooperation among member states and foster a secure, stable future for Africa, the SPA report stated.
