JEDDAH: Dr. Abdul Monem Hassan Al-Shaikh, head of the Cochlear Implants Program at Fahd General Hospital, said more than 600 patients have so far received the cochlear implant surgeries since the program began in 1993.
“The largest number of cochlear implant surgeries involved children between the ages of one and five years,” he was quoted as saying to local media on the sidelines of the sixth annual Forum for Electronic Cochlear Implants held at King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah, recently, which coincided with World Hearing Day.
Al-Shaikh, who represents Kingdom at the World Health Organization Program for the Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Loss, said installing cochlear implants for those who have lost hearing as a result of accidents is much easier than conducting surgeries on those who are born with hearing loss or have hearing problems.
A person’s ‘hearing memory’ is easy to deal with, he said.
Demands for this type of surgery, he said, is increasing because of a high rate of its success and the provision by the Kingdom of the electronic device, which would otherwise cost each person about SR120,000. He continued, saying that rates of implant surgeries have also increased due to the short duration of the surgery these days, ranging from two to four hours, generally.
“The electronic cochlea implant is one of the most advanced devices to have come out of scientific research in recent years. It helps the deaf to overcome their disability and facilitates their integration into society. The sixth annual forum being held currently coincides with the celebrations of World Hearing Day launched by the World Health Organization in 2007, which is now celebrated on the third of March every year,” he said.
Over 600 cochlear implants in 23 years
Over 600 cochlear implants in 23 years
Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh
Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.
While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.
Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls.
Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts.
The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.
The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh
Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.
This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes.
The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.
Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks.
However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.
Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.
This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.
For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Balcona 99’ Egyptian cuisine in Jeddah
- The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt
Balcona 99, in As-Salamah in Jeddah, has been delighting diners with its authentic Egyptian cuisine, offering an experience rooted in tradition.
The ambiance captivates from the moment one enters, with intricately carved hieroglyphics and symbolic artwork evoking Egyptian heritage.
Traditional melodies, warm decor and striking geometric tiles come together to create a space that feels both vibrant and welcoming.
Guests can choose between the elegant dining area, the cozy lounge ideal for shisha or the outdoor terrace, which becomes especially appealing during the cooler months.
The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt. To start, the appetizers set the tone for an unforgettable meal.
The fattoush and hummus are light and refreshing, while the roqaq meat, a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced meat, stands out as a favorite, especially when paired with the zesty chili sauce.
Mombar, stuffed eggplants, zucchini and peppers, also offer a delicious glimpse into Egyptian culinary artistry.
Moving on to the mains, the tawajen section features oven-baked rice paired with duck, pigeon, quail, chicken or other meat, alongside stews such as daoud basha and potato with chicken or meat.
The okra with meat stew is particularly delightful, its tender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato broth. The Egyptian fatta, served with trotters, lamb chops or chicken, is a hearty and satisfying choice that reflects the comfort food aspect of the cuisine.
For those who enjoy grilled dishes, the selection includes succulent quails, pigeon stuffed with rice, veal brochettes, kofta, lamb chops and beef liver.
Each is prepared to perfection, offering smoky, juicy flavors that leave a lasting impression. Classic dishes such as Balcona koshari and veal escallop pane add even more variety to the feast.
Desserts at Balcona 99 are the perfect conclusion to a rich meal. Whether it’s the soft, syrup-drenched balah el-sham, the creamy rice pudding, or the indulgent cheese kunafa, each dessert showcases the sweet simplicity of Egyptian flavors.
Check @balcona.sa on Instagram for more details.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ruhi’ - Indian dishes in Riyadh
- The restaurant’s open kitchen lets you watch as skilled chefs prepare your meal, adding an interactive element to the dining experience
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mumbai right in the heart of Riyadh at Ruhi, located in The Zone.
This restaurant offers a delightful array of Indian dishes. From fragrant biryani to creamy butter chicken, there’s something for everyone, vegetarians included.
A standout feature of Ruhi is the ability to customize the spice level of your dishes — perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.
The restaurant’s open kitchen lets you watch as skilled chefs prepare your meal, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.
For lunch, they offer attractive deals, including a combo featuring chicken curry or butter chicken, salad, plain rice, naan, and a soft drink for just SR85 ($23). For beef lovers, a similar lunch option is available for only SR95.
Don’t forget to explore the dessert menu, where you can indulge in unique treats like the citrus mango baba and the praline dome.
Signature dishes include jasmine ka jhinga, featuring jumbo prawns marinated in Kashmiri saffron and jasmine, and patta sarson ke murg, crispy chicken served with Ruhi’s special sauce.
Ruhi is open daily from noon to 1:30 a.m., making it a convenient option for lunch or late-night cravings.
For more details, check out @ruhi.ksa on Instagram.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Madeo’s at VIA Riyadh
Madeo at VIA Riyadh offers a charming Italian experience, bringing the warmth and flavors of Italy to Saudi Arabia.
Known for its classic pasta and pizza, Madeo excels in creating dishes that are simple yet packed with flavor. The live pasta station allows diners to watch as chefs prepare favorites like penne Madeo, featuring tomato sauce, basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano — a comforting and classic Italian taste.
Another favorite is the melanzane alla parmigiana, a dish combining layers of eggplant, mozzarella, and tomato sauce to create a hearty, cheesy delight.
The pizza selection includes the four-cheese pizza, which brings together gorgonzola, mascarpone, goat cheese, and mozzarella, topped with a hint of truffle oil for an aromatic finish.
The burrata pizza, featuring fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, adds a balance of creamy and tangy flavors that’s simply delightful.
For dessert, diners can enjoy Madeo’s classic tiramisu or hazelnut-filled profiteroles, both of which bring a sweet, satisfying end to the meal. Drinks like the basil smash, a mix of basil leaves, apple juice, and tonic, and the amaretto sour with orange and lemon juice, add refreshing options to complement the Italian flavors.
One downside is that parking at VIA Riyadh is not complimentary, which could be inconvenient for some guests.
Nevertheless, Madeo’s warm ambiance, authentic Italian dishes, and live Italian music make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy Italian cuisine in a lively setting.
For more information, check their Instagram @madeoristorante.sa.
