PARIS: Health experts fearing a clampdown on e-cigarettes said Friday a UN report on the device had exaggerated their health risk and underplayed their role as a safe alternative to tobacco.
The August 26 report by the UN’s World Health Organisation (WHO) said governments should ban the sale of so-called electronic cigarettes to minors, warning they posed a “serious threat” to unborn babies and young people.
The WHO report, to be considered at a global meeting on tobacco control this year, also said e-cigs should be banned from indoor public spaces. But tobacco specialists, writing in the journal Addiction on Friday, said the report was flawed. They said it was rooted in a bigger WHO-commissioned probe, the Background Paper on E-cigarettes, which they accused of bias and error.
“We were surprised by the negativity of the commissioned review, and found it misleading and not an accurate reflection of available evidence,” said Ann McNeill, a professor at the National Addiction Centre at King’s College London.
E-cigarettes work by vaporizing a liquid called propylene glycol, to which nicotine and flavoring have been added. The vapour is inhaled, like traditional cigarettes, but produces vapor instead of smoke.
The gadgets have been a huge hit with young people, who form part of a snowballing market worth about $3 billion (2.3 billion euros) annually, with more than 400 brands of flavours.
Supporters of e-cigs say the devices are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco, whose bouquet of toxic chemicals and gases cause cancer, heart disease, strokes and other ailments.
Opponents say the devices have only been around for a few years, and the long-term health impact from inhaling their industrial vapour is unclear.
The WHO report acknowledged that e-cigarettes were “likely to be less toxic” than conventional cigarettes, but more research was needed.
It also fretted that the proliferation of sweet flavours would become a “gateway to nicotine addiction” for the young.
The debate is unfolding as many governments are under pressure to impose regulations on e-cigs. At the moment, the worldwide situation is a patchwork, ranging from complete freedom of sale to bans on sales to minors or of e-cigs that contain nicotine.
The WHO failed “to acknowledge that e-cigarettes are not just less harmful than tobacco cigarettes but (also) that the concentrations of toxins are mostly a tiny fraction of what is found in cigarette smoke,” the authors of Friday’s commentary said.
UN report on e-cigarettes is flawed, say critics
UN report on e-cigarettes is flawed, say critics
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Al-Mirkaz’ restaurant in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Al-Mirkaz is a fine Ramadan dining experience, offering elegant iftar tents in Jeddah.
Located on King Abdulaziz Road, Al-Mirkaz is known for its luxurious atmosphere, stunning decor and five-star buffet. It is priced at SR560 ($150) per person for iftar or suhoor, which many food lovers will find quite expensive.
The moment you step inside the huge tent, you are greeted warmly by the reception team, who check your reservation and lead you to your seat. The service is exceptional, with a team of European staff adding a polished and refined touch to the experience.
The setting is breathtaking, featuring a forest-like atmosphere with soft, warm lighting, stylish decor and a calming yet luxurious feel. At the center of the tent, golden metal arches and a beautifully designed Ramadan chandelier create a magical focal point. Lush greenery, wildflowers and rattan bamboo lights complete the enchanting look, making the space feel both grand and intimate.
Visitors will love the dessert stations, particularly the Middle Eastern sweets — especially the Kunafa station and the Hijazi sweets corner — where traditional flavours are served with a modern twist.
The Italian gelato counter is another standout, offering flavours inspired by the Kingdom, such as Saudi coffee and masoub. You might also like to try the masoub-flavored gelato, which is creamy and lightly sweet.
You will also love their lotus and nutella crepe cake, which is made with more than 25 layers of thin crepes filled with rich chocolate spread.
Don’t miss the chocolate corner, featuring handcrafted chocolates, including Roshan-shaped molds of many sizes, and the trending Dubai chocolate molds in both dark and white chocolate. Other delicious options include babka, mille-feuille, macarons, cakes, puddings, and even a royal fruit station with exotic Asian fruits.
The buffet is spectacular, with a wide variety of international cuisines. From Italy, India, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, the Levant and Morocco, every dish is beautifully presented and expertly prepared.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Saolah’ restaurant in Riyadh
There is no doubt that dining in Riyadh has taken a turn upwards in pricing, but that does not make it impossible to indulge in fine dining flavors without your budget getting in the way. If you are looking for a new spot to check out in Riyadh without breaking the bank, Saolah could be your next destination.
Located in a buzzing plaza on Al-Urubah road, the restaurant is a lively space with a simple yet elegant ambience accented with jade tiles and greenery. The Italian-inspired menu is bursting with flavor, from colorful salads to hearty mains.
We started off with the grilled pumpkin salad; grilled pumpkins and chickpeas atop a bed of arugula, topped with a labneh dressing and parmesan cheese, which was the perfect mix of savory and sweet for a palate primer. The eggplant parmesan starter was crisp and paired with a smooth but tangy marinara sauce.
Pizza is a must — we recommend the 12-hour smoked firewood brisket or the bresaola burrata for white sauce lovers or a classic margarita for those who prefer an authentic tomato base. Saolah’s rigatoni pink pasta is also popular and not to be missed.
For mains, the striploin steak with pepper sauce is cooked to perfection to your desired doneness, paired with frites, while the grilled chicken with mushroom sauce is tender, juicy and full of flavor.
If lunch or dinner items do not appeal, they also offer breakfast meals all day. From avocado benedicts to shakshuka to various types of manakeesh and lighter sandwiches, there is bound to be something to satisfy your appetite.
We recommend that you seal the deal with one of their dessert options, such as the caramel-frosting french toast or cheesecake pancake.
Where We Are Going Today: Fuwa Bakery in Riyadh
- The atmosphere at Fuwa Bakery is inviting, with a minimalist Japanese design featuring wooden chairs and bamboo decorations that create a serene dining experience
If you find yourself in Riyadh and are on the lookout for the latest dessert trend, Fuwa Bakery specializes in Japanese fluffy pancakes — and they are hard to resist.
The pancakes are renowned for their incredible softness and come in a wide array of flavors, ensuring there is something to please every palate.
Among the offerings, the classic flavor stands out as a well-balanced option for those who may not have a strong sweet tooth. For those willing to explore bolder tastes, the tiramisu pancake delivers a delightful blend of flavors that simply melt in your mouth.
While the pancakes shine, the coffee leaves much to be desired. My experience with both the espresso and the black Colombian coffee was disappointing; they were lackluster and overpriced. If you are a coffee enthusiast, you may want to skip the brew here and just enjoy the pancakes. I did enjoy the matcha iced tea, which was creamy and flavorful without any bitterness and paired well with the pancakes.
The atmosphere at Fuwa Bakery is inviting, with a minimalist Japanese design featuring wooden chairs and bamboo decorations that create a serene dining experience.
The chocolate and cheesecake pancakes were also highlights of my visit, showcasing the bakery’s knack for creating delicious desserts that keep customers coming back for more.
Overall, Fuwa Bakery delivers a delightful experience for anyone with a sweet tooth. The pancakes take a bit of time to prepare, but the wait is well worth it.
With a variety of flavors, including pecan, salted caramel, raspberry cheesecake, and tiramisu, there is something for everyone.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Durrat China’ – authentic Chinese cuisine in Riyadh
- Despite this, the quality of the food and available parking make Durrat China a must-visit for anyone in Riyadh who craves authentic Chinese flavors away from the noise and traffic
Durrat China has 14 branches around the Kingdom, offering a dining experience with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. From soups to seafood, each dish aims to capture the essence of Chinese cuisine.
One of their standouts is the tom yum soup for SR26 ($7), a comforting dish with fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs which strikes the perfect balance between tangy, spicy and savory flavors.
Another must-try is their hot and sour soup, a rich and flavorful option that packs a punch with the ideal blend of heat and acidity.
For seafood lovers, the shrimp with garlic sauce for SR86 is a great choice. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, coated in a fragrant and savory garlic sauce. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more spice, the shrimp with chili sauce delivers a satisfying kick without overpowering the balance of flavors.
Another fantastic appetizer is the mixed dumplings, a juicy and flavorful combination of chicken, mutton and shrimp — a delicious way to start your meal.
However, while the food at Durrat China is exceptional, the ambiance could be improved. The interior design feels outdated, and better ventilation would create a more inviting atmosphere. A modern refresh would elevate the overall experience and make it even more enjoyable.
Despite this, the quality of the food and available parking make Durrat China a must-visit for anyone in Riyadh who craves authentic Chinese flavors away from the noise and traffic.
The combination of fresh ingredients, well-balanced flavors and generous portions makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
For more information, check their Instagram @durratchina.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Bab Al-Bahr’ at Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah
The Bab Al-Bahr tent at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah offers a curated iftar experience boasting a selection of traditional Arabian and international dishes.
Guests are welcomed with dates to follow the traditional breaking of fast. The meal begins with a warm bowl of oats soup, followed by a cold mezze spread featuring hummus, mutabal, fattoush, and moussaka.
Freshly prepared cheese and zaatar fatayer and flavorful chicken shawarma were standout options among the hot mezze.
The traditional foul with tameez had great flavor, although the bread could have been served warmer.
For the main course, a mixed grill selection included meat kebabs, shish taouk, and steaks, alongside lamb mandi, chicken kabsa, and fried hamour fish.
The pasta station offered white and red sauce options, while the butter chicken provided an additional international touch.
The steamed bao buns with a meat filling were a highlight, offering a soft, well-balanced texture.
Desserts included fresh fruit, Arabic sweets like baklava and luqaimat, and indulgent options such as umm ali, sticky toffee pudding, and kunafa served with nuts.
A chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruit added a playful touch.
Live Ramadan programming, Arabic coffee service, and henna artists enhanced the cultural atmosphere.
A dedicated kids’ corner and an ice cream station featuring flavors like vanilla, chocolate, karak, and Vimto provided something for younger guests.
Available from sunset to 8 p.m. until the end of Ramadan, the iftar cost before VAT is SR345 ($92) per person and SR200 for children under the age of 12.
