MAKKAH: More than 700 chefs are preparing themselves to cook for more than 2 million expected Hajjis this year.
Shaker Al-Harthi, the head of the National Committee for Food and Nutrition, told Arab News that more than 700 Saudi chefs will be ready to meet the pilgrims’ needs for food, regardless of their nationalities.
He said that an agreement was signed between the chefs’ association and the National Committee for Food and Nutrition to take care of the food and nutritional needs of all pilgrims, and highlight the importance of food safety.
He said that one of the objectives of the committee is to prepare studies on the state of the market, make recommendations to the relative authorities, and also to set standards and follow up on the developments of the sector.
“We have an appropriate mechanism to find healthy food at the lowest cost,” he added.
Manal Hosawi, a chef at Al-Shohadaa Hotel told Arab News that local chefs have had enough experience to deal with all requests from around the world.
“We run the kitchens and basically we are aware of the different cultures, so it is a matter of education, knowledge and experience. Some pilgrims want to stick with their traditional foods and we are working hard to make their food they are familiar with,” she added.
700 Saudi chefs ready to cater for pilgrims during Hajj
700 Saudi chefs ready to cater for pilgrims during Hajj
Kingdom’s dates, iftar programs benefit thousands in Mauritania, Cameroon, Malaysia
- Programs carried out in coordination with local authorities
RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched Ramadan gift programs in Mauritania, distributing 25 tonnes of dates to 100,000 beneficiaries, along with serving iftar meals to more than 10,000 people.
Carried out in coordination with local authorities, these initiatives are part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts to support Muslim communities during the holy month, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
At an event at the Saudi Embassy in Nouakchott, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Raqabi said the programs reflected the leadership’s commitment to Islam and Muslims, and its support for Mauritania during the month, highlighting values of solidarity and compassion.
The ministry has also implemented a similar program in Cameroon, which was announced at the Saudi Embassy in Yaounde. Some 25 tonnes of dates will reach around 120,000 people nationwide, while the iftar program is expected to serve about 15,000 fasting Muslims during Ramadan.
The ministry has organized programs in Malaysia to distribute 5 tonnes of dates and provide iftar meals. These are expected to benefit about 5,000 people, the SPA added.
Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Osama Al-Ahmadi said the efforts reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Muslims during Ramadan, and easing the burden of those in need.
Zulkifli Hasan, Malaysia’s minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (religious affairs), expressed gratitude to the Saudi government, noting that the programs highlighted the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting Muslims and sharing in their Ramadan celebrations.
The ministry is this year implementing its date distribution program in 120 countries and carrying out iftar programs in 70 countries, as part of the leadership’s efforts to support Muslim communities worldwide.
