From Saudi Arabia to the UAE: Where to ‘eat pink’ in October

Restaurants across the region are turning pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness campaigns. (Shutterstock)
Updated 22 October 2017
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From Saudi Arabia to the UAE: Where to ‘eat pink’ in October

DUBAI: Restaurants across the region are turning to the pink theme to show their support for breast cancer awareness campaigns this month. From special menus with proceeds going toward charity, to serving up pink-themed dishes in a show of solidarity with survivors, the message is loud and clear.
In Dubai, taking things a step further is Dubai Mall, which has a giant floating pink ribbon on the Dubai Fountain lake, which is unmissable from any restaurant with a fountain view you may be dining at this month. Additionally, the fountain itself turns pink during two of its evening runs.
Here is our pick of where else to go when you want to do your bit for the month of breast cancer awareness.
Nozomi Riyadh
This world-class contemporary Japanese restaurant has partnered up with Zahra Breast Cancer Association, an awareness and support organization based in Saudi Arabia, throughout October. They have created a special Autumn Pink dessert for each order of which, part of the sale proceeds will be given to the association.

#nozomiriyadh #zahra #breastcancer #Nozomi

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Sass Café, Dubai
This glamorous Mediterranean lounge and restaurant not only brings a slice of Monaco to Dubai, but is also trying to spread the message this month. Giving their popular Tuesday ladies nights a pink hue, they will be serving up themed drinks, and importantly, a healthy set menu (AED 199) highlighting the importance of eating well in the fight against cancer. Available every Tuesday through the month, dressing in pink is recommended!
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
The island’s leading luxury hotel is pulling out all stops for breast cancer awareness month with a whole host of special offers across its various outlets in a bid to help raise funds and create awareness for its partner charity, Think Pink Bahrain. A pop-up Pink Boutique will be selling macarons, candies, and cookies; the weekly Friday brunch at Bahrain Bay Kitchen will serve up a selection of special pink dishes at live cooking stations (from BD25 per person); and the lavish high tea ritual too will turn into a Pink Afternoon Tea every day from 3pm-9pm (from BD15 per person). That is not all, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s outlets, Blue Moon Lounge and CUT Bar & Lounge, are offering themed pink drinks, as is Bay View Lounge, which has crafted a special “Four Seasons Pink Mocktail.” Plus, Azure poolside lounge is throwing a stylish “Pink party” on October 27 (from BD50 per head). The Four Seasons spa is also offering a selection of special ‘pink’ treatments as well as hosting talks with the founder of Think Pink.
A percentage of proceeds from all of these activations will go to the local non-profit. Hotel guests are also encouraged to contribute to the cause at the time of checking out, so there is really no excuse for not getting involved for anyone in Bahrain this month!

Novikov Dubai
Getting into the spirit of things on a slightly lighter note is this modern Pan-Asian venue, which is offering complimentary pink welcome drinks to all its guests through the month — both at the buzzing restaurant, as well as the intimate lounge.
JG Kitchen, Dubai
The casual American concept from New York celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is showing its support to the cause this month with a special three-course set menu of kale salad, baked cod, and cheesecake for AED 150 per person, with proceeds from this menu going toward charity. Its weekly Tuesday ladies nights too are showing support, with the four complimentary beverages on offer turning pink!
Gaucho Dubai
This luxurious Argentinian steakhouse has joined forces with the Al Jalila Foundation — which promotes breast cancer awareness and medical research in partnership with Brest Friends — to offer a specially created dessert, pink Alfajores, all through this month. The traditional Argentinian dessert will be available for AED 65, with AED 15 from each sale going toward the foundation.


Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam

Updated 25 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam

Since returning to live in the Kingdom after years abroad with the best bakeries at my fingertips, I have been on a mission to find suitable sourdough locally. I sampled many mediocre ones, but one would rise above the rest: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory.

I first met founder Aisha Al-Omair at the Juthoor Farmer’s Market and tried her bread then. I liked it immediately.

“Ana Starter Sourdough Factory started as a passion for creating and fermenting the healthiest bread and introducing it to the Saudi market,” she told me at the time.

It began as a personal mission then expanded — like the dough — to serve the community.

“For a long time, I’ve suffered feeding my kids proper bread. The breads that were available at the supermarkets or at local bakeries had instant yeast, that never really took time to ferment, and therefore, when you consume the average bread, you notice some stiffening, you notice indigestion, you notice bloating and heartburn.”

Indeed, I did not feel any bloating or heartburn after devouring a slice or a few so I recently went on a quest to find more.

I ventured to Dammam to find her factory shop. It is a tiny slither of a place — I almost missed it while driving past factories in the Industrial City.

The shop comes with a decadent whiff of delicious bread.

Upon entering, you will see fridges stocked with bread and goodies like jams and butters (from other brands) that complement the bread well.

The sourdough offerings include jalapeno cheddar, zataar, plain and about a dozen other flavors.

The hassawi sourdough, made with local dates from neighboring Al-Ahsa, quickly became my favorite. It has little bits of dates tucked inside like tiny treasures.

Each slice is separated with a sheet, making it easy to freeze and pull out what you need without slices sticking together.

Fluffy with a rustic crust, it is great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or slathering with salted butter.

My freezer is now packed with loaves.

At around SR45 ($12) per loaf, the price is slightly steep for the local market, but the superior quality is worth the extra dough.

Each day, they post on Instagram Stories showing what is available for pickup — and the quantity of each item.

Ordering is easy: Send a DM to reserve a loaf, swing by the shop, or opt for delivery.

• For more details, check their Instagram @anaastarter.