JEDDAH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) will start implementing the first phase of developing and expanding the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh over the next two months .
The latest project will be among the biggest, and most modern and advanced museum projects regionally and worldwide.
The museum will be seen in a new concept and its social and cultural roles will aim toward more activity in the community.
New services will also be offered on the museum’s premises, including galleries, theaters, restaurants and training rooms, in addition to installing the latest interactive technologies.
The development project also includes establishing a four-star hotel with an essence of Saudi Arabian heritage.
SCTH Chairman, Prince Sultan bin Salman, issued a decree to form a board of trustees of the National Museum in Riyadh in a bid to prepare for the museum’s transformation into an independent institution.
A committee to review the master plans and projects of the museum will also be created. Full supervision to ensure the museum’s development program will also be intact.
A plan will be submitted with a specific timeline for the development committee’s work, as well as attracting experts to assist the committee in developing the museum.
Saudi tourism authority to begin Riyadh’s National Museum expansion project
Saudi tourism authority to begin Riyadh’s National Museum expansion project
- SCTH will start implementing the first phase of developing and expanding the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
- The project will be among the biggest, and most modern and advanced museum projects regionally and worldwide.
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.
