Dr. Ahmad Salem Mohammed Al-Aamri is the director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University.
Prior to that, he was the vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University (KSU).
In March 2019, King Salman appointed Al-Aamri director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University by royal decree.
Al-Aamri attained his bachelor’s degree in public administration from KSU in 1985, his master’s in public administration specializing in human resources and executive public administration from New York State University in 1989, and his PhD in public administration specializing in human resources and organizational behavior from New York State University in 1993.
He held many positions at KSU, such as teaching assistant in the Department of Public Administration from 1985 to 1986, assistant professor in the same department from 1993 to 1998, associate professor in the department from 1998 to 2004, professor of organizational behavior and human resources from 2004, chairman of the Department of Public Administration from September 2003 to December 2005, dean of faculty and staff from October 2006 to October 2008, and dean of the College of Business Administration from October 2008 to August 2012.
Al-Aamri was a part-time advisor at the Ministry of Higher Education from 2002 to 2005, a part-time advisor at King Fahd Medical City from 2004 to 2007, and has been a part-time advisor at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs since 2006.
He is also a member of the university council at KSU, a member of the board of trustees of the University of Dar Al-Uloom, and a member of the board of trustees of the University of Business and Technology.
Dr. Ahmad Salem Mohammed Al-Aamri, director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Dr. Ahmad Salem Mohammed Al-Aamri, director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
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.
