‘One Night in Al-Aqsa’ to tour eight UK cities in aid of Palestine

The Al-Aqsa mosque, which is in occupied Jerusalem, is Islam’s third holiest site. (Supplied/Penny Appeal)
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Updated 04 February 2022
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‘One Night in Al-Aqsa’ to tour eight UK cities in aid of Palestine

  • The film tells the story of Al-Aqsa’s compound during the Islamic calendar’s holiest night
  • The film will premiere on Feb. 18 in London

LONDON: The awe-inspiring documentary film “One Night in Al-Aqsa” is set to tour the UK this month, with all proceeds going toward international humanitarian charity Penny Appeal’s Palestine campaign.
The film will premiere on Feb. 18 in London and the tour includes viewings in Luton, Birmingham, Leicester, Bolton, Blackburn, Manchester, and Bradford.
The film tells the story of Al-Aqsa’s compound during the Islamic calendar’s holiest night, Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of Power), when it is believed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Al-Aqsa, which is in occupied Jerusalem, is Islam’s third holiest site, and the film also explores why it is revered by Christian and Jewish faiths as well, and unrestricted access and high resolution footage provide insight into the Dome of the Rock and the Qibli Mosque.

“One Night in Al-Aqsa” also features other religious institutions with important structures in Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall.
Abrar Hussain, an acclaimed London-based director known for “One Day in the Haram,” provides an unprecedented experience of the mosque compound through the eyes of the people who live and work there.
“It’s been a great honor to direct this film, and also a huge responsibility,” said Hussain, adding he believes films are one of the catalysts that can open up new discussions and viewpoints.
“I want this film to operate in the space that comes just before change (and) I hope to show the world a side of Islam that’s not been seen before, and add something positive to the understanding of this most significant historical institution,” he added.
Adeem Younis, founder and CEO of Penny Appeal, said: “The film is not only educational for adults but for young people who will be able to experience a documentary film which explains the history of the Al-Aqsa complex as the third holiest place of worship and its spiritual significance to Muslims but also to Christians and Jewish people all around the world.”
All the funds from the tour will go toward Penny Appeal’s Palestine campaign to provide health care, food, and other vital aid to the Palestinian people, the charity said.


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.