Saudi Arabia to host prestigious Sirha expo 

The Arabic version of the Sirha event promises to be a culinary extravaganza. (SPA)
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Updated 09 November 2023
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Saudi Arabia to host prestigious Sirha expo 

  • This event is dedicated to food services and the hospitality industry

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, has unveiled its plans to host the Sirha Exhibition in Arabic in Riyadh from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3 next year.  

This event, which has attracted international acclaim, holds a special place as one of the most prestigious and extensive exhibitions dedicated to food services and the hospitality industry. 

It marks two decades of excellence since its inception and features prestigious international culinary competitions, including the World Cup of Pastry “Bocos D’or.”

The Arabic version of the Sirha event promises to be a culinary extravaganza, with 350 exhibitors showcasing a diverse array of food products, equipment, bakeries, confectioneries, coffee, and more. 

The event is structured around three key areas, each offering a different experience to visitors. 

The Sirha forum will serve as a platform for engaging dialogues with experts and professionals from the food and beverage sector. 

The Sirha masters will host specialized workshops that offer an enticing fusion of local and international cuisines while the entrepreneurship zone is set to spark innovation and foster new business ventures in the Middle East’s thriving exhibition market.

The exhibition, renowned as a global culinary hub, is traditionally held in Lyon, France, every two years. It plays a pivotal role in presenting the latest updates from global companies specializing in pastries, home decor, baking, beverages, cooking equipment, and the culinary arts in the hotel industry. 

The Culinary Arts Commission’s initiative to host the Arabic version of the Sirha event alignms with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at bolstering the nation’s contributions to the arts and culture.


Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress 

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Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress 

  • Participants in Holy Sites Journey program tour Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, witnessing world-class pilgrim services

JEDDAH: The 11th Holy Sites Journey Program recently concluded in Jeddah, with more than 114 youth from 33 Arab and Islamic countries participating.

The 10-day program was organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.

Participants traveled across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, exploring sacred sites, performing Umrah, and witnessing the Kingdom’s exemplary Hajj organizational practices.

They also visited historical landmarks, experienced modern sports facilities, and observed urban development projects, gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, spirituality, and progress.

At a closing event in Jeddah on Thursday, Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, assistant deputy minister of sports for youth affairs, praised the participants and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting programs that empower the next generation.

He also encouraged those taking part to serve, on returning to their home countries, as ambassadors conveying the Kingdom’s advancements in services for pilgrims.

Al-Ghamlas added: “The program aimed to strengthen cultural and youth communication between Arab and Islamic countries, highlight the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and empower youth by building their capabilities.”

Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural, and social affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the program for young people from Arab and Muslim countries, noting it as a step to promote cultural dialogue among youth from Islamic nations.

Participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the journey, witness the Kingdom’s transformative projects and world-class facilities, and pledged to share the knowledge, experiences, and insights they gained with peers in their home countries.

Bilal Jabiro, head of the Syrian Ministry of Youth delegation, told Arab News: “It was a great journey, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We sincerely thank Saudi Arabia for giving us this opportunity to strengthen our ties with youth from other Islamic nations and to see firsthand the great services and facilities the Kingdom offers to visitors and pilgrims.”

Youssef Issa Al-Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council for Algerian Youth, praised the program’s objectives, saying: “Participation is an opportunity for every Arab Muslim.”

Meanwhile, Hussain Saeed from Oman told Arab News that he was happy to see the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, adding: “It was a very informative and educational journey.”

Syrian influencer Azam Al-Khaldi said the program combined worship, knowledge, and history.

“It was an amazing journey, and I had the pleasure of showing my followers every step of the 10-day program,” he added.