Arab hospitality on board AROYA Cruises

AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Saudi domestic cruise line, will make history as the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab region. (Twitter @MOCCulinary)
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Updated 04 December 2023
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Arab hospitality on board AROYA Cruises

  • First Saudi at-sea restaurant, Irth Cafe, will spotlight local cuisine

RIYADH: Cruise Saudi has partnered with the Culinary Arts Commission to launch the Kingdom’s first at-sea restaurant, Irth Cafe, aboard the AROYA Cruises ship.

Cruise Saudi, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund and specialized in developing the cruise sector in the Kingdom, announced its partnership with the aim of showcasing the authentic cuisine on board that will offer a unique experience using locally sourced and high-quality Saudi products.

CEO of Cruise Saudi Lars Clasen said: “We are proud to cooperate with the Culinary Arts Commission. The launch of the Irth Cafe and boutique on board the AROYA Cruises ship is one of the important steps to ensure that we showcase the Kingdom’s heritage and provide the best services to our guests.”




AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Saudi domestic cruise line, will make history as the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab region. (SPA)

AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Saudi domestic cruise line, will make history as the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab region.

The partnership will push the envelope further by highlighting its vision to provide exceptional and innovative tourism experiences to its passengers on board the vessel, which was specially designed to suit Arab tastes.

The Kingdom is distinguished by its authentic hospitality as well as its rich heritage and ancient history, which are all values to be embodied in the Irth Cafe experience.

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The Culinary Arts Commission will provide training to restaurant staff to ensure the provision of luxurious and authentic experiences to the ship’s passengers.

The Culinary Arts Commission will provide training to restaurant staff to ensure the provision of luxurious and authentic experiences to the ship’s passengers.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, confirmed that Irth Cafe, named after the Arabic word for “heritage,” will highlight the culture behind local cuisine, noting that the existing cooperation with AROYA Cruises, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, is consistent with the commission’s ambitious vision of celebrating the Kingdom’s heritage and rich culture.

The commission was established in 2020 and works to platform the distinctive traditional Saudi culinary arts locally and internationally, consolidate the culture of Saudi gastronomy, transform the Kingdom into a home for distinctive experiences and advance it as a leading food destination.

Launched in 2023, AROYA Cruises is distinguished by a unique design that is in line with Arab market standards, focusing on what citizens, residents and regional tourists are looking for when selecting their next vacation destination.

The vessel promises to provide exceptional stays, from the meticulous attention within the cabins and suites to the meals and drinks that will be served during the voyage, reflecting the spirit of innovation and authentic Arab hospitality that distinguishes the Kingdom.

 


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 48 min 8 sec ago
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.