Jeddah hotels, restaurants cook up ways to reduce food waste

Alfolk and Al-Mirkaz Ramadan tents are among the experiences that prioritize sustainability through practices such as reducing food waste and promoting environmental consciousness. (Supplied)

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Updated 21 March 2024

Afshan Aziz

March 20, 2024 23:25

Jeddah hotels, restaurants cook up ways to reduce food waste

A range of outlets are offering iftar and sahoor experiences with sustainability on the menu

Updated 21 March 2024

Afshan Aziz

March 20, 2024 23:25

JEDDAH: Many hotels and restaurants in Jeddah are placing a strong emphasis on sustainability practices to make Ramadan more eco-friendly.

The outlets are actively working toward reducing food waste and promoting environmental consciousness throughout the month.

At The Ritz-Carlton, the theme for Ramadan at The Palace is “Bab Al-Bahr,” meaning “Gate to the Sea,” drawing inspiration from the hotel’s proximity to the sea. The gates of the hotel open directly to the sea, embodying the essence of its coastal location. Guests can look forward to luxurious iftar and sahoor experiences in the grand ballrooms, featuring nine live cooking stations offering a wide selection of appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, and a dedicated mocktail station.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Ritz-Carlton is making efforts to minimize food wastage by collaborating with Etaam, a local charitable organization focused on distributing food to the needy.

• The Hotel Galleria Jeddah has embraced cost-effective practices and is currently testing food waste monitoring systems.

• Bab Al-Balad at Rosewood Hotel’s Soleil restaurant offers an iftar buffet experience that captures the essence of Ramadan and Saudi heritage.

General Manager Peter Katusak-Huzsvar highlighted how the hotel strikes a balance between creating a festive atmosphere and maintaining elegance with the Ramadan menu. He told Arab News: “The Ritz-Carlton brand’s inherent elegance seamlessly intertwines with the richness of Ramadan traditions at our stunning property, aptly referred to as The Palace. This title perfectly aligns with our commitment to providing a regal and sophisticated atmosphere during Ramadan.

“We skillfully strike a balance, ensuring a Ramadani ambiance while upholding the utmost sophistication in our Ramadan offerings … Our meticulously curated stations reflect this harmonious blend, promising a celebration that transcends culinary delight into an exquisite journey of refined indulgence.”

Katusak-Huzsvar also mentioned the hotel’s dedication to sustainability in its culinary practices. Collaborating with Etaam, a local charitable organization focused on distributing food to the needy, The Ritz-Carlton is making efforts to minimize food wastage. All untouched food is carefully preserved and promptly collected by the Etaam team to benefit those in need. Additionally, the culinary team passionately advocates for sustainability by prioritizing locally sourced products and ingredients, reducing the environmental footprint while delivering a dining experience that is both conscious and delightful.

At The Ritz-Carlton, all untouched food is carefully preserved and promptly collected by the charity organization Etaam to benefit those in need. (Supplied)

Similarly, the Venue Jeddah Corniche offers an extraordinary iftar experience at its Subha Ramadan Tent. Juan Uribe, general manager of the hotel, expressed his excitement about the experience, saying: “We are honored to invite our guests to join us for an unparalleled culinary journey during the holy month of Ramadan. Our team has meticulously crafted an iftar buffet that celebrates the diversity of flavors while ensuring a memorable experience for each guest. We look forward to welcoming families, friends, and colleagues to the Subha Ramadan Tent and creating cherished moments together.”

Uribe mentioned that guests can enjoy a variety of appetizing dishes, including Arabian mezze, salads, grilled meats, seafood, vegetarian options, and tempting desserts. The tent provides a serene and elegant ambiance with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and traditional elements, creating a perfect setting for guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of Ramadan.

Another perfect place to spend some quality time with family and friends this Ramadan is the Movenpick Hotel Tahlia Jeddah. The hotel offers a captivating vibe for iftar, with a contemporary hall and a stunning Ramadan tent. The diverse menu featuring Hijazi and international cuisines, along with live cooking stations, adds to the allure of the lighting and atmosphere. Monther Abou Alssil, director of food and beverage, said: “Through culinary excellence and a commitment to sustainability, we strive to create unforgettable dining experiences that not only satisfy the palate but also nourish the planet.”

Movenpick Hotel Tahlia Jeddah's Ramadan tent offers a diverse menu featuring Hijazi and international cuisines, along with live cooking stations. (Supplied)

Alfolk Ramadan tent located at Shangri-La Jeddah offers a modern and stylish ambiance. Their iftar and sahoor buffets showcase a fusion of Middle Eastern, European, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Live oud and violin music further enhances the experience for guests.

Al-Mirkaz Ramadan tent has made a grand return this year with a fresh and captivating look that transports guests to a realm of wonder. The tent radiates sophistication and elegance, adorned with luxurious fabrics, ornate chandeliers, and traditional Arab motifs that create an enchanting atmosphere. They offer a culinary experience that explores Ramadan specialties and international favorites.

Both Alfolk and Al-Mirkaz prioritize sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices such as reducing food waste and promoting environmental consciousness.

In a city where Ramadan dining experiences are evolving, Bab Al-Balad at the Rosewood hotel’s Soleil restaurant offers an iftar buffet experience that captures the essence of Ramadan and Saudi heritage. This immersive dining journey blends deep-rooted history with modern elegance, featuring a fusion of Arabian and Western flavors in a setting adorned with traditional Ramadan decorations.

Bab Al-Balad at the Rosewood Hotel’s Soleil restaurant. (AN photo)

The Hotel Galleria Jeddah has embraced cost-effective practices and is currently testing food waste monitoring systems. Beyond offering delectable cuisines, the hotel features a kids’ corner, photo booth, electronic play area, and a dedicated section for Saudi coffee, all while prioritizing minimal food waste.

In addition to the sustainable practices adopted by some restaurants in Jeddah, Fogo de Chao is committed to providing guests with the safest, highest-quality, and most wholesome food possible. Restaurant General Manager Shady M. said: “Our approach is rooted in the Brazilian gaucho tradition of nurturing and harvesting food with respect, which we call ‘respeito pela comida’ in Portuguese. To maintain this standard, we carefully select vendor partners who share our values and adhere to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, a globally recognized standard.

Fogo de Chao actively pursues initiatives and programs focused on conserving resources, such as water and energy, and reducing waste. (Supplied)

“We also prioritize ongoing communication, guidance, and transparency to ensure that all aspects of animal sourcing, health, and well-being meet our commitment to exceptional food quality and safety for our guests.”

Furthermore, Fogo de Chao actively pursues initiatives and programs focused on conserving resources, such as water and energy, and reducing waste to offer a more sustainable dining experience for their guests. Core activities include recycling and promoting recyclable options, as well as minimizing usage and waste. Through these efforts, Fogo de Chao in Jeddah is not only delivering a delightful culinary experience but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Topics: Ramadan 2024 Jeddah food waste The Ritz-Carlton

Saudi Arabia joins 80 countries in historic deal on e-commerce

Updated 26 July 2024

Arab News

July 26, 2024 22:38

Saudi Arabia joins 80 countries in historic deal on e-commerce

First digital global rules include recognition of e-signatures and protection against online fraud
The agreement also includes a component providing preferential treatment to developing countries

Updated 26 July 2024

Arab News

July 26, 2024 22:38

JEDDAH: About 80 countries including Saudi Arabia reached a historic agreement on Friday on rules governing global digital commerce, including recognition of e-signatures and protection against online fraud.

“We negotiated the first global rules on digital trade,” EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis said after the deal in Geneva following five years of negotiations.“This will facilitate e-transactions, boost innovation, and integrate developing countries into the digital economy,” he said.

Britain said the agreement would commit all participants to making customs documents and processes digital and recognizing e-documents and e-signatures, and put in place legal safeguards against online fraudsters and misleading claims about products.

Once in place, the deal “will make trade faster, cheaper, fairer and more secure,” Britain said in a statement.

The text of the agreement says the parties will seek to limit spam and protect personal data, as well as offer support to least-developed countries.
Ninety-one of the World Trade Organization’s 166 members took part in the negotiations, including Saudi Arabia, China, Canada, Argentina and Nigeria.
Digital commerce is growing far faster than its traditional counterpart.
The OECD group of economically developed nations says it estimated that in 2020, e-commerce already made up a quarter of global trade, making it worth just under $5 trillion.
Despite its growing importance, “no common set of global rules exist,” said British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Finalizing the negotiations “is a huge step forward in correcting that and ensuring British businesses feel the benefit.”

Historic news from the WTO's Joint Initiative on Electronic Commerce.

We negotiated the first global rules on digital trade!

This will facilitate e-transactions, boost innovation, and integrate developing countries into the digital economy.

https://t.co/pDE31QtbGL pic.twitter.com/Dx5a15Ohbe
— Valdis Dombrovskis (@VDombrovskis) July 26, 2024

The talks were launched in 2019, with around 90 negotiating countries — representing 90 percent of the WTO membership — including heavy-hitters like the United States, the European Union and China.
Australia, Japan and Singapore, which have jointly been leading the Initiative on Electronic Commerce talks, presented a joint statement during a closed-door meeting at the WTO confirming that “after five years of negotiations, participants had achieved a stabilized text.”
But actual implementation of a deal could still be years off.
A small number of negotiating countries have yet to sign on, including the United States, Brazil, Indonesia and Turkiye, the declaration said.
“The text released today ... represents an important step forward for the WTO in a sector of growing importance to the global economy,” US ambassador and Deputy US Trade Representative Maria Pagan said in a statement.
But the United States considers that “the current text falls short and more work is needed,” she said, pointing in particular to an “essential security exception.”
The co-conveners of the talks have in recent months stressed the importance of landing a deal, stressing it could facilitate electronic transactions, promote digital trade and foster an open and trusted digital economy.
“This would be the first-ever set of baseline digital trade rules,” Singapore’s ambassador to the WTO Tan Hung Seng said in April.
“It would contribute to the growing e-commerce in our countries by providing greater legal predictability and certainty, against the backdrop of increasing regulatory fragmentation,” he said.
In Friday’s statement, UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle said the agreement aimed “to help people use technology safely by protecting them from fraud, while driving economic growth through the digitalization of trade so it’s faster and more secure.”

Preferential treatment

The agreement also includes a component providing preferential treatment to developing countries.
In addition to paving the way for digitalising customs documents and processes, the text also seeks to make permanent a long-held moratorium exempting electronic transactions from customs duties.
The moratorium has been in place since 1998, and has been extended at each WTO ministerial meeting since. It is currently set to expire in 2026.
“Once in force the agreement will permanently ban customs duties on digital content,” the British statement said.
The aim is to incorporate the digital trade rules into the WTO legal framework, but that would require consensus backing from all members, including those not part of the deal.
That could be tricky at a time when countries like India and South Africa are balking at what they see as a proliferation of plurilateral agreements within the WTO rather than the all-but-impossible multilateral deals backed by all members.
One solution, observers say, could be for the signatories to move the agreement to another international body. But if they do that, they would not be able to rely on the WTO’s mechanism for resolving trade disputes.

(With Agencies)

Topics: e-commerce World Trade Organization (WTO) Valdis Dombrovskis

Saudi ballet star, 18, dances to inspire dreams

Updated 27 July 2024

Rahaf Jambi

July 26, 2024 20:54

Saudi ballet star, 18, dances to inspire dreams

Halaa Nagadi desires to represent Kingdom on world stage
Hopes others ‘embrace this beautiful and expressive art form’

Updated 27 July 2024

Rahaf Jambi

July 26, 2024 20:54

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia ballet dancer Halaa Nagadi, 18, is captivating audiences with her unwavering passion and hopes others would be inspired to “embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”

She is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition set to start on Nov. 17 that will have professional and amateur dancers participating from all over the world.

“I became interested in ballet when I was on a journey to find a dance form that truly resonated with me,” Nagadi told Arab News. “The way ballet dancers could convey such powerful emotions and narratives through their bodies was simply captivating.”

Halaa Nagadi is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition set to start on Nov. 17 that will have professional and amateur dancers participating. (Supplied)

From a young age, Nagadi was mesmerized by the graceful movements and emotive storytelling of ballet, and she has pursued her dream with determination.

“One of my greatest goals is to represent Saudi Arabia on the international ballet stage,” Nagadi said. “I want to showcase the talent and artistry that exists within our country, and inspire others to embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”

FASTFACTS

• Though ballet may not have been a typical path for a young Saudi Arabia woman, Nagadi was undeterred.

• She immersed herself in studying ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking out local and international training opportunities.

Though ballet may not have been a typical path for a young Saudi Arabia woman, Nagadi was undeterred. She immersed herself in studying ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking out local and international training opportunities.

“Balancing my studies in tourism and event management at King Abdulaziz University with my rigorous ballet training has not been an easy task,” Nagadi revealed.

“But I’ve remained steadfast in my pursuit, spending four to eight hours each day honing my skills, whether it’s at the ballet studio or the gym, ensuring that I am constantly improving and pushing the boundaries of my craft.”

Nagadi’s journey has not been without its challenges, however. Finding suitable ballet facilities in Saudi Arabia has been a significant hurdle, and sourcing specialized equipment is proving to be an ongoing obstacle, she explained.

Undaunted, Nagadi has sought out opportunities abroad, including a summer program in Romania and a ballet performance opportunity in Turkiye.

“I also took a masterclass for professional dancers from the principal of the Royal Ballet in London,” she added.

Nagadi’s dedication and passion have not gone unnoticed locally. “I have received the support of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, who have provided me with opportunities to showcase my talents at local events, such as the Taif Rose Festival and a theatrical performance that fused Arabic music with ballet,” she said.

As Saudi Arabia’s arts and culture scene continues to evolve, the ballet talent envisions a future where the dance form will flourish and draw audiences from across the Kingdom.

“I believe the ballet scene in Saudi Arabia will only continue to grow and develop,” she said. “More and more people are becoming interested in learning and practicing this art form.”

Nagadi’s unwavering determination has not only earned her recognition within the Saudi Arabia arts community but has also inspired a new generation of young people to explore the world of ballet.

Her story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to challenge societal norms, anything is possible.

Topics: Halaa Nagadi Dubai International Dance Competition

Saudi Arabia’s fire forts, lava fields reflect features of the past

The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)

Updated 26 July 2024

SPA

July 26, 2024 21:22

Saudi Arabia’s fire forts, lava fields reflect features of the past

The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah

Updated 26 July 2024

SPA

July 26, 2024 21:22

TAIF: Fire forts or lava fields, known in the Kingdom as harrat, are archaeological sites that reveal the past.

The lava fields contain features from the civilizational development of past peoples, giving hints of behaviors, culture, customs and traditions.

The black lava fields in the Kingdom, especially north of Taif — Hafir Kishb, Turbah, Al-Khurma, and Al-Muwayh — are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering.

The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)

Dr. Hammad Al-Ruwaili, a professor of history and archaeology, said that the history of volcanoes in the Kingdom dates back about 30 million years.

“They formed in two phases. The first phase coincided with the basaltic lava flows and the opening of the Red Sea, and the second phase began with volcanic activity in the Arabian Peninsula about 10 million years ago,” he added.

The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah.

Harrat Rahat is the largest volcano by area, followed by Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Al-Harrah, Harrat Nawasif and Harrat Hafir Kishb, which contains the Wahbah Crater, the deepest volcanic crater in the Kingdom with a diameter of 2 km and a depth of more than 220 meters. The site is a popular destination for locals and attracts tourists from around the world.

SPEEDREAD

The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah.

In Arabic, Harrat refers to “a land with black stones that seem to have been burned by fire.” The lava fields are named after the intense heat of rocks.

Al-Ruwaili said that volcanoes are classified into several types, including domed, scoria, shield and cratered.

He added that the Hafir Kishb derives its name from Mount Kishb, located about 260 km from the northeastern part of Taif Governorate. The black mountain is visible to the right of those traveling on the Riyadh Road after Al-Muwayh. The area is mostly scattered black rocks interspersed with sandy areas known as Al-Qee’an.

Other notable areas include Dughaybjah, Khawarah, Hafar, Al-Mashubah, Qia, Mraan and Al-Muwayh.

Al-Ruwaili added that east of Hafir Kishb lies a rough harrat which is very difficult to traverse.

Topics: lava fields Taif Harrat volcanic sites Saudi Arabia

Two arrested in Najran over tablet smuggling

Updated 26 July 2024

SPA

July 26, 2024 21:50

Two arrested in Najran over tablet smuggling

Authorities arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Baha for violating border security laws and smuggling hashish

Updated 26 July 2024

SPA

July 26, 2024 21:50

NAJRAN: Two citizens have been arrested in Najran by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control for smuggling tablets subject to the regulation of medical circulation.

Preliminary procedures were taken against them and they were subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution.

Meanwhile, authorities arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Baha for violating border security laws and smuggling hashish.

Elsewhere, a citizen was arrested in Jouf for smuggling hashish and amphetamines. Preliminary procedures were taken against him and he was referred to the Public Prosecution.

Topics: Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control Najran Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia reaffirms dedication to improving labor standards

Updated 26 July 2024

SPA

July 26, 2024 21:57

Saudi Arabia reaffirms dedication to improving labor standards

Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures and the impact of Vision 2030 in developing a national workforce

Updated 26 July 2024

SPA

July 26, 2024 21:57

BRAZIL: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi led the Kingdom’s delegation at the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Fortaleza, Brazil, from July 25-26.

The event gathered together labor ministers from G20 member states, invited countries, leaders of international and regional organizations, and civil society representatives.

Al-Rajhi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures and the impact of Vision 2030 in developing a national workforce. He outlined the Kingdom’s focus on reinforcing values, cultivating essential and future skills, advancing knowledge, and fostering a labor market that ensured decent work for all.

The minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to improving labor standards and conditions, including social security measures. He emphasized the importance of empowering beneficiaries through qualification, training and employment opportunities.

Topics: Human Resources and Social Development Saudi Arabia

Jeddah hotels, restaurants cook up ways to reduce food waste