Star Saudi food blogger ‘nourished’ by fusion of Middle East, Asia dishes

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At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (Supplied)
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At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (Supplied)
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At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (Supplied)
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At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 July 2024
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Star Saudi food blogger ‘nourished’ by fusion of Middle East, Asia dishes

  • Flavors of Indonesia sparked love for cooking, says Emad Ramen who has 1.2m followers on TikTok

RIYADH: Star Saudi Arabia food blogger Emad Ramen recently attended Geekcon in Kuwait as a guest alongside other culinary celebrities, where he was able to talk to fellow chefs about his increasingly popular fusion of Middle Eastern and Asian dishes.

“It feels so good to be invited to such an event, especially since my mother is Kuwaiti and we went there for the first time,” said Emad, who prefers to go by social media name “Emad Ramen.”

Prior to the event he noted that he was looking forward to learning “about Kuwaiti cuisine and meet chefs from there.”




Katsu curry and ramen are among the dishes Emad tried after seeing it in anime. (Supplied)

Geekcon was founded in 2023 to celebrate “all things geeky, from anime and comics to comics, video games, movies and more,” according to its website.

At 32, Emad is making waves in the culinary world with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Emad’s passion for cooking was first ignited by the vibrant flavors of Indonesian food.

“(It) gave me a great push to discover other Asian and international cuisines,” Emad explained. “And some dishes that I wanted to try from anime movies and cartoons, such as katsu curry and ramen.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Emad Ramen told Arab News he finds inspiration from a variety of sources, including YouTube cooking channels and films focused on the kitchen.

• He also draws ideas from his interactions with his online following, which currently stands at 1.2 million on TikTok.

His approach to cooking, he said, is all about “continuity and departure from the familiar, trying new and inspiring dishes to share.”

Emad’s culinary journey has been fueled by a deep curiosity and a willingness to experiment. He finds inspiration from a variety of sources, including YouTube cooking channels and films focused on the kitchen.

He also draws ideas from his interactions with his online following, which currently stands at 1.2 million on TikTok.

“As a person who loves films related to the kitchen, my mind is always nourished, and there are many sources of inspiration, such as friends and followers, when they share their amazing recipes with me,” he said.

When asked about cooking tricks he has learned trying new recipes, he said: “One of the secrets I learned is adding soy sauce and vinegar to the chicken after cutting it during the marinating stage, which makes the chicken more able to absorb the spices and enhances the flavor even more.”

To make his dishes more accessible to his Arab audience, Emad has added his own twist to the way he presents his culinary adventures. “By Arabizing it, I change the names of Japanese and Korean dishes to Arabic names without changing the recipe itself,” he said.

He said he mixes “Indomie with different international cuisines” to help bridge the gaps between cultures.

Emad added: “I preserve the traditions of the original dish, but I develop it and present it in a new or trendy way that attracts followers and contributes to disseminating the video.”

When it comes to exploring cuisines from the East, Emad’s advice is simple: “Asian dishes are very diverse, so find what is suitable for you and try it.

“Do not do anything that you are not comfortable with. I know some Asian dishes that are very spicy or very salty. They may not suit some people.”

Emad’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone has resulted in people from other nations asking him to try new recipes.

“For example, a Moroccan asked me to mix a dish from Saudi Arabia with a dish from Morocco, and then the rest of the followers got excited to participate,” he said.

Looking ahead, Emad has ambitious goals: “I aspire to have a TV show, travel around the world and get to know different cooks, try new dishes and transfer them to the Arab world.”

 


Riyadh forum spotlights women’s leadership roles

Updated 07 October 2024
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Riyadh forum spotlights women’s leadership roles

  • Award-winning journalist encourages Saudi women to shape their narrative through media
  • Baria Alamuddin: Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arab world in every sense of the word

RIYADH: The Creative Women Forum, held in Riyadh on Monday, gathered female leaders from around the world to discuss entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, technology, wellness, art, and sports.

Baria Alamuddin, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster in the Middle East and UK, and the editor of the Media Services Syndicate, delivered a keynote speech, urging Saudi women to engage with the media to share their stories.

“Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arab world in every sense of the word,” Alamuddin said.

She shared stories of meeting, working, and interacting with Saudi women, adding she had “never seen women love their country like the women in Saudi Arabia,” and that she had “met some of the strongest women” in the Kingdom.

In an interview with Arab News, Alamuddin expressed her passion for highlighting Saudi women, explaining that she had been frustrated by not knowing enough about them.

After visiting the Saudi Arabia and meeting women in leadership positions, she was amazed by their drive and dedication to the country's development.

“I knew these women were strong, passionate, and driven, with a genuine desire to impact the development of their country,” Alamuddin said.

“Every time I visit the Kingdom, I am amazed by the progress of Saudi women.”

Alamuddin is one of the many distinguished female leaders speaking at the forum.

The two-day event focuses on business, startups, investment, health, female leadership, sports, sustainability, technology, and other key areas. It includes workshops, panel discussions, and question-and-answer sessions with industry experts.

Other topics at the forum include cultural and social transformation, finance, equality in careers, and women’s health and well-being.

Speakers included Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US; Princess Noura Al-Saud, patron of the Creative Women Forum; Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, CEO and founder of the digital health company SDM; and Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan, managing director at C4IR.


Madinah governor receives German ambassador

Updated 07 October 2024
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Madinah governor receives German ambassador

  • The German Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted the 34th Unity Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh

MADINAH: Madinah’s Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab in Madinah on Monday.

The parties discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The German Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted the 34th Unity Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh. The day marks the reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990.

Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating. “That is just one example of how we can establish more people-to-people contact,” he said.

 


The silent gamer: How Xzit Thamer captivated a global audience through silent acting

Updated 07 October 2024
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The silent gamer: How Xzit Thamer captivated a global audience through silent acting

RIYADH: In the world of content creation, few have managed to carve out a niche as distinctive as Saudi gamer Xzit Thamer. Known for his innovative approach to silent acting, Thamer has attracted a global following by relying solely on physical comedy and expressive gestures rather than verbal communication.

His ability to connect with audiences across various cultures has set him apart in the crowded gaming landscape.

Xzit Thamer’s journey began in 2019 and his videos gained traction shortly afterwards, garnering millions of views during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an introvert, he found solace in creating content while many were confined to their homes.

“When corona hit, I was happy,” he said. “I used this energy to create my content. The boom in my popularity coincided with lockdown, and I focused on being different from typical gamer content creators.” His approach resonated with viewers who were looking for light-hearted entertainment during challenging times.

Thamer describes his style as akin to that of Mr. Bean, the beloved character known for his slapstick humor and minimal dialogue. “I have many followers from the US, UK, Spain and Brazil because I don’t talk,” he said.

“I always wanted to be known globally, and I didn’t want to be like other gamers who only stream. I wanted to be different.” His commitment to silent acting has allowed him to reach a diverse audience, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.

Xzit Thamer captivating his audience with silent comedy, blending gaming and physical humor for a global fanbase. (Supplied)

One of Thamer’s primary goals is to increase the percentage of people who play video games. He believes that silent acting can attract those who might not typically engage with gaming content.

Thamer described how he aspires to have an impact across the world with his content. This ambition is evident in his work as he combines visual humor with gaming themes, creating a brand that appeals to both gamers and casual viewers alike.

On social media, Thamer operates under two distinct personas. The first is dedicated to his silent acting, where he uses exaggerated expressions and physical comedy to convey emotions and humor. The second persona focuses on gaming and anime pack openings, where he speaks Arabic and engages with fans in a more traditional format. “Some people don’t know I’m the same person on both channels because my energy is different,” he said, laughing. “Most people didn’t know I was Arab.”

Anime pack opening has become a significant part of Thamer’s content since he ventured into this area in 2022. The activity involves unboxing collectible cards items related to anime. The excitement of revealing rare or valuable cards keeps viewers engaged, turning each video into a thrilling experience. Thamer often opens packs from popular franchises such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh, beloved by fans of all ages.

The interaction during these pack openings is electric. Thamer’s dynamic presence draws in audiences, whether he is revealing a rare card or sharing his enthusiasm for a new collectible. “Kids get really excited when I open the packs,” he said, emphasizing the joy he brings to his viewers. This live interaction has helped him to build a loyal following, as fans eagerly anticipate his next reveal.  

Thamer’s approach caught the attention of the esports community, leading to an exciting opportunity at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. There, he was granted his own activity focused on anime pack openings at Boulevard Riyadh City. This event allowed him to engage with fans in person, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the content creation space. “It was an exciting event where I interacted with my audience and opened packs in front of them,” he said. The energy and excitement at the event showcased his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.

As a content creator, Xzit Thamer has embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with his dual personas. Balancing silent acting with traditional gaming commentary requires creativity and adaptability. “I had to learn how to engage my audience in different ways,” he said. His versatility enables him to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to his own style.   

Xzit Thamer captivating his audience with silent comedy, blending gaming and physical humor for a global fanbase. (Supplied)

The impact of his work extends beyond mere entertainment; Thamer has become a role model for aspiring content creators in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His experience demonstrates that innovation and authenticity can lead to success in the digital world. By combining silent acting with gaming, he has crafted a distinctive identity that resonates with viewers across the world.   

https://www.instagram.com/xzit_thamer/

Looking ahead, Thamer is focused on expanding his reach and continuing to innovate within his content creation. His ambition to increase the gaming community’s visibility and engagement remains a driving force in his work.   

In an increasingly crowded digital landscape, Xzit Thamer has proven that sometimes, less is more. His silent yet expressive approach to content creation captures the essence of universal humor, allowing him to connect with fans around the world. As he continues to grow his brand and explore new avenues within the gaming community, there is no doubt that Xzit Thamer will leave an indelible mark on the world of content creation.


Riyadh dates exhibition drawing huge crowds

Updated 07 October 2024
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Riyadh dates exhibition drawing huge crowds

RIYADH: A dates exhibition in Riyadh has attracted more than 113,000 visitors since launching in August.

The third seasonal dates exhibition is organized by the National Company for Agricultural Services at Al-Rabwah markets in the Saudi capital. It runs until Oct. 31.

The event showcases a wide variety of high-quality local dates from across Saudi Arabia, receiving dozens of tonnes of the fruit daily.

More than 60 producers and marketers are taking part in the exhibition, displaying top date products and benefiting from commercial opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The exhibition offers technical solutions for date marketing, including online ordering via specialized stores. Visitors can also enjoy artistic and entertainment events hosted in pavilions at the market.

Riyadh leads the Kingdom in date production, with the region producing 436,000 of the country’s annual 1.6 million-tonne yield of the fruit.

Saudi Arabia has a positive trade balance in the date industry, with a self-sufficiency rate of 124 percent.

As the Kingdom strengthens its global leadership in date production, the Riyadh exhibition supports sustainable growth and fosters economic opportunities in agriculture.


Ministry honors graduates of artificial intelligence course

Updated 07 October 2024
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Ministry honors graduates of artificial intelligence course

RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has honored graduates of a specialized training program designed to cultivate talent in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which was held in collaboration with Google Cloud at its headquarters in the US.

Deputy Minister for Future Jobs and Capabilities Ibrahem Al-Nasser acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and achievements throughout the program. 

The training covered the latest AI technologies and their practical applications in key sectors including healthcare, industry and education. 

This initiative further solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a frontrunner in global digital innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In collaboration with Google Cloud, the program aligns with the ministry’s strategy to foster digital innovation by equipping participants with the skills needed to lead future technological endeavors.

It aims to provide local talent with opportunities to contribute actively to machine learning- and AI-driven fields, empowering them to play pivotal roles in the nation’s technological progress.