Saudi Culinary Arts Commission broadens its global reach

The partnership between the Culinary Arts Commission and Sirha Food includes participation in the World Pastry Cup Final and the Sirha Exhibition. (SPA)
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Updated 03 October 2024
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Saudi Culinary Arts Commission broadens its global reach

  • Saudi Culinary Arts Commission’s CEO, Mayada Badr, emphasized that the collaboration with Sirha Food was key in the development of the Kingdom’s culinary arts

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission plans to elevate the Kingdom’s food culture in global forums and competitions dedicated to the culinary arts, Saudi Press Agency reported.

This was revealed during the commission’s announcement of a strategic partnership with the international organization Sirha Food.

According to SPA, through this partnership, the Kingdom will host the Middle East regional selection for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or and World Pastry Cup next year, marking a significant milestone in the development of its culinary arts sector.

These prestigious competitions seek to discover the region’s top talent, offering the chance to compete globally and giving Saudi chefs an international platform to showcase their expertise.

The partnership between the Culinary Arts Commission and Sirha Food includes participation in the World Pastry Cup Final, the Bocuse d’Or Final, and the Sirha Exhibition, all set to take place in Lyon, France, in January 2025.

This collaboration builds on the existing partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, which previously brought the Sirha Arabia exhibition to Riyadh, SPA reported.

The commission’s CEO, Mayada Badr, emphasized that the collaboration with Sirha Food was key in the development of the Kingdom’s culinary arts. She said that hosting the regional Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup, alongside the commission’s participation in Sirha Lyon, reflected a strong commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s global presence in this field.

Badr said that this partnership was part of the authority’s efforts to elevate the culinary arts sector by forging strategic partnerships that enriched the Kingdom’s culinary landscape. This initiative not only promoted the sector’s growth but also empowered Saudi chefs and nurtured local talent, she said.


Saudi Arabia condemns bombing at rail station in Pakistan

Passengers’ belongings are seen scattered on the platform after an explosion at a railway station in Quetta, in Balochistan.
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Saudi Arabia condemns bombing at rail station in Pakistan

  • “The Kingdom reiterates its position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement said
  • At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the bomb blast in Quetta, Balochistan province

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a bomb blast at a railway station in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan that killed 24 people on Saturday.

“The Kingdom reiterates its position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement said. 

The ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the bomb blast in Quetta, Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack.


Platform inspires children to learn about Saudi cultural heritage

Platform offers interactive content on historic landmarks, renowned cultural figures and vibrant art forms. (MoC)
Updated 10 November 2024
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Platform inspires children to learn about Saudi cultural heritage

  • Initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader children’s program aimed at nurturing national pride by providing gateway for children to explore their cultural heritage

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture has launched the Child’s Culture digital platform to spark children’s interest in Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.

The platform offers interactive content on historic landmarks, renowned cultural figures and vibrant art forms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Young explorers can delve into various sections, such as Cultural Monuments, which showcases iconic heritage sites; Cultural Luminaries, which introduces influential Saudi figures; and Cultural Recommendations, which features weekly updates on cultural experiences.

The Puzzle Game section challenges players to assemble fragments of paintings from different regions to reveal a complete masterpiece.

Catering to auditory learners, the platform offers the “Podcast Tawela,” with content tailored to capture the imagination of young audiences.

The platform also offers a variety of training activities to nurture children’s cultural talents. These include Be Creative with Your Handwriting with Arabic Poetry, which provides handwriting lessons for young Arabic learners; Let’s Discover Culture Together, a coloring book that introduces children to cultural concepts through art; and The Little Writer, which guides children in writing and composition.

The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader children’s program aimed at nurturing national pride by providing an accessible and engaging gateway for children to explore their cultural heritage.

Through innovative and interactive content, the platform fosters knowledge, skills development, and a deep appreciation of Saudi culture and identity.

The platform is accessible at moc.gov.sa/en/Modules/Pages/Child-Culture.


Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia face legal action for social media violations

Saudi Ministry of Health
Updated 10 November 2024
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Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia face legal action for social media violations

  • Ministry found video clips violating healthcare regulations and professional ethics, SPA reported Sunday
  • In response, the ministry initiated legal proceedings with the relevant authorities, referring cases for regulatory action

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health has taken action against several healthcare practitioners who posted inappropriate content on social media.

The ministry found video clips violating healthcare regulations and professional ethics, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Violations included posting indecent content, using improper language, breaching workplace policies, mistreating patients and sharing an inappropriate video featuring a hospitalized patient.

The offending practitioners were identified in Riyadh, Jazan and Tabuk, the SPA reported.

In response, the ministry initiated legal proceedings with the relevant authorities, referring cases for regulatory action.

The enforcement supports the ministry’s role in upholding professional standards, healthcare quality and patient rights.

“This action stems from our commitment to ensuring compliance with professional standards in healthcare practice,” the ministry said.

It emphasized that healthcare professionals must comply with regulations to serve public and individual interests while respecting dignity and safety.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties’ Code of Medical Ethics prohibits patient filming except for approved purposes, with violations risking license revocation. Practitioners are also barred from self-promotion except in authorized cases.

Under the Cybercrime Law, violators face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and fines of up to SR3 million ($799,000) for producing content that breaches public values.


Arab, Muslim leaders to meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on Gaza, Lebanon wars

Updated 10 November 2024
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Arab, Muslim leaders to meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on Gaza, Lebanon wars

RIYADH: Arab and Muslim leaders will convene in Saudi Arabia for a summit scheduled for Monday that will focus on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The escalating violence in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories, including the brutal Israeli aggression, has compelled Arab and Islamic leaders to take urgent action,” read a statement on SPA.

The summit builds on the earlier Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2023, to address the dangerous and unprecedented developments in Gaza and the rest of Palestine.

“This requires solidarity among Arab and Islamic nations to confront these challenges and mitigate their consequences,” SPA added.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine, along with the secretaries-general of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, aim to initiate immediate international action to halt the war on Gaza and achieve a lasting, comprehensive peace.

The Saudi state news channel Al-Ekhbariya broadcast footage on Sunday of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati landing in Riyadh.


Saudi woman practices AlUla’s ancient shannah tradition

Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi woman practices AlUla’s ancient shannah tradition

  • Method for storing dates is kept alive

Riyadh: In the heart of the palm oases in AlUla, Hailah Al-Enezi stands out for her dedication to preserving the traditional craft of shannah, an ancient method for storing dates.

Boasting over 25 years of experience, Al-Enezi has skillfully kept this heritage craft alive, reflecting the rich history of the people of AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The process of creating shannah relies on techniques that Al-Enezi learned in her childhood.

It involves the preparation and traditional treatment of natural leather to produce durable and aesthetically pleasing containers in various shapes and sizes.

While shannah is primarily used for storing dates, it has also become a symbol of heritage and a connection between generations.

This traditional craft attracts tourists and heritage enthusiasts who often purchase these handmade pieces as gifts and souvenirs when visiting AlUla.

Al-Enezi not only crafts unique bags that preserve the quality of dates, but her work also contributes to enhancing the region's cultural identity.

Her products have become a symbol of heritage that appeals to visitors seeking authentic handmade items from AlUla.

In addition, Al-Enezi goes beyond her craft by passing on her knowledge to the next generation, training young women in the traditional art, the SPA added.

Her efforts help ensure both the continuity and the revitalization of the craft.