‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

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Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
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Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
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Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
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Updated 14 June 2025
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‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

  • From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality

RIYADH: For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.

Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.




Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)

The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.

Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.

A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.

A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.

This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.

 


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.