Guided by trained facilitators, children made dipped date balls, nut-stuffed dates, and light meals with bread and dates
Workshops focused on nutritious ingredients, simple preparation steps, and creative presentation
Updated 04 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Chef’s Kitchen corner at the Madinah Book Fair drew strong interest from young visitors, who joined hands-on workshops to prepare healthy recipes using Madinah’s famous dates.
Guided by trained facilitators and with safety in mind, children made dipped date balls, nut-stuffed dates, and light meals with bread and dates.
The workshops focused on nutritious ingredients, simple preparation steps, and creative presentation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Beyond cooking, the sessions aimed to boost sensory and motor skills, promote nutritional awareness, and deepen appreciation for local products — especially dates as a key part of Madinah’s culinary heritage.
Meanwhile, the Story Lab corner sparked creativity through interactive storytelling, where children crafted short stories using elements from a digital screen.
Participants tackled literary challenges that developed their storytelling skills in a playful learning environment. The activity also enhanced Arabic vocabulary and fostered pride in the language as a tool for creative expression.
The fair concluded on Aug. 4 at the King Salman International Convention Center with more than 300 local, regional, and international publishers participating.
Golden Globes honor Hend Sabry, Alia Bhatt at Red Sea International Film Festival
Sabry given Omar Sharif Award, Bhatt the Horizon Award
Praise for the 2 women’s pioneering roles in world cinema
Updated 11 December 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: The Golden Globes on Wednesday recognized Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabry and Indian actress Alia Bhatt at a gala dinner held during the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award.
Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award. (Getty Images)
Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award.
Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award. (Getty Images)
The event featured a star-studded guest list, including US filmmakers Sean Baker and Darren Aronofsky, US actresses Sigourney Weaver and Shailene Woodley, British actress Naomie Harris, and French-Ukrainian star Olga Kurylenko.
Also in attendance were British actor-director Idris Elba, Venezuelan-American actor Edgar Ramirez, Indian actor Salman Khan, British-Malaysian actor Henry Golding, and British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed.
Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said at the event that Sarby was “a truly iconic performer and humanitarian whose body of work reflects the depth, power and global impact of Arab cinema, while paying tribute to Omar’s remarkable legacy as a pioneering Egyptian artist.”
The late Sharif was the first Egyptian-born actor to win a Golden Globe, and was also a three-time recipient for his roles in “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.”
“I am deeply honored to receive a prestigious award named after one of the true legends of cinema from this part of the world,” Sabry said.
“My career has been devoted to uplifting women with complex stories and I am thrilled to be sharing this Golden Globes stage with Alia Bhatt, one of the next generation’s brightest and most talented stars.
“It’s a significant moment for women in our industry and I am so pleased to be part of the Golden Globes’ enduring history.”
Hoehne said Bhatt was recognized for her “exceptional contributions to international cinema and the continued rise of the Middle East as a dynamic and influential hub for film and television on a global stage.”
The Golden Globes Horizon Award recognizes an emerging creative talent whose rising profile is shaping both regional and international culture.
“This is an honor to be recognized by the Golden Globes and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak for a new generation of aspiring performers and women who are making a difference in film and television around the world,” Bhatt said.
“At a time when global voices are coming together to tell more inclusive and impactful stories, this recognition feels especially meaningful.
“The Golden Globes are an iconic part of the global awards universe and I am delighted to be part of it and look forward to continuing my career in telling more stories of powerful and deserving women.”
