JEDDAH: Some Saudis have developed fear of meat following stories of dubious-quality meat being smuggled into cities after Haj.
Despite attempts by the authorities to deter smugglers of sacrificial meat from selling illegally, some reportedly escaped detention. The problem is that many Saudis will eat such meat in restaurants, while some might attempt to sell it at cheaper prices.
It is reassuring, however, that most often authorities can control the quality of meat in restaurants and slaughterhouses.
Recently, civic officials foiled an attempt to smuggle and sell expired meat at one of the main entrances to Makkah. One of the officers, Hassan Balubaid, said his department confiscated about 150 kg of rotten meat.
The municipality of neighboring provinces caught 53 vehicles carrying 526 heads of livestock coming from the holy sites.
The news related to the safety and quality of food remains alarming.
Misfer Al-Harthy, 39, said he fears going to restaurants, especially those that rely heavily on the sale of cooked meat and rice, and has great difficulty convincing his two boys not to eat fast food because he does not trust the quality of food there.
Salem Al-Dossary, who usually eats only grilled food at restaurants, thinks the quality of the meat is not important because once exposed to the fire and cooked well, it ceases being harmful.
Bad meat fear keeps Saudis off eateries
Bad meat fear keeps Saudis off eateries
Deal signed to boost Saudi film talent
- The signing took place on the sidelines of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah
- Under the agreement, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Riyadh University of Arts will develop bachelor’s and diploma curriculums and courses for the university’s College of Film
RIYADH: The Riyadh University of Arts, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, has signed an agreement with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts to develop cultural and artistic talent and support cultural exchange.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development Noha Kattan signed on behalf of the Riyadh University of Arts, while the USC was represented by Alan Baker, associate dean of the School of Cinematic Arts.
Under the agreement, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Riyadh University of Arts will develop bachelor’s and diploma curriculums and courses for the university’s College of Film.
Senior faculty and staff from the USC School of Cinematic Arts will share best practices with students at the College of Film and create training programs for new instructors locally and internationally.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts is one of the world’s leading film schools. Based in Los Angeles, it has strong industry ties and has produced many of Hollywood’s notable filmmakers and storytellers over nearly a century.
The school offers an interdisciplinary learning environment using the latest technologies and storytelling methods across film, television and interactive media.
The agreement is part of a wider series of partnerships between the Riyadh University of Arts and global institutions to co-design academic programs, collaborate on research and expand cultural education opportunities.
The Riyadh University of Arts was launched in September 2025 at the Cultural Investment Conference by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
It aims to serve as a foundation for creative education and cultural innovation, equipping students with the skills needed to support the Kingdom’s cultural sector.
The university will expand in phases and cover all subsectors, offering a full academic portfolio to support continuous education in arts and culture. Programs will include short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, master’s degrees and doctorates.
Full details about the university, its colleges and its partnerships will be published on its official website when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.
