JEDDAH: A businessman accused of stealing $1.5 billion while working in the UAE could face extradition to the UAE after being detained in Jeddah. Khater Massaad at one point ran the sovereign wealth fund of Ras Al-Khaimah.
Ras Al-Khaimah last month accused him of stealing while heading the fund. A report carried on Emirati state media said he fled the country after questions about his business activities arose in 2012.
A statement released to AP on Massaad’s behalf Wednesday said he was taken into custody the previous day in Jeddah, based on a UAE arrest warrant.
Massaad holds Swiss citizenship and has business interests in several countries.
The government of Ras Al-Khaimah said Wednesday the warrant follows Massaad’s conviction in absentia last October for fraud and other criminal activity.
The emirate is also seeking his arrest on additional charges of fraud and diversion of public funds in relation to a seaport project in the country of Georgia. It said it will work with Saudi authorities to ensure he is returned to the Emirates to stand trial.
$1.5bn embezzler arrested
$1.5bn embezzler arrested
Jeddah and Taif earn World Region of Gastronomy 2027 title
- Recognition opens new avenues for international collaboration in food culture, research and tourism, says culinary commission CEO
RIYADH: Jeddah and Taif have been awarded the World Region of Gastronomy 2027 title according to the criteria set by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism.
A recent report issued by the institute highlighted efforts to “preserve culinary heritage, support local biodiversity, empower youth and entrepreneurs in the food sector, and promote sustainable environmental practices.”
Mayada Badr, CEO of Culinary Arts Commission, said: “The award also reflects the ongoing legacy of excellence initiated by the Asir region, which held the same title in 2024.”
The two Saudi cities received the prestigious title following a comprehensive field visit by an international jury of IGCAT experts, who met key local stakeholders and assessed the region’s commitment to holistic sustainable development standards linking gastronomy, culture, responsible tourism, and economic and social development.
The commission led a broad national coalition to achieve the milestone, with participation from strategic partners including King Abdulaziz University, Dar Al-Hekma University, Jeddah Development Authority, Al-Balad Development Co., Azka Foods, Queen Taste, Aysh Academy, the Tour Guides Cooperative and the Abdullah Al-Thagafi Cultural Center.
“These efforts converged to support education, innovation and skills development, strengthen cultural identity and link gastronomy with responsible tourism,” she said.
By receiving the title, Jeddah and Taif join an exclusive global network of leading World Regions of Gastronomy, opening new opportunities for international collaboration in food research and development, cultural exchange and attracting responsible tourism that values authentic heritage.
The recognition will also serve as a catalyst for developing long-term plans that place culinary arts at the heart of the creative economy, contribute to income diversification and promote intercultural dialogue.
Badr told Arab News that the designation represents a high-level international acknowledgment of the richness of Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage and its commitment to holistic sustainable development across economic, social, cultural and environmental sectors.
The achievement is part of a continuous journey building on the success of the Asir region in 2024, reflecting a national strategic vision to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global gastronomy map and highlighting the role of cuisine as a bridge for preserving identity and empowering communities, Badr said.
She also highlighted that the international jury observed firsthand the efforts to support food and biodiversity, protect heritage, and empower youth to contribute to innovations advancing the creative economy and sustainable tourism development.
“Through this inclusion in the global platform, Jeddah and Taif will collaborate with their counterparts worldwide to promote sustainable food practices, support local food systems, advance food research and education, and establish gastronomy as an effective means of cultural exchange,” she added.
The title will act as a strong catalyst for developing long-term plans that position culinary arts as a core pillar for preserving intangible cultural heritage, diversifying economic sources, and promoting dialogue and understanding among cultures and peoples, Badr said.
