Saudi Arabia, France discuss economic cooperation, global aid
KSrelief, business and trade officials hold talks with visiting French parliamentarians, industry leaders
40 French and 90 Saudi Arabian companies participate in Riyadh conference
Updated 08 December 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Leading government and business representatives from Saudi Arabia and France held discussions on economic cooperation, global aid initiatives and human rights at a conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of the Kingdom’s aid body KSrelief, briefed Amelia Lakrafi, chair of the French-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Committee, on the nation’s efforts worldwide.
Al-Rabeeah, who is also an adviser at the royal court, said KSrelief has implemented 2,625 projects in 94 countries worth over $6 billion, and spent a further $483 million in various sectors, in cooperation with 175 international, regional and local partners, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s Human Rights Commission President Dr. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, had discussions with Lakrafi and her delegation on ways to improve cooperation.
Officials from Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program also held talks with French representatives at the conference titled “France 2030 and Vision 2030: Toward Energy and Industry Transformation.”
The conference — attended by Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar AlKhorayef and France’s Ambassador Ludovic Pouille — showcased over 40 French companies, 16 governmental entities from both sides, and 90 Saudi Arabia firms.
The expanded collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France will include skills training and support for startups.
Abdullah Sharbatly is culinary world’s hottest rising star
Compelling content includes filming animals before cooking
Saudi, 23, has now garnered over 150m views on social media
Updated 11 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: At only 23, Abdullah Sharbatly has transformed his passion for cooking into a vibrant online presence.
The Saudi Arabia content creator has garnered more than 150 million views for his captivating and sometimes shocking videos.
Sharbatly’s content is not for the fainthearted; it might be triggering for vegans as he often films live animals including ducks, rabbits and goats before cooking them.
Abdullah Sharbatly’s content is not for the fainthearted; it might be triggering for vegans as he often films live animals including ducks, rabbits and goats before cooking them. (Supplied)
In just one year, he has carved a niche for himself by showcasing dishes using ingredients not commonly featured in everyday cooking.
“What truly boosted my followers was the unique food I prepared,” Sharbatly said.
“I became the first in Saudi Arabia to create content like this, showing live animals, and my videos stood out for being short, never exceeding 20 seconds, focusing on easy and simple cooking techniques.”
Living in a fast-paced environment taught me to keep my videos short and direct. I wanted to ensure that even people with busy livescouldsee Sharbatly is determined to how easy it is to prepare great food quickly.
Abdullah Sharbatly, Culinary content creator
This innovative approach has allowed him to condense entire recipes into quick clips that resonate with viewers, particularly those with busy lifestyles.
Sharbatly’s approach to content is based on the idea that cooking should be accessible and enjoyable. (Supplied)
Sharbatly’s journey began when he moved to the UK to study. It was there that he and his friends decided to film themselves cooking a simple pizza in an oven.
To their surprise, the video went viral, reaching 1.8 million views on TikTok. “I was always into vlogging but I used to vlog my adventures at the beach while riding jet skis. When this video hit 1 million, I decided to focus more on cooking videos.”
His early experiences in the UK not only influenced his cooking style but also expanded his horizons regarding different cuisines and ingredients.
Abdullah Sharbatly’s content is not for the fainthearted; it might be triggering for vegans as he often films live animals including ducks, rabbits and goats before cooking them. (Supplied)
“Living in a fast-paced environment taught me to keep my videos short and direct,” Sharbatly explained. “I wanted to ensure that even people with busy lives could see how easy it is to prepare great food quickly.”
One of his standout videos features him cooking a sheep’s brain, a traditional Arabic delicacy, while another highlights the preparation of a baby goat. “I love cooking,” he said. “I used to cook anywhere I traveled, but it never occurred to me to film it before.”
Despite his massive popularity, Sharbatly has not become a fulltime influencer. “Social media is a hobby for me. I don’t need to make it an income because I’ve always loved filming.”
He continues to work in business with his family, balancing his passion with his professional life.
Sharbatly’s approach to content is based on the idea that cooking should be accessible and enjoyable.
“Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming,” he emphasized. “I want my viewers to see cooking as an adventure,” he said. “Using unique ingredients creates excitement and discovery.”
His philosophy resonates with his audience at a time where attention spans are shrinking. “People appreciate content that gets straight to the point,” he observed.
By condensing his content into short clips, he effectively removes the stress often associated with cooking. “Great meals can be made quickly and easily,” he said.
Among his favorite dishes to prepare is lamb, slow-cooked with traditional spices. “It reminds me of family gatherings and celebrations,” he explained.
Another favorite is seafood, especially lobster, which he finds luxurious yet simple to cook. “These dishes allow me to honor traditional flavors while adding my own creative touch,” he said.
Transitioning from casual cooking to more dedicated content creation came with its challenges. Sharbatly had to learn the intricacies of filming, editing, and presenting his cooking in an engaging manner.
“The balance between staying true to my personal style and appealing to a broad audience was the biggest challenge,” he said. He also had to adapt to the fast-paced nature of social media, where trends change rapidly, demanding constant innovation.
Looking ahead, Sharbatly aims to expand his platform with a line of products and workshops, and inspire more people to embrace cooking. “I’m exploring potential collaborations with other chefs and influencers,” he revealed.
The most rewarding aspect of his journey has been the positive feedback from those who try his recipes. “Knowing that I’ve helped someone discover their passion for cooking, or made their day easier, is incredibly fulfilling,” he said.
Sharbatly is determined to remain grounded. “It’s all about prioritizing and managing my time effectively,” he said.
Sharbatly dreams of cooking for his late grandmother. “I’d love to share some of the dishes I’ve created using the skills I learned from her,” he said.
AlUla dates auction attracts international investors
The palm sector in AlUla governorate represents the most significant agricultural activity, covering an area of about 16,579 hectares, with a total of 3,116 date palms and an annual production of about 116,055 tons
Updated 22 min 58 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The AlUla Dates Festival Auction has seen increased interest from investors in the palm and date sector from various countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Royal Commission for AlUla has carried out marketing and media campaigns to promote the various types of dates in the region, the investment opportunities it has facilitated for investors, and the dedicated sales platforms inside and outside the Kingdom.
AlUla dates are renowned for their diversity and quality.
The palm sector in AlUla governorate represents the most significant agricultural activity, covering an area of about 16,579 hectares, with a total of 3,116 date palms and an annual production of about 116,055 tons.
The date palms of AlUla are distinguished by their diverse varieties, with barni being the most prominent type, accounting for 80 percent of the annual harvest, in addition to the varieties of halwa, anbara and medjool
The festival runs through to Nov. 9, held every Friday and Saturday in AlUla.
They discussed intensifying coordination to stop all Israeli violations against the Palestinian people, the military escalation against Lebanon and its people
Updated 23 min 3 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi participated in the joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab States and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York.
During the meeting, the two blocs discussed enhancing cooperation between GCC and CELAC in various fields and intensifying coordination on issues of mutual interest.
They also discussed increasing cooperation in the development and economic fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Mexico Haitham Al-Maliki and director of the GCC department, Anas Alwasedy.
Al-Rassi also participated in the annual coordinating meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers in New York.
During the meeting, they discussed intensifying coordination to stop all Israeli violations against the Palestinian people, the military escalation against Lebanon and its people, and the importance of supporting all international efforts aimed at an immediate cessation of military escalation, which threatens civilian safety, international peace and stability.
The report showed that among the 1,226 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 51 percent were Ethiopian, 48 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities
Updated 23 min 19 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 15,324 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 9,235 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,772 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,317 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,226 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 51 percent were Ethiopian, 48 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 116 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and four were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Montecupo praised the relief and humanitarian projects and programs provided by the Kingdom through KSrelief
Updated 22 min 17 sec ago
Arab News
NEW YORK: Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, general supervisor of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, met Minister of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs of the Order of Malta Riccardo Paterno di Montecupo, at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City.
During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Montecupo praised the relief and humanitarian projects and programs provided by the Kingdom through KSrelief, its humanitarian arm, to alleviate the suffering of the needy around the world.
