The UN said: “This year’s commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Arabic as one of the six UN official languages”
Updated 19 December 2023
Jasmine Bager
DHAHRAN: Closing out 2023, which has been designated by the Ministry of Culture as the “Year of the Arabic Poetry,” Ithra celebrated International Arabic Language Day, shining a light on Abu Al-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi, an Abbasi era poet considered a wonder of his time.
During the five-day festivities which ended on Dec. 16, more than 10,000 visitors walked throughout Ithra for the event themed “Poet of Desert (Al-Baida),” to celebrate and learn more about Al-Mutanabbi.
The five-day event at Ithra highlighted the works of Abu Al-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi, an Abbasi era poet considered a wonder of his time. (Supplied)
According to the UN, the theme of World Arabic Language Day 2023 — held on Dec. 18 — is “Arabic — the Language of Poetry and Arts.”
The UN said: “This year’s commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Arabic as one of the six UN official languages.” In 1973, the UN General Assembly made the historic decision that Arabic would be one of the official languages of the organization.
The five-day event at Ithra highlighted the works of Abu Al-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi, an Abbasi era poet considered a wonder of his time. (Supplied)
Ithra celebrated the occasion with several events that were curated throughout the center. The outdoor space directly outside of the Ithra main building was transformed into Al-Mutanabbi Street, with offerings from six of the most prestigious Iraqi publishing houses.
HIGHLIGHTS
• According to the UN, the theme of World Arabic Language Day 2023 — held on Dec. 18 — is ‘Arabic — the Language of Poetry and Arts.’
• The festivities at Ithra included workshops, story readings, and book signings among other activities for all ages.
Local artist Salma Al-Shaikh offered a pyrography workshop, which combined quotes from poetry with a tangible object. She taught visitors how to burn their favorite lines of poetry on parchment produced from animal skins.
The five-day event at Ithra highlighted the works of Abu Al-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi, an Abbasi era poet considered a wonder of his time. (Supplied)
She said that carrier pigeons used to transport important memos via parchment and vellum because the material was lightweight yet more durable and practical than paper. Ink used on parchment would retain its structure even in rainy or windy conditions, Al-Shaikh added.
The festivities at Ithra also included story readings, book signings and plenty of activities for children and adults alike.
Fire triggers partial collapse of Jeddah International Market building facade
Updated 4 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: A fire broke out early Sunday morning at the Jeddah International Market building in the Al Rawdah district, causing the partial collapse of the building's facade, Al Arabiya news channel reported.
Local authorities and emergency services were quickly on the scene to contain the fire and ensure the safety of nearby residents and businesses. There have been no immediate reports of casualties.
Saudi foreign minister, UN envoy discuss Syrian crisis
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two discussed cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UN on the Syrian issue, the efforts of the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee, and regional developments.
Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, also attended the meeting.
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 28 September 2024
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.
Teenage science prodigy hopes to win Saudi Arabia’s first Nobel honor
“I was inspired by Marie Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in chemistry,” Al-Harbi told Arab News. “I aim to be the first Saudi woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry”
Updated 28 September 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: A 17-year-old from a small Saudi Arabian town is hoping to become the Kingdom’s first Nobel Prize winner one day.
Sali Al-Harbi, from Al-Qawara in Qassim, has gained national recognition for her work in chemistry and renewable energy. She is also the founder and CEO of the Mulhum Foundation, a youth platform dedicated to community service and raising awareness about volunteer work.
Al-Harbi gained further recognition by becoming the youngest winner of an award for social responsibility, sponsored by Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, for her work with the Mulhum Foundation. (Supplied)
The young scientist’s fascination with chemistry began when she was just 12 years old.
“I was inspired by Marie Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in chemistry,” Al-Harbi told Arab News. “I aim to be the first Saudi woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.”
FASTFACTS
• Sali Al-Harbi, from Al-Qawara in Qassim, has gained national recognition for her work in chemistry and renewable energy.
• She is the founder and CEO of Mulhum Foundation, a youth platform dedicated to community service and raising awareness about volunteer work.
Al-Harbi became the youngest trainee at the Prince Sultan Center for Cardiac Medicine and Surgery and later completed five research projects in chemistry and robotics.
“This award recognized my efforts, including the foundation I started, which focuses on volunteering for ages 11 to 25,” she said. (Supplied)
This included developing a photoelectric catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into renewable energy, which was conducted with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and King Saud University.
Al-Harbi gained further recognition by becoming the youngest winner of an award for social responsibility, sponsored by Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, for her work with the Mulhum Foundation.
“This award recognized my efforts, including the foundation I started, which focuses on volunteering for ages 11 to 25,” she said. “I plan to participate again this year with new projects and aim to secure first place once more.”
Balancing a demanding schedule of studies, research and leadership roles is no mean feat, but Al-Harbi applies the “8x8x8 rule” — her day is divided into eight hours each for work, rest and personal time.
Sali’s dedication has been recognized through numerous awards and honors from various organizations, including the Minister of Education, the Misk Foundation, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation.
Her role in the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Award for Excellence in Education, which includes schools across the Gulf Cooperation Council, represents another step in her journey.
“Participating in this award is a significant opportunity for me to showcase my work and contribute to the field of education,” she said. “My research aims to explore innovative methods for renewable energy, aligning with global and local sustainability goals.”
Despite the challenges, Al-Harbi remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. She said: “The balance between academics, research, and leadership requires strong time management and perseverance, Staying organized and focused helps me achieve my goals and contribute effectively to my community.”
Her story is just one example of the potential of Saudi youth. Her achievements are an inspiration to others and demonstrate the impact of dedication and hard work.
“My advice to other young people is to seize opportunities, participate in local programs and competitions, develop skills, and build community relationships wherever possible,” she 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 28 September 2024
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.
