Saudi crown prince holds talks with US Senator Cory Booker in Jeddah
Updated 04 July 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a visit from US Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat who represents the state of New Jersey.
During their meeting in Jeddah, the crown prince and the senator, and the latter’s accompanying delegation, reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries, and other issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Others at the meeting included Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Saudi ambassador to the US; Musaed Al-Aiban, Saudi national security adviser, minister of state and Cabinet member; and Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to the Kingdom.
Saudi foreign minister holds meetings ahead of Arab and Islamic Summit on Gaza, Lebanon wars
Updated 14 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Sunday held a series of meetings ahead of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit to be held on Monday.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with several foreign ministers, including Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Mustafa, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Bassam Sabbagh, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib, and Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
In his meeting with Mustafa, discussions focused on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian and political challenges facing the region.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of collective action within the framework of the summit's agenda.
The conversation with Syria's Sabbagh centered on relations and included an exchange on key regional and international developments of mutual concern. The two ministers highlighted the need for continued dialogue to foster regional stability and cooperation.
During discussions with the Lebanese FM, Prince Faisal reviewed current issues affecting Lebanon amid Hezbollah's war with Israel and explored ways to support the country amid its ongoing challenges.
The meeting with Nigeria's Tuggar covered a range of topics from the summit’s agenda and touched on shared regional and global concerns. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations and addressing international issues of mutual interest.
All the meetings were attended by Dr. Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office.
Saudi crown prince receives call from Iran president
Updated 5 min 13 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the phone call, Pezeshkian praised the Kingdom’s initiative to host a joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit to discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon. The president expressed his wishes that the summit would be a success.
A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
Arina Pizzeria blends Italian flavors with proud representation for deaf community
Updated 46 min 59 sec ago
Hind AlKhunaizi
RIYADH: In bustling Qatif, where the vibrant flavors of Italy meet the rich culture of Saudi Arabia, a memorable dining experience awaits that challenges perceptions and redefines communication.
Imagine a place where the rhythm does not come from music but from the graceful motions of hands and the expressive faces of its staff.
Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.
Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan opened Arina Pizzeria in September, marking a milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals. (AN photos/Instagram/arinapizza.sa)
Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan earned their master’s degrees in business management in the US and returned to their hometown of Qatif to pursue their passions for culinary arts and inclusivity.
In September this year they proudly opened Arina Pizzeria, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals.
“I was inspired by the idea of creating a place where the deaf community, especially those who came to Qatif for work, could meet,” Alshbrka told Arab News.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.
• By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society.
This vision emerged from his previous role as the general manager of Three Dimension Trading Est., where he regularly interacted with deaf individuals.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the name, Alshbrka said: “I wanted to honor my beautiful wife, so I named the restaurant Arina.”
Hussain Alshbrka, Arina Pizzeria co-founder
This personal touch is complemented by a creative design ethos, he explained: “I wanted the restaurant to be a creative blend of architecture and art. I wanted it to be an attractive gathering place that satisfies the eye and is unique in appearance, with a modern and elegant architectural style.”
Upon entering, guests are greeted by the restaurant’s motto: “A slice of silence, a world of flavor.”
At Arina, effective communication between employees and customers is crucial. “We use multiple communication methods. Technology provides an excellent and effective tool for translating speech into written words,” Alshbrka said.
This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society. It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.
Hussain Alshbrka, Arina Pizzeria co-founder
“We also use easily accessible QR code technology on tables for customers to scan with their mobile phones, producing a visual representation that is a preferred method of communication for our deaf employees.”
The restaurant is breaking barriers in the community. “Many customers want to learn sign language as a way to communicate with us directly, which is always welcomed and appreciated,” he added.
The staff undergo rigorous training. “If they do not already possess these skills, it is easy to learn a new language when it is used regularly, especially in a work environment with somewhat predictable responses.”
Upon entering, guests are thoughtfully presented with a card showcasing the alphabet in sign language. (AN photo)
Alshbrka’s belief in equality is reflected in Arina’s commitment to hiring deaf individuals: “I am convinced that a deaf person is capable of doing anything a hearing person can do when given the opportunity and training.”
By employing deaf individuals, Arina demonstrates that abilities transcend barriers and that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to thrive.
Customer interactions at Arina have led to memorable moments, highlighting the restaurant’s unique approach. He recalled: “One of my most unique and unforgettable experiences was when one of our customers expressed gratitude to our staff in Bulgarian. This again demonstrated that language should not be a barrier between people.”
The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Alshbrka emphasized: “The language barrier between our hearing customers and deaf employees has eroded, and we have begun to see the fruits of our labor.”
This collective effort has created a harmonious environment where everyone can come together.
Despite the challenges faced during the launch, Alshbrka said the support from across the Kingdom has been a testament to the community’s embrace of Arina.
The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. “This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society,” its founder said. “It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.”
By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society.
Arina goes beyond simply serving food, it serves as a beacon of empowerment, proving that with passion and partnership, barriers can be broken, allowing diverse voices to harmonize beautifully.
Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran
Updated 10 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The chief of staff of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces visited Tehran on Sunday to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said.
Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and Iran’s Major General Mohammad Bagheri discussed opportunities to develop relations between the two countries in the military and defense fields.
They also discussed cooperation between the two in a way that might contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region, the MoD added.
Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking
Updated 10 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program.
The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held at the commission’s headquarters in Riyadh, it was organized in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
It featured the participation of several experts and specialists from relevant government agencies and covered key topics including communication strategies with trainees, the role and responsibilities of the trainer, and speech skills.
It also addressed building trust, time management, and effective leadership.
The program is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen national capacity in the field.
It aligns with the implementation of the second phase of the memorandum of understanding between the commission and the UN for technical cooperation in combating human trafficking.
