https://arab.news/g4rtu
CAIRO: The Kingdom’s Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih has been holding talks with his Egyptian counterpart Hassan El-Khatib in El-Alamein, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The ministers discussed investment opportunities and cooperation in several sectors.
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has put up on display a rare collection of postage stamps that chronicle contemporary Saudi history covering various national occasions and events, both before and after the founding of the Kingdom.
The library’s stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.
The oldest stamp in the collection dates back to March 1925.
A particularly significant historical stamp commemorates King Abdulaziz’s accession to the throne in 1931-1932, preceding the unification of the Kingdom on Sept. 23, 1932. The first stamp bearing the name “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” was issued in 1934, with several editions printed in various colors.
During King Abdulaziz’s reign, stamp collections were issued to mark significant events such as the opening of the railway, visits by Arab and Islamic leaders and the introduction of airmail services.
The rare stamp collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical development of Saudi Arabia and its postal system, SPA reported.
RIYADH: A falcon has been sold for $16,000 on the 11th night of this year’s Saudi Falcons Club auction, with the initial bid at $3,000 less.
The sale of the Saker falcon on Monday night was held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, where the auction will continue until Nov. 15, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The club’s auction is the largest event of its kind in the Kingdom and aligns with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to support the industry.
The club’s mission is to develop Saudi Arabia into a worldwide hub for enthusiasts and breeders.
It also wants to ensure endangered species are protected by blocking sales of such birds, the SPA reported.
JEDDAH: The Red Sea Coral Reef Fish and Fisheries Forum began in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The two-day event aims to bolster efforts to preserve coral reef fish populations and fisheries while enhancing ecosystem sustainability in the Red Sea.
Organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, the forum brings together 37 experts in marine ecosystems from Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Several governmental entities are taking part to discuss cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other countries.
Additionally, the event showcases initiatives to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable development in the Red Sea.
The forum focuses on three main topics: Managing coral reef fisheries, mitigating the impact of fisheries on sea turtles and addressing threats to coral reefs to develop effective preservation strategies.
It is part of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s efforts to protect marine environments and enhance cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals for future generations.
MAKKAH: A Saudi-owned bakery in Paris is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s famed patisseries and giving the best French chefs a run for their money.
Blending French charm with Middle Eastern flair, Lam’s offerings include feta and za’atar buns, halva cookies and even the traditional Saudi kleicha.
Its founder, Abdullatef Al-Rashoudi, grew up in a family of seven children. His father, a brigadier general and commander in the Saudi army, relocated the family to the US for work.
His mother, of Syrian descent, was raised in Syria by the well-known Al-Rawaf family from Qassim. This created a unique cultural blend for Al-Rashoudi, shaping his modern outlook.
He told Arab News: “My life took a radical turn after my father passed away in 1997. I transitioned from childhood to facing significant responsibilities at the age of eight.
“I continued my studies at Dar-Assalam schools in Riyadh, graduating in 2007. I then joined the College of Medicine at King Saud University, where I obtained my medical degree in 2013.
“Afterward, I traveled to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious McGill University, and then to France in 2016 to start a fellowship program in orthopedic surgery.”
According to Al-Rashoudi, he faced some difficulties in the program, leading him to pause his studies and return to Riyadh, where he worked at King Saud University for a year.
“In 2019, I decided to completely change my career path after realizing that my true passion lies in culinary arts, not medicine,” he added.
“With the support of my family and a scholarship from the Misk Foundation, I pursued culinary studies at Le Cordon Bleu in France, a longtime dream of mine.
“There, I honed my skills in the arts, and after graduating, I worked in several famous bakeries in France, gaining experience in a field that is highly competitive with chefs of extensive expertise.”
After three years of intensive training, Al-Rashoudi realized his dream of opening his own business in Paris: A cafe that combines baked goods and coffee, distinguished by authentic Saudi touches.
The project brought on a unique challenge, especially in a city where baked goods are often considered an integral part of daily life.
Through his cafe, Al-Rashoudi introduced Saudi kleicha, an old folk Saudi pastry, as an exclusive treat for customers.
It is not part of the regular menu, but through this approach, he aimed to introduce the French public to Saudi culture. His goal was achieved, particularly with the satisfaction he has observed among customers.
With support from the Saudi community in France, who frequently visit Al-Rashoudi’s cafe, Lam has received excellent reviews, earning a five-star rating on Google.
Today, Al-Rashoudi aspires to expand his business to other cities in Europe, with the ultimate goal of blending Saudi culture with global culinary arts, showcasing Saudi cuisine as a leading and contributing force in the world of food.
Prince Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Riyadh region, received Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport on Tuesday.
Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini was also present at the reception.
Separately, Prince Mohammed also received Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammed Shehbaz Sharif and several other officials.
Madbouly and Sharif are heading delegations for their respective countries to attend the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
