Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, says Saudi Instagram star

Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
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Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, says Saudi Instagram star
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Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, says Saudi Instagram star
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Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, says Saudi Instagram star
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Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, says Saudi Instagram star
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Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 August 2024
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Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, says Saudi Instagram star

Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)
  • Saudi influencer is changing the way we think about food, one creative recipe at a time

RIYADH: Bakur Tamim, a Saudi food influencer with over 300,000 Instagram followers, is shaking up the way we think about healthy eating.

The Jeddah-based culinary wizard is known for whipping up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as visually stunning as they are nutritious, giving his audience alternatives to bland salads and tasteless protein shakes.

According to Tamim, healthy eating does not have to be synonymous with deprivation. One can indulge in decadent desserts without feeling guilty, and every meal has the potential to become a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. That’s the world Tamim is creating, one delicious video at a time.




Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)

Among the recipes he has created are homemade ketchup, health-conscious versions of dessert favorites like cookies and cheesecake, and indomie lasagna.

His journey to becoming a food culture influencer is one rooted in passion. Having graduated from medical school in 2021, Tamim is a doctor by training, but his passion for food and fitness was always a driving force in his life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Having graduated from medical school in 2021, Bakur Tamim is a doctor by training, but his passion for food and fitness was always a driving force in his life.

• Among the recipes he has created are homemade ketchup, health-conscious versions of dessert favorites like cookies and cheesecake, and indomie lasagna.

“I’ve always been into working out,” Tamim told Arab News. “I started cooking because I couldn’t find enough healthy, delicious options to fuel my workouts.”

His inspiration was his own mother, a former teacher who instilled in him a love for cooking from a young age.




Bakur Tamim whips up delicious, low-calorie meals that are as nutritious as they are visually stunning. (Supplied)

“I was 6 years old, watching my mom in the kitchen and trying to make eggs,” Tamim laughed as he recalled a core memory. “She taught me the basics, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Tamim’s culinary journey took a turn when he realized the potential of social media to share his passion with the world. “I started with mini vlogs, but they didn’t really take off,” he admitted. “Then I decided to focus on cooking, and it just exploded.”

I was 6 years old, watching my mom in the kitchen and trying to make eggs. She taught me the basics, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Bakur Tamim, Culinary Instagrammer

Tamim isn’t just a cook. He’s also a master videographer, with an eye for detail and a knack for creating visually captivating content.

“I wanted to stand out,” he said. “Everyone was doing mini vlogs, but I knew I could do better. I combined my love for cooking and photography to create something unique.”

His videos are a feast for the eyes, showcasing beautifully plated dishes that are as tempting as they are healthy. Tamim’s signature style is a blend of vibrant colors, creative plating, and a touch of whimsy.

He explained that he is not afraid to experiment with ingredients and techniques to push the boundaries of what healthy food can be.

“I want to show people that you can have delicious, satisfying meals while still reaching your weight goals,” Tamim added. “Boring diet food just doesn’t cut it. You get tired of it after a couple of months. I want to create food that people actually crave, food that makes them feel good inside and out.”

Tamim puts in countless hours to ensure his content is top-notch, showing that good things come to those who hustle.

“People expect high quality these days,” he said. “They don’t want to watch low-quality videos. I started late compared to other content creators, so I knew I had to start strong and post consistently.”

Tamim is building a community of people who are passionate about healthy living. His followers are drawn to his positive energy, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine desire to help others achieve their health goals.

“I love seeing people try my recipes and tell me how much they enjoyed them,” Tamim said. “It’s the best reward.”

Tamim’s content is proof that you can have your cake (or healthy dessert!) and eat it too.

Links for online:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-C9QY-ICIK/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C736Qk5owhe/

 


Saudi FM meets US envoy to discuss developments in Lebanon

Saudi FM meets US envoy to discuss developments in Lebanon
Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi FM meets US envoy to discuss developments in Lebanon

Saudi FM meets US envoy to discuss developments in Lebanon
  • Explored collaborative efforts to address challenges facing Lebanese people and in broader region

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Amos Hochstein, the US Special Envoy to Lebanon, on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Riyadh.

The meeting focused on regional issues, with particular attention given to the situation in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Both sides exchanged views on recent developments and explored collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the Lebanese people and the broader region, SPA added.

Also in attendance was Prince Yazid bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Lebanese Affairs, who contributed to the discussions.


Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Jordan’s Princess Majda

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 05 January 2025
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Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Jordan’s Princess Majda

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • Princess Majda passed away in Amman on Jan. 3, the Royal Hashemite Court said
  • Swedish-born princess was born Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind and became known as Princess Majda after her marriage.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent cables of condolences to the king of Jordan after the passing of Princess Majda Raad, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Jordan’s King Abdullah attended the funeral of Princess Majda, the wife of Prince Raad bin Zeid, at the Royal Cemetery on Friday, The Jordan Times reported.

Princess Majda passed away in Amman on Jan. 3, the Royal Hashemite Court said. The Swedish-born princess was born Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind and became known as Princess Majda after her marriage.


New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’

New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
Updated 05 January 2025
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New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’

New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
  • Workshops held for aspiring artisans and crafters
  • Events will be held throughout the year

RIYADH: The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts launched a new community initiative on Saturday with a packed day of workshops and discussions with inspiring figures in the handicrafts field.

As 2025 kicks off with the Ministry of Culture labeling it the “Year of Handicrafts,” TRITA aims to bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with its “Wrth Community,” which will host several events through the year.  

The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts will bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with Wrth Community. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Nermeen Al-Naimi, an artisan at TRITA, told Arab News: “Today, the community of Wrth started, so that’s very good for artisans because we are looking for somewhere we can belong.

“Wrth is the place we belong now with this community, it’s more like a second house for us because we exchange experiences, we exchange techniques and tools and stuff like that. It’s a growing kind of family, so we’re happy that they made this step today, and we’re grateful.”

The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts will bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with Wrth Community.
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The six-hour event brought artisans at various levels and from various crafts together for a day of engagement through workshops on traditional crafting with wood, metals, clay, and stones.

Silversmiths Ayat Dhahi and Revan Abdulsabour shared their expertise on sculpting and formation, from design to implementation, while others, such as sculptor Helwa Al-Atawi, shared success stories of turning a passion into a career.

Jewelry Designer Rughad Alhogail chimed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets during a discussion. (Supplied)

Jewelry designer Rughad Al-Hogail weighed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets.

Al-Naimi is an instructor for jewelry manufacture and design, but came to the inaugural Wrth event as a student, signing up for a wood-carving workshop that allows participants to identify the types of traditional engravings in the Najd region, and producing a wooden coaster using the technique with a copper inlay.

The six-hour event brought in artisans at various levels and crafts together for a day of engagement through workshops on traditional crafting with wood, metals, clay, and stones. (Supplied)

“I decided to go back to wood because I did clay before, and I did metals before, so I wanted to incorporate wood in my designs …

“It has metal in it, so, the experience was amazing because I use metal combined with wood, combined with a little bit of this technique.”

Workshops at the Wrth Community event explored traditional engraving modeling methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary arts. (AN Photo Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)

Other workshops explored traditional engraving methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary art.

Al-Naimi works as a personal branding consultant, and part of her job is to help individuals realize their hopes and connect with ways to energize themselves.

Workshops at the Wrth Community event explored traditional engraving modeling methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary arts. (AN Photo Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)

“One of the things that makes me happy is working with my hands. So working with metal, with wood, it’s all a stress relief. Plus you make something beautiful.”

Al-Naimi joined TRITA about two years ago, working with metals, but quickly found that it was more than just a space to create.

“Here at the Royal Institute, it’s support all the way — for the trainers, for the products; they have an online store now,” she said. Here students’ creations are up for sale at the physical location and online, creating profitable opportunities for aspiring and established artisans.

Wrth Community aims to lead the revival and development handicrafts, linking them to modern design and technology, enhancing the participation of institutions and the local community to highlight the importance of traditional arts in defining cultural identity, while also equipping people with ways to create traditional arts in today’s market.

Wrth Community provides opportunities for artisans to meet, exchange knowledge and enhance personal and professional skills with a focus on education, crafts, entrepreneurship, and dialogue sessions. By creating a supportive environment, TRITA hopes to stimulate talent and creative individuals to learn and practice traditional arts and crafts.

TRITA is a pioneering organization that highlights the national identity and enriches Saudi traditional arts locally and globally, promoting them and recognizing pioneers in the fields of traditional arts. This contributes to the preservation of traditional arts by supporting national capabilities and talents while encouraging those interested in learning, mastering and developing them.

 


KSrelief and UNHCR officials discuss enhanced humanitarian support in Syria

KSrelief and UNHCR officials discuss enhanced humanitarian support in Syria
Updated 06 January 2025
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KSrelief and UNHCR officials discuss enhanced humanitarian support in Syria

KSrelief and UNHCR officials discuss enhanced humanitarian support in Syria
  • An estimated 6.8 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, while more than 5.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries

DAMASCUS: Officials from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees met in Damascus on Sunday to discuss coordinated efforts to assist the Syrian people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting, focused on bolstering humanitarian and relief operations in the region, was attended by Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Harees, charge d’affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Syria.

During the discussions, UNHCR officials praised their strategic partnership with KSrelief, highlighting the importance of their joint initiatives to support refugees and displaced persons in Syria.

Both parties also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential resources and services to live with dignity.

The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains one of the most pressing in the world, especially after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in December of last year, following over a decade of civil war.

Assad’s ouster came after years of intensified international sanctions and a lightning offensive across key cities by opposition militias, culminating in his government’s collapse.

An estimated 6.8 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, while more than 5.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Turkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Humanitarian organizations like KSrelief and UNHCR play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, providing essential aid such as food, shelter, and medical care.

In Syria, UNHCR has been a critical player in responding to the humanitarian crisis, assisting the millions of displaced Syrians and advocating for sustainable solutions to their plight. Its collaboration with partners such as KSrelief has been key to addressing the evolving needs of those affected by the conflict.

On Sunday, Fadi Al-Qasim, the Syrian Minister of Administrative Development in the transitional government, met with the KSrelief team in Damascus in the presence of Al-Harees.

During the meeting, they discussed strategies for delivering relief aid to support the Syrian people and civil society.

Al-Qasim expressed his gratitude to the KSrelief team for their generous assistance and praised the urgent humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia to Syria. 


Saudi minister receives British ambassador to Riyadh

Saudi minister receives British ambassador to Riyadh
Updated 05 January 2025
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Saudi minister receives British ambassador to Riyadh

Saudi minister receives British ambassador to Riyadh
  • They discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq signed the condolence book honoring the life and legacy of former US President Jimmy Carter, the Embassy of Pakistan wrote on X on Sunday.