A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif

The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. (AN photo)
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The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. (AN photo)
A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
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Owner Hussain Alshbrka embodies the heart and soul of the establishment with a smile that reflects his dedication to creating a memorable dining experience. (AN photo)
A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
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Standing proudly in front of his restaurant, the owner embodies his motto, 'A slice of silence, a world of flavor,' inviting guests to experience the vibrant tastes and welcoming atmosphere that await. (AN photo)
A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
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A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
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A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
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Updated 2 min 13 sec ago
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A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif

The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. (AN photo)
  • Arina Pizzeria blends Italian flavors with proud representation for deaf community

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.

 


New tech challenge to drive logistics innovation

New tech challenge to drive logistics innovation
Updated 11 November 2024
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New tech challenge to drive logistics innovation

New tech challenge to drive logistics innovation
  • Participants can access more than 20 training programs and mentoring sessions

Riyadh: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s Center of Digital Entrepreneurship has launched the LogisTech Challenge to foster innovation in logistics.

The aim of the challenge is to support new tech solutions that boost efficiency and productivity, thereby driving digital economy growth.

In partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, the Transport General Authority, and Infinite pl, the challenge is open to logistics and tech enthusiasts, experts and industry leaders. Registration closes on Dec. 5.

Participants will go through stages of acceptance, business model development, final selection, and a training bootcamp, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

On Jan. 21, the competition concludes with participants presenting their ideas to judges. Winning projects with practical sector solutions will be celebrated at a final ceremony.

The challenge targets three areas: fleet improvement and sustainability; alternative delivery and commerce solutions; and data-driven logistics intelligence.

Participants can access more than 20 training programs and mentoring sessions, equipping more than 250 individuals with skills to refine ideas and develop prototypes.

The ministry invites those interested to register at code.mcit.gov.sa/en/bootcamp/LogisTech-Challenge. 


Saudi project clears 895 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 895 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 11 November 2024
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Saudi project clears 895 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 895 Houthi mines in Yemen
  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 895 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included two anti-personnel mines, 26 anti-tank mines, 865 unexploded ordnances and two explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 468,962 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Arab-Islamic leaders arrive ahead of Riyadh summit on Gaza, Lebanon

Arab-Islamic leaders arrive ahead of Riyadh summit on Gaza, Lebanon
Updated 7 min 39 sec ago
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Arab-Islamic leaders arrive ahead of Riyadh summit on Gaza, Lebanon

Arab-Islamic leaders arrive ahead of Riyadh summit on Gaza, Lebanon
  • Arab and Muslim leaders will discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon at a summit on Monday

RIYADH: Arab-Islamic leaders have arrived in Riyadh ahead of a Saudi Arabia-sponsored follow-up summit focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

 

 

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan; Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council President; Bashar Assad, president of Syria; Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, prime minister of Iraq; Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain; and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, president of Egypt, arrived in Riyadh on Monday to join the extra-ordinary summit.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatar ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Iran First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi also arrived on Monday in Riyadh. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, also arrived for the event.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Sunday, so did Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, the Foreign Minister of Guinea Morissanda Kouyate, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama.

 

 

The President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived in the Kingdom’s capital on Sunday after performing Umrah and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Saturday.


KSrelief continues to deliver food aid to Palestinians

KSrelief continues to deliver food aid to Palestinians
Updated 11 November 2024
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KSrelief continues to deliver food aid to Palestinians

KSrelief continues to deliver food aid to Palestinians

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief continues to provide essential food supplies to families in northern Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing war on the Palestinian people.

This campaign was initiated by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief provides humanitarian assistance to communities throughout the Occupied Territories.


KSrelief distributes 195 winter kits in Yemen’s Hadhramaut

KSrelief distributes 195 winter kits in Yemen’s Hadhramaut
Updated 11 November 2024
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KSrelief distributes 195 winter kits in Yemen’s Hadhramaut

KSrelief distributes 195 winter kits in Yemen’s Hadhramaut

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has delivered 195 winter kits for vulnerable people in Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

This initiative is a part of an ongoing emergency shelter project in Yemen. The kits benefited 1,170 people from 195 families.

KSrelief provides food, medical and other aid to needy communities across the globe.