Piece of cake: Saudi bakery competing with Paris’ best

Piece of cake: Saudi bakery competing with Paris’ best
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Updated 2 min 43 sec ago
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Piece of cake: Saudi bakery competing with Paris’ best

Piece of cake: Saudi bakery competing with Paris’ best

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.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN Palestinian refugee agency

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN Palestinian refugee agency
Updated 14 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN Palestinian refugee agency

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN Palestinian refugee agency
  • Foreign ministry criticized decision as direct assault on international legitimacy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Tuesday the Israeli parliament’s decision to prohibit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law.”

The condemnation, issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed an overwhelming vote on Monday by Israeli lawmakers to ban the agency from operating in these areas.

In a statement released via the Saudi Press Agency, the foreign ministry criticized the decision as a direct assault on international legitimacy.

It argued that the measure disregards the current “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” affecting the Palestinian people and obstructs the United Nations' role in providing essential services.

“The Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of the continuous and systematic practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in politically and militarily targeting the United Nations agencies and its relief organizations,” the statement read.

It accused Israel of attempting to erase Palestinian identity through “ethnic cleansing” and of obstructing efforts toward a comprehensive peace process.

The Saudi ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s unwavering support for UNRWA’s humanitarian mission, underscoring that the agency’s mandate is rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 194 of 1948, which enshrines the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA, established in 1949, provides vital aid, including schooling, healthcare, and social services, to Palestinian refugees across the Palestinian Territories and neighboring countries.

In addition to banning UNRWA’s operations, the new Israeli legislation prohibits Israeli officials from cooperating with the agency and its employees.


Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser

Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser
Updated 12 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser

Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser
  • Al-Moghedi commended Saudi Arabia for its generous support, including funding initiatives for strategic projects benefiting member states

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, secretary-general of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja recently to strengthen efforts against terrorist groups.

During the meeting, Ribadu thanked Saudi Arabia for playing a leading role in maintaining regional security and supporting the coalition since its inception, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. 

He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating closely with the coalition in combating terrorism, which has affected his country. 

Al-Moghedi commended Saudi Arabia for its generous support, including funding initiatives for strategic projects benefiting member states. 

He highlighted programs backed by the Kingdom for training security, military and civil agencies in affected states. 

He also reviewed the coalition’s Sahel Program, aimed at supporting regional stability and countering terrorism.

Al-Moghedi and his delegation toured Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center, and met its director, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka to review the body’s resources, functions and operational mechanisms, as well as discuss potential collaboration. 

This visit underscores the coalition’s vision to enhance cooperation among member states and foster a secure, stable future for Africa, the SPA report stated.


Saudi crown prince meets with global leaders including Pakistani PM, Jordanian counterpart

Saudi crown prince meets with global leaders including Pakistani PM, Jordanian counterpart
Updated 29 October 2024
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Saudi crown prince meets with global leaders including Pakistani PM, Jordanian counterpart

Saudi crown prince meets with global leaders including Pakistani PM, Jordanian counterpart
  • Sharif and accompanying delegation in Kingdom to attend FII summit

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The prime minister and his accompanying delegation are in the Kingdom to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference.

During the conference, Sharif shared with attendees his government was looking forward to forging new partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), education and health.

Speaking at the summit, Sharif said Pakistan was laying foundations for a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation in the domains of AI, education and health.

Prince Mohammed also held talks on Tuesday with his Jordanian counterpart Hussein bin Abdullah, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Vietnamese prime minister Pham Minh Chinh, SPA added.


Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Updated 29 October 2024
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Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
  • Ben Elliot, founder of the luxury services company Quintessentially, highlights development of key tourism destinations AlUla and NEOM
  • Hollywood TV producer Brent Montgomery says he sees great potential for the Saudi entertainment industry in an increasingly interconnected world

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has experienced an “avalanche” of opportunities in the entertainment and tourism sectors in recent years, an industry leader told the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Ben Elliot, founder of the luxury services company Quintessentially, said the developments in dining, hospitality and cultural tourism offer a wealth of new entertainment options for Saudis and foreign visitors alike.

“You’ve seen an avalanche, in the last five years, of opportunities for people not just in Saudi but people traveling to Saudi,” he said during a panel discussion.

The British businessman, a former co-chair of the Conservative Party, highlighted Sindalah, a luxury island resort that opened on Sunday and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship NEOM megacity project, as a prime example of the new hospitality offerings in the Kingdom.

“That — if we’re sitting here, God willing, in three years time — will be an extraordinary holiday destination for all manner of people, not just people from Saudi,” said Elliot.

He also praised AlUla as another of the country’s key tourism destinations. The ancient city, with its characteristic ornate rock carvings and rock dwellings, dates back about 2,000 years ago to the days of the Nabataean Kingdom. It opened up to international tourists to an unprecedented level when Saudi Arabia introduced its first tourist visa system in 2019.

“It’s amazing,” said Elliot. “But we wouldn’t have had any of these conversations three or four years ago; none of it was opened up. So I think everything is changing very fast. The key thing is to make sure that everything is done fastidiously well, not to rush some of those things.”

Hollywood TV producer Brent Montgomery, the CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment who, among other achievements, is credited with creating the hit reality TV series “Pawn Stars,” was also a member of the panel.

He said he sees real potential for the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia, as an increasingly interconnected world presents new opportunities for the development of content in regions other than North America.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to show and experience this region in non-fiction,” he added.

“I think the region is so serious about content … Because of Netflix and these other global platforms, you’ve seen creators, whether they be in front of the camera or behind the camera, making content that goes global.

“It used to be that when many of us TV producers would make a show in one region, it would take two or three years to hit other regions. Now, these programs hit immediately and I think people want to see it in other places.”


Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit

Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit
Updated 29 October 2024
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Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit

Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit
  • The Crown Prince's participation comes as the FII marks its eighth edition

RIYADH: Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday with his accompanying delegation to attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII), Saudi Press Agency reported.

At King Khalid International Airport, the crown prince was received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz; Saudi Ambassador to Jordan, Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi; Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Haitham Abu Alfoul; and several other senior officials.

The Crown Prince’s participation comes as the FII marks its eighth edition, themed ‘Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,’ which convenes over 6,000 participants from around the world, including heads of state, business leaders, and policymakers.

Launched by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2017, the forum has gained international prominence as a platform for discussions on investment, economic trends, and sustainable development.

This year, participants will explore pressing issues such as advancements in artificial intelligence, the transition to clean energy, and the future of global finance.

The FII aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil by fostering innovation and forging global partnerships to drive long-term economic growth.