Dinner with strangers — the cure to loneliness in Riyadh?

Dinner with strangers — the cure to loneliness in Riyadh?
Timeleft is an app through which you book dinner with strangers who are selected via a personality quiz and criteria such as budget. (Getty Images)
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Updated 22 January 2025
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Dinner with strangers — the cure to loneliness in Riyadh?

Dinner with strangers — the cure to loneliness in Riyadh?
  • As the city grows, people are turning to novel ways to connect
  • Online platforms offer new opportunities to make friends


RIYADH: Every Wednesday, in one of Riyadh’s many restaurants, groups of strangers from all walks of life meet over dinner for the first time.

In an increasingly disconnected world, people are looking for new ways to cope with isolation and forge genuine relationships.

“I kept seeing Timeleft’s ads on social media and I thought expanding my social circle would be a great idea, as it never hurts to try new things from time to time,” Muhannad Zahra, an engineering student and freelance filmmaker and designer from Saint Kitts & Nevis, told Arab News.

He is referring to the app through which you book dinner with strangers who are selected via a personality quiz and criteria such as budget.

This new platform has gained popularity around the world as a way of linking like-minded individuals, either in their home city or while traveling.

Taiwanese tourist TaoFang Chang, who goes by the name Jessie and works remotely, decided to take a long trip to visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Poland for the first time.

Landing at King Khalid International Airport, she was intrigued by the country in which she found herself.

“I was interested in all the countries in the Middle East, the culture and the religion, and what the people here think about marriage and relationships. On these trips, I’m not planning to go to a lot of attractions; I’m more interested to meet with the people,” she explained.

Timeleft is popular in Taiwan, she said, but she had never tried it.

“When I saw this was in Riyadh, I was so surprised. So for me it was good, because I downloaded Bumble and set my location to Riyadh, but I couldn’t find interesting people. I thought maybe Timeleft can give me an interesting surprise to meet some new people.”

On her first night in Riyadh, she dove headfirst into an event and met 10 people from six countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, Morocco, Yemen and St. Kitts & Nevis. 

She said: “Everyone around the world is dealing with this issue of loneliness because humans are social beings. In Taiwan, we have a lot of these kinds of applications, not just Timeleft … we don’t have time to make friends.

“In Asia, because we use Instagram where a lot of information comes to us and every day we see thousands of pieces of information from the internet, we think ‘everyone is different and happy, so why is it only me (who feels) unhappy or not good enough or not successful or (without) achievement?’ but of course it’s a mask. Everyone’s the same, just posting positive things. Everyone feels lonely.”

While the platform offers the chance to meet new people in a rapidly growing city, not everyone is convinced this novel concept is a cure for loneliness.

Muhannad Zahra said: “I don’t think it’s the best idea to make new friends online or through social media. I like old school, whether from work, relatives or coffee shops. Timeleft isn’t a guaranteed friend-making platform, nor is it a dating app. It just gives you a kickstart to meet people, then the rest of the effort is on you and your personality. It’s a bit more hectic this way as people are still opening up and not used to it.”

On signing up, users complete a personality quiz that is supposed to match you with other people who have compatible traits and interests. Some users said the results seemed to be based on age, rather than personality.

Other platforms, like Bumble BFF and BeFriend, allow users to swipe left or right on profiles that do or do not appeal to them based on images. But platforms like Timeleft purport to focus solely on personality. Users have no way of knowing who their dining companions will be aside from their nationality, revealed a day prior.

Zahra’s first experience was at an Italian restaurant in Riyadh. He said: “There are some significant differences in personality from one person to another. For me, it wasn’t difficult to get along with them.

“As I joined multiple dinners, I noticed a pattern where 30 percent of users are introverts, 50 percent just moved to Riyadh and want to make new connections, and 20 percent join for no reason and no goal, and they don’t seem interested during the dinner as well.”

Ali Bin Salman met Zahra at his second Timeleft experience. The two found they connected on several levels and ended up on the same table at their next booking.

“I never have high hopes when meeting new people so as to not get disappointed later. But out of the 20 people that I met, I feel like three friendships will live on for a while,” Zahra said.

Bin Salman was born in Saudi Arabia but lived in Yemen and Egypt for six years. He was keen to re-explore the social scene on his return, leading him to check out Timeleft.

Describing the difficulty of moving to Riyadh, he said: “It’s not completely lonely, but it’s hard to meet people, especially in reality. It feels so artificial and the people are distant in a way. The ads were everywhere in Egypt, and when I came back here I tried it for the first time.”

Each Wednesday usually sees two dinner tables hosted at the chosen restaurant. At 8pm, when guests are expected to arrive, a game is unlocked consisting of ice-breaker questions such as “What is your secret talent?” or “Where is the strangest place you have visited?” It gives those attending a chance to get to know each other on a deeper level.

But the thrill of dining with strangers has its downside as well. It is up to users to build on the initial connection themselves.

Bin Salman said: “It does take effort, potentially, and you might feel like you’re not building into something. With friendships, you start as strangers, and then you build something, and then you become close friends. But if you keep going a lot (to different dinners), you will not build friendships. You will just build acquaintances at best.” 


Saudi FM holds phone call with Palestinian PM on latest updates

Saudi FM holds phone call with Palestinian PM on latest updates
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi FM holds phone call with Palestinian PM on latest updates

Saudi FM holds phone call with Palestinian PM on latest updates

DUBAI: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Monday received a phone call with Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa.  

Prince Faisal and Mustafa discussed the situation in the Palestinian occupied territories, read a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry on “X”.

 


Kingdom leads AI governance on global stage

Kingdom leads AI governance on global stage
Updated 28 min 9 sec ago
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Kingdom leads AI governance on global stage

Kingdom leads AI governance on global stage
  • Abdullah Al-Ghamdi highlights Kingdom’s AI ethics, policies, leadership at Paris summit

Riyadh: President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia has presented a pioneering model for strengthening comprehensive artificial intelligence governance at both regional and global levels.

He noted that this comes amid a growing global need for such governance, as AI continues to shape economies, societies, and global power structures, transcending international borders and impacting industries, governments, labor markets, and security.

His remarks came during his speech at a session held on Monday as part of the AI Action Summit, hosted in Paris from Feb. 10–11, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The session was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with several world leaders, policymakers, and leading AI experts.

Al-Ghamdi emphasized that comprehensive AI governance ensures all stakeholders — including governments, businesses, civil society, and underrepresented communities — have a role in shaping the future of AI.

He noted that by fostering collaboration and transparency, comprehensive governance can mitigate risks, build trust, and establish a framework that ensures AI serves all of humanity rather than benefiting only a specific group, the SPA reported.

Al-Ghamdi added that without diverse perspectives in policymaking, AI risks exacerbating inequalities, reinforcing biases, and favoring only certain groups.

He highlighted that Saudi Arabia has published 65 AI-related policies on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s AI Policy Observatory, ranking third after the US and the UK.

Moreover, Al-Ghamdi said the Kingdom launched the AI Policy and Incident Observatory for the Middle East in Arabic, reflecting its commitment to regional transparency and data-driven policymaking.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international efforts in data and AI, noting that in 2020, before the latest AI breakthroughs, the Kingdom hosted the first Global AI Summit in Riyadh.

In 2024, the Kingdom organized the third and largest edition of the summit, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries to shape the future of AI for the benefit of humanity, he said.

Driven by its commitment to ensuring AI advancements align with Islamic values and ethical principles, Saudi Arabia hosted the largest consultative session of the UN Advisory Body on AI in Riyadh, with representatives from over 53 Islamic countries, Al-Ghamdi said.

These efforts, he added, culminated in the launch of the Riyadh Charter for AI Ethics in the Islamic World last September, reflecting AI’s impact on the lives of 2 billion Muslims worldwide.

Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia’s role in AI governance extends beyond initiatives to the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics in Riyadh. As a Category 2 center under UNESCO, it will play a pivotal role in shaping AI policies, enhancing capacity building, and supporting the development of ethical and responsible AI, he noted.

The center has organized several events in collaboration with the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, bringing together over 100 experts from 28 countries and institutions with the aim of strengthening regional AI governance and establishing clear ethical regulations.

Al-Ghamdi concluded by emphasizing that, as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, Saudi Arabia is ready to contribute to shaping the future of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, which will hold its 2025 ministerial council meeting in Slovakia.

He called for unified international efforts to build an innovative, trustworthy, and inclusive AI ecosystem.


Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District

Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District
Updated 10 February 2025
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Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District

Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District

JEDDAH: Somalian Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the Hira Cultural District in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

He toured sections of the Revelation Exhibition, including the stories of revelation with the prophets and other components of the district.

The exhibition features a pavilion detailing the Cave of Hira and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of the Believers, along with a depiction of the first revelation.

The prime minister also visited the Holy Qur’an Museum, where he viewed manuscripts and exhibits that highlight the status of the Qur’an and efforts to preserve it.

He praised the district’s scientific content, its techniques, and the Kingdom’s efforts to enrich visitors’ religious and cultural experiences, according to the SPA.

The Hira Cultural District spans about 67,000 square meters near Jabal Hira, one of Makkah’s most famous landmarks.

The tourism and educational destination bridges the past and present, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and visitor experiences.


Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 714 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 30 anti-tank mines and 684 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 481,240 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.


US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy

US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy
Updated 10 February 2025
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US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy

US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy
  • Kingdom maintains open-door approach with US business group, says Steve Lutes
  • Strong regulatory framework will inspire investor confidence, promote innovation

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence, a strong regulatory framework is emerging as a key driver of US-Saudi collaboration.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 technology conference, Steve Lutes, vice president for Middle East affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of implementing clear policies that inspire investor confidence.

“One thing that’s always at the core is to have the policy and regulatory environment that is going to give confidence and clarity to investors, risk-takers, and innovators,” Lutes said.

He added that Saudi Arabia maintains an open-door policy in working with the US Chamber and industry leaders to shape its regulatory framework.

“This will catalyze finance and fuel more investment, bring more innovation, and strengthen partnerships between the United States and Saudi Arabia in AI and across the broader economy,” he said.

Saudi Arabia recently announced plans to expand its trade and investment ties with the US to at least $600 billion over the next four years, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman outlined the Kingdom’s strategy during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

Lutes pointed to Saudi Arabia’s young, tech-savvy workforce as a key factor in advancing AI under Vision 2030.

“Saudi is a young country, and you have a young workforce that is embracing technology and wants to be right there, whether in the private sector or government, leading the way on technology innovation and adaptation,” he said.

He underscored that talent development, alongside a robust regulatory framework, will be critical in fostering AI innovation and scaling businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Ensuring Saudi Arabia has access to cutting-edge US technology is also a priority, Lutes noted, emphasizing that this access is essential for the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.

“It’s one of the things that we would put toward the top of the list,” he said, referring to high-performance AI hardware such as Nvidia’s advanced chips.

While acknowledging the importance of security measures, Lutes emphasized the need to balance protection with cooperation.

“Yes, we want to protect and make sure that the right measures are in place, but it’s absolutely critical that our strategic allies, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have access to and the ability to tap into US technology.”

He emphasized the broader economic implications of this access, noting that US companies are already playing a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven transformation.

“What’s going on here in the Kingdom is very important to our economic relationship in the United States and to the US companies that are already here, doing incredible things,” he said.

“We want to see that only grow, deepen, and create more jobs, more investment, more innovation, and more opportunities to strengthen the US-Saudi relationship.”

Lutes expressed optimism about the future of US-Saudi AI collaboration, highlighting the role of diplomacy in achieving shared goals.

“I’m an optimist, and I believe we will get to a good place in terms of that policy,” he said.

He added that efforts should focus on ensuring everything is fueled and catalyzed to accelerate partnerships between the US and the Kingdom, with the private sector leading the way.