Riyadh hosts food technology and innovation show

Riyadh hosts food technology and innovation show
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The inaugural Saudi Food Manufacturing event started on April 30 at Riyadh Front, at a critical time for Saudi Arabia's food and beverage manufacturing industry. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
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Updated 01 May 2024
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Riyadh hosts food technology and innovation show

Riyadh hosts food technology and innovation show
  • Industry giants showcase latest in processing, sustainability

RIYADH: More than 400 companies from 35 countries are taking part in the first Saudi Food Manufacturing show, which opened in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef, the event focuses on processing, packaging and ingredients and aims to facilitate high level business deals, connections and collaborations.

Three companies that won a Saudi Food Manufacturing Award at the event — Multivac, DC Norris and Brenntag — spoke to Arab News.

Amir Sotoudeh, managing director of Multivac, said the German firm won the Best Processing Innovation Award for its TX series and smart services at Gulfood Manufacturing.

The company has had a branch office in Riyadh since 2009 and the Kingdom is the company’s largest market in the Middle East.

“Saudi Arabia is a significant market, especially in recent years, with major developments focusing on local production and manufacturing. That’s where our technology and expertise as a market leader in processing and packaging are essential.”

DC Norris is a UK-based process equipment company serving 62 countries. It provides solutions for food, dairy and beverage manufacturing and won the Best Processing Manufacturing Award.

Stuart Rigby, product and process technology manager at DC Norris, said the company’s jet cook system, which is used in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai and Azerbaijan, was able to cook meals two to three times faster than traditional methods.

“It also uses considerably less water, resulting in zero burns, requiring less cleaning and reducing costs. Additionally, it consumes up to 55 percent less energy than traditional cooking methods,” he said.

Brenntag, a 150-year-old German company, is the global market leader in chemical and ingredient distribution. It won the Best Ingredients Innovation Award.

Mahaboob Shaik, technical sales manager at Brenntag, said: “We have replicated the characteristics of regular milk-based proteins and constituents using plant-based alternatives. We’ve developed a Greek-style feta cheese made from plant-based ingredients.

“This helps to reduce allergens like milk proteins in dishes like Caesar salad. Now, when you order a salad at a restaurant, you can enjoy a plant-based cheese, which is entirely vegan.”

Several Saudi manufacturers, including Sapin, Anasia and Memco, are taking part in the show, which provides a platform for companies to exchange ideas.

Majed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, said: “The industrial sector is going to increase both the GDP and abilities of youth in the Kingdom.

“We are making impressive growth through Saudi Vision 2030 and Made in Saudi is remarkable for expanding cities across the country and achieving our goals.”

Among the most innovative products on display are the Novamyl BestBite from Novozymes, which improves texture and softness in baked goods while extending shelf life to reduce food waste. Others include sustainable packaging for dates from Napco, a sugar reduction method for fruit juice from Austria Juice, Lactosan, a natural culinary booster from FSL and Biopap, a range of renewable, compostable, high-performance food containers.

Pavilions from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, US, France, Turkiye and China reflect the international scope of the show, which runs until Thursday.


Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’

Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’
Updated 19 sec ago
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Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’

Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’
  • Best of country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate
  • Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen in attendance

RIYADH: Denmark’s Embassy in Riyadh celebrated gastronomy on Wednesday by hosting “an evening of Danish flavors with a Saudi twist,” highlighting the best of the country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate.

Liselotte Plesner, Denmark’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, thanked Jacob Jensen, Danish minister for food, agriculture and fisheries, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia; the Danish Agriculture and Food Council; and the business delegation accompanying the minister, along with Food Nation Denmark, for their support.

Plesner said that the evening was the third celebration of Danish gastronomy over the past two decades.

She said: “When I was young, finding a restaurant serving Danish food in Denmark was near to impossible. You could get Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Only a few restaurants in Denmark would serve traditional open sandwiches.”

Then, in 2004, a group of chefs and foodies decided to turn the table. They crafted the New Nordic Cuisine Manifesto, setting out principles for a culinary revolution rooted in local and sustainable ingredients.

Plesner added: “Two of the chefs founded Noma. Fast forward, and five times Noma has won the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

“In 2021 Noma earned its third Michelin star. The year after, another Danish restaurant, Geranium, took the top spot of best restaurant in the world. Inspiration spread like ripples in the water. Who would have thought that Denmark would become a world-class food nation?”

The evening intended to inspire Saudi Arabia on its culinary journey as it bids to increase tourism and offer guests dishes to delight, said Plesner.

Cheeses took centre stage this year as the buffet featured 12 exquisite choices from Denmark. Cheese expert Rasmus Holmgard curated a feast of flavors.

Sana, a Saudi cheesemaker that produces burrata, introduced a local twist for the evening.

Jensen said: “I have been here for a day and I am full of impressions already. This evening we have gathered not only to taste the flavor of Denmark, but also to explore how culinary traditions can inspire innovation … and build bridges between nations.

“Denmark is proud to be recognized as a global food nation known for our high-quality, safe and sustainable food production.

“I am also pleased to see the Saudi cheesemaker Sana here, Danish-Saudi food diplomacy in action.”

The minister added: “Denmark’s contribution to the world of food goes far beyond gastronomy. We have major exports of advanced machinery and know-how solutions that enable efficiency and sustainable food production worldwide.”


Strong Saudi-US ties only continue to grow, Kingdom’s envoy says

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
Updated 29 min 5 sec ago
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Strong Saudi-US ties only continue to grow, Kingdom’s envoy says

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
  • Princess Reema said that strong and growing Saudi-US relations were “creating once unimaginable opportunities for a more prosperous future together”

RIYADH: The strong ties between Saudi Arabia and the US only continue to grow, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington Princess Reema bint Bandar said on Thursday.

Princess Reema said that strong and growing Saudi-US relations were “creating once unimaginable opportunities for a more prosperous future together.”

The Kingdom’s envoy made the comments on social media platform X after welcoming US President Donald Trump to the FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 summit on Wednesday.

The gathering of thought leaders, investors, and policymakers reflected the strength of “our shared vision, where partnership, trade, and investment drive progress,” Princess Reema said.

During the opening of the summit on Wednesday, Trump thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating US-Russian talks on the Ukraine war that were held in Riyadh on Tuesday.


Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 20 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has invited the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Egypt for a meeting in Riyadh on Friday, an official source stated on Thursday.

The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt, enhancing cooperation and coordination.

“Joint Arab action and any relevant decisions will be included in the agenda of the upcoming Extraordinary Arab Summit, which will be held in Egypt” on March 4, the source added.


Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity

Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity
Updated 20 February 2025
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Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity

Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity
  • Aim is to improve operational efficiency, transparency and GACA’s regulatory role

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority has launched a new integrated digital platform and brand identity.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation’s changes, which includes an updated website, was announced at its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new platform, named Ajwaa, provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users and creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, the SPA reported.

The aim is to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, the report stated.
 

The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister and chairman of GACA’s board, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA, vice presidents, CEOs, and other officials.

Al-Duailej said the slogan for the Ajwaa platform is “Together for New Horizons.”


Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
Updated 20 February 2025
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Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
  • Al-Urumah mountains have caves, rock columns, stone bridges
  • Rock formations record past environmental, climatic changes

RIYADH: The King Khalid Royal Reserve is one of the nation’s most captivating areas with rock formations sculpted over thousands of years by natural erosion and fluctuating climatic conditions.

Formerly known as the Al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve is less than an hour’s drive from the city center.

Among the main geological features in the reserve are the Al-Urumah mountains, known for their striking natural caves, rock columns, and stone bridges.
 

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. (SPA)

Stretching over 700 km, the dramatic landscape provides an ideal destination for photography and adventure enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

These landscapes hold a geological record that reveals the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time.

In winter, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism, the SPA reported.