The history of Saudi Arabia seen through its culinary culture

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Updated 22 February 2023
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The history of Saudi Arabia seen through its culinary culture

  • Diet in the 18th century mainly consisted of whatever was most available to a community
  • Meat was a delicacy and rarely consumed outside of special occasions such as Eid celebrations

RIYADH: While the traditional dishes jreesh & qursan are one of the famous traditional dishes in Diriyah, their origins stretch back centuries.

With the approach of Founding Day, which commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state, Arab News takes a look at these dishes that are far more than merely ethnic delicacies but rather a means of storytelling that has been passed down for generations.

While the founder of the state, Imam Mohammed bin Saud, led Saudi Arabia through an educational and economic renaissance in the 18th century, the culinary culture of the period was fairly simple. 

Jreesh, for example, made from wheat crushed by millstones commonly found within households and often shared among neighbors, was once a dish eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The liquid base of the dish was made from water and laban, a sour type of milk, which was poured over onions before incorporating the crushed wheat, resulting in a porridge-like consistency. Some spices were added, such as cumin and chili peppers, as the ingredients were left to boil, then stirred using utensils made from palm fronds or wood. The meal was then drizzled with ghee. 

Other popular dishes included qursan, a bread-based dish made with vegetables such as pumpkin, corn and beans and cooked in gravy, as well as marqoq, made from dough, meat and vegetables.

Noura Al-Hamidi, a traditional food specialist, told Arab News: “The Saudi diet mainly focused on what people’s farms produced. If they produced wheat, then they consumed wheat. If they produced dates, they ate dates. Meat was not abundant. The main focus of the meal would be whatever was most available in people’s environment.”

FASTFACT

Saudi cuisine

Culinary culture of the period when the first Saudi state existed was fairly simple. 

Produce such as tomatoes and carrots appeared when migration increased.

Dates and wheat were the main sources of sustenance. Most dishes were made year-round, but some ghee-heavy meals, such as hunaini, were more common in the winter.

Some farmers had an open-door policy for neighbors, who would come in to pick out fresh produce, which was difficult to find elsewhere, and be on their way.

In early 18th-century Diriyah, women were the custodians of the kitchen.

“When would a man cook? On big occasions, such as weddings or something like that. But women did most of the work. Even on some occasions, like weddings, for instance, they would all come together to prepare the food. One would prepare the dough, another would roll it, one would cook jreesh, and so on,” Al-Hamidi said.

Celebrations were collaborative events, much like anything else in the area. From pregnancies to lending clothes, neighbors and families were the pillars of the community, and such was the case when preparing a feast. Girls as young as 9 years old would contribute to the kitchen.

“They would cooperate to cook the best dishes, especially if each person was known for being great at cooking a specific dish. ‘So and so makes the best jreesh… her marqoq is amazing, a third’s qursan is divine.’ But, of course, it all came down to enjoying cooking, mastering recipes and ensuring cleanliness,” Al-Hamidi said.

Cookware was simple, made from copper, and placed over firewood or oil lamps. Food was consumed by hand or using wooden utensils. Before restaurants, everything was prepared and enjoyed at home.

“Today, we don’t appreciate the difficulties of that time. It’s quite different now that we have trade and we are more open to the world. It was a different era back then. Look where we are now and how far we’ve come,” Al-Hamidi said.

The time period came with many fascinating innovations using simple techniques and found objects, like baskets made from palm fronds.

Meat was a delicacy and rarely consumed outside of special occasions, such as Eid celebrations. It was sectioned off into pieces and passed around to neighbors.

To keep meat preserved for longer periods of time, it would be sliced thinly “like ribbons” and cured with large amounts of salt, according to Al-Hamidi.

It would then be placed in water for 24 hours and hung out to dry. The meat would then last up to months and would usually be incorporated into dishes like qursan or marqoq.

“Without the past, there is no future,” Al-Hamidi said. “The most important thing is to preserve ancient traditions. That’s what matters the most. We are proud of such traditions, and they make us unique.

“Even within the Kingdom, each region is different. Every region has its own famous dishes. The more we preserve our identity and traditions, the better.”


Asir magpie, only bird species endemic to Saudi Arabia, is on IUCN’s ‘endangered’ list

Updated 30 August 2025
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Asir magpie, only bird species endemic to Saudi Arabia, is on IUCN’s ‘endangered’ list

  • Known as the Asir magpie, the bird can be found “only in a few small patches” in the mountains of Asir
  • About 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remain, making it one of the “rarest birds on the planet”

ABHA: Of 499 bird species recorded in Saudi Arabia, only one is considered endemic to the Kingdom, which means it is found nowhere else in the world.

This is according to Aramco’s 2021 book “The Birds of Saudi Arabia,” which noted that the bird known as the Asir magpie (scientific name Pica asirensis) can be found “only in a few small patches” in the mountains of Asir region in the Kingdom’s southwest.

Known for its high intelligence and ability to recognize itself in a mirror, the bird is called a magpie because of its melodious sounds. It is easily recognizable by its black and white feathers and the large, dome-shaped nest it builds, typically in juniper or acacia trees.

With only about about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remaining, the Asir magpie is one of the “rarest birds on the planet.” (SPA photos)

The Asir magpie is classified as “endangered” on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, or IUCN.

A report by the Saudi Press Agency on Friday said that recent estimates suggest that only about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remain, or around 200 adults, making it one of the “rarest birds on the planet.”

“The primary threat to the Asir magpie’s survival is climate change, which has limited its natural range because of rising temperatures and arid weather conditions over the past decades,” SPA said.

The Aramco book said there are 18 other species that are largely or entirely confined to the Arabian Peninsula, including the Arabian sunbird, the Arabian babbler, the Arabian scops owl, the rare Arabian grosbeak, and the Arabian woodpecker.


How Saudi Arabia is nurturing a new generation of eco-journalists

Updated 30 August 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is nurturing a new generation of eco-journalists

  • As environmental challenges grow, the Kingdom is investing in journalism to bridge science, policy, and the public
  • With awareness campaigns about its oil spill drills, the NCEC is empowering storytellers to help protect the planet

RIYADH: As a nation moving toward a greener future, Saudi Arabia is building bridges between the public and officials, raising awareness, and designing campaigns that promote sustainable development.

These efforts, in line with Vision 2030, seek to educate people about ecosystems and how they play a role in protecting and improving them. To support these goals, communication is critical. Journalism is one of the most effective tools.

Environmental journalism, used widely in both developed and developing nations, plays an essential role in shaping public awareness.

From reporting on ecological issues to empowering communities to take part in Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia needs more environmental journalists. Yet the field remains relatively unknown in the country.

Recognizing this gap, the National Center for Environmental Compliance has begun taking steps to advocate for and support eco-journalism.

“I think we had been noticing for the past years … a decade ago that there wasn’t really this professional, specialized media… in the Arab world,” Saad Al-Matrafi, NCEC’s executive director of media and communication and official spokesperson, told Arab News.

Saad Al-Matrafi, executive director and official spokesperson at NCEC. (Supplied/NCEC)

Al-Matrafi noted that while political, business, and sports journalism are quite popular, environmental journalism lags far behind.

“Here at the center we’re concentrating on actually bringing up a specialized generation, to be well-focused, well-informed, and educated about the environment,” he said.

Al-Matrafi explained that environmental journalists should not only report on events but also take part in wider conversations, join awareness programs, promote environmental education, and act as a bridge between the public and policymakers

That role is recognized internationally. UNESCO has identified environmental journalism as a critical field for reporting, investigating and communicating environmental issues to the public.

In a 2024 report, the UN agency noted that more than 70 percent of environmental journalists worldwide had been attacked for their work over the past 15 years — a period that also saw a surge in disinformation on environmental issues.

Al-Matrafi tied the role of journalists directly to the broader goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes improving quality of life across the Kingdom.

Inspectors at NCEC responded to 4,267 reports on violations of air, water and soil quality in the first half of this year, compared to 2,670 in 2024. (Supplied/NCEC)

“If we relate that to our strategy at the NCEC, part of that is improving the quality of life of citizens and the visitors and the tourists of the Kingdom,” he said.

For him, compliance programs and inspection systems are not simply about monitoring firms and factories. They are also about ensuring safer conditions for workers, their families and communities.

He stressed that the center’s efforts are for both individuals’ well-being and society as a whole.

Here, again, journalism plays a vital role. By raising awareness among workers, companies and institutions, reporters can help explain why compliance with environmental regulations and inspections matters.

Al-Matrafi stressed that NCEC’s purpose is not to detect violations and issue penalties, but to save lives.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The National Center for Environmental Compliance monitors air quality and emissions at the source and protects marine and coastal environments.

• In the first seven months of 2025, the center evaluated more than 11,000 environmental tests, including 8,124 water samples and 3,618 soil samples.

He described operations the center oversees, such as preventing and managing oil spills, which, if neglected, could cause severe health and environmental damage.

“We have all these kinds of sensors in the sea to detect if there is any pollution in the water that could affect our marine life,” he said. “We were using the satellite to detect if there’s any pollution in the soil, and it’s really very high.”

In the first seven months of 2025, the center evaluated more than 11,000 environmental tests, including 8,124 water samples and 3,618 soil samples. (Supplied/NCEC)

Preventing and managing oil spills is a critical task for environmental response centers, involving monitoring, preparedness, rapid response, and long-term cleanup to limit health and environmental damage.

“These technical satellite programs are used to detect very small details,” Al-Matrafi said. “For instance, if that satellite notices or detects any pollution in the soil, it will give us notes and reports.

“We are helping the environment to be better. It’s affecting your life and your kids’ lives.”

Regardless of the amount of work a nation can put into mitigating environmental problems, it is important to broadcast these efforts to raise awareness, says NCEC spokesman Saad Al-Matrafi. (NCEC photo)

Al-Matrafi also highlighted the NCEC’s national oil spill drills. “We have two national oil spill drills a year — the last one was in Yanbu in July,” he said. “It was drill number 17 … and I think this is one of the most interesting experiences that I'd like to cover.

“It goes from 40 to 60 entities in the country who actually participate … that covers government entities, private sector, and even non-government sectors like institutes, universities. In the future, we are going to add volunteers to be part of that.”

Journalists, he noted, are central to these exercises. “We have journalists on the boats to see what is going on, and we have them in the media center, they write, they take shots, and they record … I think it is a great opportunity to be part of that.”

Al-Matrafi concluded that no matter how much effort a nation invests in tackling environmental challenges, raising awareness is just as important. “It’s awareness, enlightenment, instructions, and good journalism.”
 

 


Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice

Updated 29 August 2025
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Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice

  • Event features more than 100 exhibitors, welcomes over 25,000 visitors

JEDDAH: The Health and Beauty Expo returned to Jeddah and attracted visitors eager to explore the latest in health, wellness, and beauty.

Held at the Superdome from Aug. 27-29, the event featured more than 100 exhibitors and welcomed more than 25,000 visitors, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing health and beauty market.

The expo provided product showcases, interactive experiences, and advisory sessions. It brought together experts, clinics, hospitals, and cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies, as well as emerging entrepreneurs and investors.

Ahmed Alshawa, marketing manager of Bio Life Clinic, highlighted the value of direct interaction with visitors, and added: “We were here to introduce our services, especially in dental and dermatology, and offer exclusive promotions during the three days. The expo gave us a great chance to reach the public and familiarize them with our offerings.”

Ahmed Hamed, regional manager at L’Oreal, said: “We engaged visitors with our products such as La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Vichy. Our goal is to improve skin health, addressing issues like acne and hair loss, and providing moisturizers for overall wellness. We also provided free consultations with doctors at our booth to advise visitors on which products suited them best.”

QV showcased its newly launched skincare range, and Dr. Mohammed Osama, pharmacist and the company’s senior medical representative, said: “We have introduced three new products: one for calming redness, rashes, and itching; another for oily and combination skin; and one for dry, sensitive skin.

“We also have a baby cream for eczema and dermatitis. Unlike prescription products, these allow us to communicate directly with customers, educating them about our offerings in a way that we normally can only do with doctors or pharmacists.”

Cosmoderma (cosmetic dermatology) clinics also drew the attention of visitors. Sahar Taisir, supervisor at Lavida Clinics, said: “Our strategy was to offer discounts on cosmoderma services. Anyone registering for treatments at our booth, whether for skin, hair, or body laser services, would receive special offers.”

Hospitals and medical centers emphasized the importance of comprehensive healthcare.

Dr. Rawan Gari, OB-GYN consultant at Lavender Medical Complex, said: “Our clinic takes care of women from puberty to menopause. We provide premarital counseling, contraceptive guidance, pregnancy follow-up, gynecological consultations, fertility support, and sexual health services.”

Dr. Hanin Radwan, OB-GYN consultant at Aya Clinic, said: “We offered discounted services and free consultations on IVF, routine pregnancy checkups, and pediatric care.”

Korean beauty trends were also on display, highlighting the global influences shaping skincare preferences.

Panel discussions ran throughout the three days of the event and featured leading experts sharing insights on the latest trends, sustainable practices, and holistic approaches in health and beauty.


Pectoral sandpiper recorded at Saudi royal reserve

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. (SPA)
Updated 29 August 2025
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Pectoral sandpiper recorded at Saudi royal reserve

  • Documentation of the bird reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom — including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve — along international migratory bird flyways

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has announced the sighting of a pectoral sandpiper (calidris melanotos), a rare waterbird, at Rawdat Umm Al‑Thiyabah, marking the first confirmed record of the species inside a reserve in the Kingdom.

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. It breeds in the Arctic tundra areas of Canada and Alaska, extending as far as Siberia, and winters in the southernmost parts of South America, traversing migration routes that span multiple continents. Its diet consists of small crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and insects.

Documentation of the bird reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom — including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve — along international migratory bird flyways, serving as a key natural stopover on one of the world’s most important routes between Asia and Africa.

According to a scientific paper published last week in Check List, a peer-reviewed online journal of biodiversity data, two adults of the species were observed on May 2 along the water’s edge at Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah, a seasonal wetland rich in biodiversity.

The study described the observation as “rare and exceptional” at the regional level.

The US newspaper Herald-Leader highlighted that spotting the species in the Kingdom was an “unusual occurrence,” while revealing the scientific and environmental value of Saudi reserves in tracking the global movement of migratory birds.

 


Saudi minister meets US industry experts

Bandar Al-Khorayef tours industrial sectors in North Carolina. (SPA)
Updated 29 August 2025
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Saudi minister meets US industry experts

  • Alkhorayef’s tour explored opportunities to collaborate on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions that can be applied to the Kingdom’s own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center

RIYADH: As part of an official four-day visit to the US, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef dedicated a full day to exploring cutting-edge research facilities at North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, meeting with industry experts.

The program included a meeting with North Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley and a tour of North Carolina State University’s Energy X Lab and Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics, alongside a visit to the nearby Statistical Analysis System Institute, the SPA reported on Thursday.

Together, these engagements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and strengthening international partnerships to accelerate its ambitious industrial sector transformation.

Discussions at the SAS Institute focused on how digital twins, advanced analytics, and machine learning can simulate factory operations, optimize processes before implementation, and extend the lifecycle of industrial equipment.

Alkhorayef’s tour explored opportunities to collaborate on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions that can be applied to the Kingdom’s own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center, while learning more about the North Carolina university center’s expertise in supporting small and medium enterprises through additive manufacturing research.