Jeddah spans tradition and modernity in new book exploring themes of cultural preservation

Special Jeddah spans tradition and modernity in new book exploring themes of cultural preservation
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Author Rafael Hernandez de Santiago at the launch of his book City of Cats at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
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Updated 27 February 2025
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Jeddah spans tradition and modernity in new book exploring themes of cultural preservation

Jeddah spans tradition and modernity in new book exploring themes of cultural preservation
  • Novel examines balance between cultural preservation and urban transformation
  • ‘The cats of Jeddah serve as a metaphor for the city’s enduring spirit’

RIYADH: While the falcon and camel are the creatures most associated with Arabia’s skies and deserts, cats have long captivated the hearts of the people, historically and religiously.

In his new novel, “City of Cats,” Rafael Hernandez de Santiago sets his narrative in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, exploring where the past and future collide during urban transformation.

“City of Cats” follows Amir, an architect torn between the love he has for his city’s heritage and the push toward modernization. He and his allies face resistance from powerful, money-hungry developers as they propose a cultural park to protect one of Jeddah’s historic districts.

Hernandez draws the comparison that cats represent the soul of a city. Speaking to Arab News at his book launch hosted at the Spanish Embassy on Tuesday, he said: “The cats of Jeddah serve as a metaphor for the city’s enduring spirit, quietly witnessing and adapting to its ever-changing landscape.”

The novel delves into themes of preservation versus progress, communal unity, and resilience of tradition in the face of relentless modernization.

Hernandez is a director and senior researcher at the Gulf Research Center and a prominent newspaper columnist who regularly writes on matters relating to politics, international relations, and data and AI.

Of his reasons for delving into the world of fiction writing, Hernandez said, contrary to the straight edge of fact and policy analysis that his columns require, fiction allows for a more interactive curiosity on complex issues and more emotional engagement.

“Instead of debating urban development and cultural preservation through articles, I wanted readers to feel the impact of these changes through the eyes of characters living through them.”

The Spanish citizen, who has lived in Saudi Arabia for almost 25 years, said that from the ancient Nabatean city of AlUla to the rise of modern metropolises such as Riyadh, the Kingdom balances rich traditions and heritage stories with an ambitious vision for the future, making it a compelling setting for a novel.

“My time here has given me a deep appreciation for its history, traditions, and the unique identity of its cities.

“The experience of witnessing Jeddah’s evolution firsthand played a significant role in shaping the story of ‘City of Cats,’” he said.

Hernandez said that Jeddah is a city where history and modernity coexist side by side. Al-Balad, its historic district, carries stories of merchants, travelers, and families through the generations, who give it a distinct identity. Yet it is constantly evolving, with new skyscrapers and developments.

“While Spain has its own rich history and cities undergoing similar transformations, Jeddah’s story feels particularly urgent. It’s a city at a crossroads, and I wanted to capture that moment.”

Hernandez spoke about how Jeddah acting as Makkah’s gateway gives it a unique character. And that characteristic furnishings, from coral stone houses to intricate mashrabiya windows, reflect the story of the Red Sea and its maritime trade routes.

Contrary to Jeddah’s openness and free-flowing nature, Riyadh’s soul mirrors that of a wise and progressive leader who still stands strong in his structure and heritage, according to Hernandez.

“Like the stray cats that roam both cities, their souls are defined by their ability to survive, adapt, and persist despite the changes around them,” he said.

“City of Cats” is available in English, with Arabic and Spanish translations expected to follow.

Hernandez hopes to turn the novel into a musical one day, as the arts and entertainment scene in the Kingdom rapidly grows.

“The story lends itself beautifully to the format … Musicals are a celebration of storytelling, culture, and emotion — and Saudi Arabia is overflowing with stories and traditions waiting to be expressed in new, creative ways.”

He said that if Saudi Arabia were to start producing musicals, it would open the door for local talent; composers, lyricists, set designers, and actors who are eager to share their creativity with the world.


Four of 2025’s top video games so far 

Four of 2025’s top video games so far 
Updated 1 min 58 sec ago
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Four of 2025’s top video games so far 

Four of 2025’s top video games so far 

‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ 

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‘Split Fiction’ 

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‘Mario Kart World’

 

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‘Clair Obscur:Expedition 33’ 

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Recipes for success: Chef Ross Shonhan offers advice and a tasty spaghetti mentaiko recipe 

Recipes for success: Chef Ross Shonhan offers advice and a tasty spaghetti mentaiko recipe 
Updated 9 min 29 sec ago
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Recipes for success: Chef Ross Shonhan offers advice and a tasty spaghetti mentaiko recipe 

Recipes for success: Chef Ross Shonhan offers advice and a tasty spaghetti mentaiko recipe 

DUBAI: Raised on a cattle farm in rural Queensland, Australia, and starting his working life in a butcher’s shop, Ross Shonhan is a man who knows his meat.  

After honing his cooking skills in Australia, Shonhan moved to the UK, working at Asia de Cuba and The Dorchester, before moving to the US, where he helped launch Nobu Dallas as executive chef.  

But it was his return to London — and a shift towards modern Japanese cuisine — that was a defining point in his career, Shonhan says. As executive chef at ZUMA London, he deepened his understanding of Japanese technique, and eventually founded the Bone Daddies Group in 2011, which quickly gained a following for its ramen bars and creative approach to Japanese comfort food.  

More recently, Shonhan brought his fire-driven cooking style to the UAE, founding Netsu in Dubai and Strawfire in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — a restaurant that blends Japanese technique with bold, open-flame cooking.  

Strawfire is in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. (Supplied)

When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?  

Trying to overcomplicate things. When you are young and eager, you want to impress, so you layer flavors, technique or garnishes, and often forget that restraint is just as powerful. Over time, I’ve learned to trust great ingredients. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?  

Taste everything as you go. It sounds basic, but it’s amazing how many people season once at the end and hope for the best. Some slow-cooked foods, for example, taste better when they’ve been seasoned throughout the process.  

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?  

Acid — like citrus juice or a good vinegar. Whether it’s a splash of rice vinegar in a salad or a bit of aged balsamic, acid lifts everything. It balances richness, sharpens flavors, and gives a dish structure. It’s a critical part of the seasoning process. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

Not consciously, but when you’ve been in kitchens and restaurants your whole life, it’s hard not to notice the details. 

Strawfire is in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. (Supplied)

What’s the most-common issue that you find in other restaurants?  

The biggest issue is inconsistency.  

What’s your favorite cuisine to eat?  

I tend to gravitate towards simple places that execute well. I have some great Iranian restaurants near where I live and some brilliant Thai restaurants too. So, just family-run restaurants that have been going for years.  

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? 

Rice noodles with courgette, chili and fish sauce. It’s light and heathy but very tasty. It’s actually my wife’s recipe. It’s a mid-week staple. 

What customer request or behavior most annoys you? 

I don’t mind requests. Food is personal. But I find it tough when people don’t respect the team. We work hard to create an experience, and hospitality is a two-way street. A bit of kindness costs nothing and I think you can judge a person on how they treat their waiter.  

What’s your favorite dish to cook? 

Anything cooked over fire. It connects me to my childhood in the Australian outback. There’s something timeless about cooking with flame; it strips things back to instinct and makes food taste more alive. 

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right? 

Creating a well-made broth requires patience, balance and discipline. It takes time and skill to develop the layers of flavor. That’s also applicable to making sauces. 

As a head chef, what are you like?  

I’d say I’m direct, but not constantly shouting. Firm but fair, maybe. Kitchens are intense enough without unnecessary drama. I want my team to feel supported and clear about expectations. I value honesty, effort and curiosity, and I try to create an environment where people want to grow. 

Chef Ross’ spaghetti mentaiko recipe  

Chef Ross’ spaghetti mentaiko. (Supplied)

For the Mentaiko mixture:  

100g mentaiko                                          

30g grapeseed oil                                    

2g smoked sweet paprika powder 

For the spaghetti:  

132g mentaiko mixture 

200g butter 

320g spaghetti (dry) 

40g parmigiana (grated) 

160g cream 35% 

8g salt 

Juice from a half lemon 

Zest from a half lemon 

20g chives (finely chopped) 

8g kizami nori  

60g pasta water 

Step 1 

Place a pot with water without salt on the stove and bring it to a boil. 

Then cook the pasta according to the package directions or preferences.  

Step 2  

While the spaghetti cooks, start with the mentaiko mixture. 

The whole mentaiko comes in the roe sack which has a tough outer skin. Cut the skin in, and scrape the roe with a spoon from the skin, then add it into a mixing bowl. 

Add the smocked paprika powder, grapeseed oil and grated parmigiana in and mix everything gently with a spatula and keep it on the side. 

Step 3 

Place a pan on the stove and add the cream, salt and butter, then heat it up slowly until the butter has melted. 

Step 4 

Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the cream and butter mixture.  

Stir until the sauce is nice and creamy. If the sauce starts to curdle or thickens too much, add a little bit from the pasta water until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency again. 

Step 5 

Add the spaghetti and sauce to the mixing bowl containing the mentaiko mixture, add the juice of half a lemon, and mix gently. (Chopsticks or a meat fork work well for mixing this). You can add a little more pasta water If the sauce becomes too thick again. 

Step 6 

For serving, we recommend using a meat fork and a large spoon and twist the spaghetti into a nest then place it in the center of your plate. Distribute the chives and kizami nori over the spaghetti and grate a little lemon zest over it.  


London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 

London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 
Updated 17 July 2025
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London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 

London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 
  • A guide to finding a taste of home on your travels  

LONDON: As the number of Saudi expats and visitors in London continues to grow, it’s no surprise that Saudi-owned brands are rising in popularity in the British capital. So, if you’re planning to make the big move — or just visiting — but you’re concerned about feeling homesick, don’t worry; your favorite cafés are coming with you, making your mornings abroad feel a little more like home. 

Somewhere Café 

Somewhere Café has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership. (Supplied)

If you’ve visited Somewhere Café in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, then you’re already familiar with its unmatched ambiance, food, and décor. With its first UK outlet, the beloved café — which has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership — has brought its signature “home-away-from-home” experience, along with classic Middle Eastern flavors, to London’s premier department store: Harrods. 

“Inspired by our travels, we invite you to experience a piece of our journey. Much like finding a painting and bringing it home as a memento, Somewhere celebrates the unique from everywhere. The space is elegantly well-travelled, with an eclectic touch, showcasing Middle Eastern influences through craft and curation,” co-founder Amal AlMarri told Arab News. 

If you’re craving something beyond the ordinary, Somewhere Café delivers a fusion of flavors that reimagines nostalgic childhood dishes. Its most popular items include beef shawarma rice, kunafa croissant, and guacamole hummus. For lunch or dinner, you might try the crispy, golden shrimp kunafa or indulge in the rich truffle and cheese batata harra.  

To complement its bold menu, the café features a warm, dimly lit interior — a cozy and inviting space to relax with friends and family. Before you leave, the dessert menu — featuring a delectable farak French toast or French coffee baklava — deserves an equal amount of attention. 

Hijazi Corner 

At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. (Supplied)

London’s first Saudi restaurant — Hijazi Corner — is a vibrant addition to the city’s dynamic culinary scene. At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. The inspiration behind the restaurant? His mother’s kitchen. 

“When any chef starts to speak about food, they talk about their mum. Her chicken kabsa is a bit oily, a bit shiny, and looks amazing — even just talking about it now makes me hungry,” Al-Zubaidi told Arab News last year. “But even if I used the exact same ingredients and followed her method, hers would still taste better.” 

Rooted in tradition, the menu features dishes typically found in Saudi homes — especially Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, where Al-Zubaidi grew up. Highlights include chicken seelag, slow-roasted lamb haneeth, and delicate, flaky samboosek. 

In just two years, Hijazi Corner has become one of London’s most sought-after Middle Eastern restaurants — a testament to the deep longing among Saudi expats for authentic flavors from home. 

Qahwah London 

Qahwah London serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa. (Supplied)

For those pining for the traditional, rich, aromatic flavors of Arabic coffee, Qahwah London is exactly what you need, with a wide selection of authentic qahwah options, including a tangy, spiced black coffee or the café’s signature Royal Infusion — a warming blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Feeling hungry? Qahwah London also serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa — the perfect pairing for a steaming cup of Arabic coffee. 

Guests can also book private gatherings for friends and family, or host intimate events like weddings or nikkah ceremonies. As part of its private offerings, the café provides a luxurious setting: rooms adorned with gold-plated coffee cups and an eye-catching assortment of traditional sweets — all designed to create a decadent group experience. 

Diwan Kitchen 

Diwan Kitchen captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature. (Supplied)

Diwan Kitchen is perfect for Saudis in the UK who are craving not only an authentic bite from home, but the feeling of being back in the Kingdom. It captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature.  

“We wanted to show people what traditional Saudi dining is like” Adem Nasraddin, co-founder of the restaurant, told Arab News on the restaurant’s opening night in May. “There’s a rhythm to Saudi life. A scent, a pace, a flavor. We bottled that feeling and served it on a plate.” 

The menu takes diners on a journey across the Kingdom, from the Hijaz region, with its rich, tangy foul medammas — served in the center of the table with bread for sharing — to Najd, with jareesh, a hearty stew-like dish topped with fresh meat and vegetables. 

Half Million 

½ M Café is on Oxford Street. (Supplied)

Grab a coffee and a quick bite at Half Million Café on Oxford Street, then stroll over to Hyde Park for the perfect London morning. 

As in its original location in Saudi Arabia, Half Million in London is committed to delivering a “premium coffee experience.” Whether you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast tea or a vibrant red berry infusion, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And when the sun is out, their iced coffees offer the perfect refreshment. The menu — from cakes and sandwiches to freshly baked pastries — is completely halal. 

If you’re after a bold, decadent brew in a sleek, stylish setting, Half Million Café is the ideal stop. With its modern cup designs and curated aesthetic, it’s a chic addition to London’s café scene. 


Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 

Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 
Updated 17 July 2025
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Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 

Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 
  • Relaxation and realization at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort 

 MALDIVES: There are few places in the world that truly embody serenity the way the Maldives does, and my recent yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort was nothing short of transformative.  

The resort — set among turquoise waters, white sand and swaying palm trees — was not just a getaway; it was a reset for the body, mind and soul. 

From the moment I arrived, it felt as though time slowed down. Each day began with yoga classes overlooking the endless blue of the Indian Ocean with the sound of the wind rustling through palm trees and the gentle rhythm of waves crashing on the shore. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. One of the most peaceful sessions took place around sunset, as the sky shifted from soft gold to dusky pink. 

A yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. (Supplied)

The retreat was led by Dubai-based instructor Emilia Métaireau. Each day, we explored one of the “koshas” — the five layers of the self in yogic thought — starting with the physical and gradually moving on to the emotional, mental and spiritual realms. Métaireau’s ability to guide us gently into each theme, while adapting to every participant’s level, made the experience both grounding and expansive. 

And while the classes make you sweat, you remain in constant Zen mode. During the final relaxation, there was no escaping the inevitable: drifting into the deepest, most peaceful sleep. 

Post-practice, we had plenty of time to explore and unwind at the resort. Our villa came with its own bicycles, which made exploring the island feel peaceful and playful. Riding from one side to the other with the sea breeze on my face was one of the small joys that made the trip so memorable.  

The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. The Lighthouse was undergoing renovations during our stay, but we were still able to enjoy its menu in a different setting. Fresh seafood, balanced flavors and thoughtful plating made each meal feel special. 

The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. (Supplied)

The resort is also on the edge of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers rare access to graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. We headed out on a boat, gliding across crystal-clear waters in search of them, stopping at three different spots. Mantas have a vast area to explore, so sightings are never guaranteed and, after a while, we began to lose hope. But just as we were about to head back, the team spotted them near the surface. Guests — including my husband — were able to get into the water with the rays. He said they were much larger than he expected, yet graceful and fascinating to watch up close. 

The resort’s spa — set above the water — was the perfect complement to the physical and spiritual work on the retreat. The treatment rooms offer panoramic views of the ocean, which only deepens the relaxation experience, and every aspect, from the scents used to the post-treatment tea, was curated to bring a sense of calm and renewal. 

This retreat gave me the space to reconnect with myself in a truly meaningful way, and Métaireau’s guidance gave me a deeper understanding of yoga. I used to attend classes in Dubai, but I struggled to focus, often skipping the breathing exercises, weighed down by the stress of a busy workday. But being in the Maldives, surrounded by nature, was a completely different experience. With every session, I felt more present, more grounded and more in tune with myself. 

If you would like to try yoga — or if you’ve already tried but found it hard to engage properly — then I highly recommend going on a retreat, even within your own country. Stepping away from your daily routine makes all the difference.  


Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage
Updated 16 July 2025
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Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

DUBAI: Saudi writer and producer Mona Khashoggi’s latest production, “Sinbad the Sailor,” was staged on Tuesday at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, blending traditional Arab storytelling with contemporary performance. 

The family-friendly dance show was a vibrant reinterpretation of the legendary seafarer’s adventures, inspired by tales from “One Thousand and One Nights” and set in eighth-century Mesopotamia.

Khashoggi is a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations. (Supplied)

The musical tells the story of Sinbad, who loses his fortune in a card game and goes on a journey to find new treasures. Along the way he faces sea monsters, wild adventures and magical caves. He meets a kind girl and together they find friendship, love and a way back home to Baghdad, where Sinbad inspires a young boy with his stories.

Khashoggi, a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations, emphasized her decision to work with a global cast. “Because this is a dance show … I wanted the best ballet and contemporary dancers. My dancers are all professional from the Mathew Bourne school, English National Ballet and West End Musicals,” she told Arab News. 

Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences. (Supplied)

“My lead Mark Samaras is in ‘Moulin Rouge.’ My creatives are from the West End with awards. I wanted to push the bar high and introduce an Arab story,” she added. “Mona Khash Productions is a British production. I always work and produce my shows in London before we tour internationally. London and the West End shows are the center and capital of theater in the world.”

Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences. 

Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. (Supplied)

“My work and passion is to revive our culture and bring it to a wider audience and international audience. My shows are educational and cultural. The dance and costumes are inspired by stories from ‘1001 Nights,’ set in Mesopotamia in the 8th century, during the era of Haroun El-Rashid and Queen Zubaida,” she said. 

Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish.

Director and choreographer Anjali Mehra, whose credits include “Jesus Christ Superstar” and "Lord of the Rings,” said: “The Middle East offers so many exciting social and celebratory dances.

“I was inspired by certain steps, foot rhythms, arm movements and stage patterns. With a mixed heritage cast, we were able to combine modern storytelling dance with classical technique and Arabic steps to bring ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life,” Mehra added.