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L’Oreal Middle East exec looks to help doctors build an online presence

L’Oreal’ Medfluencer Academy recently hosted healthcare professionals at an event in Abu Dhabi designed to help doctors build and scale their online presence. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 May 2025
Saffiya Ansari
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L’Oreal Middle East exec looks to help doctors build an online presence

Updated 22 May 2025
Saffiya Ansari

DUBAI: L’Oreal’ Medfluencer Academy recently hosted more than 200 healthcare professionals at an event in Abu Dhabi designed to help doctors build and scale their online presence, with the General Manager of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Middle East telling Arab News the move was in line with the French company’s recognition of “the power of social media.”

“We recognize the power of social media, especially in the GCC region, where the young, highly connected population often turns to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for skincare advice,” Sanaa Bougazzoul told Arab News, explaining that the decision to launch the Medfluencer Academy worldwide was due to the fact that “while these platforms offer access to a lot information, we see also misinformation that can be detrimental to skin health.”




Sanaa Bougazzoul. (Supplied)

Empowering medical professions to “become effective communicators on social media” is a key aim of the initiative, with May’s event in the UAE — the first Medfluencer Academy held in the region — hosting panels, workshops and breakout sessions by experts from Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and the VML agency.

“Our aim is to equip dermatologists with expertise to navigate the digital landscape confidently, creating engaging, science backed content that resonates with the consumers,” Bougazzoul explained.

She also noted that steps should be taken to ensure qualified medical experts on social media are labelled as such, by means of a tag or disclaimer.

“A verified tag for licensed medical professionals would be a positive step toward building trust and protecting users. It would help distinguish evidence-based advice from unqualified or misleading content.”

When it comes to her top three tips for medical professionals with a social media presence, Bougazzoul said: “Simplify, don’t dilute, be consistent and human and use each platform’s strengths.”

 

Where We Are Going Today: Ruya in Riyadh

Updated 25 July 2025
Rahaf Jambi
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Where We Are Going Today: Ruya in Riyadh

  • From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and aromatic spices transport you to Istanbul
Updated 25 July 2025
Rahaf Jambi

Ruya, meaning “dream” in Turkish, offers an authentic dining experience that truly captures the essence of Turkiye’s flavors and atmosphere.

Located in Riyadh’s stylish neighborhood of Sulaymaniyah, this restaurant has quickly become one of the capital’s standout spots.

From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and aromatic spices transport you to Istanbul. The service is exceptional, with welcoming and attentive staff who enhance the overall experience.

They also offer simit, which is Turkish sesame bread. Paired with the tea they serve, it creates a cozy atmosphere that invites you to stay longer.

You may start your meal with crispy borek, setting the stage for the deliciousness that follows. The menu features elevated Turkish classics, focusing on modern dishes inspired by the rich history and culture of the country.

Ruya is a delightful escape for anyone craving comfort food with a Turkish twist. (Supplied)

There are juicy kebabs and pillowy-soft bread, each dish bursting with flavor and prepared with care. Among the highlights are the icli kofte (Turkish stuffed meatballs), crunchy on the outside and savory within, and the shish taouk, so tender it melts in your mouth.

While the appetizers are outstanding and truly the highlight of the meal, you might find some of the main courses a bit too neutral. They are well-prepared but could have benefited from more depth in seasoning and spice.

The dessert, however, will provide a sweet finish to your evening.

Overall, Ruya is a delightful escape for anyone craving comfort food with a Turkish twist.
 

Topics: food and restaurants Ruya

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Where We Are Going Today: Omo Omo – Korean restaurant in Riyadh
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Where We Are Going Today: Omo Omo – Korean restaurant in Riyadh

Rabokki dish at Omo Omo. (Supplied)
Updated 22 July 2025
Tamara Aboalsaud
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Where We Are Going Today: Omo Omo – Korean restaurant in Riyadh

  • Omo Omo is a vibrant place with a bright, colorful interior decorated with Korean pop art and a casual, friendly vibe. But what’s so great about it is that the food tastes just as good delivered as it does when dining in
Updated 22 July 2025
Tamara Aboalsaud

It takes a special kind of place for me to say you can order anything off the menu and still be happy. But with Omo Omo, a Korean restaurant on Al-Thoumamah Road in Riyadh, I’ll say that without hesitation.

Omo Omo is a vibrant place with a bright, colorful interior decorated with Korean pop art and a casual, friendly vibe. But what’s so great about it is that the food tastes just as good delivered as it does when dining in.

They have a pretty large menu with a variety of different tteokbokki, noodles, fried chicken, corn dogs, kimbap, and more.

If I could convince you to try one thing, though, it would be the rabokki.

Their bestseller, this delicious ramen and rice cake dish (and you must add the bulgogi beef) is creamy, spicy, and tender, making it the ultimate warm comfort meal. I count down the hours to my cheat day so I can order this specific dish.

Another top contender is the kimbap, available in large or mini sizes.

Even if you’re not usually inclined to order a vegetarian roll, their vegetarian kimbap with kimchi will change your mind. The yellow radish makes it super flavorful, and the kimchi gives it the spices it needs.

Another crowd favorite is the corn dog, with a crunchy deep-fried coating and different cheese and potato options. It is flavorful enough, without relying too much on condiments.

And of course, a Korean meal is not complete without sides, notably the kimchi and spicy cucumber. The kimchi has always been good, but the spicy cucumbers were subpar the first couple of times I ordered them.

The next time you are in the mood for some tasty Korean bites, try Omo Omo and thank me later.

Topics: Omo Omo

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Le Sushi Bar offers hope in the heart of Beirut as Japanese chef hosts residency

Updated 22 July 2025
Celine Hijazi
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Le Sushi Bar offers hope in the heart of Beirut as Japanese chef hosts residency

Updated 22 July 2025
Celine Hijazi

BEIRUT: “For a restaurant to last 28 years in Lebanon — it’s heroic,” chef Mario Haddad told Arab News recently as he reflected on the industry in a city and country facing several challenges.

Haddad believes he is among those redefining the fine dining scene, as Beirut undergoes a nascent revival.

His restaurant, Le Sushi Bar, stands like a sleek, elegant trophy in the heart of downtown.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lebtivity.com (@lebtivity)

With the arrival of decorated Japanese chef-in-residence Sayaka Sawaguchi this summer, he believes the restaurant is helping to place Lebanon’s fine dining back on the global stage.

“We decided to have a chef-in-residence because we wanted to celebrate Lebanon coming back to life,” Haddad declared.

For Sawaguchi, integrating into Lebanon — a country shaped by resilience and a distinct warmth — came naturally.

She spent weeks before the residence — between July 9 and 27 — traveling across the country, immersing herself in the intricacies of the country.

“Lebanon taught me the beautiful balance of spices, herbs, and olive oil — just like how Lebanese people live their life every day,” Sawaguchi said.

Despite coming from vastly different worlds, Haddad and Sawaguchi found common ground in their passion for food.

“She fits in like a glove ... It’s not easy not having your tools, your kitchen, your ingredients — but her attitude was spot on,” Haddad said.

“The art of feeding each other is definitely our shared passion,” Sawaguchi added.

Haddad has an eye for detail, which appears to be a key element of his restaurant’s success.

Watching him in his element — surveying each dish as it reaches the table, greeting every guest like family, and taking joy  in their delight — it becomes clear why Le Sushi Bar has endured through the storm.

 

Where We Are Going Today: Sunsera restaurant in Jeddah

Photo/Supplied
Updated 21 July 2025
Afshan Aziz
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Where We Are Going Today: Sunsera restaurant in Jeddah

  • From the western region, the sayadieh was a standout — perfectly seasoned fried fish over rice infused with fish broth and golden onions
Updated 21 July 2025
Afshan Aziz

Located inside the Joudyan Hotel at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah, Sunsera restaurant offers a Saudi special menu that takes diners on a flavorful journey across the Kingdom, from the central plains to the western coast and southern highlands.

We started with central region flavors. The crisp jareesh balls and qursan rolls were comforting, but the creamy, tangy jareesh garnished with ghee stole the show. The marqouq, a hearty meat-and-vegetable stew, was rich, though the flatbread could have been softer.

From the western region, the sayadieh was a standout — perfectly seasoned fried fish over rice infused with fish broth and golden onions. The saleeg, rice cooked in chicken broth and milk, packed flavor, and the mantu dumplings were light with a tasty filling.

Desserts included delicate, fragrant sagodana and vermicelli with milk, though the latter was a bit too sweet for some.

The southern menu was bold and hearty. The haneeth featured tender smoked lamb with saffron rice, while thareed and mashghoothah offered homestyle comfort, if a bit heavy. The areekah dessert, drizzled with smoked ghee and honey, ended the meal richly.

What tied the meal together were the drinks. The date smoothie was thick and rich, blended with cinnamon and vanilla for a comforting finish. The almond coffee, made with rice flour and milk, was just as hearty — almost a meal on its own.

 

Topics: Sunsera restaurant in Jeddah

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Skincare brand promises care for Arab complexions

Updated 21 July 2025
Hams Saleh
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Skincare brand promises care for Arab complexions

Updated 21 July 2025
Hams Saleh

DUBAI: Biochemist and content creator Toufic Braidi is on a mission to bridge tradition and science with Antati, which he says is a “clean” beauty brand formulated specifically for Arab skin and the region’s climate.

With many of his videos racking up 100 million views and counting, Braidi has parlayed his background in biomedical engineering and biochemistry into a line developed and manufactured in Lebanon.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @use_bilo

“I realized there was a huge gap in the Arab world when it comes to good skincare, especially products that respect our climate, our genes and our culture,” Braidi told Arab News.

Antati’s formulations are fragrance-free, vegan, halal-certified and non-comedogenic.

“We are committed to creating risk-free formulations that are clean, safe and effective,” he said, noting that the brand avoids ethanol, pork derivatives, animal-based ingredients and synthetic fragrances.

“There’s a lack of cultural respect in the global beauty industry. I wanted to create a brand that truly reflects us.

“Why am I going to go and spend on skincare that doesn’t care about what Mahmoud from Riyadh thinks — when Mahmoud from Riyadh is a conservative halal consumer who deserves to be seen?”

The brand name Antati is derived from the Arabic words “anta” and “anti,” the masculine and feminine forms of “you,” reflecting the brand’s inclusive mission.

Its product range includes Arabian Pearl Face Cream, Shams Glow Serum, Sahara Shine Serum, and Desert Breeze Toner, all with names inspired by Arab geography and heritage.

Designed to work with common traits of Arab skin, such as higher melanin levels, oiliness and sensitivity to heat, Braidi emphasizes that understanding skin function is key.

“Arab skin is robust, but we live in harsh climates. We need ingredients that hydrate without increasing sebum and that won’t irritate sensitive skin.”

Despite launching only seven months ago, Antati has seen strong organic growth. Endorsements include pop superstar Myriam Fares’ unexpected Snapchat post driving thousands of sales.

“At first, I thought our moisturizer would be the least popular,” Braidi said. “But the Arabian Pearl Face Cream is our bestseller.”

For Braidi, Antati is more than skincare: “It’s confidence, empowerment and self-care created by an Arab, for Arabs.”

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