Saudi artist paints with food

Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)
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Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)
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Updated 27 July 2024
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Saudi artist paints with food

Saudi artist paints with food
  • Rawan Shouman’s styling skills can turn an everyday dish into a work of art

JEDDAH: In the Kingdom’s culinary art scene, food styling, though a key ingredient, remains a niche career. However, one culinary artist is quickly making a name for herself by plating with style.

Rawan Shouman’s interest in food styling — the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video — began during her university days, shortly before the global pandemic, when she decided to help out a photographer friend.

“With a passion for cooking and photography, styling seemed like a natural fit,” she told Arab News.




Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)

Although a cooking background is not necessary for styling, it has proven to be a bonus in Shouman’s case. “Knowing how to speak the chef’s language and the photographer’s language is essential for communication,” she said.

Shouman said that she has “always loved cooking and photography, so styling seemed convenient as it combines both.”

The result is a career that combines food styling, set and props design, and creative direction.

HIGHLIGHTS

• With food styling relatively new in the Kingdom, Rawan Shouman faced challenges establishing herself professionally.

• In the past, the mainstream food photography standard was to aim for perfection, but now there is a trend toward a more natural aesthetic.

Shouman invested money she earned as a stylist in the specialist gear needed for photography and videography.

But with food styling relatively new in the Kingdom, she faced challenges establishing herself professionally.




Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)

“Most of us go in faking knowing what we are doing until we actually do,” she said. However, with hard work, determination, and a good portfolio, she convinced clients to work with her.

So, what exactly does a food stylist do? “We work with chefs to produce the best quality looking food, either in restaurants or on advertisement sets, where I hire a production chef on my team,” Shouman said. “With their culinary skills, and my styling tricks and vision, we develop the best-looking final products.”

Each project is different and has its own needs and budgets. A stylist’s work finishes at the end of the shoot, but Shouman also gets involved in pre and post-production.




Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)

“The creative process starts with the client’s needs, then comes idea formation and planning,” she said. “We prepare for the shoot needs from backgrounds, plates, everything. Then it is shoot day … sometimes we do trials before the shoot to perfect a method in styling.”

Shouman also looks for props that fit the project and recipes. “I keep in mind what other elements I want to add on set, so not just to provide plate options but also providing glasses, utensils, boards, and ramekins for sauces, garnishes, or ingredients,” she said.

When creating a visually appealing food setup, she considers textures, props for layering, and fabrics.

As our food industry evolves, it needs to be presented in a way that captures attention and showcases its uniqueness.

Rawan Shouman, Food stylist

She said that Santos Loo, a Los Angeles-based food stylist, “once mentioned that he thinks of textures, and I like to think in that way, too.”

In the past, the mainstream food photography standard was to aim for perfection, but now there is a trend toward a more natural aesthetic.




Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)

“Victoria Granof (the US-based food stylist) is the one who started defying these rules, and her style became more acceptable and in demand now,” Shouman added.

The Saudi stylist makes sure to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques by following artists she admires, and checking cookbooks, magazines, and websites.

“We are artists, we create trends, we don’t need to follow them, if you know what I mean,” she said.




Food styling is the process of staging food to look as attractive and appealing as possible for photography or video. (Instagram/r_a_shouman/Supplied)

Like a painter, her techniques and styles depend on the mood and feelings at the time of creating a plate or set. She is also an advocate for working ethically with less food waste, as well as finding and creating edible substitutes for chemicals that are usually used in styling.

Shouman is happy that creatives in the industry have the opportunity to show their talents, adding that it is necessary for the field to expand.

Food photoshoots “take place every day,” but, unfortunately, styling is not always asked for because of budgeting and a “what you see is what you get” approach, she said.

Shouman has worked with many leading figures, studios, businesses, and hotels, as well as local and international brands, including Al-Osra sugar, Wister, Rustic Grill, IKEA, Lallo Restaurant, Plan Burger, Savola, Nespresso, and Haagen-Dazs.

Shouman views food styling as an essential ingredient in Saudi Arabia’s growing culinary landscape.

“As our food industry evolves, it needs to be presented in a way that captures attention and showcases its uniqueness,” she said. “That is where food styling comes in … it helps to communicate the story behind the dish, enhancing its appeal and drawing people in.”

Asked about her future projects and plans, Shouman said: “I am always excited about the next project, meeting new people, and collaborating on creative endeavors. I am not one to follow rigid plans, I prefer to embrace new challenges and let inspiration guide my work.”

She added: “Inspiration is everywhere; you just need to be curious and open to it. I like to think in series — coming up with concepts, titles, and ideas for food photography and videography. I find inspiration in nature, movies, podcasts, and even in seemingly unrelated fields like car photoshoots or fashion shows.”

Shouman makes sure to document her ideas, even if they are not immediately applicable, believing it is a valuable practice for the creative mind.

One defining moment in her career was a project that pushed her out of her comfort zone. “I was getting started in photography and videography,” she recalled, “and my usual collaborators were unavailable. I had to rely on my skills and resourcefulness to complete the project. That experience taught me a lot about adaptability and independence.”

This anecdote highlights the career path of a food stylist — a constant pursuit of learning, growth, and creative expression.

 

 


TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art
Updated 01 July 2025
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TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art
  • Part of Culture Ministry’s use of heritage sites as platforms for contemporary art

JEDDAH: One year after its debut in Historic Jeddah, TeamLab Borderless continues to draw curious visitors into a world where digital art responds to movement, light and season.

As Saudi Arabia’s first permanent digital art museum, it has welcomed visitors from more than 25 countries — especially young people and art enthusiasts.

The interactive artworks at TeamLab Borderless respond to movement and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same. (Supplied)

It is serving as a cultural hub that reflects their aspirations and introduces new ways of engaging with contemporary art.

The museum has an open layout allowing for exploration and engagement. The interactive artworks respond to their movements and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same.

FASTFACT

TeamLab Borderless is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture’s broader initiative to activate heritage sites as platforms for contemporary art.

In an interview with Arab News at the museum’s launch, Toshiyuki Inoko, TeamLab Borderless’ founder, explained the concept behind the museum, noting that “everything is in a continuous relationship.”

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks its one-year anniversary since opening its doors in June 2024. (Supplied)

“Even though each element is independent, there are no boundaries in between, and they even influence each other,” he said.

Many of the installations reflect natural rhythms. In “Proliferating Immense Life,” for example, the flowers change with the months.

The interactive artworks at TeamLab Borderless respond to movement and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same. (Supplied)

The “Forest of Lamps” and “Flowers in Infinite Transparency” installations also shift with the seasons, while “Memory of Topography” presents a static landscape that subtly transforms through movement.

Inoko also revealed that several artworks were developed exclusively for the Jeddah museum.

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks its one-year anniversary since opening its doors in June 2024. (Supplied)

“(One) work that is very unique to Jeddah is the work of the staircase, where you see the cascading waterfall of sand,” he said.

“Through that sand falls, you see gigantic flowers persistently trying to grow very powerfully. They keep growing, they keep falling, and they continue that cycle forever.”

The interactive artworks at TeamLab Borderless respond to movement and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same. (Supplied)

TeamLab Borderless is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture’s broader initiative to activate heritage sites as platforms for contemporary art.

These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to empower the cultural and creative sectors and elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for art and technology.

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks its one-year anniversary since opening its doors in June 2024. (Supplied)

The museum stands as an example of this ambition, a space where art is in constant motion and where every visit becomes a unique, personal journey.

“The message that we wanted to convey to the world and the visitor is that the world itself is in a continuous relationship, and everything affects each other,” Inoko said.

 


Nationwide drive trains Saudi youth in sustainability

The initiative aims to strengthen funding for environmental efforts and provide incentives for standout projects. (SPA)
The initiative aims to strengthen funding for environmental efforts and provide incentives for standout projects. (SPA)
Updated 01 July 2025
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Nationwide drive trains Saudi youth in sustainability

The initiative aims to strengthen funding for environmental efforts and provide incentives for standout projects. (SPA)
  • Initiative boosts environmental awareness in 331 schools across 13 regions for a greener future

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Environment Fund has concluded its “Friends of the Environment” initiative, which benefited 13,552 students from 331 schools across 13 administrative regions.

The program aimed to raise environmental awareness among youth and was carried out in partnership with INJAZ Saudi Arabia, a nonprofit that empowers young Saudis with practical skills for the workforce.

Munir bin Fahd Al-Sahli, acting CEO of the fund, said the initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Environment Strategy, which seek to enhance and sustain the environmental sector and strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in the field. The fund plays a central role in realizing these goals.

HIGHLIGHT

Munir Al-Sahli, acting CEO of the fund, said that the project is a model of collaboration between environmental, educational, and nonprofit sectors, and reflects the fund’s goal of fostering a generation that values and protects natural resources.

More than 200 student counselors were trained to deliver the program, logging 135,520 training hours — exceeding the initial plan of 125,000 hours. The initiative also surpassed its target of reaching 12,500 students.

Al-Sahli said that while the program has met its objectives, the fund remains committed to supporting similar efforts that raise environmental awareness among youth.

He added that the project is a model of collaboration between environmental, educational, and nonprofit sectors, and reflects the fund’s goal of fostering a generation that values and protects natural resources.

The “Friends of the Environment” initiative is part of the Incentives and Grants Program, an online platform launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in mid-2024.

The program supports 16 tracks across various environmental fields, and applicants can apply through the Environmental Fund’s website.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia introduced a new environmental financing initiative worth SR1 billion ($267 million), backed by Riyad Bank, to boost private sector involvement in sustainable projects. It was announced by Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, who is also the chairman of the fund.

The initiative aims to strengthen funding for environmental efforts and provide incentives for standout projects. It forms part of a wider national strategy to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

 


Deputy minister receives Romanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi (R) and Sebastian Mitrachi in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Abdulrahman Al-Rassi (R) and Sebastian Mitrachi in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 01 July 2025
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Deputy minister receives Romanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi (R) and Sebastian Mitrachi in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • All sides discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Romanian Ambassador to the Kingdom Sebastian Mitrachi in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Separately, Al-Rassi also met Raymond Balatbatto, ambassador of the Philippines to the Kingdom.

During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

 


Saudi Cabinet hails Hajj success, backs peace efforts and greenlights series of international agreements

Saudi Cabinet hails Hajj success, backs peace efforts and greenlights series of international agreements
Updated 01 July 2025
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Saudi Cabinet hails Hajj success, backs peace efforts and greenlights series of international agreements

Saudi Cabinet hails Hajj success, backs peace efforts and greenlights series of international agreements
  • In its weekly session held in Jeddah, the Council of Ministers approved several global agreements

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Tuesday praised the successful delivery of this year’s Hajj season, which saw more than 1.6 million pilgrims complete their rituals smoothly, and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s global leadership in crowd management and services to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Cabinet also reviewed efforts to support pilgrims from Iran in returning home safely, following recent domestic unrest in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In its weekly session held in Jeddah, the Council of Ministers welcomed messages to King Salman from the leaders of Venezuela, Vietnam, and Angola on bilateral cooperation.

It also reiterated the Kingdom’s positions on regional and global developments, reaffirming support for diplomatic solutions and condemning any violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.

The Cabinet called on the international community to end the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s war in Gaza and pressed for peace in line with international legitimacy.

It also welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and voiced optimism about its potential to boost regional stability and prosperity.

Ministers noted the launch of the World Water Organization’s activities in Riyadh as further evidence of Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing global cooperation.

They also highlighted several recent international recognitions, including the Kingdom’s election as Vice-Chair of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board, its appointment to the UN’s High-Level Group for the 2030 Agenda, and the inclusion of the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List.

The Cabinet welcomed the IMF’s latest Article IV report, which commended the Saudi economy’s resilience amid global headwinds, citing strong non-oil growth, controlled inflation, and historically low unemployment rates — all in alignment with Vision 2030 goals.

The session also saw the approval of several international cooperation agreements. These included a draft pact with Algeria to combat organized crime, a mutual visa exemption deal with Italy for diplomatic and special passport holders, and the initiation of negotiations with Russia on a similar visa waiver agreement.

The Cabinet also endorsed a memorandum of understanding on Islamic affairs with Pakistan, an agreement with the International Consultative Group on Agricultural Research to promote innovation in Saudi Arabia’s agriculture sector, and a new partnership with Zambia in the field of mineral resources.

Saudi Arabia will also proceed with joining the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development, following Cabinet authorization.

Other decisions included renaming the Supreme National Investment Committee to the National Investment Committee at the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, approving new procedures for biometric verification of cruise ship passengers, and assigning the Ministry of Education as the supervisory authority over the Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association.

The Cabinet also approved restructuring of the Insurance Disputes and Violations Resolution Committee in Dammam and reviewed the final accounts of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and the General Authority for Food Security.

Several senior civil service promotions were confirmed, including appointments at the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Foreign Affairs, Hajj and Umrah, Human Resources, and Municipal Affairs. Notably, Manal Radwan was promoted to Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The session ended with reviews of annual reports from the Ministry of Tourism, the National Development Fund, and the Tourism Development Fund, with the Cabinet taking the necessary actions on each.


Saudi FM receives written message from Iranian counterpart

Iran’s ambassador to Kingdom Alireza Enayati hands over the message to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
Iran’s ambassador to Kingdom Alireza Enayati hands over the message to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
Updated 01 July 2025
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Saudi FM receives written message from Iranian counterpart

Iran’s ambassador to Kingdom Alireza Enayati hands over the message to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
  • Message was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a written message from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding relations between their countries.

The message was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Khuraiji and Enayati reviewed Saudi-Iranian relations and discussed topics of common interest.