Star Saudi food blogger ‘nourished’ by fusion of Middle East, Asia dishes

At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (Supplied)
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At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 July 2024
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Star Saudi food blogger ‘nourished’ by fusion of Middle East, Asia dishes

At 32, Emad Ramen is making waves in the culinary corner of TikTok with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. (
  • Flavors of Indonesia sparked love for cooking, says Emad Ramen who has 1.2m followers on TikTok

RIYADH: Star Saudi Arabia food blogger Emad Ramen recently attended Geekcon in Kuwait as a guest alongside other culinary celebrities, where he was able to talk to fellow chefs about his increasingly popular fusion of Middle Eastern and Asian dishes.

“It feels so good to be invited to such an event, especially since my mother is Kuwaiti and we went there for the first time,” said Emad, who prefers to go by social media name “Emad Ramen.”

Prior to the event he noted that he was looking forward to learning “about Kuwaiti cuisine and meet chefs from there.”




Katsu curry and ramen are among the dishes Emad tried after seeing it in anime. (Supplied)

Geekcon was founded in 2023 to celebrate “all things geeky, from anime and comics to comics, video games, movies and more,” according to its website.

At 32, Emad is making waves in the culinary world with his unique blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Emad’s passion for cooking was first ignited by the vibrant flavors of Indonesian food.

“(It) gave me a great push to discover other Asian and international cuisines,” Emad explained. “And some dishes that I wanted to try from anime movies and cartoons, such as katsu curry and ramen.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Emad Ramen told Arab News he finds inspiration from a variety of sources, including YouTube cooking channels and films focused on the kitchen.

• He also draws ideas from his interactions with his online following, which currently stands at 1.2 million on TikTok.

His approach to cooking, he said, is all about “continuity and departure from the familiar, trying new and inspiring dishes to share.”

Emad’s culinary journey has been fueled by a deep curiosity and a willingness to experiment. He finds inspiration from a variety of sources, including YouTube cooking channels and films focused on the kitchen.

He also draws ideas from his interactions with his online following, which currently stands at 1.2 million on TikTok.

“As a person who loves films related to the kitchen, my mind is always nourished, and there are many sources of inspiration, such as friends and followers, when they share their amazing recipes with me,” he said.

When asked about cooking tricks he has learned trying new recipes, he said: “One of the secrets I learned is adding soy sauce and vinegar to the chicken after cutting it during the marinating stage, which makes the chicken more able to absorb the spices and enhances the flavor even more.”

To make his dishes more accessible to his Arab audience, Emad has added his own twist to the way he presents his culinary adventures. “By Arabizing it, I change the names of Japanese and Korean dishes to Arabic names without changing the recipe itself,” he said.

He said he mixes “Indomie with different international cuisines” to help bridge the gaps between cultures.

Emad added: “I preserve the traditions of the original dish, but I develop it and present it in a new or trendy way that attracts followers and contributes to disseminating the video.”

When it comes to exploring cuisines from the East, Emad’s advice is simple: “Asian dishes are very diverse, so find what is suitable for you and try it.

“Do not do anything that you are not comfortable with. I know some Asian dishes that are very spicy or very salty. They may not suit some people.”

Emad’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone has resulted in people from other nations asking him to try new recipes.

“For example, a Moroccan asked me to mix a dish from Saudi Arabia with a dish from Morocco, and then the rest of the followers got excited to participate,” he said.

Looking ahead, Emad has ambitious goals: “I aspire to have a TV show, travel around the world and get to know different cooks, try new dishes and transfer them to the Arab world.”

 


King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims
Updated 14 June 2025
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King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims
  • Directive issued after authorities in Tehran close their airspace following attack by Israel said to have targeted Iranian nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs
  • Plan for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide help to the stranded pilgrims presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: King Salman on Friday ordered Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian Hajj pilgrims stranded in the Kingdom receive all necessary support until it is safe for them to return home.

The directive came shortly after Israeli authorities launched early-morning airstrikes against Iran, which they said targeted nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs. Tehran closed the country’s airspace in the aftermath.

The plan to provide help to stranded Iranian pilgrims was presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring they receive all necessary support.

The annual pilgrimage, a key pillar of Islam that all Muslims are required to complete at least once during their lives if physically and financially able, concluded on Monday. Tens of thousands of Iranians visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj each year. More than 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world took part this year and authorities described it as a success.

Iran retaliated to the Israeli attack later on Friday by targeting Tel Aviv with missiles, raising fears of prolonged and more-dangerous exchanges of fire.


Saudi crown prince discuss repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni

Saudi crown prince discuss repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince discuss repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni

Saudi crown prince discuss repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni
  • The crown prince had separate phone calls with Macron and Meloni: SPA

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday talked with the leaders of France and Italy about the latest developments in the region, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

During a phone call, the crown prince and France’s President Emmanuel Macron discussed the repercussions of Israeli strikes on Iran, which has killed 78 people, including generals and scientists, and wounded 320 others.

Iran retaliated later in the day, raining missiles and weaponized drones on Israeli cities, causing destruction.

In a separate call with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the two leaders “emphasized the necessity of making every effort to de-escalate the situation, the importance of exercising restraint, and resolving all disputes through diplomatic means,” SPA said.

Earlier in the day, the crown prince spoke with US President Donald J. Trump, during which the duo also stressed the need for continued joint work to achieve security, peace, and stability in the Middle East.

Macron had also announced that because of the Israel-Iran clash, the UN conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians that France and Saudi Arabia planned to co-chair next week in New York had been postponed.

“While we have to postpone this conference for logistical and security reasons, it will take place as soon as possible,” he said at a press conference.
 


How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation

How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation
Updated 14 June 2025
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How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation

How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation
  • OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global marine science collaborations
  • On its Around Africa Expedition, the foundation emphasized human-centered approaches to conservation

RIYADH: As the curtains closed on this year’s UN Ocean Conference in the French city of Nice, the Saudi-led foundation OceanQuest emerged as one of the standout contributors to marine sustainability — not only in policy circles but also in the depths of the world’s oceans.

Fresh from its pioneering Around Africa Expedition, OceanQuest, in partnership with OceanX, brought remarkable scientific discoveries and a powerful message to UNOC — that true marine conservation must combine exploration, collaboration, and education.

“This expedition went around Africa and engaged on-ship around 16 African scientists and more than 200 port stops,” Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, told Arab News.

From surveying megafauna by helicopter to exploring seamounts more than 1,000 meters beneath the surface aboard the OceanXplorer, the team used cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity to illuminate previously uncharted ecosystems.

OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit incubated at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. It is rapidly becoming a key player in the global marine science arena, dedicated to deep-sea exploration, design innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

DID YOU KNOW?

• OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global collaborations in marine science.

• The foundation emphasizes human-centered approaches to conservation by training African scientists and educators.

• Discoveries on its Around Africa Expedition include new seamounts vital for biodiversity and sustainable fisheries.

One of its flagship missions — the Around Africa Expedition — offered not only new data but a model of inclusive, equitable marine science.

Using robotic vehicles, manned submersibles, and remote sensing tools, the team made multiple dives during the mission.

In total, they spent 53 hours underwater, collected nearly 90 samples, and mapped thousands of square kilometers of the seabed, including around the Nola Seamounts and Santo Antao Island. Flights over 922 nautical miles provided additional data on large marine animals.

Among the major outcomes was the identification of new underwater seamounts, crucial for fisheries and marine biodiversity.

“We will be the ones who go to seamount systems and explore what is there, look at the species, look at the functions and understanding, then share that with the community, to provide reasons why certain seamounts should be protected,” said Visbeck.

This insight is critical as countries consider the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty — formally the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement — a major focus at UNOC.

OceanX and OceanQuest have successfully completed their ground-breaking ‘Around Africa Expedition,’ a collaborative journey that explored Africa’s vast and diverse marine environments. (Supplied)

“Biodiversity protection beyond national jurisdiction means the protected areas in the high seas, outside of a country’s own legal role,” said Visbeck.

OceanQuest’s approach is not just technical — it is human-centered.

Working alongside top African entities such as the National Research Foundation, the University of Cape Town, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the expedition helped build capacity for African marine science.

Twenty-four early-career professionals from across the continent were trained in seafloor mapping, environmental DNA analysis, and deep-sea sampling.

“This wasn’t just about what we discovered in the ocean. It was also about who we empowered on the ground,” said Visbeck. “By investing in people — students, young professionals and educators — we’re building a foundation for Africa’s long-term leadership in ocean science.”

He sees this collaborative model as a roadmap for future conservation.

“These collaborations are the future of ocean science in Africa,” he said. “We’ve seen what’s possible when scientists, governments and regional institutions align behind a common purpose, advancing knowledge, access and opportunity.”

This year’s UNOC provided the perfect platform for OceanQuest to share these achievements and ambitions.

“I decided that it would be amazing to celebrate and launch OceanQuest and share with the ocean world our arrival on the scene at UNOC,” said Visbeck.

Over 24 participants from several countries, like Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Africa, were able to have a first-hand experience through the Early Career Ocean Professionals program. (Supplied)

“We are using UNOC to celebrate with our partners, friends and ocean-policy people on the scene and share with them our mission and vision.”

In a time of mounting ocean crises — from plastic pollution to overfishing and climate change — Visbeck says awareness is a powerful tool.

“What we are trying to do is fight ignorance by providing data and information. Once the information is more clear, it can be a basis for regulatory agencies.”

From the Red Sea to the high seas, OceanQuest is helping reframe the future of ocean conservation — not just by mapping the seafloor, but by drawing a new map for global cooperation.
 

 


Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call

Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call

Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call
  • Two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israeli military operations against Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call on Friday, the two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

They also affirmed the importance of continued joint efforts to promote security, peace, and stability across the region.


Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture

Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture
Updated 13 June 2025
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Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture

Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture
  • Immersive experience showcases history, transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites
  • Exhibition fuses traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with rare artifacts, architectural models on display

MAKKAH: Visitors to Makkah are being offered an unprecedented journey through Islamic architectural history, showcasing the remarkable evolution of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque across 14 centuries of development.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200 sq. meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts and architectural models that document the transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)

The exhibition building itself exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this design philosophy creates an immersive environment in which visitors experience visual and cultural connections to the sacred spaces.

FASTFACT

The exhibition building exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.

Following comprehensive upgrades, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the exhibition’s trial operations phase. The modernization included complete technical infrastructure overhauls, contemporary presentation methods for historical artifacts, and sophisticated lighting systems that illuminate intricate details while enhancing the visitor experience.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)

The exhibition’s renewed mission extends beyond simple display, aiming to transmit the Two Holy Mosques’ heritage to both Islamic communities and global audiences, the SPA said.

Through interactive experiences and educational programming, the facility seeks to broaden understanding of Islamic architectural principles, while connecting contemporary visitors with their civilizational roots.

Those interested in visiting can schedule appointments through the official booking portal at https://visits.alharamain.gov.sa/