From engagement to a bundle of joy: A timeline of Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s relationship

From engagement to a bundle of joy: A timeline of Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s relationship
The couple tied the knot on June 1, 2023. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 August 2024
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From engagement to a bundle of joy: A timeline of Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s relationship

From engagement to a bundle of joy: A timeline of Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s relationship

DUBAI: As Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Rajwa Al-Hussein welcome their first child, Arab News takes a closer look at the royal power couple’s relationship.

Engagement 

The couple first announced their engagement in August 2022.

The ceremony took place at the home of the bride-to-be’s father in Riyadh. The guests included several members of the Jordanian royal family — including Prince Hassan bin Talal, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah, Prince Ali bin Hussein, Prince Hashim bin Hussein, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, and Prince Rashid bin Hassan — along with members of Al-Saif’s family.

Before this, Princess Rajwa had lived life outside the public eye since her birth on April 28, 1994. She is the daughter of late Saudi businessman Khalid bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saif, who died in January this year, and his wife, Azza bint Nayef Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Sudairi.

Meanwhile, Prince Hussein has been in the spotlight since the moment he was born in Amman on June 28, 1994. He was appointed crown prince by royal decree on July 2, 2009.

First official appointment

Rajwa’s first official appointment was in October 2022. She visited the Royal Hashemite Court along with her fiancé at the time and Prince Hussein bin Talal.

A family wedding

On March 12, 2023, Rajwa attended her first royal wedding, accompanying the crown prince to Princess Imaan’s ceremony.

She wore a yellow Neolitsea dress by Roksanda and a pair of Malone Souliers Marla 85 Mules from the brand’s capsule collection with L’Atelier Nawbar.

Princess Rajwa’s henna night

In May 2023, Queen Rania hosted the pre-wedding henna night celebrations for Rajwa.

The princess looked radiant in an ethereal white and gold creation by celebrity-loved Saudi designer Honayda Serafi.

Apart from members of the royal family and Al-Saif’s family, as well as relatives and friends, Queen Rania also invited notable women from across Jordan’s diverse socio-economic and cultural landscape to take part in the celebrations.

A royal wedding

The couple tied the knot on June 1, 2023 at Zahran Palace in Amman in a ceremony that included dignitaries and royals from around the world, including the UK’s Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate Middleton; US First Lady Jill Biden; Qatar’s Sheikha Moza bint Nasser; the king and queen of Malaysia; the king and queen of The Netherlands; King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain; Prince Sébastien of Luxembourg; Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark; Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland; Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway and Hisako, Princess Takamado and her daughter, Princess Tsuguko of Takamado of Japan, among others. 

Rajwa wore a classic white gown by celebrity-loved Lebanese couturier Elie Saab. The full-sleeved gown featured a dramatic veil that trailed for several meters behind her, while the neckline stood out for its chic draping.

For his part, the crown prince donned a suit that drew inspiration from the design worn by King Abdullah II on his wedding day in 1993. The suit’s sleeves paid homage to the style favored by both King Abdullah II and King Abdullah I.

Pregnancy announcement

 

 

In April 2024, the couple announced they are expecting their first child in the summer.

Bundle of joy

They welcomed their new bundle of joy, Eman, on Aug. 3.


REVIEW: Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ — ‘Indiana Jones’ wannabe fails miserably

REVIEW: Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ — ‘Indiana Jones’ wannabe fails miserably
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REVIEW: Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ — ‘Indiana Jones’ wannabe fails miserably

REVIEW: Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ — ‘Indiana Jones’ wannabe fails miserably

DUBAI: You know those fake films you see in TV shows like “30 Rock” or, more recently, “The Studio”?  Guy Ritchie’s latest misfire, “Fountain of Youth,” captures that vibe perfectly.

A chaotic, charmless attempt at action-adventure, “Fountain of Youth” clearly takes its inspiration from “Indiana Jones,” but ends up as a muddled mess of clichés, clunky dialogue, and a lead who never quite convinces.

The latter is John Krasinski as Luke Purdue, an archaeologist-turned-art thief racing to uncover the location of the legendary Fountain of Youth — believed to be capable of bestowing eternal life — with the help of rich benefactor Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson), a billionaire with a fatal illness who’s ready to throw all his money into the quest.

When things go awry, Luke reaches out to his younger sister Charlotte (a resplendent Natalie Portman) for help. The squabbling siblings then set off on a globetrotting adventure, while being chased by shadowy organizations and Interpol.

The problem? Krasinski brings all the gravitas of a put-upon history teacher on a school field trip. There’s a stiffness to him that means you never quite shake off the sense that he’s just playing dress-up.

Portman and Gleeson fare better. Portman, playing a sharp-tongued art curator and a mother on the brink of divorce, injects moments of tension and vulnerability that almost make you care about the story. Gleeson, meanwhile, steals every scene he’s in as he descends into villainy. But even their combined charisma fails to inject life into the limp script.

Other noteworthy performances come from Eiza Gonzales, who plays Esme, just one of the many people trying to stop the siblings from uncovering the Fountain of Youth; and Arian Moayed, who plays Interpol’s Inspector Abbas.

Ritchie’s signature snappy style is drowned under a deluge of poorly choreographed chase sequences, same-y set pieces and exposition-heavy dialogue. The film looks expensive but feels lazy, with international locations reduced to postcard backgrounds.

“Fountain of Youth” wants to be thrilling, funny and smart. Instead, it’s repetitive, cringey and talks down to its viewers.


Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 
Updated 12 min 40 sec ago
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Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

DUBAI: Georges Ikhtiar, head chef at Amelia Dubai, grew up in Beirut, where he remembers watching his mother cook “by instinct, without recipes or rules.”  

That early exposure sparked a curiosity not just for flavors, but for the process of cooking — how ingredients transform, how timing and technique matter. This eventually led him to Lebanon’s Ecole Hôtelière. 

A pivotal career moment came during his time in Peru, where he was introduced to the country’s bold, acidic and layered flavors. This now shapes his approach at Amelia, where he blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese methods. 

Amelia Dubai. (Supplied)

Here, Ikhtiar reflects on how mistakes can lead to creative breakthroughs, and gives his thoughts on simplicity in cooking.  

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

Like many young chefs, I believed that more was more — that adding extra ingredients or steps would somehow elevate a dish. I loved experimenting, and while that spirit of curiosity still drives me today, I’ve learned that simplicity is key. The most powerful flavors often come from restraint and letting the ingredients speak for themselves. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs? 

Taste constantly. It’s the most important tool you have. And don’t let mistakes throw you off — every error is a lesson. Some of the best ideas I’ve had started as accidents. Cooking at home should be fun, not stressful. 

What’s one ingredient that can instantly improve any dish? 

In Peruvian cuisine, it’s definitely lime. It brings brightness, aroma and a sense of freshness that can completely transform a dish. Just a few drops can awaken the palate and sharpen and enhance every other flavor. 

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

A simple truffle pasta. I soak the pasta to speed up the cooking time, then toss it with a creamy truffle sauce, fresh shaved truffles and parmesan. It’s rich, comforting and comes together fast, but still feels luxurious. 

Amelia Dubai. (Supplied)

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

Always. It’s part of the job. I’m always observing, analyzing, and seeing what I like or don’t like. But I keep it to myself; dining out is also about experiencing what other chefs are creating. 

What’s the most common mistake you notice in other restaurants? 

It’s usually to do with balance or execution, like undercooked elements, seasoning that is off, or dishes that feel overcomplicated. 

What’s your favorite cuisine? 

I gravitate toward Japanese and Peruvian food, naturally, but I’m always curious to explore. I like to see how others approach flavor, presentation and structure. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. 

What request or behavior by customers most annoys you? 

Honestly, nothing. I believe taste is subjective and the customer is always right. We’re here to create an experience that works for them, not just for us. 

Georges Ikhtiar grew up in Beirut. (Supplied)

What’s your favorite dish to cook? 

It is a dish called Adas be Hamid, which means lentils with lemon. My grandmother used to make it when I was growing up in Beirut. It’s incredibly simple but full of flavor and warmth. Cooking it always takes me back to my roots, and I love how food has the power to do that. 

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

Risotto. It’s a very delicate dish that reacts to everything — temperature, timing, movement, even the humidity. You have to be fully present when making it. One misstep and the whole texture is off. 

As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback? 

I’m direct and hands-on, but not someone who shouts. I believe in open communication, mutual respect and building trust. My team and I have worked together for a long time, so we understand each other without needing to say much. There’s a flow in the kitchen when everyone is aligned, and that’s what I strive for. 

Chef Georges Ikhtiar’s hokkaido machu picchu recipe 

Ingredients: 

For the beef: 

250g beef tenderloin 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Cooked over a robata grill (or any hot grill pan) 

For the teppanyaki vegetables: 

2 tbsp vegetable oil 

20g Chinese cabbage, chopped 

3 rainbow baby carrots, sliced 

20g mange tout (snow peas) 

10g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 

20g baby corn, halved 

1 spring onion, thickly sliced 

2 tbsp soy sauce 

2 tbsp kimchi sauce 

2 tbsp sake sauce (optional for extra depth) 

For the shiitake sauce: 

300g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced 

1L fresh cream 

200ml milk 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

1 small onion, chopped 

1 tbsp butter 

Instructions:  

1. Grill the beef: 
Season beef with salt and pepper. Grill on a robata grill until cooked to your liking. Let it rest before slicing. 

2. Sauté the vegetables: 

Heat oil in a pan. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes. 
Add soy sauce, kimchi sauce, and sake sauce (if using). Stir well and cook until just tender. Season with pepper. 

3. Make the shiitake sauce: 
In a saucepan, sauté onions and mushrooms in butter until soft. 
Add cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer. Boil twice to bring out full flavor, then remove from heat. 

To plate: 

Slice the grilled beef. 

Place the sautéed vegetables on a serving plate. 

Lay the beef slices on top. 

Spoon the warm shiitake sauce to the side or over the top. 

Optional: If using a hot stone for serving, you can lightly reheat the meat on it just before eating for a fun finishing touch. 


Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?
Updated 29 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Iris Cafe is an elegant dining destination nestled within the new Ramla Terraza complex, offering a delightful blend of food and ambiance. Located on King Fahd Road in the Sahafah district of Riyadh, this cafe and restaurant boasts a beautiful interior, complemented by both indoor and outdoor seating options. The upper floor features a stunning garden with an open seating area and a mocktail bar, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink in a serene environment. 

The menu at Iris Cafe is a culinary journey, showcasing gourmet dishes inspired by international cuisines, including Mediterranean, Japanese, and Latin American flavors. Guests can indulge in a variety of offerings, from sandwiches and pasta to vibrant salads. The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring specialty coffees and a creative array of mocktails alongside delicious desserts. 

Visitors may begin with the Iris Oriental Dips, which include creamy black hummus, spicy roasted chickpeas, and special muhammara seasoned with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, all served with homemade crackers. This appetizer sets a high standard for the meal to follow and does not disappoint. 

However, the chicken tacos, featuring buttermilk-fried chicken topped with Asian slaw in a soft tortilla, are less memorable. On the other hand, the crispy chicken and shrimp wontons served with sweet chili and lime sauce are a highlight and a must-try. 

For the main course, you may try the glazed chicken, marinated and grilled with pomegranate sauce. The beef cheek, slow-cooked for 12 hours and served with caramelized onion cream, is absolutely delicious. This dish is a standout and sure to impress anyone looking for tender, flavorful meat. 

The San Sebastian cheesecake is rich and incredibly satisfying. Overall, Iris Cafe offers a wonderful dining experience with its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in Riyadh. 


5 bodies appearing to be missing musicians of Mexican regional music band found near Texas border

5 bodies appearing to be missing musicians of Mexican regional music band found near Texas border
Updated 29 May 2025
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5 bodies appearing to be missing musicians of Mexican regional music band found near Texas border

5 bodies appearing to be missing musicians of Mexican regional music band found near Texas border
  • The musicians from the band Grupo Fugitivo had been reported missing since Sunday
  • The genre they played – Mexican regional music, which encapsulates a wide range of styles including corridos and cumbia

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico: Five bodies that appeared to be members of a Mexican regional music group who had gone missing were found in the northern city of Reynosa, along the Texas border, authorities said on Thursday.

The musicians from the band Grupo Fugitivo, which played at parties and local dances in the region, had been reported missing since Sunday.

The genre they played – Mexican regional music, which encapsulates a wide range of styles including corridos and cumbia – has in recent years gained a spotlight as it’s entered a sort of international musical renaissance. Young artists have mixed the classic genre with trap and sometimes pay homage to leaders of drug cartels, often portrayed as Robin Hood-type figures.

While it was not immediately clear if the group played such songs, other artists have faced death threats by cartels, while others have had their visas stripped by the United States under accusations by the Trump administration that they were glorifying criminal violence.

Few details were released about where the bodies were found and in what conditions, but Tamaulipas state prosecutors had been investigating the case, according to a statement by state security officials. The last time they had communicated with their families was Sunday night, when they said they were going to a venue where they were hired to play.

After that, nothing else was heard of them. Officials said the bodies shared characteristics of artists, though did not provide further detail.

Their disappearance caused an uproar in Tamaulipas, a state long eclipsed by cartel warfare. Their families reported the disappearances, called on the public for support and people took to the streets in protest.

On Wednesday, protesters blocked the international bridge connecting Reynosa and Pharr, Texas, later going to a local cathedral to pray and make offerings to the disappeared.

As of midday Thursday, the state prosecutor’s office had not released further details on the case.

Reynosa is a Mexican border city adjacent to the United States and has been plagued by escalating violence since 2017 due to internal disputes among groups vying for control of drug trafficking, human smuggling and fuel theft.

This case follows another that occurred in 2018, when armed men kidnapped two members of the musical group “Los Norteños de Río Bravo,” whose bodies were later found on the federal highway connecting Reynosa to Río Bravo, Tamaulipas.


Balad Al-Fann brings Saudi art to life

Balad Al-Fann brings Saudi art to life
Updated 29 May 2025
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Balad Al-Fann brings Saudi art to life

Balad Al-Fann brings Saudi art to life
  • Exhibition blends art and memories through archival materials, selected artworks, personal possessions and rare voice recordings

JEDDAH: The second edition of the Balad Al-Fann art program has opened in Jeddah Historic District and runs until June 15.

The initiative this time presents a captivating series of art exhibitions, held under the theme “Our Storied Walls,” which celebrate memory, culture and place.

It boasts a renewed focus on local narratives with each exhibition looking at the tangible and human heritage of the city.

Held at Nassif Boutique, the exhibition is a tribute to the late artist Hisham Binjabi, a foundational figure in Saudi Arabia’s modern art movement.

Curated by Ayman Yossri Daydban, a former student of Binjabi, the exhibition blends art and memories through archival materials, selected artworks, personal possessions and rare voice recordings.

Arab News spoke to Daydban, who is one of the most prominent contemporary artists in Saudi Arabia, with his works featuring in major museums and biennials.

He said: “This is a personal exhibition. My journey with Hisham Binjabi began over 35 years ago when he discovered my work, admired it, and encouraged me.

“For a whole year his name echoed in my mind, until I held my first solo exhibition in 1991. It was his encouragement and appreciation of my boldness — he said I thought outside the box — that pushed me forward. I found myself naturally drawn to contemporary art.”

Daydban’s art is conceptual, and rooted in ideas and meaning. Binjabi, on the other hand, remained faithful to classical and realist styles.

Daydban said: “For years we observed each other’s work from afar, and every time we met I felt like a student reuniting with his mentor.

“But Hisham was more than an artist — he was a social figure, a cultural activist who managed and promoted art within the community, bringing art into social and human contexts.

“His greatest influence was not just in his paintings, but in his presence, personality, and wisdom.”

The exhibition does not merely display Binjabi’s artworks — it narrates his life story through them.

His wife played a part by telling their story through her lens and, for the first time, her works are featured in a dedicated section alongside audio recordings of her and their daughters, reflecting on their lives together as a creative family.

An audio room on the upper floor features testimonials from contemporary artists who were his students or peers, and more recordings are added daily.

The exhibition unfolds across three levels: a deeply emotional audiovisual experience, a debut showcase of his wife’s personal works, and a collective sonic space for shared memory and reflection.

Daydban added: “Hisham was, above all, a socially engaged artist, and this exhibit is aimed primarily at the community of Al-Balad, where he lived and left his mark.”

The program also honors the late Safeya Binzagr, one of the first female visual artists in the Kingdom.

Curated by Effat Fadag, the exhibition weaves together the visual and literary in a journey filled with nostalgia, history and cultural memory.

The exhibition presents rare paintings, handwritten letters, and personal belongings that reflect Binzagr’s unique lens on Hejazi life. Her deeply human portrayals of women, homes, attire and rituals offer not only artistic beauty but also historic insight.

Titled “Revealing What Was Hidden,” the exhibition shows how Binzagr used her art to bring the past to life. Her work helps keep Saudi culture and history alive.

The event honors her role as an artist and historian, and Fadag said: “I asked myself: What can I say that hasn’t already been said? I wanted to highlight aspects of her journey that aren’t widely known.”

Binzagr was the first woman to publicly showcase her family and community life, giving a voice to the private lives of Saudi women — a society that was largely hidden at the time.

Fadag said: “I tried to reflect this (voice) through the layout of the exhibition, using the historic Nassif House, starting from the main building to the external annex, with three symbolic doors that narrate her story.”

This journey begins with Binzagr’s birth and upbringing, moves through her education, the exhibitions she held, and finally her artistic projects on Saudi traditional attire, which are featured on the second floor.

Fadag said: “In the clothing room you see very personal images — she even modeled for her work so she could better understand and express the exact details she wanted to paint. She knew exactly how to translate her vision.”

The final section focuses on giving back to the community, and how Binzagr impacted learning, the broader culture and society at large.

The initiative also puts the spotlight on a curated selection of winning works from a national photography competition, while Balad Al-Fann also hosts a competition showcasing traditional calligraphy, ceramics, ornamentation, and engraving.