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Meet Abdullatef Alrashoudi, the Saudi baker making it big in Paris 

Meet Abdullatef Alrashoudi, the Saudi baker making it big in Paris 
Abullatef Alrashoudi outside his Paris cafe. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 March 2024

Meet Abdullatef Alrashoudi, the Saudi baker making it big in Paris 

Meet Abdullatef Alrashoudi, the Saudi baker making it big in Paris 
  • The former surgeon turned Cordon Bleu graduate incorporates flavors from his homeland into his high-end bakes 

LONDON: Five years into his medical career, Saudi surgeon Abdullatef Alrashoudi hung up his stethoscope for the final time. 

It was the morning of his 30th birthday, and an offer had recently landed in his inbox from Le Cordon Bleu, the prestigious Parisian culinary school that has trained luminaries from American chef Julia Child to Mary Berry, one of the original judges on “The Great British Bake Off.” 

Now 34 and running his own café in one of Paris’ trendiest neighbourhoods, Alrashoudi looks back on that email as a turning point in his life.  




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“It was the biggest gift,” he says. “Baking had always been my dream, and medicine was showing me it was not the right path.” 

After the switch, which he admits left his hospital colleagues “shocked,” Alrashoudi’s career has gone from strength to strength. Nine gruelling months studying bread dough, baking and boulangerie techniques led to spells working in leading Parisian restaurants — and finally to a place of his own. 

 — which combines Alrashoudi’s nickname ‘Latif’ and ‘âme’, the French word for ‘soul’ — has been open for just over six months, but is already welcoming a steady stream of regulars through the doors. 




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The airy, mineral green-fronted space sits opposite a bubble tea shop and art gallery in a “hip, up-and-coming” neighbourhood just off the French capital’s Place de La République. 

In the window, a hand-built La Marzocco machine from Italy, in the same vibrant green as the Ƶn flag, churns out rich cups of coffee from the high-end Parisian brand Coutume. 

These aromatic brews are accompanied by delicate counter bakes that fuse traditional French techniques with enticing Middle Eastern flavours — the nutty richness of tahini, the sweet crunch of pistachios, the fragrant allure of rose. 

Alrashoudi, who hails from the date-rich province of Al-Qassim but grew up in north Riyadh, explains that, instead of a cinnamon roll, the café serves a black-lemon version inspired by the Saudi dessert klēja, made with soft brioche dough, honey, and biscuit. 




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Other inventive options on the menu include zaatar and feta buns, bakes mixing chocolate and cardamom, plus a tahini cookie, for which he uses the classic French technique of burned butter to add “a deeper flavour”. 

Since opening in September, Â has quickly become a popular spot. While most patrons are “local to the street,” Alrashoudi, who is fluent in French, is hopeful that the coming months will bring more Khaleeji visitors — especially in the run-up to the Olympics, which will be hosted in the city this summer. 

But before millions of visitors from around the world descend on Paris for a month of sporting action, Alrashoudi is focusing on getting through Ramadan, with fasting hours in the French capital running from around 5.30 a.m. until 7 p.m. this year. 




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To mark the holy month, he is serving Saudi dates with every coffee, and plans to continue that after Ramadan finishes because it is “working really well” with customers. 

And while you can take the baker out of Saudi, you can’t take the generous spirit of Saudi out of the baker. In keeping with the principles of hafawa (hospitality), Alrashoudi holds back a cup of coffee every night for a fasting Tunisian restaurateur working next door. 

Alrashoudi has already become known in the neighborhood as ‘the Saudi chef’ and his customers are “always asking” about his homeland — particularly the cultural transformation that has swept through the Kingdom in recent years under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. 

The young baker credits much of his success to those changes. It was the Crown Prince’s own Misk Foundation that granted him a scholarship to study at Le Cordon Bleu alongside a group of other young Saudis, who have since gone on to lead kitchens in the Kingdom and beyond. 




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“When I was growing up many people did not know about Saudi, but in recent years that has changed,” says Alrashoudi, who acknowledges that  is one of a small number of Gulf culinary spots around the world positively influencing perceptions of the region. 

But despite growing representation of Khaleeji culture on the global stage, for most people Arabic cuisine still predominantly conjures images of Levantine dishes such as shawarma, hummus, and falafel. 

This is reflected in the culinary landscape of major cities, with TripAdvisor figures revealing that London and New York City combined have only one Ƶn restaurant, despite hosting hundreds of Lebanese and Egyptian eateries. 

Alrashoudi believes this needs to change, particularly at a time when diners are increasingly interested in broadening their horizons. 

“The government has been trying so hard to have people come and visit Ƶ and to export our culture,” he says. “It’s where I am from and I love it — now it needs to be experienced by the world.” 

Abdullatef Alrashoudi’s orange saffron muffins  

Բ徱Գٲ:

200g sugar; zest of 2 oranges; 2 medium eggs; 105ml olive oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 300g all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; a generous pinch of salt; 60g almond flour; 120g buttermilk; 120ml orange juice; 20g sugar; a pinch of saffron 

ԲٰܳپDzԲ:

1. Mix 200g sugar with the orange zest until the mixture is fragrant and the sugar is slightly moist — this helps release the oils from the zest, packing a punch of orange flavor. 

2. Crack the eggs into the sugar-zest mixture. Whisk vigorously until fully combined. Then add the olive oil while whisking. You want it all emulsified, giving your muffins a beautiful, light texture. Then add the vanilla essence. 

3. In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and almond flour together. 

4. Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the egg, oil, and zest mixture. Gently fold everything together — just enough to combine. 

5. Fold in the orange juice and buttermilk. The mixture should now look golden. In a separate bowl, mix 20g sugar with the saffron to sprinkle on top of the muffins. 

6. Spoon the batter into muffin tins. Sprinkle with the saffron-sugar mix. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 10-15 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a skewer comes out clean. 


Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal: embracing Ramadan’s cherished traditions

Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal: embracing Ramadan’s cherished traditions
Updated 06 March 2025

Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal: embracing Ramadan’s cherished traditions

Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal: embracing Ramadan’s cherished traditions
  • Villagers, with unwavering devotion, pass down their customs, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience
  • Kitchens come alive with the aromas of local dishes — recipes passed down through generations — prepared with fresh ingredients from their own farms

RIYADH: Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal village in the Taif governorate in the western part of Ƶ exemplifies the enduring power of cherished traditions during the holy month of Ramadan.

The villagers, with unwavering devotion, pass down their customs, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience.

Throughout the holy month, the village displays a rich tapestry of noble practices, interwoven with the villagers’ daily agricultural work.

At dawn they tend to their fields, harvesting fruit and flowers, maintaining water channels for their ancient trees and livestock, and completing essential tasks such as wall construction and material transport.

Families in Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal village observe Ramadan traditions by thoroughly cleaning their homes, encouraging children to fast, and celebrating the first day with gifts.

Their kitchens come alive with the aromas of local dishes — recipes passed down through generations — prepared with fresh ingredients from their own farms.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, farmer Khalaf Al-Nemri explained how fasting provides a sense of focus for daily tasks.

“My father and I continue the cultural practices passed down from our ancestors, including the tradition of sharing iftar in our rural community,” Al-Nemri said.

“Our village traditions emphasize love and unity with family and friends after Isha and Taraweeh prayers, often held in traditional Ramadan tents,” Al-Nemri added.

“These enduring bonds strengthen solidarity, family unity and neighborly ties, positively influencing children’s behavior during Ramadan.”


World Monuments Fund strengthens its presence to support heritage in Arab countries

World Monuments Fund strengthens its presence to support heritage in Arab countries
Updated 06 March 2025

World Monuments Fund strengthens its presence to support heritage in Arab countries

World Monuments Fund strengthens its presence to support heritage in Arab countries
  • Organization has made significant contributions to the preservation of tangible heritage and has carried out 68 projects in 13 Arab countries since the mid-1990s
  • Dr. Elie Flouty: We can now say that the WMF has an official presence in the region, which is rich in world heritage sites

RIYADH: The World Monuments Fund, which celebrates its sixth decade this year, has strengthened its official presence in Arab countries, organizing an exploratory tour in several countries including Ƶ.

The organization has made significant contributions to the preservation of tangible heritage and has carried out 68 projects in 13 Arab countries since the mid-1990s.

At the end of last month, WMF organized an exploratory tour in several countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Ƶ.

The delegation, composed of 45 individuals, was led by the fund’s president and CEO, Benedicte de Montlaur, with the attendance of Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, board member of the fund, and Dr. Elie Flouty, the fund’s representative in the Arab countries, along with other members of the organization.

This tour marked the beginning of a stronger official presence of the WMF in the Arab region, coinciding with increasing official and unofficial Arab interest in heritage issues, preservation, and integrating this into economic, tourism and social development plans. This aligns with the WMF’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Elie Flouty said: “We can now say that the WMF has an official presence in the region, which is rich in world heritage sites. We will work with all Arab governmental and non-governmental entities and international institutions to safeguard our ancient Arab heritage. WMF is currently active in 14 sites across various Arab countries and collaborates with both governments and local communities to implement these projects, providing funding and expertise.”

Among the most significant initiatives of the WMF is the World Monuments Watch, a list of endangered sites issued every two years, which includes 25 historic places.

For the 2025 list, three sites from the Arab region were included — the Jewish heritage in Debdou in Morocco, the historic urban fabric of Gaza, and the water reservoirs (majels) in the Old City of Tunis.

The delegation’s tour in the Gulf region included several stops, starting in Kuwait where it visited the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and Dr. Mohamed Al-Rumaihi discussed the history of Kuwait and its major economic and social milestones. The delegation visited the Soof Center for Spinning and the Grand Mosque, designed by architect Mohamed Saleh Makiya.

In Ƶ, it visited the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, explored the Old City of Jeddah, and toured the home of architect Sami Angawi, which reflects the architecture of Hijaz.

They also visited Madinah and its major religious landmarks and concluded their visit to AlUla, a site rich in human heritage, natural and cultural landmarks.

In Bahrain, the delegation visited the city of Muharraq and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pearling Path, the Bahrain National Museum, and several houses within the Sheikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research. They also visited Bahrain Fort and its museum, the Dilmun Burial Mounds listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

WMF is the world’s leading non-governmental organization for heritage preservation. Headquartered in New York, the fund has offices in Peru, London, Paris, Spain, Portugal, India and China, with projects in 112 countries. It has worked on more than 700 heritage sites. WMF’s mission is to save the most threatened landmarks, whether from war or climate change.


Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami, Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji give iPhone photography workshop in Riyadh

Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami, Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji give iPhone photography workshop in Riyadh
Updated 06 March 2025

Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami, Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji give iPhone photography workshop in Riyadh

Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami, Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji give iPhone photography workshop in Riyadh

RIYADH: Photography enthusiasts in Riyadh had the opportunity to refine their skills at an exclusive iPhone photography workshop on March 5 at Sima Creative Space.

The event, organized in celebration of Ramadan, featured renowned Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji and acclaimed Saudi film director Ali Kalthami, offering attendees a unique learning experience.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The workshop explored the advanced features of iPhone photography, equipping participants with innovative techniques to enhance their social media content. The event fostered a dynamic and collaborative environment, bringing together creatives eager to develop their visual storytelling skills.

One of the highlights of the workshop was Kalthami’s talk on his recent experience filming an iPhone advertisement. Speaking to Arab News, he recalled his initial surprise when tasked with directing the project using an iPhone 16 Pro instead of traditional camera equipment.

Kalthami said: “When I was assigned to create the iPhone ad I asked about the camera lenses, and they told me I would be using the iPhone 16 Pro instead.”

He noted that the smartphone’s compact size helped create a more relaxed atmosphere on set, adding: “The actors acted naturally, which made the filming process enjoyable.”

Kalthami — known for his film “Mandoob” and as the co-founder of Telfaz11 — expressed enthusiasm for integrating iPhone technology into future projects, particularly those requiring a raw, immersive feel.

He said: “Using the iPhone is much more convenient than heavy camera equipment as it can be easily placed anywhere. Some projects benefit from an organic feel, which the iPhone can deliver.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

He also shared insights into the preproduction process, revealing that the ad was filmed in the desert during the golden hour to achieve a cinematic aesthetic. To maximize the capabilities of the iPhone, he incorporated professional filmmaking tools such as a large monitor and stabilizer, proving that smartphone technology can deliver high-quality results.

Alshayji led hands-on demonstrations, showcasing the iPhone camera’s features and sharing expert tips on capturing high-quality images. Using models and objects, he guided participants through techniques to elevate their photography skills, ensuring they left the workshop with practical knowledge to apply to their creative pursuits.


REVIEW: Arab Australian debut cultivates hope, solidarity in rural New South Wales

REVIEW: Arab Australian debut cultivates hope, solidarity in rural New South Wales
Updated 06 March 2025

REVIEW: Arab Australian debut cultivates hope, solidarity in rural New South Wales

REVIEW: Arab Australian debut cultivates hope, solidarity in rural New South Wales

JEDDAH: Escaping personal strife, a Muslim single mother carves a space for herself in the heart of rural Australia in “Translations,” an engrossing debut novel by Australia-born Palestinian-Egyptian writer Jumaana Abdu.

Set in New South Wales in the period just after the COVID-19 era with the threat of bushfires looming, the novel explores one woman’s efforts to cultivate not only the land but also a sense of belonging and identity on foreign soil.

In this story of self-discovery and resilience, Abdu intricately weaves in the broader theme of solidarity between First Nations of Australia and Palestinians — two nations grappling with colonization, dispossession and cultural erasure.

The novel’s title could be a reference to not just the transformation of the land through re-vegetation and restoration, but also the translations that characters undertake to bridge linguistic, cultural and emotional gaps between them — translation in this sense is portrayed as the language of solidarity and resistance.

Hidden within the trope of new beginnings in a small town, Abdu paints a powerful picture of mutual recognition and respect, of shared struggles, and the healing potential of intercultural bonds.

This is unveiled through Aliyah’s interactions with the community into which she slowly, and sometimes reluctantly, begins to integrate, including her conversations with Shep, the reserved Palestinian man from Gaza who she hires as a farmhand, and Billie, the wise and nurturing Kamilaroi midwife.

Love and faith are also focal elements in the story. Love in its many forms — romantic, familial, and communal — acts as a balm to past wounds for the Arab and Aboriginal characters, while faith, both in the divine and in human resilience, guides Aliyah, and her childhood friend Hana, through despair toward hope.

“Translations” is a profound exploration of not just the complex interplay between identity and trauma, but also a look at how love can bridge divides, and how shared histories of resistance can unite different peoples in their quest for peace and understanding.

In one pivotal moment in the story that carries a deep message, Shep discusses displacement and the “chain of loss and expulsion” with Billie’s husband Jack, an Aboriginal character, who poignantly says: “You want to wish for something, wish for the return of the land’s dignity.”


What to wear this Ramadan: A selection of seasonal collections from regional brands 

What to wear this Ramadan: A selection of seasonal collections from regional brands 
Selma Benomar
Updated 06 March 2025

What to wear this Ramadan: A selection of seasonal collections from regional brands 

What to wear this Ramadan: A selection of seasonal collections from regional brands 

DUBAI: With Ramadan underway, fashion brands across the region have unveiled their latest collections. From embroidered kaftans to flowing abayas and statement accessories, these collections offer a variety of options for both daytime gatherings and evening celebrations. Whether rooted in Saudi, Moroccan or Lebanese craftsmanship, each label brings a unique perspective to modest fashion this season.  

Amarah 

The Saudi brand’s Ramadan edit has not only abayas and kaftans but also jewelry to accessorize your modest looks this month. Their gold crescent-shaped hoop earrings, adorned with blue and green beads, will add a decorative touch to your outfits. Another standout piece is this deep green velvet ensemble with intricate embroidery, featuring a dramatic cape and tiered skirt. 

Amarah's Ramadan edit has not only abayas and kaftans but also jewelry to accessorize your modest looks this month. (Supplied)

ٲ  

The Saudi label’s Ramadan capsule collection showcases a variety of fabrics and colors, featuring organza with raffia collar embroidery and sand satin. Earth-toned pieces incorporate crochet details and hand-stitched craftsmanship. The collection highlights ethereal drapes and artisanal techniques, showcasing a blend of traditional methods and contemporary construction. 

Dal's Ramadan capsule collection showcases a variety of fabrics and colors. (Supplied)

LN Family  

Dubai-based LN Family has launched its first Ramadan collection, featuring four abayas in a classic neutral color palette. The designs incorporate flowing silhouettes in satin, crepe and sheer fabrics. From muted earth tones to black with feathered accents, the collection balances cultural heritage with modern wearability for Ramadan gatherings. 

Dubai-based LN Family has launched its first Ramadan collection. (Supplied)

ASHAALIA 

ASHAALIA’s Ramadan collection, designed by creative director Asheema Razak, merges Eastern craftsmanship with European influences. The collection features hand-beaded abayas in silk and satin, adorned with intricate embellishments. Earth tones, blacks, and jewel-toned greens all feature, and the collection as a whole showcases Razak’s multicultural heritage and a focus on sustainable techniques and materials.

ASHAALIA’s Ramadan collection, designed by creative director Asheema Razak, merges Eastern craftsmanship with European influences. (Supplied)

ٱᴡ  

Duha, founded by Tunisian designer Duha Bukadi, is offering a Ramadan footwear collection, in which one of the standout designs is the EVA line, which includes crystals arranged in the shape of a foot on the front part of the shoes, making them statement pieces as well as practical choices for Ramadan celebrations. The collection also includes BB Strass heels in silver, gold and black. The sandals are adorned with small metallic studs along the straps and heel counter.  

The collection  includes BB Strass heels in silver, gold and black. (Supplied)

Orient 499  

Orient 499’s collection is apparently inspired by the classic book “Alf Leila Wa Leila” (1001 Arabian Nights). It features kaftans, abayas and jellabas with intricate hand embroidery, silk brocades and gold accents. The men’s collection includes embroidered tunics, tailored jackets with metallic detailing, and relaxed linen shirts, incorporating traditional motifs and artisanal stitching. 

Orient 499’s collection is apparently inspired by the classic book “Alf Leila Wa Leila” (1001 Arabian Nights). (Supplied)

Selma Benomar 

Selma Benomar’s Ramadan collection is influenced by her Moroccan heritage and features contemporary kaftans and flowing gowns crafted from silk, chiffon, velvet and organza, adorned with hand embroidery, beading and metallic threadwork. The color palette ranges from earthy tones to vibrant jewel hues, reflecting the season’s spirit and there are options for both daytime and evening gatherings. 

Selma Benomar’s Ramadan collection is influenced by her Moroccan heritage. (Supplied)

Dima Ayad  

The Lebanese designer’s collection highlights her signature silhouettes in earthy tones and metallic finishes. The collection includes kaftans, kimonos and dresses designed for versatility, and featuring feather-trimmed sleeves, geometric metallic prints and voluminous draping. A key part of the collection is The Flower Edit, which incorporates embroidered florals and shimmering sequins.  

Dima Ayad's  collection highlights her signature silhouettes in earthy tones and metallic finishes. (Supplied)