Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration

Saudi Arabia Tours Japan is a series of pre-event displays for Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which will open on April 13 — the Saudi Arabia Pavilion there is expected to be a highlight of the expo.

More than 700 live performances and events are planned for the duration of the expo, promising a diverse and exciting journey into the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia through fashion, dance, music and more.

The pavilion features seven interactive rooms that take visitors on an engaging and immersive journey to discover Saudi Arabia’s history, transformation, and impact on the world.

Leading up to the expo, Saudi Arabia Tours Japan events have been held at seven locations around the country. This weekend it will be in Tokyo. Admission is free, allowing people to experience the culture and history of Saudi Arabia and get an insight into the spectacular Saudi pavilion at the upcoming expo.

Visitors can enjoy authentic coffee and tea imported from Saudi Arabia, and sweets made with dates. There will also be a cooking demonstration to show how to prepare kleija, a much-loved dessert in Saudi Arabia. Kleija is a baked confection filled with date syrup.

Additionally, there will be live performances using traditional instruments inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage.

The majlis, a vibrantly decorated replica of a Saudi Arabian reception room, provides a relaxing space to enjoy traditional music.

This event highlights the deep cultural ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates that the two cultures are closer than one might think.

Ramadan is a special month when families gather round the dining table to share meals and create lasting memories. One delightful dish often enjoyed during this time is jareesh soup, a simple yet flavorful option that can be prepared in various ways.

Traditional jareesh soup

Heat one to two tablespoons of olive oil in a pot, then add one small chopped onion. Saute until the onion is wilted. Pour in one cup of fresh chicken broth, followed by one teaspoon of ground cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in a quarter cup of tomato paste and one mashed tomato. Drain half a cup of bulgur (soaked in water for an hour) and add it to the pot. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until fully cooked, then serve hot and enjoy.

Another enjoyable dish during Ramadan is potato balls, known for their ease of preparation and flavor. While they can be made with various fillings, chicken is the most popular choice.

Potato balls with chicken

Potato balls with chicken is an ideal choice for families because the balls are easy to prepare, delicious, and satisfying, making them perfect for serving a crowd of people.

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over a high heat. Add one onion (cut into medium squares) and two garlic cloves (crushed) until wilted. Then, add one plate of chicken breasts (cut into medium squares); a half teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, white spices, and paprika; a pinch of cumin and dried coriander; and salt, cooking until the water evaporates. Add one green bell pepper (cut into medium squares) and one tablespoon of liquid cheese.

Transfer the chicken mixture to an ovenproof dish. Shape four cups of mashed potatoes into balls with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and white spices, and three to four tablespoons of milk to bind them, and arrange them on top of the chicken.

For the white sauce, mix two cups of whipping cream, one can of cream, one tablespoon of liquid cheese, half a cup of water, and a pinch of black pepper and white spices, and pour the mixture over the potatoes. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the oven until golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Arabic meat sambusa

No Ramadan meal is complete without Arabic samosas, often referred to as sambusa. These delightful pastries are usually filled with cheese or meat.

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan. Saute one finely chopped onion and one tablespoon of crushed garlic until fragrant.

Add 250 grams of minced meat and half a cup of meat broth, followed by half a teaspoon of ground black pepper and half a teaspoon of salt. Cook until the meat is done.

Using one box of ready-made samosa dough, moisten your hands and stretch the edges of each samosa dough slightly. Place a tablespoon of filling in each piece and fold to form triangles.

In a small bowl, beat one egg with a quarter teaspoon of curry powder and turmeric. Brush this mixture over the samosas.

Fry the samosas in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these timeless Ramadan recipes with loved ones during the holy month.