Where We Are Going Today: ‘Bab Al-Bahr’ at Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah
Updated 1 min 33 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
The Bab Al-Bahr tent at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah offers a curated iftar experience boasting a selection of traditional Arabian and international dishes.
Guests are welcomed with dates to follow the traditional breaking of fast. The meal begins with a warm bowl of oats soup, followed by a cold mezze spread featuring hummus, mutabal, fattoush, and moussaka.
Freshly prepared cheese and zaatar fatayer and flavorful chicken shawarma were standout options among the hot mezze.
The traditional foul with tameez had great flavor, although the bread could have been served warmer.
For the main course, a mixed grill selection included meat kebabs, shish taouk, and steaks, alongside lamb mandi, chicken kabsa, and fried hamour fish.
The pasta station offered white and red sauce options, while the butter chicken provided an additional international touch.
The steamed bao buns with a meat filling were a highlight, offering a soft, well-balanced texture.
Desserts included fresh fruit, Arabic sweets like baklava and luqaimat, and indulgent options such as umm ali, sticky toffee pudding, and kunafa served with nuts.
A chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruit added a playful touch.
Live Ramadan programming, Arabic coffee service, and henna artists enhanced the cultural atmosphere.
A dedicated kids’ corner and an ice cream station featuring flavors like vanilla, chocolate, karak, and Vimto provided something for younger guests.
Available from sunset to 8 p.m. until the end of Ramadan, the iftar cost before VAT is SR345 ($92) per person and SR200 for children under the age of 12.
Jeddah fitness buffs break sweat before and after iftar
Fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes during holy month
Updated 15 min 31 sec ago
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Ramadan provides a tough test for many, with iftar spreads of sugary, calorie-packed, and fried food being quite a temptation — but fitness enthusiasts in Jeddah are not letting that slow them down.
Many fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes, hitting the gyms and cycling, jogging, paddling, running, boxing, and tackling other high-energy activities to keep their health on track during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)
Tariq Abdulmajeed, 42, who walks daily before iftar on the Tahlia pathway, told Arab News: “One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
“It really can improve physical and muscular capacity and enhance overall body fitness.”
Fitness expert Nasser Al-Saadi told Arab News that Ramadan was not the time to push your limits or set personal records, and added: “You should treat it as a time to maintain (your health). People should take it easy and not have hard workouts because that could affect their health.”
One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
Tariq Abdulmajeed, Jeddah resident
He explained that exercising before iftar can help burn fat, as the body relies on stored energy. But it may also lead to dehydration.
Al-Saadi recommends light exercises such as walking, stretching, or low-intensity activities, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breaking the fast. He added: “Exercising after iftar is the ideal time because the body is replenished with nutrients and fluids.”
With more people training in the hours just before and after iftar, gyms across Jeddah are seeing more members attending during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)
Mahmoud Abdul Raziq, a coach at Ultimate Power Gym, told Arab News: “Many people intend to maintain their health during Ramadan but they should be committed all year long, not only for one month.”
He has been impressed by the discipline he has seen in his fasting clients, and added: “I think they are at full power and most of them seem very determined to make a change. They want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually and that’s the reason we have seen more members signing up.
“Group classes are scheduled two hours before and two hours after iftar, which has been advised as the best timeline for results geared towards losing fat and gaining muscle.”
Arab News caught up with a few people in the gym, and all of them had goals: losing excess body fat, maintaining muscle mass, and toning the body.
Most of them have their workout just before their fast ends. They get home just in time for iftar or end their fast in the gym with a single date and water.
Rayan Abu Hamza, 34, said his fitness goal was to maintain muscle mass and tone his body, and added: “Since the beginning of Ramadan I have been coming to the gym before iftar because it is much better than coming at night when the gym gets crowded and most of the exercising machines are busy.”
When asked if it was better to exercise before or after iftar, Saad Al-Zahrani said: “For me it is before iftar. I don’t feel lazy and it gives me more strength.”
Another member, Tawfiq Hamawi, a Syrian expat, said he preferred later in the day, adding: “Due to my working hours, it is impossible to come before iftar. This would be ideally two hours after eating because it allows the body to replenish nutrients and fluids before physical exertion.”
Whether it is walking outdoors, joining group classes, or hitting the gym alone, residents in Jeddah are finding ways to balance health and tradition.
Ramadan is no excuse for these committed locals to pause their fitness journey, but a period to adapt and push forward.
Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed Jeddah and Nada Alturki
RIYADH: As we center our days around fasting in Ramadan, it can be fun to spice things up. Here are a few unusual and memorable ways you can experience iftar this month.
A desert experience
(Supplied)
Take a journey back to how our elders used to break their fast with this unique experience in the desert.
The journey starts at a camel farm where a guide will share more about the treasured animals and their significance in Saudi culture.
Sit down and relax afterwards at a traditional Kashta, an outdoor picnic, to break your fast with dates and laban before heading to the tent for the main meal.
The cost per person is SR700 ($187) through the WeBook app.
24-hour escape to Hofuf
Known as one of the largest date-producing areas in the world, Al-Hofuf is the perfect place for a day of serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty.
Departing from Riyadh, this experience takes you to the city in the Eastern Province where you will enjoy the sunset at Al-Asfar Lake to break your fast.
You will then depart to the Old Souk for a traditional iftar at a local restaurant, to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the region.
It also includes a trip to the historic Ibrahim Palace. The next morning, you will discover the unique rock formations of Al-Qara mountain and its caves before returning to the capital.
The price per person is SR2,500 through WeBook.com.
Iftar at a family farm in Muzahmiya
This year, the Ftoon family are opening up their home to guests.
This memorable Ramadan experience is a chance to break your fast with the family before enjoying a peaceful horse ride on the premises.
You will then head back for the main meal, a home cooked dish prepared by Umm Ftoon.
The experience is SR500 per person via WeBook.com.
Break your fast on a traditional mud house rooftop
Gaze at the stars atop a traditional mud house in Diriyah before the summer heat sets in.
A culinary expert will guide you through a traditional Saudi Arabia dining experience, explaining the significance of each dish, as you mingle with new faces in an intimate setting.
The price per person is SR300 through WeBook.com.
Unique Ramadan experience on Red Sea with AROYA Cruise
If you are looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy iftar or sahoor this Ramadan, AROYA Cruise, the first-ever Saudi Arabia cruise line, offers a truly special experience.
Throughout the holy month, AROYA will be anchored in front of the prestigious Jeddah Yacht Club, welcoming guests to break their fast or enjoy a late-night meal while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Red Sea.
From 4 p.m. until noon the next day, visitors can explore the ship’s luxurious facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and one of the largest kids’ clubs at sea.
Special Ramadan-themed activities include guest speakers and wellness programs, adding to the immersive experience.
For those who want to extend their evening, “Ramadan Along the Horizon” offers the option of an overnight stay.
Tickets start at SR499 for adults and SR299 for children under 17 through Aroya.com.
The menu offers flavors that go beyond the usual, including tiramisu, kunafa, banana pudding, and even a mix chocolate with hazelnut or biscuit
Updated 15 March 2025
Waad Hussain
For those craving a taste of Japan with a local twist, Okawa brings a fusion of matcha-based drinks and Japanese pancakes to Riyadh.
With two branches that are always bustling, the cafe has become a trendy hotspot among dessert lovers and coffee enthusiasts.
The real star of the menu is their classic matcha latte. It delivers a perfectly balanced, creamy texture with a rich matcha flavor that is not overpowering — smooth, slightly bitter, and naturally sweet. It pairs well with their other offerings.
One thing that stands out is the variety of unique Japanese pancake flavors. Unlike the traditional souffle pancakes, these have a denser, more cake-like texture, making them more filling.
The menu offers flavors that go beyond the usual, including tiramisu, kunafa, banana pudding, and even a mix chocolate with hazelnut or biscuit.
The creativity in flavors adds an enjoyable element to the experience, even if the texture itself is not necessarily the best.
Despite this, Okawa excels at providing an immersive experience. From the minimalist Japanese-inspired aesthetic to the beautifully crafted drinks, the attention to detail is evident.
While the pancakes might not be a must-try for everyone, the mix of flavors and the quality of their matcha drinks make it worth a visit — especially for those looking to explore something different in Riyadh’s dessert scene.
Okawa offers a fun experience with an ever-changing menu that keeps customers coming back to see what is next.
For more information, check their Instagram @okawa_sa.
Recipes for Success: Chef Laia Ferrer Baile offers advice and a tasty recipe
Updated 14 March 2025
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: From Michelin-starred kitchens in Spain and France to luxury dining destinations in the Maldives and Bangkok, Chef Laia Ferrer Baile has built an impressive career.
Born and raised in Barcelona, Baile knew from a young age that she wanted to be a chef. She ended up training in some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred Restaurante Disfrutar.
Now, as head chef of Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located on Ummahat Island off the coast of Saudi Arabia, she brings her expertise to the Kingdom.
Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (Supplied)
“My experience in Saudi has been amazing,” she tells Arab News. “The people are really welcoming, the food is amazing, and the environment I’m working in is fantastic.”
Here, Baile shares her thoughts on simplicity in cooking, customer preferences, and her favorite cuisines.
When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?
I remember putting thousands of things on a dish in university because I thought the more things I put, the more the teacher would like it. But it was a disaster. I’ve learned that simplicity is best. You don’t need to add thousands of things to make something taste good. Sometimes it’s just salt and pepper.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?
Enjoy what you are doing. I always say to my family: “This isn’t a race.” Relax and enjoy the moment. Be curious about what you are doing, and learn why you are doing it.
Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (Supplied)
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
As a Spanish woman, I think it’s extra virgin olive oil. We call it liquid gold. It can make anything very simple become amazing; like, if you just put a bit of olive oil on a piece of bread, it will always be better.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?
My first instinct was to say no. But, then my boyfriend said, “How can you say no to that question? You do that all the time.” So, apparently, I do. But I also like to enjoy my experience. I think it is when I’m expecting something to be very good and it isn’t — that’s when I'm really critical. When I’m not expecting much, like street food in Bangkok or a small family restaurant, I won’t be that critical. But when I go to an expensive place that I really want to try and they disappoint me, then I will be.
What’s the most common issue you find in other restaurants?
Overcomplicating the dishes. Also, there are restaurants where you can feel that the servers don’t want to be there, so they will always lack care.
What’s your favorite cuisine?
I have two kinds of favorite restaurants. There are the ones I go to with my family or friends to enjoy and celebrate — these are the ones where I find my comfort food that reminds me of my mom’s food and all the Spanish things. But I also like to find new touches that elevate food a little bit. These also inspire me. So I really like to go to Michelin restaurants, where the chefs are doing something new, just to give me a spark.
Tabrah in Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (Supplied)
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
It used to be curry. I used to love making quick curry dishes — I’d always have curry paste at home. Now, though, I like to cook pad Thai because it is my sister’s favorite dish. I always try to cook that when I am in a rush. It tastes good and it’s quick and easy to make.
What customer behavior most annoys you?
It really annoys me when people want to change the ingredients of dishes. I can understand if, for example, someone doesn’t eat tomato, then we will try to remove it. And I understand if people have allergies; I’m allergic to leek, for example, and when I go to some restaurants, people won’t believe me because there are a lot of people who say they have allergies when they don’t. We take it very seriously in the kitchen when someone says they have allergies: We cook the food separately, and we will clean the kitchen from top to bottom and we have special cutting boards and knives that we will use just for that person. So, if they say they are allergic when they aren’t, it really wastes our time.
What’s your favorite dish to cook?
Suquet de Peix, a potato-based seafood stew. It brings me back to my roots. When I was a kid, my family owned an apartment by the beach, and it was a very typical dish in the area.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
Anything that has to be cooked with flour or sugar, like pastries. I think I’m really bad at it. I think it’s because I tell myself every day that I’m bad at it and I don’t practice the skills for it. Don’t ask me to make a soufflé, for example; it will be an omelet.
As a head chef, what are you like? Are you very strict, or quite laidback?
Right now, I’m leading an all-female team. Most of them are fresh graduates, so I can’t be too harsh or aggressive with them. I really try to give them a positive and empowering environment, because I’ve worked in very, very bad kitchens where they would scream and throw things. I wouldn’t want them to experience that. But we always have to have discipline. It’s the most important thing.
Chef Laia’s chicken kabsa croquetas recipe
Chicken kabsa croquetas. (Supplied)
Ingredients:
For the filling:
1 cup cooked chicken (spiced with kabsa seasoning: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, cumin)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp grated carrot
1 spoon of tomato puree
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the béchamel sauce (croqueta base):
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed
Salt and white pepper to taste
For coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
For frying:
Vegetable oil
Instructions:
Prepare the filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, the garlic and the carrot until soft and translucent, then add the tomato and keep cooking for 10 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken, ground cinnamon, and cumin. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
Make the béchamel sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for two to three minutes to form a smooth paste (roux).
Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
Season with salt, and white pepper.
Mix the spiced chicken into the béchamel sauce until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface), and refrigerate for at least two hours or until firm.
Shape the croquetas:
Once the mixture is firm, take small portions and shape them into cylinders or balls about the size of a golf ball.
Coat the croquetas:
Roll each croqueta in flour, dip in beaten egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
Fry the croquetas:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
Fry the croquetas in small batches until golden brown and crisp, about two to three minutes.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tips:
For a baked version, brush the croquetas with olive oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
You can freeze the croquetas before frying for a quick make-ahead snack.
Where We Are Going Today: Iftar at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh
Updated 14 March 2025
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: The Four Seasons Hotel at Kingdom Tower in Riyadh offers a grand iftar experience at its Kingdom Ballroom, promising a lavish spread of international and local flavors.
The buffet is nothing short of extravagant, featuring a wide variety of dishes catering to every preference. Traditional Arabic classics such as kabsa, mandi, and hearty soups set the foundation for a comforting iftar. Meat lovers will appreciate the shawarma stations, which offer chicken and beef, premium wagyu steak, brisket, and grilled lamb chops. The selection extends to a mix of Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines, ensuring a diverse dining experience.
For dessert, the options are equally indulgent. A dedicated chocolate fountain station features three types of flowing chocolate — white, milk, and dark — accompanied by fresh fruit for dipping. Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy an array of baklava, kunafa, mango and pineapple trifles, chocolate puddings, and a variety of traditional Middle Eastern sweets.
Each table is elegantly set with Arabic coffee and dates, adding a traditional touch to the experience. Guests can order from an extensive menu of freshly made juices, ensuring a refreshing drink to complement the meal. Staff provide quick and attentive service despite the overwhelming crowd, maintaining a professional and welcoming atmosphere.
While the iftar buffet offers exceptional variety and premium ingredients, the pricing — SR587 ($156) per person and SR799 for the VIP Chef’s Table — feels steep.
The Four Seasons iftar is perfect for those looking to indulge in a lavish selection of international and traditional dishes in a premium setting. However, the high price and crowded space might be a drawback for those who prefer a more peaceful dining experience.
For more information, check their Instagram @fsriyadh or book via The Chefz app.
