Latest news with #Qatif
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
3 Saudi cities to host film criticism forum
RIYADH: The Film Commission has announced the launch of the third annual Film Criticism Conference and its related events, under the theme 'Cinema: the Art of Place.' This year's conference will be held at three cultural enters: Asir in August, Qatif in October, and Riyadh in November, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event reflects the commission's commitment to creating a critical landscape beyond traditional events, establishing an interactive knowledge platform for critics, researchers, filmmakers, and emerging Saudi talents. The program includes informative sessions, practical workshops, and specialized art exhibitions, the SPA added. This edition opens dialogue on the relationship between cinema and place, viewing it as a means of identity, narrative, and visual reflection that enriches both historically. It will explore place in cinema as a symbol, a mirror of reality, or a window into imagination, inviting diverse critical and philosophical perspectives. The conference continues to strengthen its role as a platform celebrating cinematic criticism in the region, according to the SPA. Last year's event attracted more than 10,000 visitors from more than 30 countries, with participation from more than 35 local and international entities, along with prominent critics, directors, and researchers.
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Mashwa Al-Balad Restaurant in Qatif
Mashwa Al-Balad in Qatif is a grill and shawarma restaurant that will have you dialing the delivery number any time your cravings make you want to recreate nights spent grilling under the desert skies. My family and I love this place because it usually solves the 'What are we having for dinner tonight?' feud when one of us wants a shawarma and others want kebab plates; rarely do restaurants offer such a wide selection of dishes and do them all well. Let's start with the classic shawarma plates: Arabic beef and, my personal favorite, the Arabic chicken, both of which come with fries. Well-seasoned, tender, and with a portion size that is great as a full meal. They sometimes put a little too much garlic sauce for my liking, but others might prefer it that way. If you're not a fan of the plates, they offer shawarma sandwiches in different styles as well, from classic to spicy to ones with a slight Mediterranean twist, served with pomegranate seeds and rocket leaves. The stars of the show, however, are the kebab and grill wraps, including beef awsal (cubes), shish tawooq, beef kebab, chicken kebab, and chicken musahhab. These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings. And of course, you can't forget about the classic grill plates, which include separate or mixed combinations. What I like about Mashwa Al-Balad is that you can mix and match your favorite plates, sandwiches, and all the traditional appetizers (hummus, tabbouleh, grape leaves, and more) and ensure there's something for everyone at the table.
Arab News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Review: A cinematic dining experience at Munchies in Safwa
SAFWA: Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate, may not catch your eye at first. There are no flashy signs or strong online presence to draw you in. But those who visit will find a unique dining experience. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Ahmed Al-Quraish opened the restaurant in 2023. It operates on a reservation basis and relies mostly on word of mouth. The low-key approach continues inside, where the interior feels more like a carefully designed set than a typical restaurant. With dim lighting, cozy seating, and attention to music and mood, the ambiance supports the food without overshadowing it. The menu offers variety, with more than 50 items ranging from Italian comfort dishes to bistro classics. A recent visit started with a crispy Caesar salad, generous in size and flavor, followed by hot arancini with a molten center. Both had a good balance of texture and temperature. The main dishes were well prepared. The wagyu steak arrived cooked as requested, served with creamy mashed potatoes. It was tender, well seasoned and satisfying. The pasta was rich and silky with a proper bite, and the fish and chips were golden and crisp. The dessert menu focuses on enjoyable flavors. The chocolate cake was fudgy, the choux pastries flavorful, and the vibrancy and refreshing nature of the passion fruit cake stood out. Munchies occasionally offers live music or themed events, but at its core are thoughtful food and atmospheric surroundings, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Munchies is open from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This spot delivers consistent quality and ambiance. The overall experience is worth making a reservation for. Check their Instagram, @munchiesksa, for more details.
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Wild Padel shines light on sporting community in Qatif
RIYADH: Wild Padel, a family-owned club in Qatif, is doing more than just riding the wave of a fast-growing sport but rather redefining the essence of community in it. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Established in 2023, Wild Padel is led by the Al-Bayat family members of Ahmed Muneer, Hassan Ali, Abdullah Jamal, and Abdullah Muneer. Ali told Arab News that although Wild Padel is not the first padel club in Qatif, it has quickly distinguished itself through its high-quality facilities, engaging community events, and strong commitment to promoting padel in the region. 'Despite not being the pioneer, it has become one of the most recognized and active clubs in the area,' he said. 'Much of this success is thanks to the dedicated Wild Padel team and the supportive Wild Padel family who continue to train and play at the club.' In December 2024, Wild Padel won the inaugural edition of the Barn's Saudi Padel League for men against the highly competitive and respected team Padel X. 'While the challenge was intense, the strength, unity, and determination of our players brought home the title,' Ali said. A sign of the community and camaraderie established at the club is the list of colorful nicknames that the members have developed. The victorious team featured Captain Hassan Al-Abdullah, Abdullah 'Mystro' Al-Faraj, Abdulaziz 'The Engineer' Al-Abdullah, Abdullah 'GOAT' Al-Abdullah, Qassim 'The Golden Boy' Al-Obaidan, Ali 'MVP' Dawani, Jose 'Fighter' Arcos, Ali 'The Talented' Hassan, Kumail 'Leader' Al-Abbas, and Ali 'Team Spirit' Al-Nasir. Ali highlighted that the idea to set up Wild Padel was inspired by the rapid growth of the sport and its strong potential for future expansion in the Kingdom. 'The club was established to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by promoting active lifestyles, supporting community engagement, and building a strong base of local talent. One of Wild Padel's key goals is to develop skilled players through its academy, ultimately contributing to the Kingdom's sporting success on both national and international levels,' he said. Ali notes that with a growing number of passionate players and rising young talents, the Kingdom is well-positioned to become a regional and global hub for padel in the coming years. 'Padel has a promising future in the Kingdom, driven by strong support from the Ministry of Sports under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal. The efforts of the Saudi Padel Committee, led by Mugren Al-Mugren, alongside contributions from both governmental and private clubs, are accelerating the sport's development.'
Leaders
13-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Hits 76% Tomato Self-Sufficiency, Produces over 691,000 Tons
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has announced that Saudi Arabia's local tomato production in 2023 exceeded 691,875 tons, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of over 76%. This milestone underscores the significant advancements in the Kingdom's agricultural sector and its capacity to fulfill domestic demand. According to the ministry, open-field tomato production contributed more than 392,294 tons, while greenhouse production exceeded 299,581 tons. These figures reflect the ministry's continued efforts to enhance the vegetable sector and ensure supply meets the rising demand, particularly during Ramadan, thereby supporting the nation's food security goals. The ministry also urged consumers to prioritize locally grown tomatoes, which are known for their high quality and nutritional benefits. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of minimizing food waste, especially during Ramadan, when consumption typically increases. This call aligns with broader initiatives to promote sustainable practices and strengthen the local agricultural economy. Related Topics : Qatif's Ramsi Tomatoes: Major Product on Saudi Tables GASTAT: Dates Secure Highest Self-Sufficiency Rate with 119% in 2023 How Is Saudi Arabia Enhancing Food Self-sufficiency? SFDA: Voluntary Recall Protects Consumers, Ensures Food Safety Short link : Post Views: 42 Related Stories
