Princess Rajwa, the wife of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, celebrated her birthday last week. The crown prince took to social media to send her birthday greetings as an official portrait of the princess was unveiled.
“May God continue to bless and nurture the bond between us. Happy Birthday Rajwa,” he wrote on Instagram, sharing a new photo of the couple.
The new official portrait of Princess Rajwa shows the princess wearing a blue outfit from French label Rabanne against a matching blue background.
Earlier this month it was announced that the royal couple, who married in June last year, were expecting their first baby this summer.
The event drew a star-studded crowd, including US-Iraqi entrepreneur and fragrance mogul Mona Kattan, accompanied by her co-stars from Netflix’s “Dubai Bling.” Among them were Ebraheem Alsamadi, who decorated the venue with centerpieces from his brand Forever Rose, Safa Siddiqui, Danya Mohammed, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Jwana Karim. Also in attendance were “Love is Blind Habibi” stars Mohammed AlKiswani and Nour El-Hajj.
The Creator of the Year award was presented to Yara Aziz. Ahead of her win, Aziz, who boasts 6.5 million TikTok followers, told Arab News: “I started everything on TikTok. It’s been five years now, and this is my first award ever with them. I am nervous, I am excited, I am happy, I am content and I am grateful.”
Originally a medical student, the TikToker attended the event wearing a dress handmade by her grandmother, a process she documented on TikTok for her followers.
Reflecting on the experience, Aziz described the process as “extremely stressful.” She explained, “Honestly, it was stressful for my grandma, she felt like she was under pressure to make something quick and fast. But honestly, it turned out perfect.”
Before the announcement, Aziz mentioned that winning this award would mark the most memorable moment of her social media career — and it did.
The night included performances by Haitian-French artist Naika, known for the viral hit “Sauce,” and Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa, a TikTok favorite, who thrilled the audience with tracks such as “Tesla,” “Batal Alam” and “Hob Khenaa,” joined by co-singer Nourine Abouseada for the latter.
Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa thrilled the audience with tracks such as “Tesla,” “Batal Alam” and “Hob Khenaa.” (AN/ Mohammed Fawzy)
The night celebrated other talents including Syrian Canadian Osama Marwah, who won the Video of the Year, while Egyptian singer Tul8te was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Lebanese chef Abir El Saghir received the Visionary Content Award, Abdullah Annan was honored as Changemaker of the Year, Shihab Al-Hashemy won Education Creator of the Year, and Nouran El-Sayed took home the Fashion & Beauty Creator of the Year award.
Iconic composer Hans Zimmer working on new interpretation of Saudi national anthem
Announcement by General Entertainment Authority’s Turki Alalshikh
Original composition ‘Arabia’ inspired by the Kingdom also planned
Updated 25 min 34 sec ago
Arab News
DUBAI: Oscar-winning film composer Hans Zimmer — who will perform live in Riyadh on Jan. 24 — is working on a new interpretation of Saudi Arabia’s national anthem, according Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
Alalshikh revealed on X recently that he had also spoken with Zimmer about ideas for a new Riyadh Season concert and an original composition called “Arabia,” inspired by the Kingdom.
“Today I met someone who is considered one of the greatest musicians of our time … the legend Hans Zimmer,” Alalshikh wrote.
The post continued that the German composer — known for his work on films including “The Lion King,” “Interstellar,” “Gladiator” and “Dune” — was also offered the chance to create the soundtrack for the upcoming Saudi Arabia film, “The Battle of Yarmouk.”
Alalshikh concluded the post by saying that Zimmer had promised he would visit the country again with his family and friends.
Zimmer attended the Kingdom’s Joy Awards over the weekend which honors the achievements of artists in the Arab world.
Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025
Updated 23 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025, held on Jan. 18 in Riyadh.
Zainab Alblushi
The self-proclaimed Saudi “It Girl” wore this striking floor-length backless lilac gown with oversized, voluminous sleeves to the ceremony. The dress was created by Riyadh-based designer Khawla Alaiban, who founded her eponymous label in 2017. She stayed local with her accessories too, opting for diamonds from Saudi fine jewelry brand Lustro.
Annabella Hilal
The Lebanese model and TV presenter was fulsome in her praise of the awards, saying, “Every year this experience gets better and better.” She also thanked Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad — “a true artist” — for her “incredible dress,” this deep blue flowing gown which included intricate leaf-like embroidery on see-through fabric. Like Zainab Alblushi, Hilal went with jewelry from Lustro. She also carried a metallic silver Jimmy Choo bag.
Mila Alzahrani
The Saudi actress selected this beautifully tailored purple gown from Lebanese designer Sara Mrad. The dress featured an asymmetrical sheer corset with ruffled sleeves running into a dramatic skirt filled with feathers and eye-catching floral embroidery, and surrounded by a pleated train.
Nour Ali
Assisted by Dubai-based Lebanese stylist Cedric Haddad, the 29-year-old Syrian actress — shortlisted for the Best Actress in a Series award for her role in “Lo’bat Al-Hob” — chose this elegant all-black number with intricate tailoring and cut-outs from acclaimed Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad and accessorized with jewelry from Chopard.
Aseel Omran
The Saudi singer and actress looked chic in this timeless black gown with sculpted bodice and mermaid skirt from Lebanese designer Charbel Karam, who launched his namesake label in 2006 in Abu Dhabi. Omran also wore jewelry from Roberto Coin.
Stephanie Atala
The Lebanese actor and singer looked radiant in this pink dress with bejeweled bodice and voluminous skirt created by Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi. The awards came just two days after Atala announced her engagement to her long-time musical partner Joseph Abboud, aka Zef.
Zeina Makki
The Kuwait-born Lebanese filmmaker and actress hit the lavender carpet in this glittering golden gown with chainmail-style top and flowing see-through skirt from Georges Hobeika’s Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Stylist Ibrahim Fakhereldine paired the dress with jewelry from Marli.
Nelly Karim
The beloved Egyptian actress made a splash in this bright red couture gown with accentuated boat neckline from Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward. Her outfit was almost as dramatic as her surprise appearance on stage to duet with pop superstar Tamer Hosny.
REVIEW: ‘Severance’ returns with more pleasurable mind bending
Season two of Apple’s sci-fi thriller remains wonderfully weird
Updated 23 January 2025
Matt Ross
LONDON: Despite the fact it’s been nearly three years since viewers last got to see inside the world of “Severance,” Apple’s sort-of-sci-fi show picks up pretty much where it left off. We rejoin the story just a few moments after Mark S (Adam Scott) and his team of Lumon data refiners managed to break free of their ‘severed’ floor — where work and out-of-work memories and personalities are controlled and delineated by a chip embedded in their brains — and alert the outside world to the cruelties of their working conditions. Mark reawakens in the hellish officescape without his team of escapees — Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry) and Irving (John Turturro) — and immediately sets about trying to find out what happened to them. This means getting the best of returning supervisor Milchick (Tramell Tillman), his new teenage assistant Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), and a trio of new coworkers.
Creator Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller waste no time in rediscovering the subtle blend of tangible oddness and sinister dystopian creepiness that made the first season such an uncomfortable joy. And, perhaps emboldened by season one’s success, drop greater hints at just how weird the wider world of Lumen and its mysteriously enigmatic founder Kier Eagan might be. Mark and his team are told that their escape has led to sweeping reform across the company, but with Mark having learned that his wife on the outside may be trapped somewhere in the building — rather than being dead, as his ‘outie’ personality had been led to believe — the setup for more convoluted reveals is in place by the end of this season’s first episode.
In all the best ways, “Severance” feels the same as it did. The surreal nightmare of its setting is as terrifying as ever, and the sharp juxtaposition of Mark and the others’ personalities remains joyfully jarring. The pace of plot revelation actually appears to have slowed even further — but while this is surface-level frustrating, it’s also a big part of why the show is so engaging. Is this new season likely to answer all your questions from three years ago? It is not. In fact, by the end of episode one, there’s more mystery, rather than less. But “Severance” remains the most captivating of headscratchers.
Recipes for Success: Chef Garnaras Giorgos of Parea Greek Brasserie talks cooking with love
Updated 23 January 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
RIYADH: Parea Greek Brasserie, newly opened at the Hilton Riyadh Olaya, aims “to present Greek cuisine in a way that respects tradition but also embraces innovation,” head chef Garnaras Giorgos tells Arab News.
“Parea offers a unique experience, not only through the stunning scenery and view but also through my personal take on Greek cuisine. I bring flavors and memories from across Greece — from Cyprus to the Zagori mountains and northern Greece. What I aim to offer my guests is a taste of my journey, along with a deep appreciation for Santorini, where I spent five years learning to respect nature and use exceptional ingredients.”
Parea Greek Brasserie head chef Garnaras Giorgos. (Supplied)
The Greek chef says his grandfathers were his first mentors. “I vividly remember when I was four, standing alongside both my grandfathers — Panayioti and Yiorgo (whom I was named after). They were showing me how to prepare a whole lamb on the spit for our family celebrations. It’s a cherished memory I’ll never forget,” he explains.
“I’ve been in love with food since a very young age, and that passion is the main driving force behind my career,” he adds.
Here, he talks to Arab News about his time in Saudi Arabia, his top tip for amateur chefs and his management style.
What has it been like living and working in Saudi Arabia so far?
Having lived in various countries, what stands out most to me here is the sense of safety. I’ve never felt more secure. I’m still taking time to integrate into the local culture, which I deeply admire. I make it a point to explore new places in my free time.
What’s your top tip for amateurs?
Focus on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. When you cook with what’s available at the right time of year, the results will always be delicious.
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
Love! When you cook with love, the food is guaranteed to be full of flavor and soul.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?
I try to simply enjoy the moment and savor the flavors. I focus on the positives and appreciate the effort that goes into the dish, rather than being overly critical.
What’s your favorite cuisine to order?
It really depends on my mood. I can go from street food to a fine dining experience — I’m always eager to try something new.
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
Trahanas — a traditional Greek hearty soup. It’s quick, healthy and full of flavor. I actually make my version of it at Parea.
What customer request most annoys you?
I’m usually able to accommodate any request. The key is understanding the guest’s needs and finding a way to deliver.
What’s your favorite dish to cook and why?
There’s no one particular dish — I love the ones that bring back memories, especially those with a story behind them. So I’d say anything hearty with personal significance.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
The whole quail. It’s a dish that always presents a challenge — but it’s also an opportunity to perfect my technique.
Pare
Relaxed? Quite the opposite! While we do have our fun moments, when it’s busy there’s no room for democracy in the kitchen. It’s all about precision, teamwork and getting the job done efficiently.
