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My Dublin: Saudi student Atheer Bajandoh gives us the lowdown on life in Ireland’s capital city  

My Dublin: Saudi student Atheer Bajandoh gives us the lowdown on life in Ireland’s capital city  
Grafton Street in Dublin. Getty Images
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Updated 05 September 2025

My Dublin: Saudi student Atheer Bajandoh gives us the lowdown on life in Ireland’s capital city  

My Dublin: Saudi student Atheer Bajandoh gives us the lowdown on life in Ireland’s capital city  

 ALKHOBAR: Saudi student Atheer Bajandoh, 22, left Jeddah four years ago to study in Dublin, the capital of Ireland.  

What’s the most surprising thing about Dublin? 

The weather! It’s unpredictable and still catches me off guard. You can honestly experience all four seasons in a single day. But when the sun does shine, everyone runs outside to enjoy it like it’s a holiday. 

What does your typical day look like? 

My day usually starts early with lectures, then I head to the uni library to get some studying done. If the weather’s decent, which, like I said, isn’t a given, then I’ll go for a walk in St. Stephen’s Green park. Evenings are usually quiet — dinner at home and catching up with my flatmate. 




St Stephens Green public park. (Getty Images)

What do you like to do on weekends? 

I like exploring new cafés. And I like going to farmers’ markets, especially around Temple Bar or Dun Laoghaire. There’s something comforting about picking up warm bread and chatting with local vendors. When I need a break from the city, my favorite spot is Killiney Beach. It’s peaceful, the views are beautiful, and it clears your head. 

Are the locals friendly? 

They’re ridiculously friendly. You ask for directions, and they won’t just tell you — they’ll walk you there. There’s warmth in this city, a sense that people care. 

Are there many Arabs there? 

There are a lot of Saudi students here, and many of us have become close friends. Just hearing Arabic spoken around me makes everything feel more familiar and a little closer to home. 

Is it an easy place to practice Islam? 

There are some halal restaurants and shops — although it’s hard to find them outside of the busiest neighborhoods. And the Muslim student association on campus is helpful. 




An aerial view of Killiney Beach. (Getty Images)

Where are your favorite eating spots in Dublin? 

For breakfast, it’s Tang. Cozy, healthy, and one of my favorites. For lunch, I’d say Bunsen. It’s a no-frills burger place but iconic here. It’s only in Ireland and feels like part of the local identity. And for dinner, either Bambinos for pizza or Xian Street Food, known for its spice bag — an Irish-Chinese fusion of seasoned fries, chicken, and vegetables. It’s not fancy, but it’s delicious and totally Irish. 

What’s the one place you’d say visitors must see? 

Grafton Street. It’s busy, loud, full of buskers, and always buzzing. You can’t visit Dublin and not walk through it. 

And what’s Dublin’s best hidden gem? 

Bushy Park. It’s a bit outside the city center, but it’s one of my favorite spots. It’s where I go to read, journal, or just get away from everything. 

What would you say to young Saudis considering studying overseas?  

Come with an open mind. Living abroad will challenge and grow you in ways you don’t expect. It’s not just about adapting to the weather or a new culture; it’s about learning how to be on your own, how to handle being misunderstood, or how to explain where you’re from to people who’ve never met a Saudi before. More than anything, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and fully embrace the experience. 

Are you glad you chose Dublin? 

This city has taught me how to slow down, how to listen, and how to be kinder to myself. I came here to study, but I’m learning how to live. I’m keeping my options open for what happens when I finish my studies here, but no matter where I go, Dublin will always be a chapter I return to in my heart. 


What We Are Eating Today: The Peak Hong Kong Icehouse: A newcomer to Riyadh’s dessert scene

What We Are Eating Today: The Peak Hong Kong Icehouse: A newcomer to Riyadh’s dessert scene
Updated 22 October 2025

What We Are Eating Today: The Peak Hong Kong Icehouse: A newcomer to Riyadh’s dessert scene

What We Are Eating Today: The Peak Hong Kong Icehouse: A newcomer to Riyadh’s dessert scene

Riyadh’s dessert scene continues to evolve, and The Peak Hong Kong Icehouse stands out as one of its most talked-about newcomers.

Located in King Fahd district, this dessert spot brings a taste of Hong Kong’s vibrant street food culture to ֱ, specializing in artfully crafted shaved ice creations that are as photogenic as they are refreshing.

First things first: Despite its name, The Peak Hong Kong Ice House isn’t a Hong Kong branch but a Riyadh-born dessert shop inspired by Hong Kong-style shaved ice. Think of it as a cross between Korean bingsu and South Asian gola ganda, but with a uniquely Hong Kong twist.

The ice is incredibly soft and creamy, almost like snow, topped with flavorful sauces, fruits, and surprising fillings.

During my visit, I tried the Mango Shaved Ice, and it didn’t disappoint. The portion was generous, filled with layers of milk pudding and cookie crumbs beneath the mango cubes.

The sauce offered a perfect balance — slightly sour yet sweet enough to complement the freshness of the fruit. The lemon-blueberry flavor was another standout, visually stunning and delightfully tangy, offering a balance between citrus and sweetness.

The ambiance of the shop is equally inviting. With its minimalist decor, cute lighting, and clever touches, like a screen displaying song lyrics, the space feels modern and thoughtfully designed.

Service was quick and polite, and it was nice to see the owner working alongside the team during the busy rush hour.

One thing to note: The space is quite small, and during peak hours, expect a bit of a wait. While the atmosphere is warm and the desserts exceptional, the prices are on the higher side. 

The Peak Hong Kong Icehouse is a delightful spot for a special treat, especially when you’re in the mood for something new, creative, and beautifully made.


Jewish figures worldwide call for sanctions against Israel

Signatories include Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder, Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, Pulitzer Prize winner Benjamin Moser.
Signatories include Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder, Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, Pulitzer Prize winner Benjamin Moser.
Updated 22 October 2025

Jewish figures worldwide call for sanctions against Israel

Signatories include Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder, Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, Pulitzer Prize winner Benjamin Moser.
  • Open letter signed by more than 450 senior figures says Israeli actions amount to genocide
  • ‘Our solidarity with Palestinians is not a betrayal of Judaism but a fulfillment of it’

LONDON: More than 450 senior Jewish figures worldwide are calling on the UN and global leaders to impose sanctions on Israel over its actions “that will be judged to have met the legal definition of genocide.”

The appeal was made in an open letter signed by former Israeli officials, Oscar winners, intellectuals and authors, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

Signatories include former Knesset speaker Avraham Burg, British author Michael Rosen, Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, US actor Wallace Shawn, Emmy winners Ilana Glazer and Hannah Einbinder, Canadian author Naomi Klein and Pulitzer Prize winner Benjamin Moser.

They are demanding accountability over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. “We have not forgotten that so many of the laws, charters, and conventions established to safeguard and protect all human life were created in response to the Holocaust,” the letter said. “Those safeguards have been relentlessly violated by Israel.”

It calls on world leaders to abide by rulings from the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, avoid complicity in violations of international law via arms transfers, and ensure sufficient humanitarian aid for Gaza.

False claims of antisemitism against those calling for peace and justice must also be rejected, the signatories said.

“We bow our heads in immeasurable sorrow as the evidence accumulates that Israel’s actions will be judged to have met the legal definition of genocide,” the letter added.

Other signatories include American comedian Eric Andre, South African novelist Damon Galgut, Tony Award winner Toby Marlow and Israeli philosopher Omri Boehm.

“Our solidarity with Palestinians is not a betrayal of Judaism, then, but a fulfillment of it,” the letter said. “When our sages taught that to destroy one life is to destroy an entire world, they did not carve exceptions for Palestinians. We shall not rest until this ceasefire carries forward into an end of occupation and apartheid.”


TikToker Taher Travels connects the Arab world with global audiences

TikToker Taher Travels connects the Arab world with global audiences
Updated 22 October 2025

TikToker Taher Travels connects the Arab world with global audiences

TikToker Taher Travels connects the Arab world with global audiences

DUBAI: Armed with a camera, curiosity and a love of culture, Mohammed Taher — the TikTok creator behind Taher Travels — has turned his passion for exploration into a digital bridge connecting the Arab world with global audiences.

“Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by the world, by different places, people and cultures,” he told Arab News. “I used to imagine what life was like in countries far away. When I finally started traveling, I realized how deeply it was changing me, and I felt the need to share those experiences.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taher’s videos, shared with his 2.9 million TikTok followers, blend discovery with storytelling. “I wanted to showcase the beauty of Arab culture and values to the world, and at the same time help Arabs discover and understand other cultures with an open mind,” he said.

Travel, for Taher, is more than movement, it is a way to connect worlds and build understanding between cultures, he said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“I always share my experiences from the perspective of an Arab traveler — with curiosity, humility and respect for others,” he said. “Through my content, I want people to see that our Arab culture is full of warmth and humanity, and that these values can travel with us anywhere we go.”

Traveling, he said, has deepened his appreciation for his roots. “It gave me a deeper sense of pride and responsibility to represent it positively wherever I go.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A trip to “remote villages in Asia” especially stayed with him. “The people there had so little, yet they were incredibly happy and generous,” he said.

One of his most viral TikToks was a video showing “simple acts of kindness from locals” during one of his trips, he said. “Viewers love authenticity, especially when it comes from the heart,” he said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“TikTok has allowed me to reach people from all around the world,” he added. “Many viewers from Europe and Asia have written to me saying they were surprised and inspired by Arab culture and hospitality. One comment I’ll never forget was: ‘I never knew Arabs were this kind and humble until I followed you.’

“That meant a lot to me it showed that content can truly change perceptions,” he said.


Alana Hadid marries Ross Williams in intimate Los Angeles ceremony

Alana Hadid marries Ross Williams in intimate Los Angeles ceremony
Updated 22 October 2025

Alana Hadid marries Ross Williams in intimate Los Angeles ceremony

Alana Hadid marries Ross Williams in intimate Los Angeles ceremony
  • Models Gigi and Bella Hadid among the bridesmaids

DUBAI: Alana Hadid, model and creative director of Watermelon Pictures, a production company highlighting Palestinian stories, and older half-sister to supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, has tied the knot.

She married Ross Williams, a television producer who now works in the mental health sector, whom she met on a dating app four years ago, wearing a vintage Vivienne Westwood gown.

The wedding was held at the home of her father, real-estate mogul Mohamed Hadid, in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, according to reports on Wednesday.

Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid at the wedding. (Instagram)

Her bridesmaids included Gigi and Bella, along with her maid-of-honor Marielle Hadid and “man-of-honor” Anwar Hadid.

According to Vogue, at the reception the couple served drinks from Palestinian-American brands, including an espresso and matcha bar by Mokafe and cola drinks by Drink Palestina.

Deeply passionate about her heritage, Alana, 42, has been using her platform to bring attention to the struggles of the Palestinian people, particularly in light of Israel’s continued occupation and genocide in Gaza.

Her activism is not restricted to the online space; it is a deeply personal commitment to highlighting the stories that matter, she said.

“I was always hearing stories, stories about the cities and the towns that their ancestors helped build. The lives that they had and their lives as refugees and then eventually in the United States.

“But I was very proud, always proud of being a Palestinian. That was what I learned as a child,” Alana told Arab News in a previous interview.

Shifting her focus to filmmaking, Alana — along with brothers Badie Ali and Hamza Ali — co-founded Watermelon Pictures, a production company with a mission to create compelling, impactful stories that resonate with global audiences.

Through her work in film, she aims to bridge the gap between mainstream media and the often-overlooked narratives of the Palestinian people.

“I was honored to be asked to be the creative director of Watermelon Pictures. I think it’s not only a passion project for Hamza and Badie, but it is an opportunity for Palestinians to have a place to go to tell their stories.

“I get emotional about it. I think it’s just one of the most beautiful things that people have a place where they can put their stories. And we know that we have a safe place for that,” said Alana.


Huda Kattan shows support for Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub before Miss Universe pageant

Huda Kattan shows support for Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub before Miss Universe pageant
Updated 22 October 2025

Huda Kattan shows support for Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub before Miss Universe pageant

Huda Kattan shows support for Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub before Miss Universe pageant

DUBAI: US Iraqi beauty mogul Huda Kattan this week showed her support for Nadeen Ayoub, the first Miss Palestine, who will compete in the 74th Miss Universe pageant taking place in November in Pak Kret, Thailand.

Kattan took to Instagram to share a photo with Ayoub, writing: “We’re so proud to support the first-EVER Miss Palestine @nadeen.m.ayoub to compete in Miss Universe. This moment is so much bigger than pageantry. It’s about strength, pride and representation.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kattan has been outspoken in her support for Palestine and has used her platforms to raise awareness about the war in Gaza.

She regularly shares footage and updates from Gaza on her social media accounts to amplify awareness. In 2023, she announced a $1 million donation to two humanitarian organizations working in the region: Human Appeal and Doctors Without Borders.

In July, she teamed up with US-based Palestinian singer Saint Levant to support Palestine.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The partnership introduces a new shade of the brand’s popular faux filler lip oil, with proceeds going to organizations that support Palestinian causes.

Named “Kalamantina,” the shade references Saint Levant’s song of the same name, released earlier this year. The lip oil also features a clementine scent.

“This is for the homeland,” Kattan wrote on the brand’s Instagram page at the time, alongside orange and Palestinian flag emojis. “In honor of this collaboration, Huda Beauty will make a donation to organizations supporting Palestinian agriculture and cultural preservation.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Meanwhile, Ayoub lives between Ramallah, Amman and Dubai — where she founded an organization that trains content creators on sustainability and artificial intelligence.

She grew up in the occupied West Bank, the US and Canada.

After earning degrees in English literature and psychology, she went on to teach and work for NGOs in the occupied territories.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

But after modeling at a fashion show in Italy, people working in the industry encouraged her to compete in beauty pageants, so she launched a Miss Palestine franchise.

In 2022, the first Miss Palestine pageant was held online to allow Palestinians scattered abroad, in Israel, and in the occupied territories to participate.

As the first winner of the title, Ayoub has worked on the organization’s philanthropic activities and in 2022 competed in Miss Earth, an environmentally minded pageant.

But since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, she has not participated in any beauty pageants.