14 THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019

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WhatsApp us on Scan QR +973 3422 1999 Lanterns reflect glory as decoration business thrives in Saudi Arabia Abu riyaleen stores sells affordable and readily available lights that boost domestic production

Lanterns are seen at a store

ne of the most beloved traditions the Kingdom. Cheap, readily available, tion has come a long way in the past few of Ramadan all over the Muslim and with one in almost every neighbour- years, and people have options now they Oworld is decorating for the holy hood, they make for a prime location for did not have years ago. month. Lanterns bedeck almost every Ramadan shoppers. US retail chain Party City, whose stores household during the season. However, Al-Watan newspaper reports specialize in selling party items such as Ramadan The streets are lit up with crescent that most abu riyaleen stores significant- decorations and costumes, reportedly moons and twinkling lights. And every ly increase the prices of their Ramadan became the first American retailer to decorations hotel worth its salt has an tent set items during the season, with lanterns offer Ramadan and Eid-themed items in up for patrons to enjoy. costing between SR20-60 ($5-16) which their online and physical stores in 2018. are impossible It’s a time of celebration, and what is almost double the cost in the off-sea- Customers are able to purchase dispos- better way to express one’s joy? son. Traditional fabrics, normally SR5 able tableware, balloons, and a “Count- to miss in the Egyptian Vintage metal lantern Ramadan decorations are impossible to per meter, triple in price to SR15 in the down to Eid” calendar, amongst other weeks leading miss in the weeks leading up to the holy weeks leading up to and during Ram- in quality is reason enough to make up items. month. From your local supermarket, to adan. for that. For the 3.45 million living in up to the holy high-end furniture stores, down to the Even then, abu riyaleen items are more Furniture stores are also prime loca- the US (according to the Pew Research humble abu riyaleen (dollar store), Ram- affordable than those you might find tions to scout for seasonal decorations. Center), it is probably better late than month. From adan decorations are on sale everywhere elsewhere. Brands like Centrepoint, Nice and Saco never. you go, giving off festive vibes to whoever Hypermarket chain Danube has a all have lanterns of different sizes and Eidparty.co.uk is an option for the ap- your local may find themselves out shopping before Ramadan selection on display as well, colours on sale, as well as other staples proximately 3.3 million Muslims in the the month begins. with elaborate lanterns that can go up in such as string lights. UK (according to the Office for National supermarket, Of course, abu riyaleen are the number price to over SR300. Those outside of Saudi Arabia might Statistics), with bunting, toys and gifts, one source of Ramadan decorations in However, the noticeable difference think they are missing out, but globaliza- decorations, and even novelty items like to high-end cookie cutters and selfie props. furniture stores, Global giants Those in Europe can take a look at down to the eidmubarak.eu, a Dutch company that sells themed party items for all Islamic humble abu occasions, from Ramadan and Eid, to riyaleen (dollar Islamic weddings, and even Hajj and Um- rah. Balloons, wall hangings, and greeting store), Ramadan cards are all available on the site. Those living elsewhere can rely on decorations global giants Amazon or AliExpress to have their decorations delivered to them, are on sale with hundreds of options showing up from a quick search of just the word everywhere you “Ramadan.” Amazon also has a selection of Eng- go, giving off lish-language books to share with kids, or even non-Muslim friends, looking for a festive vibes to simplified way of explaining what exactly Ramadan is. whoever may Those looking for something more handmade or personalized can search find themselves “Ramadan” on Etsy. A whiteboard where you can update the daily times of Magh- out shopping rib and Fajr prayers, a t-shirt that says “Ramadan Kareem: I’m fasting today” before the and a cheeky button that dryly states “No, month begins not even water” Are just a few options for Ramadan items you can purchase and Saudi women shop for traditional lanterns known in Arabic as “Fanous”, sold during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at a market in the city of Jeddah have personalized.

Ramadan cooking 1. Add together 300 gms mutton mince, one onion, 3 green chillies, ¼ bunch corian- Crispy Mutton Strips der leaves, 1 spring onion and 1tablespoon garlic paste in the chopper to make a mixture. Ingredients 2. Shift the mixture to a bowl, add 1 egg, 2 tablespoon corn flour, 1tablespoon flour, • Mutton • Spring onion per salt, black pepper and lemon juice. • Green • Garlic paste • Lemon juice 3. Mix well. chillies • Flour • Corn flour 4. Discard crust of bread slices. Press well with a rolling pin. • Coriander • Salt • Oil 5. Now spread mince mixture on bread slices and roll in them like Swiss rolls. leaves • Black pep- 6. Heat oil in wok and deep fry, remove on absorbent paper and serve with sauce.