From May 25 to 31, 2026, JOALI wrapped up amazing Eid al-Adha festivities. Families came together for lots of fun, tasty food, and cultural experiences centered around unity and self-reflection. One star of the show was Nawal Alkhalawi, a top chef from Jeddah, who took the spotlight with her cooking residency. She rocked the event with her mouthwatering meals throughout the week. Keeping classic tastes fresh, she added some hip twists too.
Her dinner at MOJO on May 29 got rave reviews. Guests dug into traditional Saudi feast fare, going wild for the date butter paired with charcoal bread. Then there were the "Jewels of the Red Sea" bites that blew everyone away. Aside from that, slow-roasted lamb alongside a ton of tasty shawarma sides stood out. For dessert, a flurry of sugary delights won hearts—white peach, apricot rose, and coconut yogurt treats, you name it. And no sweet end would've felt right without a lavish Saudi date and cheese board. This spread was an epic finish that left everyone grinning from ear to ear!
The next day, everyone met at the Culinary Learning Centre for Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Family Cooking Class. The idea was for people of all ages to have a blast with some hands-on cooking. They got to discover how dishes come alive in the areas where the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean meet up. The following day, everyone gathered at the Culinary Learning Centre for Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Family Cooking Class. It was all about having fun and getting hands-on with cooking, no matter your age. Students learned how to whip up Spiced Prawn Tartare with Lime and Black Lime Aioli in Tapioca-Wild Rice. It showed how food can connect different regions through its ingredients and prep methods. JOALI BEING had more awesome family activities during Eid as well. Kids made their own energy bars, and there were lots of workshops for creating yummy treats like waffles and pizza. Who wouldn't be stoked about that, plus an afternoon tea spread and chocolate-making classes? People also had a great time eating in unique locations. They ended everything with the Eid Sunset Soiree at FLOW Beach, where guests sipped drinks while enjoying the music as the sun went down.
