DAMMAM — Several women have come up with the idea of ‘home kitchens' for preparaing tasty dishes and then marketing them. This is due to the great response to such dishes compared to food available in restaurants, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The women hope that the idea will develop and will be supported by authorities concerned since the cost of establishing such projects is very high. Umm Lateen, a university graduate in Riyadh region, said: “I tried to search for a job, but all my efforts were in vain so I decided to combat unemployment and prove myself by preparing Ramadan dishes and marketing them. I was dreaming of a job after graduation. I tried all paths, but I did not succeed. Five years have passed and I haven't got a job. In the university I had specialized in economics and administrative sciences.” She further said: “The idea came to me while surfing social networking websites. I found that there was a great demand for dishes prepared in home kitchen. I tried to be unique with different dishes to attract customers. I prepared Ramadan dishes like sambosas of all kinds and Indian dumplings different from traditional dumplings, among others. I opened an account on Twitter and other social media and added pictures of the products and their prices.” She said she never expected that her project will be so successful. “The great demand for my products created in me the spirit of determination to continue and expand my work further.” Another woman, Ibtisam Al-Jumai'ah, prepares sweets of all kinds. She said her husband and brother deliver the orders. “The idea at the start was when I heard about an exhibition (fair) for productive families. I participated in it. When the exhibition concluded, I decided to continue my hobby from home. I opened an account on Twitter and published pictures of the products. There was a great response from all segments of society. There were orders for events like weddings, graduation ceremonies and the like. I intend to expand my activities by establishing my project if I'm given the required support from the authorities concerned,” she said. Umm Muhammad from Al-Qassim said she prepares whole meals and markets them. The meals she prepares have received a great response especially during Ramadan. Muhammad Sulaiman, a customer of dishes prepared by women in their homes, said he prefers such dishes to those prepared in restaurants by expatriate workers. He said that he and his colleagues have reached an agreement with a woman who prepares Ramadan dishes at home throughout the month.
