Sulaiman Al-Nahabi Okaz/Saudi Gazette UNAIZAH — Um Muaath started a women's restaurant as soon as she graduated from university. The restaurant, run by an all-female team of employees who are paid handsomely, offers a variety of traditional Saudi dishes. Um Muaath started the restaurant when she could not find a job. She said she also wanted to give the public an alternative to restaurants run by expatriate workers, who are not committed to maintaining hygiene. She believes women are better equipped to offer Saudi meals to customers. Um Muaath said in addition to meals, the restaurant offers appetizers in the late afternoon and light snacks for children. She believes her restaurant has the capability to start outdoor catering for parties while she has plans to supply meals for schools canteens. The restaurant does not receive customers indoors, but only provides takeaway and delivery services. Um Muaath said Saudi women employees do all the cooking and cleaning at the restaurant, and there are 11 Saudi women currently on her payroll. She said any worker that is proficient in preparing a certain meal gets a percentage of the sales of that meal. She insists that all her workers should have cooking knowledge, be educated and maintain hygiene. She said she has received good cooperation from the concerned authorities, who have provided her with all necessary facilities.
