LOS ANGELES: Tiffany Haddish led an African-American sweep of the Emmy Awards for TV series guest actors, a landmark moment in the entertainment industry’s effort to foster diversity.
Haddish was honored at Saturday’s creative arts Emmys for hosting “Saturday Night Live,” while Katt Williams won the guest comedy actor award for “Atlanta.”
Ron Cephas Jones of “This Is Us” and Samira Wiley of “The Handmaid’s Tale” accepted guest acting honors in the drama series categories.
In another step forward Saturday, Shauna Duggins became the first woman to win an Emmy for stunt coordination for a comedy or variety series for “GLOW,” about women’s wrestling in the 1980s.
Tracee Ellis Ross of “Black-ish” and Issa Rae of “Insecure” are competing for comedy series acting honors. On the drama side, Brown could repeat as best actor for “This Is Us,” with Jeffrey Wright of “Westworld” among his competitors.
Haddish leads African-American Emmys sweep
Haddish leads African-American Emmys sweep
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025: A celebration of culinary excellence
ABU DHABI: MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants awards returned to Abu Dhabi for its 2025 edition on Tuesday night, celebrating the finest dining establishments across the Middle East and North Africa. The event, held at Erth Abu Dhabi, brought together the region’s most acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs, and industry experts for a night that highlighted innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage in gastronomy.
The No.1 spot was awarded to Orfali Bros Bistro (Dubai) for the third consecutive year, recognizing its bold reinterpretation of Middle Eastern flavors with global techniques. The list featured restaurants from 11 cities, showcasing the diversity of culinary experiences across the region, from fine-dining institutions in Dubai and Cairo to rising stars in Riyadh, Beirut, and Amman.
The United Arab Emirates led the rankings with 22 restaurants, followed by Egypt (7), Jordan (6), Saudi Arabia (5), and Morocco (5).
Marble: A journey from pop-up to culinary excellence
Founded in 2018, No. 16 on the list was Marble, which started as a humble pop-up on Prince Turki Road before evolving into one of Riyadh’s most sought-after dining destinations. The restaurant’s focus on high-quality meats, expert butchery, and open-flame cooking has cemented its reputation among steak lovers and food critics alike. It was the highest ranking restaurant in Saudi Arabia.
The restaurant is led by Chef Abdulrahman Al-Sowailem, along with CEO Meshal Al-Akeel and Creative Director Omar Al-Dayel, who have played pivotal roles in shaping Marble’s identity and culinary direction.
Speaking to Arab News, Chef Abdulrahman Al-Sowailem expressed his pride in the achievement, “We are proud that Marble is the number one restaurant in Saudi Arabia, and we are delighted to see Saudi restaurants being recognized among the top 50 in the Middle East and North Africa.”
Al-Sowailem, known for his meticulous approach to meat selection and minimal seasoning techniques, credits Saudi Arabia’s evolving culinary landscape for creating opportunities for innovation.
“The influx of international restaurants has improved ingredient availability in Saudi Arabia, allowing us to source better products and refine our offerings,” he said.
Marble’s menu blends classic butchery with subtle nods to Saudi flavors, featuring Saudi coffee gelato and fried dates as part of its evolving lineup. Al-Sowailem also hinted at plans to further explore traditional Saudi cuisine in an elevated, modern context.
In addition to Marble, four other Saudi restaurants were named on the list:
• Kuuru (Jeddah) – No. 30: A contemporary fine-dining concept that fuses global culinary techniques with Saudi ingredients.
• Lunch Room (Riyadh) – No. 31: A modern dining space blending casual elegance with high-end gastronomy.
• Aseeb (Riyadh) – No. 39: A new entry to the list, offering a creative interpretation of traditional Saudi dishes with a modern twist.
• Myazu (Riyadh) – No. 49: A high-end Japanese restaurant known for its refined take on traditional Japanese flavors, incorporating Saudi influences.
The top 10 restaurants of MENA’s 50 Best 2025 list represent a mix of heritage, innovation, and global influence:
1. Orfali Bros Bistro – Dubai (Best Restaurant in MENA)
2. Trèsind Studio – Dubai
3. Kinoya – Dubai
4. Khufu’s – Cairo (Best Restaurant in Egypt)
5. Ossiano – Dubai (Art of Hospitality Award)
6. Fusions by Tala – Manama (Best Restaurant in Bahrain)
7. Jun’s – Dubai
8. Shams El Balad – Amman (Best Restaurant in Jordan)
9. Em Sherif – Beirut (Best Restaurant in Lebanon)
10. Moonrise – Dubai
Dubai art exhibition ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ explores ‘sense of wonder’
DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 22, Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place is playing host to an exhibition that explores the sense of wonder that accompanies being in awe.
“The Sublime Nature of Being,” a collaboration with ICD Brookfield Arts program, is curated by Ambika Hinduja Macker, who brought together the work of 15 international artists to lead visitors on a journey through moments of awe and reverence inspired by the grandeur of nature.
“The sublime is an overwhelming sense of wonder, a feeling that transcends words and logic, pulling us into a moment of pure awe and connection. It’s what happens when we encounter something so profound, so vast, that it stirs both our soul and our senses, leaving us simultaneously humbled and uplifted. ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ is my attempt to offer a tangible glimpse of this elusive feeling,” Macker told Arab News.
Is it a reimagining of her 2022 immersive art experience of the same name and the curator — who is the founder and creative director of art and design firm Impeccable Imagination — describes the experience as an alchemic sonic environment, one that “blends ancient techniques of sound healing with cutting-edge technologies to create an immersive soundscape rooted in reflection and renewal.”
Specially commissioned artists include US contemporary artist Jacob Hashimoto, French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, Belgian sculptor and contemporary artist Fred Eerdekensm Lebanese multi-disciplinary artist Nadim Karam and Brazilian artist Janaina Mello, among others.
“As a curator, my role is to weave these diverse expressions into a cohesive yet ephemeral narrative, creating an environment where materials, mediums, and artistic visions engage in dialogue with one another,” Macker explained.
The exhibition features a celebration of the five elements — “water, fire, earth, air, and spirit permeate the venue, each with its own curated space and featured works, all within a larger, interconnected environment,” the curator noted.
Works include several sculptures by Lebanese artist Karam, including “Silent Thinker” (2024), a polished stainless steel piece.
“(Karam) has developed a distinctive artistic language rooted in memory, space, and collective identity,” Macker explained. “His work embodies profound, ongoing reflections on societal diversity and pressing global issues, yet he seamlessly juxtaposes these important themes with playful, even absurdist, touches.”
A short walk away is “The Aquifer” (2024) by Hashimoto, a wall-hanging work featuring bamboo, acrylic, paper, wood and dacron.
Colourful, pattern-printed discs are suspended by wire between pegs in the mesmerizing work that is just one of the many emotive pieces on show.
Despite the effort involved in bringing together 15 artists, Macker says the most challenging aspect of bringing “The Sublime Nature of Being” to fruition “was transforming a vibrant public hub without disrupting its accessibility or the daily rhythms of those who frequent it.”
Ithra showcases historic Islamic treasures at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
- Ancient edict, prayer carpet fragment, religious manuscript among artifacts
- Event explores ways faith is experienced, celebrated
JEDDAH: Historic Islamic artifacts are being displayed by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture at the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale currently underway in Jeddah.
Running until May 25 at the iconic Western Hajj Terminal, this year’s biennale, titled “And All That Is In Between,” explores the profound ways faith is experienced, expressed and celebrated.
Pieces on display include an edict from the Ottoman Sultan Mustafa III, who reigned from 1757 to 1774, regarding the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb; a prayer carpet fragment; a tafsir (interpretation of the Qur’an) manuscript; a folding manuscript stand; a mosque lamp; and a large wooden minbar (pulpit).
Ithra, which is renowned as a global leader in Islamic arts and heritage, will feature its pieces in the biennale’s Al-Madar section. This exhibition brings together contributions from prominent local and international institutions, emphasizing the richness and diversity of Islamic culture.
Farah Abushullaih, the head of the museum at Ithra, said: “It is a privilege for Ithra’s Islamic collection to be featured once again at this prestigious biennale, which celebrates the diversity and depth of Islamic arts.
“Our participation underscores our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Islamic art with a global audience while expanding knowledge of key concepts of Islamic traditions that have shaped and continue to shape Islamic identities today.”
The artifacts on display, which were carefully curated in collaboration with Heather Ecker and Marika Sardar from Al-Madar’s curatorial team, reflect the theme of waqf. This fundamental Islamic concept involves dedicating assets for communal benefit, supporting religious, educational, or charitable initiatives.
Ithra’s participation aligns with its mission to inspire, enrich and foster appreciation for Islamic heritage through various initiatives, including its triennial Islamic Art Conference and major exhibitions. Its current “In Praise of the Artisan" exhibition showcases over 130 historic and contemporary works, many of which are on public display for the first time.
With its robust programming of lectures, workshops, and live demonstrations, Ithra continues to honor the past and present, positioning Islamic craftsmanship as a living tradition. Its efforts underscore the institution’s role as a global champion of cultural exchange and creativity.
The Islamic Arts Biennale, hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, provides a platform for exploring Islamic arts and traditions.
The event’s first edition in 2023, at which Ithra also participated, attracted more than 600,000 visitors.
Immersive installation takes center stage at Quoz Arts Fest with ENESS’s ‘Forest Dancer’
DUBAI: As part of this year’s Quoz Arts Fest in Dubai, ENESS, the Australian-based creative studio, will debut an immersive light and sound installation titled “Forest Dancer and the Path to Pure Creation” at Concrete in Alserkal Avenue on Jan. 25-26.
ENESS founder Nimrod Wies said that the installation symbolized “freedom and joy through creativity.”
“The artwork promotes the idea that embracing your creative gifts positively impacts those around you and inspires you to find your place in humanity through art,” he said. “We hope that visitors experience joy and playfulness in our exhibition and take away from it the inspiration to fill their lives with creativity and expression.”
The installation features inflatables packed with computers controlling sound, lightplay and motion-tracking LED eyes. “The biggest challenge is that we arrive from the other side of the world and we work all hours to create a completely immersive artwork that takes over any space that it occupies,” Wies said.
“The most rewarding part of my journey has been to exhibit all over the world and see different people respond to the artworks. I love seeing the appreciation audiences feel and experience, and hearing their joyful feedback.”
Speaking about the festival’s appeal, Wies said: “Working with Quoz Arts Fest suits the ENESS vision because we love to be involved in local cultures and bring our work to thriving areas with all-ages audiences who are open to new ideas. We think that the Alserkal neighborhood is the coolest place in Dubai.”
Wies said that public art created opportunities for alternate behavior and emotion. “Public spaces are generally relatively codified with clear designations for what sort of behavior is undertaken where. However, the introduction of public art can reconfigure a space visually, emotionally and behaviorally.”
Looking ahead, Wies said: “We have works coming up all around the world. We are looking forward to our next experience in Saudi Arabia.”
Rare Vatican artifacts on show at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
- More than 500 historic items, contemporary artworks on display
- 1685 Nile map’s journey to Jeddah a ‘cultural milestone’
JEDDAH: A six-meter map of the Nile believed to be more than 300 years old has left its home in the Vatican archives for the first time to become the centerpiece of the second Islamic Arts Biennale launched in Jeddah on Saturday.
Visitors to Jeddah’s Western Hajj Terminal, the biennale venue, can see the map along with 10 other artifacts from the Vatican Library.
The historic chart, drawn with watercolor ink on Venetian paper and depicting historic sites along the Nile, has been dated to around 1685.
Its inclusion in the biennale marks a cultural milestone, showcasing the Vatican’s commitment to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, according to Vatican archivist and librarian Angelo Vincenzo Zani.
The map underwent restoration by the Vatican before making the journey to Jeddah. It is displayed alongside a sister map of the Arabian Gulf from the National Library of Qatar.
Both maps are believed to have been acquired in the 1700s in Constantinople by Giuseppe Alemanni, a Lebanese librarian who later became the Vatican Library’s prefect.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the exhibition in Jeddah explores faith by juxtaposing contemporary and newly commissioned artworks with historical objects from Islamic cultures.
• More than 30 cultural institutions have provided objects from their collections, as well as 29 newly commissioned works of art.
Zani attended the biennale’s opening ceremony and later told Arab News that the artifacts highlight a rich history of cultural exchange and shared knowledge.
“I think this Islamic Arts Biennale is very important. The concept of art is very important — to expand knowledge and creativity. Art is an emotion that we can all understand. It can cross over in a dialogue that is ‘in between’.”
The 2025 biennale’s theme, “And all that is in between,” draws from the Qur’anic verse “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.”
The Vatican Library is also showcasing several works from its collections in “The Art of Numbers” display at Al-Madar section of the biennale.
Al-Madar, or “The Orbit” section, features items from 20 institutions with significant Islamic art collections worldwide.
The section examines the role of numbers in collective history, exploring their origins in natural calculations and applications across Islamic culture, mathematics, architecture, music, design, celestial and terrestrial mapping, ocean navigation, trade and geometric patterns in Qur’anic decoration.
Heather Ecker, Al-Madar’s curator, said the Vatican Library, which was established in the Middle Ages, is the oldest taking part in Al-Madar.
“The Vatican has Arabic manuscripts on virtually any subject, and has a large collection of early Qur’ans. It has early translations of the Qur’an, of which we are exhibiting several,” she said.
Ecker said the Nile map appears to have been linked to a travel log and is a visual record of a journey.
“The maps were created from the written text and from memory, apparently,” she said.
“It’s not a map as we conceive it, because it is image with text, with annotations that correspond to observations made during the voyage and notes taken. It collapses geography in a certain way, so it scrunches up the land between the Nile and the Red Sea, for example, in order to include more sites such as Jeddah.”
The map has been in the Vatican since the late 18th century, but had never been restored and was first shown in 2021, Ecker said. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation helped fund its restoration and conservation.
“It’s much brighter now,” Ecker said. “The paper is much more supple now, so it’s really vastly improved, and it’s much easier to exhibit and for people to appreciate. That was a big undertaking, and important in the field of conservation preservation.”
Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the Jeddah exhibition explores faith by juxtaposing contemporary and newly commissioned artworks with historical objects from Islamic cultures.
The event has built on the success of the first biennale, and is bigger in scale and ambition, Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the foundation, told Arab News.
This year, more than 30 cultural institutions have provided objects from their collections, as well as 29 newly commissioned works of art.
“The biennale is rooted in Saudi Arabia and has become a clear landmark on the international stage as well. We are excited to share this exhibition with audiences from near and far,” Al-Bakree added.
Display space is divided into several sections, each blending Islamic cultural heritage with contemporary interpretations.
The inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023 attracted more than 600,000 visitors. The 2025 edition will feature more than 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, including treasures from Makkah, Madinah, and around the world.
The 2025 curatorial team is led by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, with Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as curator of contemporary art.
The Islamic Arts Biennale will run until May 25.
