Who’s Who: Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, Saudi designer and founder of Nuun Jewels

Princess Nourah Al-Faisal. (Supplied photo)
Short Url
Updated 04 February 2022
Follow

Who’s Who: Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, Saudi designer and founder of Nuun Jewels

Princess Nourah Al-Faisal is an entrepreneur and designer with more than two decades’ experience working in the design sector. Born in Saudi Arabia, Al-Faisal has always had a passion for fine jewelry and design.

She is the founder of Nuun Jewels, a luxury jewelry brand based in Paris. She also founded Adhlal, a research-based consultancy in Riyadh.

Al-Faisal’s interest in learning and creative thinking led her to study at King Saud University in Riyadh, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English literature.

She studied interior design at Richmond, the American International University in London, and then completed an apprenticeship in one of the most exclusive workshops in Paris, Place Vendome.

She developed her craft making privately commissioned pieces and continued to build upon her experiences and academic work in Paris and London.

She founded her first design venture, Nuun Jewels, a high-end jewelry house in Paris in 2014. Nuun was heavily inspired by Saudi culture, sparking a dialogue between both the Arab world and Europe.

Al-Faisal has been mentioned in magazines such as Forbes, Vogue Paris, and Emirates Women for her work at Nuun.

In 2018 she founded Adhlal in the hope of equipping future generations of Saudi designers with the tools they need to succeed and to build on the aims of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 national development plan. The aim was to bring local designers together to share knowledge and provide forward-thinking mentorship and consultation throughout the Kingdom.

In 2020 she was appointed as a consultant by the chairman of The Jockey Club Saudi Arabia, Prince Bandar Al-Faisal, to strategize on the Saudi Cup and curate events during the Riyadh and Taif seasons.

In 2022 Al-Faisal launched a rebrand of Adhlal during a special event at the Saudi Design Festival in Diriyah, seeking to encourage designers to express their creative ideas through her consultancy.


Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
Updated 13 sec ago
Follow

Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

  • Over 30 artists explore cultural heritage through contemporary art

JEDDAH: The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event will showcase a blend of timeless Islamic civilization treasures and contemporary artistic creations.

The biennale will offer visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam, engaging the senses, intellect, and creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Featuring contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces until May 25.

Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.

Shono, along with artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the artists with creating new works that complement historical Islamic artifacts.

The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” captures the essence of contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions to foster collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.

The artworks, inspired by themes including space, time, and light, provide insight into preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia.

The new art pieces will be displayed alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor halls and various outdoor spaces beneath the Hajj Terminal canopy.

The works, also inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blend nature and traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.

The Islamic Arts Biennale will be organized into seven sections — Al-Bidaya (the beginning), Al-Madar (the orbit), Al-Muqtani (homage), Al-Mathala (the canopy), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Al-Musalla (the prayer hall) — spread across various galleries and outdoor areas, covering 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a ceremony held in the capital, Kyiv.
Ambassador Al-Barakah conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Zelensky along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Ukraine.

 


 
 

 


Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

RIYADH: Resin art, a crafting technique using the liquid form of the substance to create 3D objects or glossy coatings, has gained widespread popularity. When mixed with a hardener, resin solidifies, forming a glass-like finish.

Elyan Al-Aufi, a citizen from Madinah and a visual arts graduate of Taibah University, has significantly contributed to the medium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Her pieces reflect Madinah’s culture, incorporating local elements including Madani script, roses, mint and basil. 

Travelers to Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque often purchase her art as souvenirs, including keychains, jewelry, wall clocks, decorative pieces, and prayer beads, the SPA reported.

Resin art is versatile, used to create accessories and jewelry — such as necklaces, rings and earrings — via special molds. It is also key to paintings made with pouring techniques, producing distinctive results. 

Resin is popular in household items including tables and trays, often featuring natural elements such as flowers or wood. It also used to preserve memorabilia and natural objects including leaves, photos and other items. 

With its glass-like transparency and glossy finish, resin art allows creative use of colors, dyes, and natural elements such as flowers and shells. It produces durable, timeless pieces.


Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

Updated 4 min 52 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently honored winners of a Qur’an memorization competition in Nepal, involving more than 750 contestants and with 18 winners in four categories for boys and girls.

The competition, supervised by the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu and coordinated with Nepal’s Muslim Commission, concluded with awards presented by the ministry’s undersecretary, Awad Al-Anzi.

Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Nasser Abu Haimed and Nepal’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire attended the ceremony, alongside Islamic leaders, diplomats and parliamentarians.

The event featured Qur’an recitations by contestants and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the Qur’an globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Anzi reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam’s values of justice, mercy and kindness and emphasized its longstanding support for Qur’an-related initiatives, including competitions and free distribution through the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

Abu Haimed praised the competition as part of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the Qur’an and congratulated the winners.

Participants expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support of Islam and encouragement of Qur’an memorization and recitation.


Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

RIYADH: The Qassim municipality pavilion at the Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition, held alongside the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, impressed visitors with a stunning display of wooden sculptures.

The intricate works show the region’s cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Characterized by exquisite detail, the sculptures demonstrate the remarkable skill of Qassim’s craftsmen in transforming wood into captivating art that blends authenticity and creativity.

The display reflects the strong support provided by the municipality and the Heritage Commission to local artisans, according to the SPA.

By fostering this talent, the region promotes a thriving creative environment and ensures Qassim’s heritage reaches a wider audience through events such as this festival.

The exhibition runs in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, until Dec. 31.