Saudis proudly showoff their regional attires on Founding Day

Kholod Bakur showcased a traditional Saudi outfit with her 252,000 Instagram followers.
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Updated 30 June 2022
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Saudis proudly showoff their regional attires on Founding Day

RIYADH: Thousands of people showed up in their best cultural clothes to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s first Founding Day. 

Lama Al Akeel, a Saudi influencer, wore a red traditional dress with golden floral decoration with golden crown and transparent embroidered veil.  The dress is a prominently from the Hijaz region ( the western region of the Kingdom), — more specifically from the city of Madinah. 

Another Saudi influencer, Bella Model, and her husband, Faris, also dressed up as a traditional Hijazi couple. Faris wore an orange headband called Ummah, whereas Bella wore a white traditional dress called Alzaboon with flower-like embroidery with a matching headpiece along with multilayered pearl necklaces and some gold adornments. 

Najla Al-Wadaani, also an influencer, created a look inspired from 1727 and got a lot of positive feedback from the viewers for making it look authentic. She wore a traditional Najdi style dress with colorful sadu embroidery on the sleeves, along with a veil, and large pieces of jewelery.  =

Noufnouva, a fashion model, wore a pretty western style dress with lots of intricate details, and complimenting hat. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nova (@noufnouva)

Eithar, a personal blogger, wore a traditional, white two-piece garment with golden embroidery. Her look was inspired by how wealthy women usually dressed themselves in the past. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Eithar (@the.eith)

Shaima Waleed, a makeup artist, wore a green dress decorated with beautiful golden threads with complimenting jewelery. Her father also sported a traditional Saudi dress with an authentic golden dagger.

Kenda Nabeel, a fashion designer, said that the Founding Day cultural dresses made grandmothers teary-eyed as they reminisced the good, old days. “Seeing how excited the people were on this Founding Day has been such a breath of fresh air. It helped people reconnect with their heritage in a way I've never seen,” she said. 

Nabeel added: The Saudi citizens have proved themselves to be extremely creative not only with their clothing but the way they represented themselves in public and on social media platforms. I wholeheartedly believe that the Founding Day would be the day many people look forward to where future generations will learn about their own history time and time again.”


Elyanna hypes up Coldplay show in Abu Dhabi

Updated 08 January 2025
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Elyanna hypes up Coldplay show in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna is excited to open for British rockers Coldplay as they get ready to take to the stage in Abu Dhabi, on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14 at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

“Still can’t believe I’m opening for @coldplay’s Music of The Spheres tour. Abu Dhabi,” she posted on Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elyanna (@elyanna)

“Yanna Merch coming your way soon,” she added, crediting artists Nadine Ghannoum and Fairdose.

Elyanna’s formal introduction to Coldplay took place when she was invited to collaborate on their track, “We Pray.”

Elyanna also released her own Arabic-language version of the track on Sept. 20 last year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elyanna (@elyanna)

Elyanna is set to perform live with Coldplay again when the band heads to Abu Dhabi for four shows in the UAE capital. The band will perform as part of the “Music of the Spheres World Tour” on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14.


Georgina Rodriguez promotes collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne

Updated 08 January 2025
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Georgina Rodriguez promotes collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne

DUBAI: Argentinian model and reality TV star Georgina Rodriguez took to Instagram to announce that her debut fragrance collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne is back in stock.

“SENSE my new perfume with Laverne is back in stock,” she posted, alongside a photo of herself – dressed in an eye-catching red dress while holding the fragrance bottle.

On the official website, the label describes Sense as the result of a collaboration between Dalia Eisem and Rodriguez that lasted more than a year and included the creation of more than 740 samples.

“Finally, Georgina chose the perfect combination that embodies all her feelings in a perfume bottle,” it said, noting that the fragrance included notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, jasmine, cashmere and orange blossom.

In March 2023, Rodriguez – the longtime partner of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – collaborated with Laverne to become the face of their new fragrance, Blue Laverne.


Saudi star Model Roz makes guest appearance on Netflix’s ‘Dubai Bling’

Updated 08 January 2025
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Saudi star Model Roz makes guest appearance on Netflix’s ‘Dubai Bling’

DUBAI: Los Angeles-based Saudi influencer Model Roz made a surprise appearance in season three of Netflix’s gossip-filled drama show “Dubai Bling,” which premiered on Jan. 8.

The model, who boasts 15.2 million Instagram followers, shared a short clip of her cameo on social media.

In the video, Mahira Abdel Aziz, the Emirati Egyptian newcomer to the show, introduced Roz to the cast, saying” “Ladies and gentlemen, all the way from LA... Roz. We are happy to have her here in Dubai.” Roz responded by bowing gracefully and thanking the cast for their warm welcome.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

“Welcome to Dubai,” added Zeina Khoury, a real estate agent and founder of the fashion brand I Am The Company.

“It’s my first time in Dubai, so all of you need to show me around,” Roz replied with a smile.

The scene then shifted to Roz sitting with Loujain Adada as they got their makeup touched up. 

Roz seized the moment to ask, “What happened the other day in the fitting? I heard your voices and sensed some stress.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

Adada brushed off the question, saying: “Stress? Nothing happened. I don’t think it concerns you in any way, so don’t worry.”

Roz responded quickly, “Yes, I stay away from these things.” 

“I’m telling you now, don’t be a gossip. I really hate that kind of stuff,” Adada cautioned.

Roz clarified: “It’s not my thing. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”

The program has been praised by critics for its ability to attract a multicultural audience due to its diverse cast, as well as merging English and Arabic dialogue, often in the same sentence.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by(@model_roz)

Season three of “Dubai Bling” features a mix of returning cast members, new faces and notable departures. Familiar faces such as Adada, Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Danya Mohammed return to share their glamorous lives. 

Joining the cast are media personality Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim.

Saudi TV presenter Lojain Omran, along with radio host Kris Fade and his wife Brianna Fade, have exited the show.

Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.

The model’s Instagram feed is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings. 


Zuma Riyadh ‘feels like a homecoming,’ says Azumi Group CEO

Updated 08 January 2025
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Zuma Riyadh ‘feels like a homecoming,’ says Azumi Group CEO

DUBAI: Born in London, coveted Japanese restaurant Zuma opened its doors in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District mere weeks ago, with Azumi Group CEO Sven Koch telling Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s capital city was chosen “because of its cultural importance to the Kingdom.”

With 15 locations across the world, this marks Zuma’s first outpost in the Kingdom — but Saudi foodies are familiar with the luxury brand, Koch said.

“Since its inception in London in 2002, guests from Saudi Arabia have been one of the most loyal Zuma demographics from around the world. Bringing the Zuma experience to the Kingdom feels like a homecoming,” he said.

With interactive sushi and robata counters offering a front-row view of the artistry and precision of Zuma’s chefs, the Izakaya-style restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist.

There are a few Riyadh-exclusive items on the menu. The Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake dessert comes with ginger crumble, poached pears, and sweet corn mochi ice cream.

It is “a creation that combines the essence of the region’s flavors with Zuma’s renowned techniques,” Koch said.

Koch described Zuma Riyadh as a space that blends Middle Eastern influences and classic Japanese designs.

“Designed by renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, the space is a blend of Middle Eastern influences and Japanese design, creating an ambiance that is both locally inspired and globally sophisticated,” he explained.

Zuma’s launch in Riyadh was inspired by the cultural and economic transformations that the Kingdom has been undergoing over the past few years, especially in the food and beverage sector.

In 2025, Riyadh will have several new glittering international restaurants including Latin hotspot Amazonico, Japanese-Peruvian eatery Chotto Matte and Italian dessert cafe Cipriani Dolci.

“This transformation has focused on fostering a more vibrant lifestyle, creating a bigger demand for world-class dining and flavors … Zuma Riyadh’s debut in the Kingdom is a testament to the growing demand for exceptional dining experiences while also catering to a clientele that values both tradition and innovation,” said Koch.

 


International Prize for Arabic Fiction announces 2025 longlist

Updated 07 January 2025
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International Prize for Arabic Fiction announces 2025 longlist

DUBAI: The longlist for the 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction has been revealed, with 16 novels in the running for the $50,000 award, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

While works from Bahrain and Mauritania have made the list for the first time, other nominated novels come from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Iraq and the UAE.

The longlist has been chosen from a total of 124 submissions by a panel of five judges chaired by Egyptian academic Mona Baker. Joining her on the panel are Moroccan academic and critic Said Bengrad, Emirati critic and academic Maryam Al-Hashimi, Lebanese researcher and academic Bilal Orfali, and Finnish translator Sampsa Peltonen.

In a statement, Baker said, “This year’s longlist is remarkable in its diversity of both theme and literary form. Some novels address women’s struggles to achieve their dreams in a patriarchal society that prevents them from living fulfilled lives. Others offer a nuanced portrait of religious and sectarian worlds, where extremism and dogma contrast with human empathy and understanding.

“There are a number of historical novels on the list which deal with both the recent and more distant past, such as the Abbasid era, or the Inquisition and persecution of Muslims in Andalusia. There are also semi-autobiographical books, and others which read like detective stories.

“Repressive regimes and their power to crush the hopes and lives of ordinary people are also explored; some novelists paint a stark picture of this reality, while others employ sarcasm and humour, rendering these difficult topics more accessible for the reader.”

The 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction longlist:
Aqeel Almusawi’s “The Weepers” (Bahrain)
Inam Bioud’s “Houwariya” (Algeria)
Rashid Al-Daif’s “What Zeina Saw and What She Didn’t” (Lebanon)
Ahmed Fal Al-Din’s “Danshmand” (Mauritania)
Jan Dost’s “The French Prisoner” (Syria)
Sausan Jamil Hasan’s “Heiress of the Keys” (Syria)
Iman Humaydan’s “Songs for the Darkness” (Lebanon)
Azher Jirjees “The Valley of the Butterflies” (Iraq)
Hasan Kamal’s “The Stolen Novel” (Egypt)
Taissier Khalaf’s “The Andalusian Messiah” (Syria)
Ahmed Al-Malawany’s “Happy Dreams” (Egypt)
Mohamed Samir Nada’s “The Prayer of Anxiety” (Egypt)
Nadia Najar’s “The Touch of Light” (United Arab Emirates)
Haneen Al-Sayegh’s “The Women’s Charter” (Lebanon)
Sumar Shihada’s “My Life Has Just Begun” (Syria)
Ayman Ragab Taher’s “The Lamplighter” (Egypt)