Saudi women making their mark in the creative and cultural fields

“Wave Catcher” is an installation which places forms in space to give material expression to the call to prayer by artist and researcher Basmah Felemban. (AN photo by Ali Khamaj)
Short Url
Updated 08 March 2023
Follow

Saudi women making their mark in the creative and cultural fields

  • Women’s skills are being recognized by the community and appreciated by the government
  • Saudi women helping to bridge the gap between the Kingdom and the international cultural scene

JEDDAH: Like all other domains, women in the Kingdom have matched their ambitions and skills in enriching the arts and culture sector. Their contributions are creating meaningful and innovative works with their freedom and creativity.

In recent years, Saudi society has seen a boom in culture and arts, with the Kingdom’s women being a significant part of the growing landscape. The foreign perception of women lacking social capacity in arenas beyond the home has changed drastically through the art and cultural movement.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, which falls on Wednesday, Arab News canvased several women from the art and cultural scenes to acknowledge them and celebrate their participation in shaping the creative prospects of the country.

“Being a female artist in Saudi Arabia at present is very different from before,” said Saudi actress Helda Yassin, who won a Joy Award for favorite rising star in a TV series.

“Whether it’s a woman or man, they are likely to be the same at work, in social life and in media.”

She considers herself lucky to be part of the change happening in the Kingdom and to be among the women in the media promoting Saudi culture.

“The amount of support from family, friends and other artists has helped me grow my talent and be more brilliant in my work,” she said.

“Such unconditional support gives the best motivation and helps me explore other talents in me.”

Saudi writer Hafsa Alkhudairi, whose work mostly revolves around contemporary art, said: “In Saudi Arabia, women have always been culturally recognized as artists and the constant support from the community is also a privilege for the growth.

“Being in the art sector is an interesting experience for me. I meet so many talented creatives and get to spend time picking their brains. That in a way supports my own development.”

Alkhudairi said the changes were signs of a thriving industry in which women’s skills and expertise were recognized by the community and highly appreciated by the government.

“My biggest issue was the lack of faith in myself but I was pushed by friends to share my voice. That opened my world up in an unimaginable way.”

The creative art and cultural industries have drastically changed with government support and offer career longevity more than ever before.

“With the launch of the Saudi Music Commission, the once shunned career has in a sense normalized music and become an integral part of an ever thriving community,” said Fulana, a Saudi singer, songwriter and producer.

“Support from the government and the community is seen through the birth of new record labels in the country, especially like my own, Wall of Sound,” she said.




Women in the Kingdom have matched their ambitions and skills in enriching the arts and culture sector. (AN photo by Ali Khamaj)

“These individual labels allow for equal opportunities for artists of many different genres and create spaces to truly grow. Moreover, the growth of the music community with the establishment of venues and events of different sizes and capacities happening all year long is the biggest achievement.”

Fulana said she did not categorize herself as a female artist but as a Saudi musician.

Another Saudi actress, Ida Al-Kusay, said the Kingdom was gradually shedding light on artists and different art forms.

She thinks it will take people time to fully understand the importance of media, but the immense support from the government will help it flourish.

“As a child, I would always watch movies and feel so affected by the stories. The day I got the support of my family to go ahead and give it a shot was music to my ears because I’d finally get the chance to play the demographic I didn’t see much growing up. Being a Saudi actress and representing my country is one of my biggest achievements,” she said.

As for her advice to aspiring artists, Al-Kusay added: “Although I happened to be given this opportunity I never took that lightly. When starting this path a lot of us will have tough days, due to many elements but managing to stay together and strong and helping one another will always be a priority.

“I think we are on our way to having a global breakthrough in the film industry. As an artist, we know what it is like to be rejected and it is time for our stories to be told by us.”

Saudi women have also played roles in bridging the gap between the Kingdom and the global art and cultural world, mainly through events such as Saudi Design Week, the Islamic Arts Biennale, and creative collaborative projects that attract local and international artists.

Lujain Ibrahim, an interior designer and artist, said: “Women are better at multi-tasking and can create new things and hone their skills to make a difference.

“I believe we have a different sense and touch when involved in any task or work. We can call it a woman’s touch. I always find myself getting inspired and motivated by women who create art their own way and pursue dreams on their terms.”

Academic researcher Asmaa Alfageeh said Saudi women were developing in art and culture through their artistic and intellectual productions, by voicing their stories and letting the world see who they were.

“As a Saudi woman who is heavily involved in academia, I explore Saudi art through reading and decoding it, exploring the philosophies, aesthetics, values and the stories Saudi arts depict,” she said.

“I see it as my responsibility to respond to these art productions in every way possible, as both an academic and art connoisseur.”

Alfageeh thinks Saudi women are not only embracing their cultural identity but also celebrating it by engaging with the country’s history and heritage, manifesting the aesthetics of the old and authentic.


Riyadh dialogue to drive global urban cooperation 

The Arab European Cities Dialogue launched in Riyadh on Sunday, gathering more than 100 mayors from Arab and European cities.SPA
Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Riyadh dialogue to drive global urban cooperation 

  • Mayors from Arab, European cities discuss sustainable urban solutions, technology, environmental impact

RIYADH: The Arab European Cities Dialogue launched in Riyadh on Sunday, gathering more than 100 mayors from Arab and European cities, along with international organizations and development institutions.

Organized by Riyadh municipality under the theme “City Partnerships for a Better Future,” the dialogue focuses on urban cooperation, livable cities, the environment, technology and digital transformation, and municipal financial sustainability.

At the opening, Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, president of the Arab Urban Development Institute, highlighted the deep ties between Arab and European cities.

He emphasized how these centuries-old dialogues continue to influence the construction, administration, and sustainability of urban spaces.

Prince Faisal added that while cities face both shared and unique challenges, the forum focuses on common themes aimed at building more human-centered cities that enhance quality of life.

Running until May 13, the forum is organized with the Arab Urban Development Institute, PLATFORMA — part of the Association of European Municipalities and Regions — and the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities.

Riyadh’s selection as the inaugural host highlights its growing regional and global urban influence and its key role in advancing municipal initiatives and international partnerships.

Fabrizio Rossi, secretary-general of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, outlined his action plan: “First, we are building a coalition of cities and universities to create an academic curriculum tailored to the needs of cities and local governments.

“Our ambition is to launch an international program on diplomacy and city-to-city cooperation with five leading universities.”

He also emphasized investing in young leaders through the Young Elected Officials Academy, a program that equips them to drive local change. The next edition will focus on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Key topics at the forum included the transformative role of cities and addressing barriers to environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability.

City diplomacy was another focus, highlighting the value of sharing expertise and resources across regions to achieve common goals.

Yousef Shawarbeh, mayor of Amman, Jordan, said: “When we meet with city leaders, we find that the challenges faced by cities are the same, but their solutions must not be. We cannot transfer a solution from a European crisis to an Arab city, but we can benefit from the concepts used.”

Fatiha El-Moudni, mayor of Rabat, Morocco, discussed how each city brings unique opportunities for collaboration. “I must mention our work with German cities on energy efficiency, with Italian counterparts on waste management and landfill revitalization, and of course, with French cities on various projects.”

She highlighted Rabat’s partnership with Lyon on a sustainable urban mobility project, noting that Lyon supported the Rabat-Sale tramway from its initiation through its current expansion.

The sustainable mobility plan developed with Lyon in France is guiding preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

El-Moudni explained: “We’ve seen the impact on our citizens; it’s literally changed their daily lives by offering a clean, efficient alternative to cars, reducing traffic and emissions, and improving air quality.”

Rabat’s collaboration with Lyon exemplifies how north-south partnerships, built on mutual respect and exchange, can create resilient cities for future generations.

Emilia Saiz, secretary-general of United Cities and Local Governments, noted that exchanges between cities and territories have existed long before the formation of the League of Nations.

“This might be the first formal forum that we organize, but our relations go way back. Our movement is over 100 years old,” she said.

Saiz emphasized that the next step is not just exchanging experiences but co-creating solutions together.

“I think the worldwide movement of local and regional governments is actually ready to be defined together with quality-of-life needs. And this is something that Saudi Arabia is leading within the UN.”

She highlighted the important role of cities and local governments in determining what local services are needed to support quality-of-life growth, from investments to community services.

Talent, co-creation, and intergenerational dialogue are crucial in shaping these provisions, according to Saiz.

She also urged national governments and international institutions to recognize centralized cooperation as essential for multilateralism, saying a global network structure can develop concrete proposals for action.

“What I am offering is continuity,” she said. “I would say for United Cities and Local Governments, we hope that together with the Arab Urban Development Institute and our European section, we can shape the contents of this dialogue and bring its influence to our World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Tangier next year.”


Argentine officials praise Saudi Arabia’s tolerance message at Buenos Aires fair

Updated 11 May 2025
Follow

Argentine officials praise Saudi Arabia’s tolerance message at Buenos Aires fair

  • During her tour of the pavilion, Bosca expressed admiration for the diverse content presented, which reflects the true essence of Islam
  • She added that this underscores Saudi Arabia’s noble message of promoting moderation, coexistence, and tolerance

RIYADH: Jorge Macri, chief of government of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, praised the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ pavilion at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair as a unique model.

He noted that it effectively expresses Islamic identity through a modern design reflecting the cultural renaissance underway in the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

During his visit to the pavilion, Macri emphasized that the ministry’s participation strengthened Saudi Arabia’s position as the fair’s main guest of honor.

He added that the cultural and educational events and initiatives offered by the King Fahd Cultural Center enhance social ties between Argentina and the Kingdom.

Pilar Bosca, director general for religious affairs in Buenos Aires, also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation, describing the Kingdom as a global model in this regard.

During her tour of the pavilion, Bosca expressed admiration for the diverse content presented, which reflects the true essence of Islam.

She added that this underscores Saudi Arabia’s noble message of promoting moderation, coexistence, and tolerance through modern technology and interactive digital tools that engage all segments of society.

The ministry’s booth drew wide attendance from fair visitors, who appreciated the rich content blending accurate information with a modern approach, the SPA reported.

They praised the message conveyed by Saudi Arabia through the ministry in serving the Holy Qur’an and spreading the call to Islam with wisdom and good counsel.

The 49th annual Buenos Aires International Book Fair, organized by the Book Foundation in Argentina, is being held from April 22 to May 12.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the guest of honor, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing prominence in Latin America.

Riyadh’s pavilion aims to strengthen Saudi cultural presence in the region and present the capital as a cultural model reflecting the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030.

The pavilion features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish-translated publications that help build cultural bridges.

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is leading Riyadh’s participation, joined by a Saudi cultural and literary delegation that includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Also participating are the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahd National Library.


Dhahran's Half Moon Bay revamp to boost tourism

Updated 11 May 2025
Follow

Dhahran's Half Moon Bay revamp to boost tourism

JEDDAH: A major investment project to develop Half Moon Bay in Dhahran has been launched by the Eastern Province municipality.

The initiative, spanning 290,000 sq. meters, will include the construction of a yacht marina, maritime academy, a range of recreational and tourism facilities, and educational, sports, and marine activities.

It is also expected to significantly improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

One of the Kingdom’s most scenic beaches, Half Moon Bay stretches more than 700 km, making it the longest shoreline in the Gulf region. It is especially popular for grouper fishing, sailing and various marine sports and competitions.

Its name comes from its crescent-shaped coastline, a striking natural formation that adds to its distinctive charm. The area also hosts several resorts, enhancing its appeal as a tourist hotspot.

This project is part of the municipality’s broader strategy to strengthen the Eastern Province’s competitive advantages and unlock its full tourism potential.

It also supports ongoing efforts to attract investors and entrepreneurs across various sectors, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to boost private sector participation, diversify the economy and create job opportunities.


Saudi aid agency renovates health institute in Yemen

Updated 11 May 2025
Follow

Saudi aid agency renovates health institute in Yemen

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has helped to restore and re-equip the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Yemen’s Lahij governorate.

The project included repairing and restoring six main buildings, furnishing 10 classrooms, and renovating 36 student dormitories, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It also involved furnishing 38 bathrooms to ensure proper living conditions, and equipping four modern medical laboratories with advanced tools to help enhance health education.

KSrelief also provided the institute with more than 500 pieces of furniture and supplied the dormitories with an additional 414 items.

The agency delivered more than 800 medical devices across various departments — including nursing, surgery, reproductive health, and dentistry — in addition to five electronic devices to support teaching.

The project aims to improve the educational environment, provide better conditions for students and staff in Lahij, and serve students from neighboring governorates.

An estimated 1,850 people are direct beneficiaries, while the broader impact is expected to reach about 860,000 across Yemen, the SPA reported.

Saleh Al-Dhaibani, KSrelief’s office director in Aden, said the project seeks to strengthen the academic and professional capacities of health personnel by offering a conducive learning environment.

The initiative is part of a series of humanitarian projects by KSrelief to enhance Yemen’s education and health infrastructure, ultimately preparing skilled health professionals to meet the country’s needs.


Saudi Arabia invites leaders of GCC for Gulf-US summit in Riyadh

Updated 11 May 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia invites leaders of GCC for Gulf-US summit in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi King Salman has extended invitations to leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to attend a Gulf-US summit in Riyadh, Al Arabiya News Channel reported Sunday.  

The invitation comes as US President Donald Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week.