Saudi Film Commission to host discussion of role of film in documenting communities
Event will examine issues such as the responsibilities of industry professionals, the ethics of film production and the role of media in shaping awareness of communities and culture
Forms part of an ongoing series of panel discussions hosted by the Saudi Film Commission designed to enhance communication within the film community
Updated 27 April 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission will host a panel discussion on April 30 about the documentation of individual and community experiences on film.
The virtual event, organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, will cover a number of topics related to this role of film and the media in the Kingdom, organizers said, including the responsibilities that professionals within the film industry, such as directors, producers and screen writers, have in relation to their communities, the ethics of film production, and the role of media in shaping public understanding of communities and culture.
One of the aims is to emphasize the important role of media and the ways in which the identities of communities and societies can be preserved through cinema, by exploring the documented experiences of filmmakers and their personal views, and discussing the development of critical theories and practices of film documentation.
The event is part of an ongoing series of panel discussions hosted by the Saudi Film Commission designed to enhance communication within the film community in the Kingdom by creating spaces for dialogue and the sharing of opinions, while identifying and exploring proposals and views on developing the sector, and motivating industry professionals and others with an interest in filmmaking.
This month in Jeddah it hosted a workshop on “The Art of Stop Motion” to discuss the animation style with industry experts, in partnership with Sollywood.
In March, film critics gathered at the first Film Criticism Conference, held in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district and organized by the Saudi Film Commission in partnership with the city’s Islamic Arts Biennale, to discuss the future of Saudi cinema, with a focus on “Spirituality in Cinema.” It included workshops on media and cinematic awareness, that and the critical and objective reading of films.
Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed Jeddah and Nada Alturki
RIYADH: As we center our days around fasting in Ramadan, it can be fun to spice things up. Here are a few unusual and memorable ways you can experience iftar this month.
A desert experience
(Supplied)
Take a journey back to how our elders used to break their fast with this unique experience in the desert.
The journey starts at a camel farm where a guide will share more about the treasured animals and their significance in Saudi culture.
Sit down and relax afterwards at a traditional Kashta, an outdoor picnic, to break your fast with dates and laban before heading to the tent for the main meal.
The cost per person is SR700 ($187) through the WeBook app.
24-hour escape to Hofuf
Known as one of the largest date-producing areas in the world, Al-Hofuf is the perfect place for a day of serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty.
Departing from Riyadh, this experience takes you to the city in the Eastern Province where you will enjoy the sunset at Al-Asfar Lake to break your fast.
You will then depart to the Old Souk for a traditional iftar at a local restaurant, to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the region.
It also includes a trip to the historic Ibrahim Palace. The next morning, you will discover the unique rock formations of Al-Qara mountain and its caves before returning to the capital.
The price per person is SR2,500 through WeBook.com.
Iftar at a family farm in Muzahmiya
This year, the Ftoon family are opening up their home to guests.
This memorable Ramadan experience is a chance to break your fast with the family before enjoying a peaceful horse ride on the premises.
You will then head back for the main meal, a home cooked dish prepared by Umm Ftoon.
The experience is SR500 per person via WeBook.com.
Break your fast on a traditional mud house rooftop
Gaze at the stars atop a traditional mud house in Diriyah before the summer heat sets in.
A culinary expert will guide you through a traditional Saudi Arabia dining experience, explaining the significance of each dish, as you mingle with new faces in an intimate setting.
The price per person is SR300 through WeBook.com.
Unique Ramadan experience on Red Sea with AROYA Cruise
If you are looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy iftar or sahoor this Ramadan, AROYA Cruise, the first-ever Saudi Arabia cruise line, offers a truly special experience.
Throughout the holy month, AROYA will be anchored in front of the prestigious Jeddah Yacht Club, welcoming guests to break their fast or enjoy a late-night meal while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Red Sea.
From 4 p.m. until noon the next day, visitors can explore the ship’s luxurious facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and one of the largest kids’ clubs at sea.
Special Ramadan-themed activities include guest speakers and wellness programs, adding to the immersive experience.
For those who want to extend their evening, “Ramadan Along the Horizon” offers the option of an overnight stay.
Tickets start at SR499 for adults and SR299 for children under 17 through Aroya.com.
Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with Biennale Nights
Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport, the event offers visitors a cultural and spiritual experience
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has unveiled Biennale Nights, a special Ramadan program at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah.
Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, the event runs until May 25, offering visitors a cultural and spiritual experience that celebrates the holy month while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic heritage.
Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)
During Ramadan, visitors can take part in workshops featuring Arabic calligraphy and traditional craftsmanship, as well as interactive experiences exploring the artistic expressions associated with the holy month.
Sharing his experience, Ahmed Ramadan told Arab News: “This was my first time visiting the Islamic Arts Biennale, but I had planned to go for a while. When they announced the Ramadan events, I got even more excited. I feel that there is a strong connection between Ramadan activities and Islamic arts. I came with a group of friends, and we found many activities that suited young people.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
• The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.
He added: “We played some group games, enjoyed a variety of food, including traditional Saudi dishes and Ramadan sweets popular in the western region. Honestly, it was a wonderful experience.
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. (Supplied)
“The timing, in the middle of Ramadan, was ideal, after the initial days of the month, which are usually packed with family gatherings and invitations. It was a great opportunity for my friends and me to come together in such a unique place.”
Running from March 6-15, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., offering a vibrant mix of activities and attractions.
Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)
Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.
Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)
Adding to the festive spirit, live music and cultural performances take place, while visitors can find unique Ramadan-themed gifts at the Biennale Design Store.
For many, the Ramadan Market has been a memorable experience.
Walaa Ali, a visitor from Jeddah, said: “The venue offered a diverse range of activities specifically designed for the holy month of Ramadan. What made these activities special was how well they aligned with the spirit of the month, covering various disciplines and formats — some were workshops, others were entertainment spaces and some featured food.”
Rowa Haddad from Makkah said: “I found it to be the perfect place to visit with my family. The venue offers a variety of activities that cater to all family members, and what makes it even more special is the spiritual Islamic theme that fits both the location and the essence of this holy month. That’s why visiting this place was an excellent choice for us.”
In partnership with the Red Sea Film Foundation, the biennale also presents a curated selection of film screenings, delving into themes of resilience, faith and identity from across the Islamic world.
These experiences offer visitors a meaningful way to engage with art, culture and heritage, blending traditional Islamic aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression.
The Ramadan Market offers iftar and suhoor options, including curated iftar menus for pre-booked gatherings featuring dishes inspired by Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisines.
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. It is held at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, an award-winning architectural site that has long served as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah.
The first biennale welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, and the second expands on this success with an even richer program.
The Ramadan events are open to all biennale visitors. Registration is available through the official website at biennale.org.sa.
Saudi artist Lulua Alyahya discusses the works from her current solo show ‘Nafs’
‘I hope people see themselves in my work,’ says Lulua Alyahya
Updated 14 March 2025
Jasmine Bager
JEDDAH: Saudi artist Lulua Alyahya’s “Nafs,” running at Jeddah’s Athr Gallery until March 25, is her first solo show in her homeland.
“The title means ‘self,’” Alyahya tells Arab News. “I thought that would be suitable for my first Saudi solo. I’ve exhibited loads in the UK, but the work takes on a completely different meaning when it’s home. The work is very much about the Gulf in general, but specifically Saudi in a lot of ways.”
The 26-year-old is a graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art and Goldsmiths, University of London. Her work blends personal and collective narratives to explore identity through introspective, minimalist paintings.
Alyahya’s process is intuitive. Her latest works, primed with black gesso, embrace darker tones and undefined backgrounds. Here, she talks us through five pieces from her current show — something she says she doesn’t find that easy.
“It’s kind of hard to speak about my work because what I hope is that people see it and see themselves in it. That’s kind of the story behind the title too. I wanted a word that people could literally see themselves in and for that to be the underscore behind all the images.”
‘Jubbah Petroglyphs’
I made this painting in 2023. At the time, I was really fascinated by pre-Islamic petroglyphs in various parts of Saudi Arabia. This one is from Jubbah, near Hail. My family is originally from Hail and when Saudi started to take all these incredible initiatives of uncovering our pre-Islamic history and integrating those stories into our national identity, I just got super interested in looking through, like, Aramco’s archaeology archives and all these different things. I spoke to friends and family about their experiences of these places. I really wanted to make a painting of this specific rock where there are these repeated carvings of camels; I’m interested in camels as a symbol as well, because they’re obviously visually linked to this part of the world. If you go to a tourist shop in the Gulf, you get camel keychains and stuff. I don’t know if ‘kitsch’ is the right word — probably not — but it’s just feels very obvious; it’s very on the nose. And I’m interested in taking symbols that feel on the nose and making them mysterious or playing with the effect of that imagery. I pull from different things all the time; there’s never just one thing that I’m looking at, it’s more that I’m living, reading, speaking and then the paintings come out. There’s a painting I have at Hayy Jameel called “Boardroom” which has these men sitting at a meeting table and looking at a wall which has one of these petroglyph camels on it. Sometimes, there are references to other paintings — little callbacks. There are a lot of inside jokes. Humor is such a big part of the work.
‘Smoke Break’
The titles always come after the paintings, and I often leave things untitled — but this one kind of lends itself to the title because the guy’s having a coffee and smoking a cigarette. This is just a painting about rest, but there’s a lot of energy in the way that I’ve painted it; it’s very gestural and there are lots of these marks and splotches of paint.
‘Magic Chocolate Ball’
These girls are very funny. Like I said, humor is a big part of my work and this is a piece where I had fun and it was fun to show people. It’s based on a memory of a dessert that I think is so familiar to people living in the Gulf; you order this chocolate ball and the waiter comes over and pours hot melted chocolate on it and the ball melts and reveals something inside of it. I’ve seen it so many times and it just came to mind as I was painting, super-impulsively. What I’m interested in is how people see themselves, or others, in the imagery — or how they don’t. It’s a satirical approach to what’s happening in society. Satire is super-important, but it’s never just one thing or the other — it’s always a combination of various different tones and positions that I’m taking. Like, this is funny to me and I’m choosing to show it, but obviously there’s an emotional connection happening as I’m painting it.
‘Untitled (2024)’
It’s this guy on his phone sitting near a pool. He’s a solitary figure. Then there’s two horses and two palm trees. This took me quite a few months to paint. Sometimes I’ll have an idea and paint it and it doesn’t work out at all. That happens a lot more than you’d think. So, I’ll cover something over, then add something new and then cover that thing and then add something new, just waiting for this moment where the elements carry some kind of poetic logic that I trust will translate to the viewer. It’s always hard to articulate — but very easy to know — when it hits that point.
‘Guard Dog’
I love dogs. I paint them a lot. This one is a German Shepherd, which is a guard dog. It’s based on a sketch — it’s very similar to a lot of other works I made. Sometimes, I get stuck on something and it repeats itself across multiple works and other times it’s a one-off thing. I prefer not to try and control it and just let things direct me.
Artist Aseel Al-Yaagoub: ‘My goal is to preserve Saudi culture’
The Saudi artist on spreading joy with her distinctive painting style
Updated 13 March 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: “My work reflects moments from daily life, Saudi and Gulf heritage, and cultural elements in a distinctive and creative way, where I recreate and reimagine traditional symbols and motifs with a contemporary vision, creating a fusion of past and present in an innovative manner,” Saudi artist Aseel Al-Yaagoub tells Arab News. “I see my environment as a rich visual narrative, and I love translating these stories into artworks.”
Drawing and painting have been an important part of Al-Yaagoub’s life for as long as she can remember. Over time, she has shifted from focusing on realism to taking a more abstract, expressionistic approach.
She admires Saudi artists including Taghreed Al-Baghshi, Zainab Al-Mahouzi, Marwa Al-Najjar, and Bayan Yassin, who depict heritage in their work. Internationally, she says she has been influenced by Claude Monet’s technique and the way he captures light and movement, as well as Vincent van Gogh’s vibrant colors and bold, expressive strokes.
"My goal is to preserve and document Saudi culture,” the artist said of her work. (Supplied)
“I constantly seek inspiration by exploring the works of other artists, whether through social media or by visiting art exhibitions,” she says. “I create initial sketches for my ideas and experiment with colors and materials. I don’t like to plan everything in detail, I leave room for spontaneity, allowing unexpected elements to emerge, which gives each artwork a unique, distinctive character.
“My goal is to preserve and document Saudi culture,” she continues. “I often use mixed-media techniques, layering different materials and colors to create depth and unique textures. Constant experimentation and practice have helped me refine my approach.”
Her fascination with facial features, particularly noses, plays a significant role in her artistic expression, she says. “The most distinctive feature of my characters is their noses, as that is the first thing that catches my attention in any face I see. I believe noses, in their various shapes, are unique and beautiful, which is why I enjoy highlighting them in my portraits.”
Al-Yaagoub’s work is deeply personal, often incorporating elements that hold sentimental value. One of her most cherished pieces, “The Family,” portrays her parents and symbolizes warmth and care. “I wanted them to have a personal touch in this piece, my mother stitched part of it, and I incorporated a scrap of fabric from my father’s shemagh. This made the artwork deeply sentimental and emotionally significant.”
Another of her major projects is “A Night of Joy,” a series of six paintings capturing celebrations in the Eastern Region. “This project is very dear to me as it reflects my childhood memories, which continues to resonate with me to this day,” she says.
Al-Yaagoub is excited about the transformation happening in Saudi Arabia’s art scene. “There is now more space for experimentation and showcasing new ideas, enhancing artistic diversity and attracting wider audiences to the field,” she says. “Art has become a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that our cultural identity remains vibrant and ever-evolving.”
Looking ahead, Al-Yaagoub hopes to expand her reach and participate in international exhibitions. “One of my biggest goals is to host my first solo exhibition soon, where I can showcase my artistic journey and how my style has evolved over time.
“I want the audience to feel an emotional connection to my work, whether by recalling personal memories or appreciating the beauty of heritage and culture,” she continues. “I aim for my art to have a narrative depth that tells stories about culture and identity. And I strive to spread joy through the vibrant colors I incorporate into all my pieces.”
Saudi Arabia highlights Arabic initiatives at London Book Fair
Academy’s secretary-general, Abdullah Al-Washmi, said that the London Book Fair was a crucial global cultural platform for fostering academic and cultural cooperation
Al-Washmi added that the academy’s strategy was to expand the reach of Arabic, provide valuable content for specialists, and solidify the language’s international presence
Updated 12 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Initiatives by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language are being highlighted at this year’s London Book Fair, being held from March 11-13, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Under the umbrella of the Saudi pavilion, overseen by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the academy aims to strengthen the global presence of the Arabic language.
The academy’s secretary-general, Abdullah Al-Washmi, said the London Book Fair was a crucial global cultural platform for fostering academic and cultural cooperation.
He added the academy’s strategy was to expand the reach of Arabic, provide valuable content for specialists, and solidify the language’s international presence.
The academy's exhibit features recent publications and introduces initiatives in language planning, linguistic computing, education and cultural programs, the SPA reported.
It seeks to build partnerships that support the development of the Arabic language and enhance its presence on global academic and cultural platforms.
The Kingdom’s pavilion seeks to strengthen the international presence of Saudi publishers and empower local publishing houses.
Its participation aims to enhance cultural relations and facilitate knowledge exchange between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
