Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen discusses her second feature, ‘Hijra’ 

Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen is all set for her sophomore feature film, ‘Hijra.’ (Supplied) 
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Updated 28 June 2024
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Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen discusses her second feature, ‘Hijra’ 

  • The ‘road trip’ movie is set against the backdrop of Hajj 

JEDDAH: Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen’s debut feature, 2019’s “Scales,” was hugely successful. The dystopian drama picked up prestigious awards at the Venice Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival, as well as several regional awards. It was also selected as Saudi Arabia’s official entry for the Oscars in 2020, although it was not ultimately nominated.  

So expectations are high for Ameen’s recently completed second film, “Hijra,” which she hopes will be in cinemas next year. Ameen is currently in Paris working on post-production and editing.  




Filmmaker Shahad Ameen on the set of ‘Hijra’ with actress Lamar Feddan, who plays Jenna in the film. (Supplied)

“Hijra” (which means ‘migration’) tells an intimate family story: When a teenage girl disappears, her grandmother (played by Khairiya Nazmi) and younger sister, Janna (Lamar Feddan), travel to the north of the Kingdom in search of her.

“It’s less about the chase and more about the poetic journey that they go through,” Ameen tells Arab News. “But it has this epic backdrop, which is Hajj.” 

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah — one of the five pillars of Islam. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year. 

“Hijra” has its roots in a story that Ameen began more than a decade ago. “I was working on a story about this missing girl. That’s the only element that survived from that story though,” she explains. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, since international borders were closed, Ameen started exploring the Kingdom.  

“It was the first time I’d traveled to the north of Saudi Arabia, and all around, which really got me excited about doing a road movie, because, to be honest, a lot of filmmaking is about choosing the locations and creating an atmosphere for the film,” she says. “And at one point in my travels I thought it would be amazing to make a road film about this family on their way to Hajj and this girl goes missing.” 




‘Hijra’ was shot over 55 days across eight cities in the Kingdom — Taif, Jeddah, Medina, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Duba. (Supplied)

The movie was shot over 55 days across eight cities in the Kingdom — Taif, Jeddah, Medina, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Duba. Throughout the journey, Ameen’s emotive storytelling focuses on how Saudi Arabia has always been a place where Muslims have come together, and not just for Hajj. 

“It was always being brought back to the idea that this land has connected people from all over the world,” she says. “That’s what excites me. I always get angry when Americans are like, ‘Oh, we’re a melting pot and a place of immigration.’ That’s true of us too. I mean, they say they immigrate for freedom, but for a lot of Muslims around the world Saudi Arabia is the place where they can be free.” 

The theme of immigration/emigration has great resonance for Ameen personally, since her great grandfather came from Bukhara in Uzbekistan. She grew up in the port city of Jeddah, where, she says, “one sees a lot of Bukharis, Tashkenti, Asians and Africans.” 

She continues: “It was really exciting for me to tell the story of this young girl looking for her freedom away from her family, but through her we get to learn about her grandmother’s past.” 




Khairiya Nazmi and Lamar Feddan in ‘Hijra.’ (Supplied)

Throughout the road trip in “Hijra,” the 70-year-old grandmother relives her childhood while passing through the routes along which she migrated with her father as a young girl. 

“The whole story is about different generations of women and we see it through the eyes of Janna — the youngest granddaughter,” Ameen tells Arab News, adding that, while the film is about a young Saudi girl getting to know her country, she also gets to discover the stories of the women in her family and how they view the ideas of freedom and identity.

“With all the changes happening and us having more freedom than we used to have as Saudi women, I fear that we’re not paying enough tribute to the older generation of Saudi women,” Ameen says. “I think what they have in common is — as cheesy as it sounds — strength and freedom. The grandmother in the story might seem like this traditional, strict, religious woman, but she is strong and free. I would never describe my grandmothers or my mother as weaker than we are. I would actually describe them as much stronger and much freer, but maybe within their own thoughts.”  




Director Shahad Ameen and producer Mohamed Al-Daradji in Neom. (Supplied)

But Ameen is also aware of how she has benefited from the social change that has swept through the Kingdom in recent years. Saudi Arabia’s embrace of the film industry is seen in international film festivals across the globe but also locally as the government helps promote local talent. “Hijra,” for example, was supported by Ithra, NEOM, Film AlUla — the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency, and the Daw Initiative Saudi Film Commission.  

“I was thankful to have Neom and AlUla, without (them) securing such locations would not have been possible,” Ameen says. 

“Hijra” is also co-produced by the Red Sea Fund, a funding program under the Red Sea Film Foundation that has so far supported over 250 films from local and regional filmmakers. 

“Receiving funds from our own country is amazing,” Ameen says, adding that young Saudi filmmakers “have no excuse” not to make movies. “Just write your script and apply for the funds and hope for the best,” she says. 

For Ameen, filmmaking has been her dream since she was 10. She says she grew up wanting to tell Arab stories that she felt were missing from the big screen.  

“I think it’s a feeling that we all share as Arab filmmakers,” she says. “It’s that question: Where are our voices? So to be able to showcase our stories and where we come from is beautiful. 

“It’s been amazing,” she continues. “We shot a very challenging, interesting and exciting film.”  


Post Malone to headline 2025 Esports World Cup opening ceremony in Riyadh

Updated 20 June 2025
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Post Malone to headline 2025 Esports World Cup opening ceremony in Riyadh

DUBAI: US rapper Post Malone – known for tracks like “Rockstar,” “I Had Some Help” and “Sunflower” – will perform will headline the opening ceremony of the 2025 Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The rap and country music artist will hit the stage in Riyadh on July 10.

In August 2020, the singer became part of Envy Gaming‘s ownership group, taking an undisclosed stake in the company, Esports Insider reporter of the North American organization that has since merged with Native Gaming.

The singer will return to the region to perform at the 2025 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday Dec. 5.

Malone previously performed at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He then returned in 2022, taking to the stage at Etihad Park.


Two Dubai restaurants make World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list

Updated 20 June 2025
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Two Dubai restaurants make World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list

DUBAI: Two restaurants in Dubai made the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, which was unveiled on Thursday.

Orfali Bros placed 37th, while Trèsind Studio came in at 27.

“The Orfali brothers from Aleppo, Syria, have created a genuinely unique dining experience in multi-cultural Dubai,” the guide read.

“There are three brothers: Mohamad (head chef), Wassim and Omar, pastry chefs. They mix traditional Syrian staples with pan-regional favorites, and European culinary tropes with Asian ingredients to create a menu that defies categorization.”

The restaurant also has one Michelin star.

Meanwhile, Indian eatery Trèsind Studio, which has tree Michelin stars, was awarded No. 27 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.

In a released statement, head chef Himanshu Saini said: “Being named #27 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is a celebration of the team, our culture, and the flavors that inspire everything we do. This honor reinforces our belief that modern Indian cuisine belongs on the world stage while staying true to our heritage.”

The restaurant was also awarded The Best Restaurant in the Middle East 2025 top spot.

“Dining at Trèsind Studio, now located on The Palm Jumeirah, can be a dramatic experience, with just 20 seats available. As you progress through the tasting menu, expect to be relocated to different areas of the restaurant, each carefully curated to match the plates in front of you, cooked by chef Himanshu Saini,” the Best Restaurant guide read.

The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is annually created by William Reed Business Media. It collates the opinion of more than 1,000 international restaurant industry experts, including chefs and food writers who vote for their favorite dining experiences.


The hottest music festivals of 2025 

Updated 20 June 2025
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The hottest music festivals of 2025 

DUBAI: Make your summer travel plans with music in mind 

Glastonbury 

Where: Wiltshire, England 

When: June 25-29 

What: Glastonbury has a convincing claim to being the world’s most famous festival, and regularly attracts more than 200,000 people to the Somerset countryside to see a diverse lineup that — apart from music megastars — includes stand-up comedy, circus acts, theater performances and more. This year’s Pyramid Stage headliners are English pop-rock outfit The 1975, US veteran Neil Young, and US singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, while top of the bill on The Other Stage are UK hip-hop star Loyle Carner, the inspiration behind last year’s ‘Brat Summer’ Charli XCX, and seminal electronic-music act The Prodigy. Elsewhere, there really is something for all tastes.  

Other must-see acts: Raye, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rod Stewart, Biffy Clyro, Noah Kahan, The Big Moon, Wolf Alice, Doechii, Wet Leg 

Tomorrowland 

Where: Boom, Belgium 

When: July 18-20 and 25-27 

What: A regular award-winner, Tomorrowland is one of the world’s best electronic dance music festivals. A reported 400,000 people attended last year’s event in De Schorre recreational park, which also accommodates the festival’s official campsite, DreamVille. This year’s Mainstage headliners include Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, and Swedish House Mafia, but there’s also plenty of less-mainstream acts performing over the festival’s two weekends on its 14 stages. 

Other must-see acts: Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Charlotte De Witte (pictured), Alok, ANNA, Amelie Lens, Eric Prydz 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Lollapalooza 

Where: Chicago, US 

When: July 31–Aug. 3  

What: It may no longer be seen as quite the cultural thermometer it once was, but Lollapalooza is still an eclectic feast for music lovers — booking acts from genres including alt-rock, metal, punk, pop, hip-hop and EDM — and attracts around 400,000 people every year to its home in Chicago. This year’s headliners include Australian alt-dance group Rüfüs Du Sol; US rap star Tyler, The Creator; Olivia Rodrigo; and US singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter. 

Other must-see acts: A$AP Rocky, Twice, Luke Combs, Gracie Abrams, Cage The Elephant, Bleachers, Doechii, Martin Garrix 

All Together Now 

Where: Waterford, Ireland 

When: July 31-Aug. 3 

What: The great joy of Irish festival All Together Now is the hidden gems further down the lineup, as well as the ‘sideshows’ of art, spoken word, comedy, theater and wellness in a gorgeous setting. Since its inception, All Together Now has built a reputation for having a deep bench full of quality. So while the headliners — who this year include Fontaines D.C., Nelly Furtado, and London Grammar — aren’t on the megastar scale of the world’s major festivals, this festival is still well worth a visit. 

Other must-see acts: Wet Leg, Leftfield, Michael Kiwanuka, Infinity Song, Gurriers, Glasshouse 

Osheaga 

Where: Montreal, Canada 

When: Aug. 1-3 

What: Spread over six stages in Montreal’s beautiful Parc Jean-Drapeau, Osheaga focuses on up-and-coming acts as well as major names and incorporates a variety of genres. Other attractions apart from the music include volleypong, a Ferris wheel, and art exhibitions. This year’s headliners on the main Bell River Stage are US pop-rock giants The Killers; Tyler, The Creator; and Olivia Rodrigo.  

Other must-see acts: Doechii, Glass Animals, Lucy Dacus, The Chainsmokers, Gracie Abrams, Jamie xx, The Beaches, FINNEAS 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Sziget Festival 

Where: Budapest, Hungary 

When: Aug. 6-11 

What: Sometimes called “Europe’s Burning Man,” both because of its size (around 1,000 performances each year) and its weird side attractions — including a very odd amusement park — Sziget takes place on the breathtaking Old Buda Island on the River Danube. Headliners on the main stage this year include Charli XCX (pictured), Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, US rapper A$AP Rocky, American rapper and singer Post Malone, and US singer-songwriter Chappell Roan. 

Other must-see acts: FKA Twigs, The Last Dinner Party, Mother, Empire of the Sun, Justice, Amelie Lens, Caribou, Armin van Buuren 

Reading & Leeds 

Where: Reading and Leeds, England 

When: Aug. 21-24 

What: With the same lineup performing on different nights in two different venues a couple hundred miles apart, Reading & Leeds usually attracts a total of more than 200,000 people to shows that tend to focus on indie and alternative music as well as hip-hop. This year’s headliners are Irish rocker Hozier (pictured), Chappell Roan, English rock band Bring Me The Horizon, and US rapper Travis Scott.  

Other must-see acts: Limp Bizkit, Becky Hill, The Kooks, D-Block Europe, Amyl and the Sniffers, Rudim3ntal, Red Rum Club 

 


Recipes for success: Chef Ritu Dalmia offers advice and a tasty dal recipe 

Updated 20 June 2025
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Recipes for success: Chef Ritu Dalmia offers advice and a tasty dal recipe 

DUBAI: Few chefs have had a journey as dynamic and influential as Ritu Dalmia. From her early days in the family stone business, she has become one of India’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs.  

Frequent work trips to Italy sparked her love for Italian cuisine, eventually leading her to open Mezza Luna in Delhi and Vama in London. Today, she is the force behind several acclaimed restaurants in India, Italy and the UAE, including her latest venture, Atrangi, in Dubai. 

Beyond her achievements in the kitchen, Dalmia is widely recognized as a leading entrepreneur and social activist. She has authored three cookbooks, hosted TV shows and continues to mentor aspiring chefs.  

Here, Dalmia discusses common kitchen errors, her favorite comfort food, and the small but meaningful rituals that elevate everyday cooking. 

When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?  

Adding too many elements into a dish. It’s imperative not to stray from the main flavor, or the hero, of the dish by adding too many unnecessary elements. I still make mistakes, but that’s the thrill of being a chef. You are not a robot programmed to churn out a fixed model. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?  

Play amazing music when you cook. A cook in a good mood always cooks a good dish. I would also say that whenever a dish calls for garlic, roast the garlic first.  

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?  

Hing, which is also known as asafoetida. Use it in tiny quantities to add depth, fragrance, and a subtle umami richness to dishes. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

It’s shameful, but yes. I really don’t know how to let go and enjoy a meal. In fact, most of my friends refuse to eat out with me.  

What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants?  

That they spend a lot of money on décor and hardware, but not much on talent, both in the kitchen and service.  

What’s your favorite cuisine to order? 

I love Asian food and junk food when I eat out. Dim sum bars are a favorite. 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? 

A khichdi  — a one-pot meal with rice, lentils and vegetables; easy ingredients packed with flavor. This humble dish can be elevated to another level with toppings and garnishes.  

What customer behavior most annoys you? 

When they click their fingers to call the server to their table. Or when they ask for one dish to be divided in three or four portions. We even had one guest who requested that their soft drink be divided in three! 

What’s your favorite dish to cook ?  

My aunt Chanda was an amazing cook — a trait which, unfortunately, my mother didn’t share. Every time we visited Chanda in Calcutta, she would make a yoghurt khadi which was so fragrant and packed with herbs. Years later, when I was writing a cookbook, I begged her to tell me why her khadi was so different. She told me her secret was to add roasted crushed fennel and fresh coriander after the kadi was made and cover it for five-to-seven minutes. It’s a dish I make at least two or three times a week. I do it with a bowl of rice and some potatoes with cumin and the world suddenly seems to be a better place.  

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?  

Way too many to recount.  

As a boss, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback. 

You want my dirty secrets out? (Laughs.) I’m very disciplined and hardworking, and yes, I do lose my temper, and my vocal cords would make any speaker company proud. I’ve mellowed out a lot with age, but there is still scope for a lot of improvement. I’m learning that it’s unfair to have unrealistic expectations, and that that harms both my team and me.  

Chef Ritu’s moong dal khichadi with vegetables 

Ingredients:  

2 tbsp ghee 

½ cup moong dal 

½ cup Gobindobhog rice (or basmati rice) 

½ tsp cumin seeds 

1 bay leaf 

1 pinch hing (asafoetida) 

2-inch piece ginger, grated (~1 tbsp) 

1 green chili, chopped (optional) 

½ red onion, finely chopped 

1 tomato, chopped 

Salt, to taste 

½ tsp turmeric powder 

½ tsp red chili powder 

½–1 tsp garam masala 

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, cauliflower) 

3–3½ cups water (adjust based on desired consistency) 

Instructions: 

1. Prep the dal and rice 

Rinse moong dal and rice together in water 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear. 

Soak for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. Drain before cooking. 

2. Cook the tempering 

Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pot over medium heat. 

Add cumin seeds, let them sizzle for a few seconds. 

Add bay leaf and a pinch of hing. 

Stir in grated ginger and green chili (if using), sauté for 30 seconds. 

Add onion and cook until translucent (2–3 minutes). 

3. Add tomato and spices 

Add chopped tomato, cook until soft (3–4 minutes). 

Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well. 

4. Add vegetables, dal and rice 

Add chopped vegetables, soaked dal and rice. 

Stir everything together to coat well in the spices. 

5. Cook 

Add 3–3½ cups of water depending on how soft or porridge-like you want your khichadi. 

For pressure cooker: Cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. Let pressure release naturally. 

For pot: Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until soft and creamy. Add more water if needed. 

6. Finish 

Once cooked, stir in garam masala and let it rest for 5 minutes. 

Adjust salt or spices to taste. Add a dollop of ghee on top if desired. 

Serve hot with: 

A side of yogurt or pickle 

A drizzle of ghee 

Papad or a simple salad for crunch 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Day Day Game

Updated 20 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Day Day Game

If you are looking for a vibrant social hub in Riyadh, look no further than Day Day Game. This unique venue offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all types of fun-seekers. Whether you are a skater, a board game enthusiast, or someone who enjoys classic billiards, this place has something for everyone. 

One of the highlights is the skating area, where you can wear your skates and glide around with friends. It is a great way to enjoy some physical activity while having a blast. If skating is not your thing, you can play board games or read a book in a cozy corner. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for unwinding with friends over a card game or two. 

For those who enjoy classic games, Day Day Game features billiards tables where you can challenge your friends to a friendly match. And if you are feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at crossbow shooting? It is a unique offering that sets this venue apart. Additionally, there is a fun air hockey table that is sure to ignite some competitive spirit.

A particularly appealing aspect of Day Day Game is their Ladies Day every Wednesday and Sunday, providing a welcoming environment for women to enjoy all the activities without any pressure. Accessibility is another key feature; you can conveniently reach the venue via the Riyadh metro by taking the orange line. 

If you are in the mood for something more classic, there is bowling available too.  (Supplied)

When it comes to food, Day Day Game does not disappoint. Their delicious menu offers a variety of options to refuel after a day of fun. Whether you are in the mood for snacks or something more substantial, you will find it here. 

The venue also serves as a social hub where you can meet new people and make lasting connections. With an open mic night, talented individuals have the opportunity to showcase their skills, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. 

For nostalgia lovers, there are arcade games from the 1980s that will take you back in time. And if you are in the mood for something more classic, there is bowling available too. 

Day Day Game is an exciting destination with endless options for entertainment. Personally, I love going there to skate, but with so many activities available, you will likely find yourself trying something new each visit. Whether you are with friends or looking to meet new people, this venue promises a memorable experience in Riyadh.