Georgina Rodriguez’s reality show to explore luxury life in Saudi Arabia in season 3

The show will follow Georgina Rodriguez's Paris Fashion Week debut when she walked at the Vetements Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show. (Getty Images)
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Updated 27 August 2024
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Georgina Rodriguez’s reality show to explore luxury life in Saudi Arabia in season 3

DUBAI: Georgina Rodríguez is set to return to Netflix with the third season of her reality TV show “Soy Georgina” (“I Am Georgina”) — with Netflix teasing a heavy focus on her life in Saudi Arabia.

The new season will follow Rodriguez’s life after her move to the Kingdom, along with her football star beau Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

“What is true luxury like in Saudi Arabia? We will find out when Gio and her family settle in Riyadh with Cristiano's signing for Al-Nassr,” Netflix stated.

According to the announcement, the season will also show Rodriguez enjoying a number of firsts, including the opening of her first beach house, Villa Perla, to starring in an international campaign for a famous clothing brand and her biggest dream — making her debut at Paris Fashion Week.

Previously, in season two, one of the episodes featured Ronaldo and was set almost entirely in Dubai – following an emotional and touching moment as he surprised Rodriguez by lighting up the iconic Burj Khalifa with a special message on her 28th birthday.  

“It was a very emotional day. Well, it was and it still is, because in the end, those moments and those positive experiences stay with you,” she said in the show. “And day after day, it’s like a thrill, like a spark that keeps you happy and active and alive.” 

The show also touched on a more poignant and darker moment in her life – losing one of her twin babies, son Angel. Rodriguez said she pulled herself together thanks to her other children and her partner Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, the star couple took some time off from their hectic schedules to explore Saudi Arabia’s coastline and the Red Sea development in June.

The two took to social media to post photos from their relaxing getaway at what seemed to be The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. They were seen enjoying the resort and its pristine beaches along with their children.

“My world,” Rodriguez captioned her post, featuring several images from the vacation.

In one of the photos, Portuguese footballer Ronaldo can be seen relaxing in a pool with his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., who turned 14 this June.

The same month, Rodriguez was spotted showing her support for Ronaldo by attending the King’s Cup final between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Rodriguez sported a white Al-Nassr jersey with Ronaldo’s name on it, paired with flared latex pants and heels.




Rodriguez wore a necklace from the Egyptian brand Nado’s Jewelry. (Instagram)

The couple was recently spotted enjoying a staycation at The Red Sea Project, where Rodriguez wore a necklace from the Egyptian brand Nado’s Jewelry’s Perle collection, featuring large, rounded links alternating between polished gold and diamond-encrusted surfaces.


Shanina Shaik attends 2025 Fashion Trust US Awards

Updated 27 sec ago
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Shanina Shaik attends 2025 Fashion Trust US Awards

DUBAI: Model Shanina Shaik and actress Sofia Boutella attended the 2025 Fashion Trust US Awards in Los Angeles this week for a ceremony which brought together designers, celebrities and industry figures to support and celebrate emerging fashion talent.

Shaik, who traces her ancestry back to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Lithuania and Australia, arrived in a sleek white gown by Cult Gaia.

The silk dress featured a cowl neckline and a floor-length, form-fitting silhouette. Tulle ties at the shoulders extended down both front and back, detailed with petal-like appliques. The gown included an open back design, with the floral embellishments continuing down sheer strands to the hem. 

Shanina Shaik wore a sleek white gown by Cult Gaia. (Getty Images)

The look was completed with minimal accessories — gold hoop earrings, neutral platform sandals and a slicked-back hairstyle. 

Meanwhile, Boutella, who is French Algerian, wore a striking red floor-length gown with a high neckline and soft, gathered pleats along the bodice. The dress featured loose, elbow-length sleeves and a cinched waist that flowed into a flared skirt. She paired the outfit with a metallic silver clutch. 

The Fashion Trust US Awards, presented by Google Shopping, celebrates emerging designers working across various disciplines, including ready-to-wear, jewelry and accessories.

Sofia Boutella wore a striking red floor-length gown with a high neckline. (Getty Images)

This year’s event was hosted by actress and singer Keke Palmer. 

Anthony Vaccarello received the Honorary Award, while other winners included Rachel Scott of Diotima for ready-to-wear, Dani Griffiths of Clyde for accessories and Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz of Beck for jewelry. Nana Kwame Adusei scooped the Sustainability Award while the Graduate accolade went to Parsons student Patrick Taylor. 

Winners received grants of $100,000-$200,000, along with mentorship opportunities through Fashion Trust US and Google Shopping.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @fashiontrustus

They were selected by the Fashion Trust US board and advisory panel, which included industry figures such as Jonathan Simkhai, Brandon Blackwood, Willy Chavarria, Jeremy Scott, Laurie Lynn Stark, Bob Mackie, Gaia Repossi, Francesco Risso, Chriselle Lim, Monique Lhuillier, Ugo Mozie, Bethann Hardison and Fernando Garcia.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @fashiontrustus

Attending the ceremony were celebrities such as Lucy Hale, Becky G, Julia Fox, Maddie Ziegler, Kate Hudson, Heidi Klum, Hailey Bieber, Ciara, Julia Fox and Mandy Moore.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The evening also included a performance by singer Natasha Bedingfield.


Shashai Studio group exhibition shines light on Saudi creativity

Updated 08 April 2025
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Shashai Studio group exhibition shines light on Saudi creativity

  • Art Week Riyadh positions the Kingdom’s capital as a global cultural destination
  • Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud: This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked

RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh’s group exhibition in JAX District brings together a range of artists to celebrate heritage, spark conversations, and showcase the wealth of Saudi creativity, on view through April 13.

The Annual Salon at Shashai Studio is presenting a stunning tapestry of perspectives and artworks to celebrate individual artists and the art community under one roof.

The visual feast encapsulates the spirit of experimentation, encouraging conversations around identity, culture, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.   

Visitors can get a look at the narratives woven through each piece of artwork.   

Among the standout pieces on display, Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud’s artwork entitled “The Moon” symbolises the enduring strength and presence of women throughout history.

“This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked,” she told Arab News. 

Utilizing natural sheep wool as a medium, the artwork underscores the ancestral skills of women in weaving and home-building.

“Women have always been the backbone of our society, supporting families, cultures, and traditions,” Princess Al-Johara explained. This tribute to women serves as a reminder of their multifaceted roles — from caretakers to creators, their contributions are invaluable.

Mona Bashatah, whose works explore ancient crafts of the Arabian Peninsula, discussed her recent project that depicts a fisherman — a character symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of coastal life. 

“My art stems from the rich history of our region, focusing on the stories that need to be shared with the new generations,” she explained. Her pieces were not only visually stunning but also served as a medium for storytelling, connecting the past with the present.

“I chose to draw inspiration from mulberry bark paper from East Asia, bridging historical trade routes that linked our ancestors to lands far and wide,” she added. 

Her sketches present a narrative intertwined with themes of environmental pollution and cultural identity. The illustrations recount tales of shepherds and sailors who served as vital connections between Eastern and Western worlds.

They represent memories that modern generations may overlook, making her work both a celebration of heritage and a call for awareness.   

The artist also incorporated texts from poet Khalil Gibran, merging literature with art to deepen the emotional impact of her pieces. “My intention is to evoke a sense of belonging and pride in our history,” Bashatah noted. 

Studio founder and curator Rashed Al-Shashai spoke to Arab News on the significance of the exhibition and the importance of showcasing both emerging and established artists within the Saudi art community.

“We have cultivated an environment of cultural and artistic dialogue at Shashai Studio. This exhibition featured various artists, each with distinct techniques and narratives,” he said.

“This exhibition marks the culmination of a year’s worth of experimentation and collaboration.”

Visitors encountered pieces from notable artists such as Mazin Andijani an Arabic calligrapher, and Fatima Al-Attas, an innovative contemporary artist. 

The inaugural Art Week Riyadh is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene, bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, and arts entities under the overarching theme, “At The Edge.”

The week-long event is fostering exchange, dialogue, and collaboration, inviting art enthusiasts to explore themes of thresholds, liminality, and transitions in art and culture.

The program includes curated gallery exhibitions, rare displays of private collections, as well as talks, workshops, and performances.   

Organized by the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Art Week Riyadh is a non-commercial platform designed to nurture, celebrate, and position Riyadh as a global cultural destination.

Drawing on the past and present as points of departure, it reimagines an interconnected global arts ecosystem that contributes to the Kingdom’s creative economy while inspiring the preservation of art collecting and patronage. 


Saudi Architecture Map decodes Asir’s art of adaptation

Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi Architecture Map decodes Asir’s art of adaptation

  • In Asir, ancient homes, forts, and castles have withstood the test of time, adapting to harsh climatic conditions such as heavy rainfall through innovative architectural practices
  • Structures are distinguished by their high-quality construction, and aesthetic execution that aligns with the surrounding environment’s requirements

RIYADH: The recent launch of the Saudi Architecture Map by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a milestone in promoting the distinct architectural styles of the Kingdom, including those of Asir region.

In this region, ancient homes, forts, and castles have withstood the test of time, adapting to harsh climatic conditions such as heavy rainfall through innovative architectural practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The structures are distinguished by their high-quality construction, and aesthetic execution that aligns with the surrounding environment’s requirements. They demonstrate how early architects ingeniously designed elements that combined beauty and protection.

Saudi Architecture Map features 19 architectural styles inspired by various regions’ geographical and cultural characteristics.

It provides detailed insights into the architectural patterns, including for Asir, accompanied by design guidelines to enhance the overall quality of urban design within the built environment, particularly to express the site’s regional character.

The design guidelines help elevate architectural form and the design of public spaces. One of their primary objectives is to trace architectural roots applicable to contemporary buildings, ensuring they resonate with their historical context while drawing from local culture and highlighting the spirit of the place.

This approach seeks to balance sustainability and renovation and to connect architectural structures to the land’s natural features and topography.

Over the decades, hundreds of buildings in Asir have been restored and rehabilitated, some following scientific guidelines, while others have been carried out haphazardly.

The maps are therefore essential to establish correct frameworks that bridge the past and present while preserving architectural identity.

The significance of the maps lies in the spatial documentation of architecture throughout the Kingdom.

It shows the distinct architecture of each region based on its geographic, cultural, and climatic characteristics.

In essence, the map reflects traditional building methods and illustrates how these can be integrated into modern architectural designs, contributing to the sustainability of these styles within the contemporary urban landscape of Saudi Arabia.


Red Sea Fund opens applications for production grants

Updated 08 April 2025
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Red Sea Fund opens applications for production grants

  • Foundation provides financial grants that enable promising cinematic voices to complete their projects and share their narratives with the world
  • Second cycle of the fund supports projects ready to move into production, offering grants for feature-length films

RIYADH: The Red Sea Fund, a program of the Red Sea Film Foundation, is now accepting submissions for production support as part of its second cycle for 2025.

The foundation provides financial grants that enable promising cinematic voices to complete their projects and share their narratives with the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The second cycle of the fund supports projects ready to move into production, offering grants for feature-length films (60 minutes or more), whether fiction or animation, from directors in Saudi Arabia, the Arab region, Africa and Asia.

The grants will also support TV series (25–59 minutes per episode) from the same eligible regions, and short films (under 60 minutes), including fiction, documentary, or animation, exclusively from Saudi directors.

Filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa and Asia can apply through the website redseafilmfest.com before the April 21 deadline.

Established in 2021, the fund has supported more than 280 film projects. Several former recipients have gone on to earn global recognition and accolades.


Art Week Riyadh: Al-Mousa Center brings together pioneering and emerging artists 

Updated 08 April 2025
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Art Week Riyadh: Al-Mousa Center brings together pioneering and emerging artists 

RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital city, the Al-Mousa Center has transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, with over 15 galleries presenting a mix of solo and group exhibitions as part of Art Week Riyadh. The event brings together trailblazing artists and rising stars from the region and beyond, offering a dynamic platform for contemporary artistic expression.

Once a bustling commercial complex in the 1980s, the Al-Mousa Center originally served as a premier destination for wedding attire — where some of the city’s best tailors still practice their craft today. The building’s dated architectural style adds a nostalgic vibe to the space, evoking memories of the past while providing a fitting backdrop for contemporary art.

Nasser Al-Kharji, who founded Art Connection, one of the participating galleries. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

When a framing shop opened and quickly flourished, art began to gradually replace garments in the complex. While a few stores continue to sell suits and dresses, the mall has since transformed into a lively cultural center, now housing approximately 20 art galleries.

“When I heard about Art Week Riyadh, I was excited to be part of it. I’m a third-generation Saudi artist with 28 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance engineer, pilot and instructor pilot. Now, I’m an artist. I’m from Riyadh, and this is a chance for us to celebrate art and showcase our local talent,” said Nasser Al-Kharji, who founded Art Connection, one of the participating galleries.

Art Connection, one of the participating galleries.​​​​​​ (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah) 

Al-Kharji’s father launched a pioneering cartoon column in a local Saudi newspaper in 1965 — a legacy that Al-Kharji honors by framing the columns prominently in his gallery, alongside his own work and that of other regional artists.

Perched upstairs, galleries such as Ahlam Gallery relocated to their current expansive 360-square-meter space in 2022, offering a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. Founded by Dr. Ahlam Al-Shedoukhy, a retired medical doctor who turned to art as a source of healing, the gallery now stands as one of the largest spaces in the complex.

Other participating galleries include Abdullah Hammas Studio, Errm Art Gallery, Marsami Gallery, and Alestudio, each contributing to the rich diversity of Riyadh’s growing art scene.

While most of the curated talks during Art Week Riyadh are taking place at JAX District in Diriyah, a special panel titled “The Value of the Past is a Measure of the Future” was held at the Al-Mousa Center on Monday. The discussion focused on how Saudi Arabia’s visual arts heritage is not only a part of the nation’s history but also continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration, shaping the future of art in the Kingdom.

The inaugural Art Week Riyadh, organized by the Visual Arts Commission, runs from Apr. 6 to 13, activating galleries and creative spaces across the city. Anchored in JAX District in Diriyah, the weeklong program features a range of exhibitions, talks, and curated events that underscore the diversity and dynamism of the Kingdom’s evolving visual arts scene.