Young Saudi’s journey to enrolling at one of the world’s oldest tailoring academies

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Yousef Tammar is a 23-year-old Saudi bespoke tailor currently studying at one of the world’s oldest schools of its kind in Italy. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 February 2025
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Young Saudi’s journey to enrolling at one of the world’s oldest tailoring academies

  • Yousef Tammar studies for 12 hours a day at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori
  • Aspiring tailor was inspired by Italian cuts at a young age

RIYADH: Yousef Tammar is a 23-year-old Saudi bespoke tailor currently studying at one of the world’s oldest schools of its kind in Italy.

Currently enrolled at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori in Rome — a tailoring academy that traces its roots back to 1575 — the Jeddah native has gone on a personal journey, which reflects his deep commitment to craftsmanship.

Tammar’s passion for fashion was ignited at the age of 14. Initially driven by a desire to present himself well among family and peers, he soon found inspiration in the vast world of style through YouTube videos focused on men’s fashion. “Fashion became a way for me to express myself and connect with others,” he told Arab News.

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, where traditional garments such as the thobe dominate daily wear, Tammar’s early exposure to fashion was characterized by a limited variety of clothing. He noticed that deviating from the norm could attract unwanted attention.

But a pivotal moment in Tammar’s journey occurred during a family trip to Italy just before his final year of high school. This trip introduced him to the intricate world of tailoring and artisanal garment-making.

A visit to Fortela in Forte dei Marmi, where he met owner Alessandro Squarzi, opened his eyes to bespoke tailoring and niche ready-to-wear garments.

“Meeting Alessandro was like unlocking a door to a whole new world of fashion,” Tammar said. This experience solidified his interest in pursuing a career in the industry.

His choice to study in Italy was largely serendipitous; the right course in pattern-making and sewing happened to be available there.

Still, “Italy has this aura about it that makes you feel fashion in your bones,” he explained. Even if other options were available, he would still choose Italy for its rich fashion heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

Throughout his educational journey, Tammar learned valuable lessons that shaped his approach to tailoring. He described how he discovered a way to exceed his own limits, and learned the importance of maintaining composure during challenging times.

“Every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” he said.

The contrast between the Italian approach to tailoring and what he experienced in Saudi Arabia soon became clear.

In Italy, the emphasis is on handwork and artisanship, while the garments he encountered in Saudi Arabia were predominantly mass-produced, even in prestigious tailoring shops.

Saudi culture significantly influences contemporary fashion, particularly in menswear, where traditional styles tend to dominate.

“Mainstream Saudi culture keeps fashion somewhat dormant,” Tammar said, noting that the culture leans toward conventional shapes and cuts.

However, he sees potential in modernizing traditional Saudi garments, such as the thobe and daglah, incorporating them into contemporary designs.

The fusion of Western and Middle Eastern styles excites him, as it creates opportunities for innovative silhouettes and distinctive combinations. “Fusion can bring a refreshing perspective to fashion,” he said, emphasizing the importance of blending influences.

Studying abroad presented its own set of challenges for Tammar, particularly in terms of language. Learning Italian became essential for effective communication, but it was a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm.

“Learning a new language opened up a whole new world for me,” he said.

Another hurdle has been adjusting his sleep schedule to accommodate the demanding nature of his studies, which often see him working for 12 hours a day.

A highlight of his journey was designing a daglah for the Harrod’s Hive 2025 event in Riyadh. “Creating something for such a prestigious event was surreal,” he said.

Most rewarding, however, has been the realization of his aspiration to become a master tailor.

Looking ahead, Tammar aims to bring artisanship and luxury bespoke craftsmanship to Saudi Arabia.

“I want to create a space where tradition meets modernity,” he said, as he hopes to establish his own bespoke tailoring shop and start his own fashion line once he accumulates enough experience.

Tammar hopes to see a future in Saudi fashion characterized by locally made garments and fabrics. “We should aspire to be producers, not just consumers,” he said, envisioning a broader range of styles beyond the traditional.

Tammar describes his personal style as adaptive, varying based on occasion and mood.

“I believe in the power of versatility in fashion,” he said. His own style incorporates tailored elegance in some situations while opting for loose and comfortable fits for work.

While current trends may not capture his attention, Tammar still draws inspiration from his peers in the fashion world: “My classmates inspire me daily; we learn from each other.” 

He said that his peers have had a significant influence on his approach to tailoring, including the designer, Noe Falchi, with whom he collaborated on a fashion show.

Speaking to aspiring tailors and designers in Saudi Arabia, Tammar emphasized the importance of devotion.

“You must be ready to commit fully to your goals,” he said, noting that success in the industry requires unwavering commitment.

He encouraged aspiring creatives to embrace change and remain open to growth, as adaptability is crucial in a dynamic field.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of Tammar’s philosophy. “We have a responsibility to promote sustainability in fashion,” he said. Each garment he creates is made to order, minimizing waste and ensuring that material consumption is carefully calculated.

Tammar’s journey demonstrates the power of passion, dedication and the fusion of different cultures, as he continues to carve out his path in the industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.


Pilgrims through the lens: How photographers document scenes of faith during Hajj

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Pilgrims through the lens: How photographers document scenes of faith during Hajj

  • Israel’s latest operation and weeks-long aid blockade have sparked unprecedented calls for sanctions from key Western allies

MAKKAH: Every year, the holy lands transform into a unique visual spectacle pulsing with faith and human diversity, drawing the world’s eyes to Makkah, where millions of Muslims perform the pilgrimage of Hajj.

During this period of spiritual and human momentum, photographers stand as visual historians, conveying to the world unforgettable scenes through their lenses that capture moments of worship, tears, unity, mercy, and cultural diversity.

Photographer Anas Al-Harthi said: “When I carry my camera during Hajj season, I feel that I am not just documenting an event but painting a grand canvas of faith in human colors from every continent.”

He added: “A photographer during Hajj does not just take a picture — he moves with a deep sense that this shot may remain a witness to a moment that will never be repeated in the pilgrim’s life.”

Al-Harthi pointed out that the greatest challenge is respecting the sanctity of the scene without interfering with it, which requires a high artistic sense and an appreciation of place, time and situation.

Photographer Anas Bakhsh said that the experience of photographing during Hajj places the photographer at the heart of human emotion.

“Thousands of faces pass before you, and each face carries a story, every tear bears a prayer, and every movement expresses longing and contentment. Sometimes I feel that the photo I took is an answered prayer for someone in a moment of complete submission to God.”

He said that the scene forever engraved in his memory is when crowds gather on the plain of Arafat at the same time, a majestic sight where differences between people dissolve and the sounds of Talbiyah and supplication rise.

Photographer Faisal Al-Thaqafi said that professional photography during Hajj is not only about technical skill, but also about cultural and religious awareness, and the ability to engage with the scene with the spirit of a believing photographer. “The photographer during Hajj is not just a professional holding a camera — he is an eye pulsing with faith, translating emotion into imagery.”

He added: “Sometimes you capture an image of an elderly pilgrim raising his hands to the sky, and you realize that this photo will remain in people’s hearts more than any commentary or report — because it is sincere, pure, and simple.”

The three photographers agree that the logistical challenges — crowds, heat, and problems involving mobility — do not stand in the way of their passion. Instead, they drive them to exert double the effort to document this unique event.

Bakhsh said: “Every season, I return home with thousands of photos, but I keep only one or two for myself — those images that I feel touched something inside me and perhaps touched the hearts of millions around the world.”

Al-Thaqafi said that a successful photograph during Hajj is not only one of high visual quality, but one that conveys a genuine emotion. “The strongest images are those that do not need an explanation. You see a pilgrim smiling or crying, and you feel your heart tremble.”

Al-Harthi believes that a photograph can change the world’s perception of Hajj and bring this great ritual closer to non-Muslims as well, saying: “We are not working only for documentation — we are working to build a human bridge, where the spirit of Islam is shown through an honest and professional lens.”

With these sincere lenses, the Hajj season becomes an open exhibition of spirituality, where photos tell stories that words cannot express, and bear witness to the greatest annual human gathering, where everyone is equal in attire, and united in purpose: seeking mercy and forgiveness.

Amid this visual momentum created by photographers through their lenses, the impact of these images is also felt by the pilgrims themselves and by millions of followers on social media. Syrian pilgrim Omar Al-Kadeeb, from Deir Ezzor, said: “Photos of relatives who performed the pilgrimage in the holy sites and near the Kaaba reached my family and friends within minutes and spread widely. At that moment, we felt like we were part of their spiritual journey despite the distance.” He added: “I saw images taken of pilgrims from all nationalities, and I found myself moving emotionally through the scenes — from a father crying in prayer, to a child smiling in Arafat, to a woman raising her hands to the sky in a profoundly moving moment that cannot be described.”

Al-Kadeeb said that the professional photos shared by photographers on platforms such as X, Instagram and TikTok enhance the status of Hajj in people’s hearts and make it feel more relatable and more meaningful to the viewer — even if they are not performing Hajj themselves.

“I believe every beautiful image from Hajj is an indirect invitation for people to dream of Hajj and to realize the greatness of this immense pillar,” Al-Kadeeb said.

He concluded with high praise for the photographers: “They are not just professionals — they are messengers of peace and beauty, delivering the message in today’s universal language: a photo.”


KSrelief clinics help refugees in Jordan

Updated 42 min 53 sec ago
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KSrelief clinics help refugees in Jordan

AMMAN: The clinics of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center provided healthcare services to 2,789 patients in Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan during the first week of May.

The general medicine clinics received 778 patients, while the internal medicine clinic treated 128 patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.

The pediatric clinics received 226 children, 131 patients visited dental clinics, and 312 women were treated by the two women’s health clinics.

The ear, nose, and throat clinic received 66 patients suffering from sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and middle ear infections. The ophthalmology clinic saw 37 patients.

The cardiology clinic received 15 patients, the diagnostic radiology clinic received 37 patients, and the rehabilitation medicine clinic also treated 37 patients.

A total of 3,245 laboratory tests were conducted for 284 patients, and 217 imaging procedures, including X-ray and ultrasound examinations, were performed for 184 patients. 


Shanghai Film Festival: Saudi Arabia to boost cultural cooperation with China

Updated 12 June 2025
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Shanghai Film Festival: Saudi Arabia to boost cultural cooperation with China

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has announced its participation in the Shanghai International Film Festival, which will be held from June 13 to 22 in Shanghai, China.

The event is the largest film festival in China and the only Chinese festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

By participating, the commission aims to enhance cultural cooperation, strengthen international ties, and promote the visual and geographic richness of the Kingdom’s film locations. It also plans to explore co-production and distribution opportunities for Saudi films in the Chinese market.

The Saudi pavilion will be a platform to display the commission’s programs and initiatives, engage with industry professionals, and highlight the creative and commercial potential of the Kingdom’s film sector.

This participation underscores the commission’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s film industry by engaging with key international platforms, empowering local talent, and fostering global cultural exchange.


Saudi king, crown prince extend condolences to Indian president after air crash

Rescue officials carry a victim’s body at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport.
Updated 12 June 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince extend condolences to Indian president after air crash

  • The Air India passenger plane bound for London with more than 240 people on board crashed and exploded after takeoff and there was only one survivor

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu after a plane crashed after takeoff in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The Air India passenger plane bound for London with more than 240 people on board crashed and exploded after takeoff and only one person survived, officials said.

Black smoke billowed from the site where the plane crashed into a medical college hostel and burst into flames near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince extended their condolences to Murmu, the families of the deceased, and to the Indian people. They also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry also expressed its condolences to India after the incident.

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Arab storytelling tradition makes region ideal for filmmaking: Katara executive

Updated 12 June 2025
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Arab storytelling tradition makes region ideal for filmmaking: Katara executive

  • Demand for premium Arabic content that resonates with a global audience is the main driver for production company
  • Authenticity requires cultural integrity — such as maintaining dialect, accents and costumes

Riyadh: The Arab world’s roots in detailed storytelling means that the region is well suited to making movies, according to Hussein Fakhri, chief commercial officer and executive producer for Katara Studios, and the latest guest on The Mayman Show.

Founded in 2018, the Doha-based production powerhouse is behind regionally iconic projects such as the fantasy short film “The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh” and the ceremonies for the 2022 FIFA Arab Cup.

“Storytelling, I think, is in our DNA, as Arabs generally, right? We come from a long line of storytellers; it is really part of who we are,” Fakhri said. “For me, the sort of career advancement was very much evolutionary, organic, as I come from an advertising and marketing background.” 

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Before entering the world of filmmaking and immersive storytelling, Hussein started out in Dublin, Ireland, pioneering digital advertising in a market far from his cultural roots. Hussein left the marketing agency life and now leads Katara’s mission to produce bold, meaningful stories that resonate with a global audience with an unapologetically Arab perspective.

“I had my own advertising agency, and we had so much work that I had to found a film production company to be able to shoot our TV commercials,” Fakhri said. “I would hire filmmakers, and we started doing short films, more brand films and documentaries, and that just sort of evolved. I just love the craft, although I’m not a filmmaker myself, but I just love the business of it.” 

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Part of the work was instrumental in what eventually evolved into Katara Studios, founded by a group of talented filmmakers, he said. “Watching them work and watching the kind of stuff that they do — just the love for it grew, to be honest.” 

The need for premium Arabic content that resonates with a global audience is the main driver for what Katara does creatively, he said.

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“We have a huge audience. We have 500 million Arabic speakers. And we have very little premium content for them. There was a gap there that was spotted and an opportunity to be able to create premium content for this primary audience.” 

The demand for premium Arabic content and the interest in Arabic culture made for a great recipe for success, he said.

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“We also have a lot of people around the world that are very interested in our culture, are very interested in our part of the world. And I don’t think we’ve given them enough content to engage with us, and that’s what we are trying to do, ultimately.”  

With a culture as rich and layered as the Arab world’s, authenticity is not simply a goal — it is a responsibility for Katara Studios projects, he said, as they aim to bring stories to life with depth, accuracy, and heart, even when they are infused with other styles of filmmaking. 

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Katara Studios is producing a fantasy Bedouin Western, and according to Fakhri, a balance for this genre experimentation and cultural authenticity is critical to telling a good story and being innovative without losing its Arab essence.

Asked how Bedouin storytelling could be showcased with this approach to experimental filmmaking, Fakhri said: “You know, I’m so glad you brought up that word because authenticity is the foundation for everything that we try to do. Genuinely, it has to be authentic. Because if it is not authentic — if you’re trying to please an audience just by throwing stuff in there — it shows every time.”

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Authenticity required cultural integrity — such as maintaining dialect, accents, costumes and other small and important details in the presentation — and this would then reflect very positively to the film, he said.

“You get every element of it right; it really comes through in the final product. So, we’re very careful to try to be as authentic as possible. And I think we’ve done that with this project,” Fakhri said.

 

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