DUBAI: Saudi Arabia model and actress Rahaf Al-Harbi hit the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival recently ahead of the premiere of the films “Den Sidste Viking” (The Last Viking) and “Frankenstein.”

She turned heads wearing a gown by Lebanese designer Rami Kadi.

Al-Harbi, who was the first Saudi Arabia contestant at the Miss Europe Continental pageant in 2022, wore a gold tulle lurex gown from Kadi’s “L’Eventail” collection.

The look featured asymmetrical pleating across the bodice and waist, with a floor-length skirt and a soft hooded detail that covered her head and shoulders.

She paired the gown with a diamond necklace, bracelet and rings.

The film “Den Sidste Viking” is a Danish drama directed by Anders Thomas Jensen.

The film follows Anker, who is released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence for robbery. The stolen money was hidden by his brother Manfred, the only person who knows its location.

However, Manfred has since developed a mental disorder and no longer remembers where he buried it. The brothers set off on an unexpected journey to recover the loot, confronting memory, identity and their fractured relationship.

Meanwhile, “Frankenstein” is an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. The film follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life through a dangerous experiment.

As the consequences of his actions unfold, both creator and creation are drawn into a tragic spiral, exploring themes of ambition, isolation and the limits of scientific pursuit.

This is not Al-Harbi’s first appearance at a prestigious international film festival.

In May, she attended the 78th Cannes Film Festival wearing a white gown by Qatar-based label Layla Atelier.

The dress, from the brand’s spring/summer 2025 couture collection, featured a structured peplum bodice, long sleeves and a flowing tulle skirt. It was hand-embroidered with luminous off-white beads and delicate pearls.

Al-Harbi, who holds a degree in medicine and comes from a family of doctors, initially began modeling part-time while completing her studies.

She previously told Arab News that she wanted to participate in the Miss Universe beauty pageant after her Miss Europe Continental participation.

The model is now focused on acting. She is famous for her role in the Saudi series “Eyal Nouf,” which was nominated for a Joy Award in 2023.

RIYADH: The public art initiative Noor Riyadh is returning for its fifth edition from Nov. 20 to Dec. 6.

Under the umbrella of Riyadh Art, the light art festival will once again transform the Saudi capital with groundbreaking installations by leading local and international artists.

“In the Blink of an Eye,” its theme for 2025, is inspired by Riyadh’s rapid transformation. It reflects the city’s evolving identity which juxtaposes its historic core with visionary infrastructure, including the newly launched metro system.

Noor Riyadh is part of the Riyadh Art program, one of four megaprojects in the capital launched by King Salman under the Vision 2030 plan.

As a pioneering cultural initiative, Riyadh Art is led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, which oversees strategic, multi-sector transformational programs to help position the capital as a global center for contemporary art and culture.

The program drives cultural innovation and supports economic diversification by embedding art in public spaces to enhance the urban experience.

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who also chairs the Riyadh Art program’s steering committee, said: “This year’s theme captures the momentum of change that defines Riyadh today.

“Through Noor Riyadh we continue to deepen the role of public art in shaping cultural exchange, enriching daily life, and positioning Riyadh as a creative capital on the world stage.”

Riyadh Art has showcased more than 550 artworks by more than 500 Saudi and international artists, attracting more than 9.6 million visitors through major programs, including Noor Riyadh.

This year’s edition further expands the festival’s curatorial ambition and aims to create meaningful moments for residents and visitors.

Noor Riyadh 2025 will feature more than 60 large-scale light installations, building on the success of previous editions and reaffirming its status as a leading platform for contemporary public art.

First launched in March 2021, it includes an exhibition alongside a public program of community activities such as educational workshops, talks, and performances.