Saudi Arabia’s Ithra opens registration for its 2021 Art Prize

Participation is open to all Saudi and Saudi Arabia-based contemporary artists, as well as artists from or based in the 22 Arab League countries. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 June 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s Ithra opens registration for its 2021 Art Prize

DUBAI: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced that the fourth edition of the Ithra Art Prize is now open for submissions. 

Participation is open to all Saudi and Saudi Arabia-based contemporary artists, as well as artists from or based in the 22 Arab League countries.

The winning artwork will be unveiled at the inaugural Ad-Diriyah Biennale in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s first biennale, on Dec. 7. 




The deadline for submitting proposals to the competition is August 16. (Supplied)

The winner will receive up to $100,000 to create a unique world-class work of art that will join Ithra’s permanent art collection. 

The deadline for submitting proposals to the competition is August 16. 

A jury of local and international leaders in the art world will evaluate the proposals and announce the winner on August 30. 

The biennale is a creative platform that allows international audiences access to diverse Saudi art and culture. This year’s event will be held between Dec. 7 and March 7, 2022 under the curatorship of writer and critic Philip Tinari.




The most recent winner of the award was Fahad Bin Naif. (Supplied)

The Ithra Art Prize aims to develop the art industry in the Kingdom through interaction between different cultures.

The most recent winner of the award, which started in 2018, was Fahad Bin Naif, who won the 2020 prize for his artwork “Rakhm,” which evokes agricultural nurseries in the Kingdom and incubates indigenous vegetation instead of traditional house plants.


Saudi-shot action thriller ‘Seven Dogs’ drops first-look images

Updated 18 March 2025
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Saudi-shot action thriller ‘Seven Dogs’ drops first-look images

DUBAI: First images for Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah Saudi-shot action thriller “Seven Dogs” have dropped as the production shoots outside the capital of Riyadh.

The $40 million project from the “Bad Boys for Life” directorial duo is being shot at the newly inaugurated Alhisn Big Time Studios in Riyadh, one of the Middle East and North Africa region’s biggest film and television production facilities, with additional filming at Riyadh Boulevard. Riyadh will also serve as a stand-in for multiple international cities, including Mumbai and Shanghai.

Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz on set. (Supplied)

The thriller is based on an original story by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.

Egyptian stars Karim Abdel Aziz (“The Blue Elephant,” “Kira & El Gin,” “Abu Ali”) and Ahmed Ezz (“Kira & El Gin,” “The Cell,” “Welad Rizk”) headline the action film.

Ezz plays Interpol officer Khalid Al-Azzazi who apprehends Ghali Abu Dawood (Aziz), a high-ranking member of the clandestine global crime syndicate known as Seven Dogs. A year later, the organization resurfaces, trafficking a dangerous new drug — Pink Lady — across the Middle East.

With time running out, Khalid reluctantly joins forces with Ghali, the only person with intimate knowledge of the syndicate’s operations. Their uneasy alliance propels them on a high-stakes mission across multiple global cities as they strive to dismantle the organization and prevent the drug from flooding Arab streets.

“Seven Dogs” is slated for a late 2025 release.
 


Zuhair Murad unveils Marina Rinaldi collection inspired by the Tang dynasty

Updated 18 March 2025
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Zuhair Murad unveils Marina Rinaldi collection inspired by the Tang dynasty

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad has unveiled his latest collaboration with Italian label Marina Rinaldi. Murad designed the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 capsule collection inspired by China’s Tang dynasty. 

Drawing from the dynasty’s introduction of peony cultivation in imperial gardens, Murad infused the collection with images of the flower.

The collection focuses largely on eveningwear.

The collection focuses largely on eveningwear. (Supplied)

“Grand evening gowns go beyond the pure object, they are a way of investing in one’s personal history,” the designer said in a released statement. True to his signature style, the collection features hourglass silhouettes and intricate hand-embroidered details.

The collection’s color palette mirrors another element of Tang dynasty artistry — delicate chinaware. Soft shades of cream, sky blue, aquamarine green and pink infuse the flowing chiffon gowns, pleated bodices and long plisse skirts. 

“These looks wrap and enhance all women,” said Murad, highlighting the collection’s inclusive and flattering designs. The pieces are crafted from a mix of luxurious fabrics, including cady, pure silk georgette and shimmering sequins hand-sewn onto tulle to create a wave effect.

This is Murad’s second collection for Marina Rinaldi. (Supplied)

The silhouettes range from semi-fitted bodices that gently flare out to rich, flowing kaftans adorned with peony motifs. The collection also features long-sleeved gowns with deep V-necklines that emphasize the waist, along with sleek trouser suits for a modern touch.

The Tang dynasty ruled china from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. The period was known for its flourishing arts and culture scene, with imperial ceremonies reviving the practice of hosting orchestras and companies of dancers. China in this period was also open to outside influences as as Arabian and Persian seamen did trade in the area.

This is Murad’s second collection for Marina Rinaldi that merges historical influences with contemporary fashion. 

The designer has been recognized for his detailed craftsmanship in haute couture and bridal fashion. Since founding his brand in 1997, he has gained international attention. His creations have been worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Sofia Vergara, Blake Lively, Kristen Stewart, and Scarlett Johansson on major red carpets. 

He is also one of a handful of Arab designers on the official Paris Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Week calendars.


May Calamawy promotes indie film ‘The Actor’

Updated 17 March 2025
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May Calamawy promotes indie film ‘The Actor’

DUBAI: Egyptian Palestinian actress May Calamawy took to social media this week to promote her latest film, “The Actor.”

The actress, who previously took on a leading role in Marvel series “Moon Knight,” stars alongside US actor Andre Holland and English actress Gemma Chan in the indie film.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by May Calamawy (@calamawy)

“Had the BEST TIME with everyone on #TheActor, showing in select theatres today  (sic),” Calamawy wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of behind-the-scenes images from the set of the film.

The movie follows fictional actor Paul Cole who is beaten and left for dead in 1950s era Ohio.  He loses his memory and finds himself stranded in a mysterious small town where he struggles to get back home to New York and reclaim what he has lost.

The film was directed by Duke Johnson, co-produced by “Suits” alum Abigail Spencer and executive produced by Ryan Gosling. The film was scripted by Johnson and Stephen Cooney and is based on the bestselling novel “Memory” by Donald E. Westlake.

Calamawy is known for her roles in US Netflix series “Ramy” and “Moon Knight” (2022), where she plays dual characters Layla El-Faouly  and the Scarlet Scarab.

She made headlines in late 2024 when almost all her scenes were cut from Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” with fans taking to social media to complain.

Her casting in the film was first announced in May 2023.

At the time, Deadline reported that Scott had cast Calamawy after a lengthy search, writing: “While many of the leading roles were straight offers, Scott wanted to do a similar search he did for the (Paul) Mescal part for the role that Calamawy ultimately landed.

“Given the importance of the character to the story, Scott wanted a thorough search, and following multiple auditions Calamawy landed the part,” Deadline added.

However, fans noticed that in the final cut, which hit cinemas in November, Calamawy is only seen in passing and she has no dialogue. Scott did not comment on Calamawy’s removal from the two hour and 28-minute film.


Farjana Salahuddin explores AI, tradition through interactive installation in Qatar

Updated 17 March 2025
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Farjana Salahuddin explores AI, tradition through interactive installation in Qatar

DOHA: Artists from around the world are showcasing their work in Qatar at “Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent,” an exhibition running until May 15 at Doha’s Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University.

The show features more than 20 installations by international artists exploring themes of artificial intelligence, creativity and identity. Among the contributors is Doha-based Bangladeshi artist Farjana Salahuddin, whose interactive installation “Patterned Deserts: Where AI and Traditions Meet” is a key highlight.

The experiential piece invites visitors to run their fingers through sand, encouraging them to reflect on the dynamic relationship between human creativity and technological advancement, Salahuddin said. As they move their fingers, shapes and lines form in response to their touch.

“It’s an interactive, sensory experience where people can connect with the piece and move their fingers through the sand,” Salahuddin told Arab News. “It’s a way to contemplate how much impact we’re really having, or whether technology is taking over all aspects of our lives.”

Inspired by natural elements such as desert roses and shells, the installation blends human-made forms with tech-driven designs. “Sometimes the sand follows your movements, but other times it moves on its own,” Salahuddin said. “This reflects how technology is evolving, sometimes complementing us and other times taking its own course.”

The interactive media artist, who was raised in Doha, drew inspiration from the city’s changing landscapes. “Doha is my home and it is transforming so much. In some places, you'll see that their identity is completely changing, and it’s all steel and glass,” she explained. 

“But then in some other places, we are trying to preserve the meaning in so many different ways, like the National Museum. It is such a contemporary place. So, we can build contemporary things, while keeping our identity in place as well.” 


Ikram Abdi spotted at Moncler show in French ski resort

Updated 16 March 2025
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Ikram Abdi spotted at Moncler show in French ski resort

DUBAI: Swedish Somali model Ikram Abdi attended the Moncler Grenoble Fall/Winter 2025 runway show in Courchevel, France, on Saturday, as Saudi Arabia-based model Georgina Rodriguez hit the snowy catwalk.

Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley. It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Moncler (@moncler)

“The energy of winter sports, the warmth and joy of experiences shared on the snow, and the brand’s dedication to dressing all aspects of mountain life, combining high performance and high style, will be celebrated with a memorable brand experience at high altitude,” Moncler said in a statement released in December, before the unusual runway location was unveiled.

Fast forward to March 15 and the luxury label invited the who’s who of Hollywood to the resort’s snow-capped peaks as models walked a landing strip-turned-runway in a flurry of snow.

Abdi was joined by actress Ashley Park, Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, actress Jessica Chastain and South Korean star Lee Jae-wook, among others.

Jessica Chastain at the show. (Getty Images)

While the star-studded audience took in the show, Rodriguez walked the runway in a chunky knitted look complete with knee-high, fur-lined boots.

The model, who is the longtime partner of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, has modelled for luxury brands before and was recently spotted sitting front row at Lebanese label Elie Saab’s Paris Fashion Week.

Rodriguez walked the runway in a chunky knitted look complete with knee-high, fur-lined boots. (Instagram)

Elie Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection transported the Paris Fashion Week audience to the world’s most exclusive mountain retreats, where relaxed glamour meets alpine allure.

At the show in March, Rodriguez wore a pristine white outfit that was in tune with Saab’s alpine theme. The ensemble featured a luxurious, textured top adorned with delicate feather-like details, adding a touch of avant-garde flair.

Rodriguez also recently joined forces with Lebanese dance group Mayyas, who won the 17th season of “America's Got Talent,” for a new campaign released earlier this month.

They starred in an advertisement for Egyptian real estate company Horizon Egypt Developments, where Rodriguez and the Mayyas promote Saada, a real estate development in New Cairo in Egypt.

For her part, Abdi, who posed for photographs at Moncler’s latest show, made her catwalk debut in 2018 during London Modest Fashion Week. She went on to walk for the likes of Iceberg and Charles Jeffrey and she has fronted campaigns for major international brands, including Burberry and Nike.