RIYADH: A melting pot of local and international influences defines Saudi design, Princess Nourah Al-Faisal told Arab News on the sidelines of a Torba Studio talk.
In a talk titled “Experience in the Field,” Princess Nourah and Nazek Alkhulaifi, the co-founder and designer at Torba Studio, engaged in a conversation about the next generation of fashion design at the headquarters of Adhlal, a research-based consultancy in Riyadh founded by Princess Nourah.
As a part of its internship program Torba Studio has talks every Thursday and the Riyadh-based fashion brand opened the talk to the public during Ramadan.
As an entrepreneur and designer with more than two decades of experience working in design, Princess Nourah has seen the transformation of the design sector, and she described modern-day Saudi design as eclectic.
She added: “What I was talking about earlier is the community being a melting pot; it really is.
“There are so many influences. It used to be that there were the Saudis and the Europeans, but now there is everything coming in — you see influences from Korea, Japan, India. It has become a melting pot that the silk trade route used to come through. It’s a reawakening of that cultural collision and it is really interesting.
“We are the heart of the Islamic world and our cultures are so varied and that’s where they all meet.”
Princess Nourah highlighted the importance of fashion designers knowing their heritage, culture, and roots, which are elements that allow them to create designs that fit their environment.
She said: “Our clothes need to fit our lifestyles, our culture, and need to help us live. That is what design is for, to solve problems.”
She said that Saudi designers were going through an experimental phase of introducing heritage into their work, such as weaving and embroidery.
She added: “I expect that we will see a vast improvement over the next few years. If you look at Riyadh Fashion Week the first year and then compare it to the second year, imagine what will happen in the next four or five years.
“There is a confidence and embracing of our heritage and culture and trying to understand how to express them with pride.”
Princess Nourah applauds Saudis for their sense of humor and their capability to create fun designs.
She said: “I think you are going to see it in design, not just fashion, you are going to see it all across design and in the way people choose to live their lives.”
Alkhulaifi told Arab News that as Saudi youngsters immersed themselves in the fashion and design industry, guidance was vital for their success.
Alkhulaifi said: “It is very much an increase and the energy is positive. It is like a driving force, like a big wave of creatives that are ready to add something to the industry.
“We need to guide and share the experiences because we want more structured exposure to benefit everyone in the industry.”
Alkhulaifi said every Torba Studio collection revolved around the human experience and the philosophy of the unknown, adding: “Every piece that we do (create) has some sort of symbolism of being human.”
Saudi design scene is a cultural melting pot, says Princess Nourah
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Saudi design scene is a cultural melting pot, says Princess Nourah
- She applauds Saudis for sense of humor, creating fun designs
- Princess Nourah highlighted the importance of fashion designers knowing their heritage, culture, and roots
White House thanks Saudi crown prince for facilitating Russia and Ukraine talks
RIYADH: The White House on Tuesday thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on facilitating important talks on safe navigation in the Black Sea.
A White House statement said: “The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The US reached separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine in the Saudi capital Riyadh to keep the waterway, a vital route for agricultural goods, secure.
The two warring parties came to Saudi Arabia to discuss, with US and Saudi officials, first steps on settling crucial issues in the hopes of then reaching a wider resolution to the conflict.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has annexed parts of the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the talks and said they were early steps toward a peaceful settlement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “We will need clear guarantees. And given the sad experience of agreements with just Kyiv, the guarantees can only be the result of an order from Washington to Zelensky and his team to do one thing and not the other.”
Ramadan through the lens of art
- Holy month inspires creative process
- Themes of faith and introspection reflected in artwork
RIYADH: The holy month of Ramadan offers profound creative inspiration with its themes of faith, renewal and introspection, three Saudi artists have told Arab News.
Norah Al-Ruwaili, Manar Al-Otaibi and Sultan Al-Qahtani discussed how Ramadan shapes their artistic expression.
For Al-Ruwaili, the holy month allows her to engage with her work more deeply. “Ramadan naturally slows everything down, creating space for reflection and intentionality,” she said.
“That shift influences my art. I become more mindful of the themes I explore and the emotions I want to convey.”
Al-Otaibi echoed this sentiment, describing how Ramadan transforms her approach to creativity.
“Ramadan deeply influences my artistic process by bringing a sense of stillness, introspection and spirituality,” she said.
Usually warmth is presented in the sunny days. In Ramadan, nights lights are vibrant and reflect warmth.
Sultan Al-Qahtani
For Al-Qahtani, a photographer, Ramadan shifts his focus to nighttime settings and the beauty of lights in the holy month. “Usually warmth is presented in the sunny days. In Ramadan, nights lights are vibrant and reflect warmth,” he said.
Al-Ruwaili finds herself “drawn to themes of stillness, spirituality and inner transformation.
“Patterns, calligraphy and elements inspired by prayer mats or architecture often appear in my work, like in my Mihrab paintings.
“I also love incorporating symbolism, whether through floral elements that represent spiritual blossoming or color choices that evoke serenity and depth,” she said.
Al-Otaibi uses “vibrant colors and intricate patterns” to express the emotions of the holy month.
For Al-Qahtani, Ramadan photography records the community spirit; he captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements.
Al-Ruwaili said that spirituality and creativity are inseparable during Ramadan: “Creativity and spirituality aren’t separate for me, they intertwine. My artistic process becomes quieter and more intentional during Ramadan, almost like a form of meditation.”
But balancing creative work with fasting and responsibilities is a challenge, Al-Otaibi said. “It can be challenging, especially with work and other responsibilities. However, I often feel refreshed and inspired after iftar, which helps me reconnect with my creative flow,” she added.
Al-Qahtani experiences creative moments spontaneously, often between prayers and meals: “Creative moments are not planned but sometimes it can be harnessed late at night between prayers and meals.”
Representing the true spirit of Ramadan in visual art is not always easy. For Al-Ruwaili, moving beyond traditional imagery like lanterns and crescents to capture the feeling of Ramadan is her biggest challenge.
“Ramadan is deeply personal and spiritual, so visually representing its essence without being overly literal can be challenging,” she said.
“I try to move beyond traditional symbols like lanterns or crescents and focus more on the feeling of Ramadan: The sense of peace, renewal and contemplation.”
Al-Otaibi also struggles to visually depict the intangible elements of the holy month. “One challenge is translating the atmosphere of Ramadan into visual art, through key elements like the moon, fanous lights and family gatherings.
For Al-Qahtani, the challenge lies in capturing aesthetic nighttime lighting without overexposing the image: “Since most of the pictures I take are in the night, (I need) proper lighting — aesthetically pleasing lights, not just lots of lights.”
Al-Ruwaili’s Mihrab digital paintings hold a deep personal meaning: “My Mihrab digital paintings are probably the clearest example. They were inspired by the patterns found in prayer mats, which hold so much significance in daily spiritual practice.
“To me, they represent a sacred space; a personal retreat where stillness and connection meet,” she said.
Al-Otaibi created a painting of a family gathering during suhoor, which “represents togetherness, tradition and the quiet beauty of Ramadan nights.”
Al-Qahtani’s photography showcases Ramadan’s lights and the communal spirit.
Through painting, photography and digital art, the three artists capture the essence of the holy month, reflecting a period that is both personal and universally meaningful.
Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May
- Al-Rajhi highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing global dialogue on occupational safety and health and improving compliance with standards at regional and global levels
RIYADH: The 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference will be held in Riyadh from May 4 to 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The event will gather local and international leaders from governments, the private sector, and academia, to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as challenges and opportunities in global labor markets.
The conference aims to promote a culture of safety by fostering dialogue on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices while sharing essential knowledge, the SPA reported.
It will focus on developing policies and preventive measures to enhance occupational safety and health, with an emphasis on the role of technology in improving workplace environments.
Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi said: “The conference will address critical issues impacting work ecosystems and work on developing optimal frameworks.”
Al-Rajhi highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing global dialogue on occupational safety and health and improving compliance with standards at regional and global levels.
Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport
- Spanning 1,200 sq. meters, the lounge can accommodate over 240,000 passengers annually
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has opened the new Altanfeethi Lounge at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
Spanning 1,200 sq. meters, the lounge can accommodate over 240,000 passengers annually, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The inauguration was attended by the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, and Mohammed Alkhuraisi, the chairman of the Altanfeethi Company’s board of directors, along with regional civil and military officials.
Comoros president arrives in Madinah
RIYADH: The President of Comoros Azali Assoumani arrived in Madinah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Assoumani was received on arrival by the Governor of Madinah region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and other officials.
