Car-ismatic Saudi artist to display her latest work in Jeddah for National Day

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The initiative will start from Jeddah’s waterfront, where the artworks will be made at the Oia Beach Resort and then taken to the waterfront for finishing touches before being displayed. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 September 2020
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Car-ismatic Saudi artist to display her latest work in Jeddah for National Day

  • Shalimar Sharbatly, a pioneer of the ‘Moving Art’ school, is widely known for her style of painting on cars
  • She has showcased her work internationally and is recognized as the first Saudi female artist to be commissioned by the government to create artwork

RIYADH: Saudi abstract artist Shalimar Sharbatly is set to showcase her latest work in Jeddah as part of the Kingdom’s 90th National Day celebrations.

The municipality of Jeddah, in cooperation with the artist, has launched the “Draw the Nation” initiative, which will see the art displayed to the public from Sept. 23.
Sharbatly, a pioneer of the “Moving Art” school, is widely known for her style of painting on cars. A custom-designed, hand-painted Porsche 911 and a Formula 1 racing vehicle that she painted, known as “La Torq,” are the most notable of her works.
The Porsche was showcased at the Paris Motor Show, and “La Torq” was unveiled at the 2017 Grand Prix de Monaco. Both vehicles were also exhibited at the Louvre museum in Paris, in the “Moving Art” exhibit in 2017.
For this year’s National Day celebrations, Sharbatly was commissioned to paint four old cars, repurposing them into art to be displayed at the new waterfront and Jeddah’s main squares.
Sharbatly spoke to Arab News about her background in art, the challenges she faced in creating the artworks, and her feelings about being able to represent the Kingdom for the National Day celebrations.
Born to a mother who was also an artist, Sharbatly says that she “opened her eyes to an art studio.”
“My earliest memories are of that studio, the sounds of Fairuz, Abdel Halim (Hafez), and Julio Iglesias, and feeling like I wasn’t like other children,” she said.


With her mother’s support, she was able to nurture her skills from the age of 6, and won her first award at 8. When she was only 16, she had her first show in Cairo in 1988. Fans of her early career include renowned Egyptian painter, Salah Taher, and the poet, Farouk Juwaidah, who attended the show and complimented her work.
She has showcased her work internationally, is recognized as the first Saudi female artist to be commissioned by the government to create artwork, and in 2017 was chosen as a goodwill ambassador for her contributions to humanitarian issues and civil society.
Though Sharbatly finds painting cars to be a challenging experience, she also finds it very rewarding.
“It’s very difficult to paint on to cars. You’re almost at war with the paints, because they tend to dry out very quickly. But I’ve grown accustomed to it after so many years. I used to say that the paints would wound me when I fought with them, but now I have tamed them so that they listen to me,” she said.
“Experience makes you innovative, and innovation makes you creative, and creativity is what makes the world around you easier to mold to your will,” she said.
On the topic of this year’s National Day, Sharbatly said that she felt honored to be participating and giving back to the country in the best way she knew how.
“In these current circumstances, with the coronavirus pandemic happening and our government stepping up to offer treatment to everyone and keep us all safe, our nation needs a lot from us right now. I can tolerate the heat and the difficulty of the work if it means I can contribute to beautifying the country as much as I can,” she said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the mayor of Jeddah, Saleh Al-Turki, for supporting the initiative, and for providing the old cars and vehicles to be turned into artworks.
The initiative will start from Jeddah’s waterfront, where the artworks will be mostly made at the  Oia Beach Resort Jeddah and then taken to the waterfront for some finishing touches before being displayed. The second phase of the project will include all cities in the Kingdom, then expanding to the world, where these artworks will be exported to communicate Saudi art to the world.


Jeddah’s Balad Al-Fan Festival is haven for creative souls

A musical performance regales audiences at the Balad Al-Fan Festival in Jeddah. (AN photo by Saleh Fareed)
Updated 03 May 2025
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Jeddah’s Balad Al-Fan Festival is haven for creative souls

  • Festival features art competitions, workshops, cultural talks, weekend markets, and live music shows

JEDDAH: Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district has once again transformed into a vibrant hub of art for the second Balad Al-Fan Festival, which runs until June 13.

The festival, which began on April 5, and is organized by Zawiya 97 in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, features more than 90 events, including artistic competitions, creative workshops, cultural talks, school workshops, live shows, and weekend markets.

Hashem Al-Shawi walks participants through the process of soap making at the festival while Khloud Nass prepares for her pottery class. (AN photos by Saleh Fareed)

Abdulrahman Al-Aseri, managing director of Zawiya 97, told Arab News: “Building on our mission at Zawiya 97 to enhance the cultural and artisanal presence in Historic Jeddah, we place creativity at the heart of our vision by bridging living heritage with the spirit of contemporary innovation. Through our participation in Balad Al-Fann 2, we present more than 90 artistic and craft events aimed at reviving Historic Jeddah with a crafting energy.”

The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and “A Sweet-Scented Farewell,” which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries.

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The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and ‘A Sweet-Scented Farewell,’ which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries.

“This season, we have designed a vibrant platform that celebrates traditional crafts, reimagining them through sustainability, cultural storytelling, and youth empowerment,” said Al-Aseri. “We believe that creativity is not merely about having an idea, but about breathing new life into the timeless alleys of Al-Balad.

Visual artist Khloud Nass will be running one of the workshops. (AN photos by Saleh Fareed)

“With a new group of distinguished artisans joining our Artisans Incubator Program, we continue to build a community that preserves heritage and innovates for the future. We welcome everyone who shares this passion to be part of reviving Historic Jeddah.”

Visual artist Khloud Nass will be running one of the workshops. She said: “I have been working with Zawiya 97 for a year to train those who want to learn through workshops such as pottery.”

Azzam Al- Ghamdi from Dar Azzam will be working with fragrances including musk, oud, and rose, to showcase the art of perfumery using native plants of Saudi Arabia. (AN photos by Saleh Fareed)

Azzam Al- Ghamdi from Dar Azzam will be working with fragrances including musk, oud, and rose, to showcase the art of perfumery using native plants of Saudi Arabia.

He told Arab News: “Traditional know-how and the perfect soil for growing aromatic plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have given perfume a central role in our lifestyle. (It is) deeply entrenched in Saudi culture. The use of perfumes for cultural and religious purposes dates back many centuries in this country.”

The festival offers visitors the chance to take part in various competitions, including “Your Creativity Revives Al Balad” and  “Handcraft & Calligraphy”. (Supplied)

Beside showcasing his creativity, Al -Ghamdi is also training visitors in his workshops.

Hashem Al-Shawi is offering soap-making workshops at the festival. “Organic skincare methods have always proven reliable and I am so glad to be part of this festival and to share the different types of soap and the process of soap making,” he said.

The festival also offers visitors the chance to take part in various competitions, including “Your Creativity Revives Al Balad” and  “Handcraft & Calligraphy,” which allows them to redesign Al-Balad’s pavements and public spaces into works of art, with the chance of winning cash prizes.

 


Saudi fund CEO sheds light on economic power of culture

A virtual session in progress featuring the Saudi Cultural Development Fund’s CEO Majed bin Abdulmohsen Al-Hugail. (Supplied)
Updated 03 May 2025
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Saudi fund CEO sheds light on economic power of culture

  • Al-Hugail emphasized the economic power of culture, saying that true investment extends beyond infrastructure or innovation alone and lies in securing the cultural sector’s lasting vitality within the economy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is advancing with unwavering confidence toward a brighter future, honoring its deep-rooted cultural legacy while drawing strength from an ambitious vision for a sustainable cultural sector, the CEO of the Saudi Cultural Development Fund said at Expo 2025 Osaka.  

Majed bin Abdulmohsen Al-Hugail virtually took part in a panel discussion, titled “Creative Sustainability: Investing in Culture with Long-Term Impact.”

The Saudi Cultural Development Fund is committed to driving long-term impact and sustainable growth within the cultural sector through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Majed Al-Hugail added: “The Kingdom’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka is bringing the best of Saudi Arabia to the world stage and providing an opportunity for the world to witness Saudi Arabia’s remarkable transformation.” (Supplied)

Through pioneering solutions, the fund is contributing to turning Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector into a powerful economic force, while also fostering long-term sustainability — fully aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.

Al-Hugail emphasized the economic power of culture, saying that true investment extends beyond infrastructure or innovation alone and lies in securing the cultural sector’s lasting vitality within the economy.

By embracing visionary sustainable strategies, culture evolves into a living, breathing force, one that fuels economic prosperity, nurtures creativity, and weaves a stronger, more resilient social fabric.

The fund is taking part in Expo 2025 Osaka within the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. (Supplied)

During the panel discussion, Al-Hugail said: “At the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, sustainability is not just a goal; it is at the core of everything we do. Our approach is guided by key indicators that align with global Environmental, Social, and Governance standards.”

In pursuit of economic sustainability with lasting positive social impact, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund focuses on supporting businesses that build capabilities.

A notable example is the fund’s backing of the “CHEFPreneur” program, which has equipped 42 Saudi women with culinary and entrepreneurial expertise, empowering them with the skills to start their businesses in the culinary sector.

The panel also explored sustainable business models in the cultural sector. As funding landscapes continue to evolve globally, the sector is turning to innovative alternatives. This new wave of cultural financing includes emerging models such as public-private partnerships, which play a key role in fostering an economically sustainable cultural sector.

As an example, the fund has forged a pioneering collaboration with several leading Saudi banks and the Saudi Credit Bureau to strengthen its offerings and enhance the efficiency of credit decision-making processes.

Demonstrating its commitment to sectoral growth, the fund also contributed 40 percent to the $100 million Saudi Film Fund, aimed at expanding the Kingdom’s film industry, attracting private sector investment, and driving the sector’s long-term development.

Last year, the fund launched “Cultural Financing,” an inclusive umbrella of financial services designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized cultural enterprises across all stages of the value chain — fostering the growth and expansion of cultural projects.

Al-Hugail concluded the panel discussion by saying: “Through international exhibitions like Expo 2025 Osaka, visitors can experience Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural diversity and preview a forward-looking vision of the country’s future.”

He added: “The Kingdom’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka is bringing the best of Saudi Arabia to the world stage and providing an opportunity for the world to witness Saudi Arabia’s remarkable transformation.”

The fund is taking part in Expo 2025 Osaka within the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, highlighting the Kingdom’s strategy to position culture as a major economic force while ensuring its sustainable growth.

This aligns with both the National Cultural Strategy and Vision 2030, which focus on diversifying the national economy, with the fund serving as a primary financial enabler for the cultural sector.

 


Saudi academy concludes Arabic program in Spain

Updated 03 May 2025
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Saudi academy concludes Arabic program in Spain

  • Activities featured an exhibition, seminars, training courses, language proficiency tests and student competitions, organized in partnership with Spanish universities and institutions

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has concluded its Arabic Language Month program in Spain, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held throughout April, the initiative is part of the academy’s global project to support Arabic education for non-native speakers and promote collaboration with international academic and cultural institutions.

The program included a range of educational and cultural events across Spanish cities such as Madrid, Granada and Cordoba.

Activities featured an exhibition, seminars, training courses, language proficiency tests and student competitions, organized in partnership with Spanish universities and institutions.

Key collaborators included Casa Arabe, Rey Juan Carlos University, the Autonomous University of Madrid and the University of Granada.

Targeting Arabic learners, educators and specialists, the program offered training sessions, awareness activities and academic forums.

It concluded in Cordoba with an introductory lecture and open forum for Arabic language enthusiasts.

The lecture outlined the academy’s global vision, highlighted its international projects and explored future partnerships with Spanish institutions.

The initiative has also been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its global reach.

 


Saudi-Turkish ministers discuss enhancing cooperation in mining sector, joint investment

Alparslan Bayraktar (R) receives Khalid Al-Mudaifer in Istanbul. (Supplied)
Updated 03 May 2025
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Saudi-Turkish ministers discuss enhancing cooperation in mining sector, joint investment

  • The meeting was held at the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit, which brought together experts, leaders and policymakers to explore “evolving global and regional dynamics in energy and resource security”

ISTANBUL: Saudi Deputy Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Mudaifer met Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkiye’s minister of energy and natural resources, and Mehmet Yilmaz, president of the Turkish Miners’ Association, in Istanbul.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the mining sector as well as joint investment opportunities in the field of minerals, the Saudi Industry Ministry wrote in a post on X.

The meeting was held at the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit, which brought together experts, leaders and policymakers to explore “evolving global and regional dynamics in energy and resource security.”

 


Saudi Arabia showcases Islamic heritage at Jusoor exhibition in Kosovo

Updated 03 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia showcases Islamic heritage at Jusoor exhibition in Kosovo

  • The 10-day event coincides with the launch of the final qualifiers for the third international Holy Qur’an memorization competition in the Balkans

RIYADH: Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti recently inaugurated the sixth Jusoor exhibition at Skanderbeg Square in the capital, Pristina.

The exhibition is organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in cooperation with the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 10-day event coincides with the launch of the final qualifiers for the third international Holy Qur’an memorization competition in the Balkans, held in cooperation with the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo.

The exhibition promotes authentic Islamic principles and highlights values such as moderation, mercy and justice, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It features diverse cultural and outreach activities and showcases the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and historical heritage, aiming to foster intercultural dialogue and build bridges between communities.

Kurti praised the Kingdom’s historical and humanitarian support for Kosovo, noting its consistent solidarity, especially during critical moments in the country’s recent history. He added that this reflected the friendship and ties between the two nations.

“The Kingdom is close to the people of Kosovo, and the support it provided — especially during difficult times — is evidence of the strong and sincere friendship between us. We are grateful for it,” he said.

Kurti said that relations between the two countries had developed into a strong and growing partnership. He highlighted cooperation in tourism, education, the economy and culture, pointing to recent citizen exchanges for various purposes.

He added that the exhibition’s name reflected Arab heritage and the Kingdom’s spirit, enriching Kosovar understanding of Saudi culture.

Kurti said that this cultural bridge connected societies, serving as a platform for reflection and interaction.

The Kingdom stood as a model promoting peace and unity, honoring the past and offering hope for the future, he said.

Sheikh Naim Ternava, grand mufti and head of the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its support.

He said that the event resulted from cooperation between the Islamic Sheikhdom and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting Islamic values, cultural exchange and building bridges of communication.