Highlights from this year’s Diriyah Biennale  

Highlights from this year’s Diriyah Biennale  
ALIA FARID, ‘In Lieu of What Was.’ (Supplied) 
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Updated 08 March 2024
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Highlights from this year’s Diriyah Biennale  

Highlights from this year’s Diriyah Biennale  
  • Selected works from ‘After Rain,’ which runs until May 24 in Riyadh 

RIYADH: You know that distinctive scent in the air after it rains? When droplets of rain interact with dry soil, it releases oils that are beneficial and calming for humans. That is the inspiration behind the title of the second iteration of the Diriyah Biennale in Riyadh: “After Rain”.   

It is also derived from a Saudi poem, according to the biennale’s artistic director, the German curator Ute Meta Bauer. “The majority of the audience is Arabic-speaking, so we were really looking for a title that resonates with the local population,” she tells Arab News. 

Bauer, who is based in Singapore, has traveled the Kingdom extensively, acquainting herself with the culture on a deeper level.  

“I was very curious as it’s a huge country. I could not do this biennale if I could not travel a little bit,” she says. “I wanted to see the people of the country and meet local artists.”  

This year, the 177 works on show (from artists from all over the world) address pressing topics such as water shortage, arid landscapes and climate migration. The biennale is being staged in Riyadh’s JAX District, overlooking Wadi Hanifah, which has itself dried out over time.    

“I really wanted to make a biennale that was an emotional experience, where people can learn more and understand better,” says Bauer. “I really hope that people will see that art can touch them — that it can unlock questions and conversations about the current state of the world.” 

Here are seven highlights from the biennale, which is free to visit and runs until May 24.  

ALIA FARID 

‘In Lieu of What Was’ 

The Kuwaiti-Puerto Rican artist’s oversized illuminated fiberglass statues dominate a dark room. The work focuses on the importance of access to water. The statues represent five different kinds of water vessels, from the clay pot to the plastic bottle.  

“She was inspired by the public water fountains and towers across Kuwait,” explains the biennale’s co-curator Ana Salazar. Kuwait reportedly lacks freshwater resources due to low precipitation. The installation is accompanied by a film about rural life in a marshland in southern Iraq that is drying up as a result of climate change.  

SAMIA ZARU 

‘Life Is a Woven Carpet’ 

The veteran Palestinian artist and educator presents a ceiling-high, net-like hanging of ropes studded with pieces of clay and glass found in old Palestinian buildings. “It reflects the artist’s idea of life as a rich fabric of threads, with knots, tangles and empty spaces,” according to a statement. Indeed, the work is full of little openings that invite viewers to freely explore the work from any vantage point.  

SARA ABDU 

‘Now That I’ve Lost You in My Dreams, Where Do We Meet?’  

Aromatic soap bars form a symmetrical triad of curved walls that embody the emotional notions of memory and yearning for the departed. The Saudi artist’s work is “inspired by dreams of people from (her) life who are no longer present,” according to a statement. “… the installation became a place to examine these dreams as a space of reconciliation and acceptance; a space where new memories and encounters could be generated.” Each bar is engraved with a word from the title. “For me, (the title) is a beautiful question: Where is physicality located in relation to memory?” the biennale’s head of curatorial programs, Snejana Krasteva, says.  

EL ANATSUI 

‘Logoligi Logarithm’ 

The renowned Ghanaian artist’s piece is reportedly the largest at this year’s biennale. The title means ‘snakelike’ or ‘indirect’, and indeed, as you walk through its narrow folds, the hanging work does seem like an overwhelming labyrinth. Made of hundreds of bottle caps, it apparently took three weeks to install. It addresses colonialism, consumerism and waste. “A good work of art can be read on many levels,” says Krasteva. “You can read this work aesthetically and appreciate it formally as Anatsui’s investigation into what he calls the ‘unfixed form,’ or you can also read it politically, as a metaphor for the opacity of political systems and bureaucracies.  

DANA AWARTANI 

‘Come, Let Me Heal Your Wounds’  

The Saudi artist, who is of Syrian and Palestinian heritage, had spent time in Kerala, India. “She was working with a community that uses medicinal plants to naturally dye cloths. She would use these ‘healing cloths’ and stretch them on a frame,” co-curator Salazar says. That practice was used in this wall-mounted work consisting of overlapping cloth panels that are colored in muted shades of yellow, pink and blue, on which Awartani has mapped out — by tearing holes and darning them — numerous heritage sites across the Arab world that have been damaged in recent years.   

CITRA SASMITA 

‘Timur Merah Project XII: Rivers With No End’ 

The spread of Islam through the Asian archipelago is the inspiration behind the Balinese artist’s large-scale wooden work that is symbolic of a waterway and the travel of knowledge. Aesthetically, the carved wooden pillars reference the architecture of the crucial Indonesian port of Nusantara, while the colorful, floral fabrics are inspired by local sail designs.  

MAŁGORZATA MIRGA-TAS 

‘Siukar Manusia’ 

Through her textile portraiture works, the Polish-born Roma artist aims to challenge how the Roma, the largest ethnic minority group in Europe, are perceived after centuries of persecution, discrimination and violence against them, which continues to this day. In this pairing from the titular series, she introduces a father and daughter — Augustyn (a violinist) and Elzbieta — and a mother and son,  — Katarzyna (a cook) and Leszek. The focus is only on the individuals, the backgrounds plain. The title of the series means “Wonderful people.” 


Mona Kattan’s Kayali fragrance brand parts ways with cosmetics giant Huda Beauty

Mona Kattan’s Kayali fragrance brand parts ways with cosmetics giant Huda Beauty
Updated 18 February 2025
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Mona Kattan’s Kayali fragrance brand parts ways with cosmetics giant Huda Beauty

Mona Kattan’s Kayali fragrance brand parts ways with cosmetics giant Huda Beauty

DUBAI: Huda Beauty — founded by US Iraqi sisters Huda, Mona and Alya Kattan — is divesting its ownership in fragrance brand Kayali, co-founded by Huda and Mona Kattan in 2018, the pair announced on Monday.

Mona is partnering with global growth equity firm General Atlantic to jointly own the fragrance brand.

Kayali will operate as an independent company, with Mona continuing as the brand’s CEO.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by HUDA BEAUTY (@hudabeauty)

Since its launch in 2018, Kayali’s product offerings have grown to 24 fragrances, which are sold by retailers like Sephora, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and ASOS.

The move allows Huda Beauty’s owners to buy back a stake held by TSG Consumer Partners since 2017, according to a joint statement by the three companies on Monday.

Beauty sells everything from luxury eyelashes to makeup and skincare products. The company has more than 54.2 million followers on Instagram, well ahead of rivals Rare Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics which have 8 million and 24.7 million followers respectively.

"Huda Beauty is making history as one of the few established beauty brands to return to full founder ownership," the statement said, according to Reuters.

A value for the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, was not disclosed.

Goldman Sachs International acted as Huda Beauty’s financial advisor, and Gibson Dunn served as its legal advisor. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom served as Mona Kattan’s legal advisor.

Raymond James served as General Atlantic’s financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins served as its legal advisor.


Lyna Khoudri shares teaser trailer for Afghanistan evacuation drama ‘13 Days, 13 Nights’

Lyna Khoudri shares teaser trailer for Afghanistan evacuation drama ‘13 Days, 13 Nights’
Updated 18 February 2025
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Lyna Khoudri shares teaser trailer for Afghanistan evacuation drama ‘13 Days, 13 Nights’

Lyna Khoudri shares teaser trailer for Afghanistan evacuation drama ‘13 Days, 13 Nights’

DUBAI: French Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri took to social media to share the teaser clip and poster for upcoming film “13 Days, 13 Nights” by director Martin Bourboulon this week.

The Afghanistan evacuation drama, the full title of which is “In The Hell Of Kabul: 13 Days, 13 Nights,” stars Khoudri alongside Danish BAFTA-winning “Borgen” star Sidse Babett Knudsen, Roschdy Zem (“Chocolat,” “Oh Mercy!”), and theater actor Christophe Montenez.

Set against US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, as the Taliban marches on Kabul, the film recounts the true story of French Commander Mohamed Bida who oversaw security at the French embassy, which was the last Western mission to remain open.

Commander Bida negotiated with the Taliban to organize an evacuation convoy with the help of Eva, a young French Afghan translator played by Khoudri.

The teaser trailer features aerial shots of hundreds of people attempting to leave Afghanistan, as well as close up shots of Zem who plays Commander Bida.

“This movie happens to be one of the most exciting challenges that has been offered to me. Firstly, there is this character based on a real-life person, whose fate intersects with history itself. Secondly, the context of fleeing your own country has left no one indifferent thus bringing us to a story within history, the one that we are interested in,” Zem said, according to a previous article by Deadline.

“It tells us how, in the heart of a recent drama, a few individuals only listened to their courage to save what many would consider dear, with the feeling that they were only doing what seemed right to them. Heroes, as many would call them, because they retain the most essential quality: humanity,” he added.

The film marks a change for Bourboulon after period dramas “The Three Musketeers – Part II: Milady,” “The Three Musketeers – Part I: D’Artagnan” and “Eiffel.”

Khoudri, 32, first rose to prominence in her role as Nedjma in Mounia Meddour’s critically acclaimed drama “Papicha.” For her work in the film, she won the Orizzonti Award for best actress at the 74th Venice Film Festival, and she was nominated in the Cesar Awards’ most promising actress category.

Khoudri also starred in the 2019 mini-series “Les Sauvages” and in 2016’s “Blood on the Docks.”

Notably, she was cast in Wes Anderson’s 2021 comedy “The French Dispatch” alongside Timothee Chalamet, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Owen Wilson.


Layali Diriyah brings art, culture, global flavors to its 4th edition

Layali Diriyah brings art, culture, global flavors to its 4th edition
Updated 18 February 2025
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Layali Diriyah brings art, culture, global flavors to its 4th edition

Layali Diriyah brings art, culture, global flavors to its 4th edition
  • Host of winter entertainment options celebrate ancient Saudi city’s history, identity 
  • Food, luxury retail, hands-on heritage activities among visitor attractions

RIYADH: Layali Diriyah, the immersive winter entertainment experience, is offering a range of cultural and culinary experiences that celebrate the identity and history of the ancient city of Diriyah.

Now in its fourth edition, the event offers live music, light displays, and a number of restaurants.

Asma Al-Shehri, one of the visitors, told Arab News: “The place is absolutely stunning, and it’s even more well-prepared than I expected. What impressed me the most was the incredible hospitality — the organizers are everywhere, ready to assist and welcome you.”

Layali Diriyah opened on Feb. 12, 2025 as part of Diriyah Season 24/25.

Food lovers can indulge in a selection of flavors at six cafes and nine restaurants, featuring both local and international cuisines. The event also includes 13 luxury retail stores, giving visitors access to renowned brands, unique handcrafted items, and winter-inspired food and beverage stalls.

A highlight of this year’s event is the “Chef’s Table Experience,” where visitors can enjoy exclusive dishes prepared for the occasion. This fine-dining experience, with its elegant winter atmosphere, adds a luxurious touch to the vibrant energy of Layali Diriyah.

Standout features of this year’s event include interactive art installations such as the palm frond bridge. Other attractions include traditional swings and live folk performances.

Visitors can also engage in hands-on heritage activities that celebrate Diriyah’s historical significance, allowing them to experience the traditions and customs that define the region.

Entry to Layali Diriyah is SR185 ($49) per person. Alternatively, visitors can book a table at one of the participating restaurants and pay the entrance fee through The Chefz app. The event also provides a shuttle service from designated parking areas.


Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion

Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion
Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion

Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion
  • Competition winners to display their work at Saudi Cup exhibition
  • Techniques include hand embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork

RIYADH: A fusion of tradition and innovation stole the spotlight at the Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition on Sunday, where local designers used age-old techniques to craft high-fashion pieces.

Held at Mansard Hotel – The Gallery in Riyadh, the event celebrated 10 winners whose designs honored the Kingdom’s rich cultural identity through embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork, and even 3D printing.

First-place winner Rand Al-Saif’s design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert landscapes of Hijaz and Tihama. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.

• ‘Sidrat Najd’ by Maha Al-Qahtani is an ethereal gown that integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.

“The ‘Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion’ initiative is a program designed to promote traditional Saudi attire within the contemporary fashion industry.

“It emphasizes Saudi cultural heritage, enhances and preserves Saudi cultural identity, and fosters local talent in creative design,” he told Arab News.

Second-place winner Maha Al-Qahtani stands next to her design, “Sidrat Najd,” a gown inspired by the sidr tree. The piece incorporates sustainability by using sidr fruit kernels wrapped in silver and adorned with Swarovski crystals. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Cakmak added: “By emphasizing Saudi culture at the forefront of the competition, we were able to foster creative talent to create new designs showcasing the vast heritage of Saudi in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Year of Handicrafts.’”

Rand Al-Saif’s winning design, “Saudiya,” is a five-piece ensemble showcasing intricate hand embroidery, natural dyeing, and traditional leatherwork — techniques deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia history.

“My design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert of Hijaz and Tihama,” Al-Saif said.

In second place was “Sidrat Najd” by Maha Al-Qahtani. Her ethereal gown integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.

“The name of my design is ‘Sidrat Najd,’ inspired by the sidr tree, which holds deep cultural significance in Saudi heritage,” she explained.

Third was “Bride of the Arabian Peninsula” by Ghaida Majdali, who took a bold and innovative approach.

“The fabric was worked on for 350 hours of hand embroidery, without any machine. The skirt is made of metal with 3D printing, covered in natural camel leather,” she said.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival announces 2025 dates

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival announces 2025 dates
Updated 17 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival announces 2025 dates

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival announces 2025 dates

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival has announced the dates for its fifth edition, with international celebrities set to touch down in Jeddah for the festival that will run from Dec. 4-13.

The event will take place at the film festival’s headquarters in Al-Balad, Jeddah.

Last year’s theme, “The New Home of Film,” celebrated the festival’s new headquarters Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2024 festival played host to more than 40,000 attendees and nearly 7,000 accredited guests, showcasing 122 films from 85 countries, including 61 premieres. A total of 302 screenings took place, with half of the films being world or international premieres, including 46 world premieres, 15 international premieres, and 53 MENA premieres.

The Al-Balad headquarters features five purpose-built cinemas and a large auditorium that hosted back-to-back screenings as well as In Conversation panels with celebrities.

Presided over by Spike Lee, the 2024 edition's two juries deliberated across 14 competition categories, with 16 feature films vying for top honors, alongside short films from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa featured in the New Saudi, New Cinema, and Arab Shorts programs.

Last year’s red carpet featured the likes of Emily Blunt, Aamir Khan, Mona Zaki, Viola Davis, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Other notable attendees included Michelle Yeoh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Johnny Depp, Yousra, Vin Diesel, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Brendan Fraser, Mohamed Sami, and more.