Saudi Arabia’s Tuwaiq Sculpture exhibition opens doors to art, cultural exchange

Special Saudi Arabia’s Tuwaiq Sculpture exhibition opens doors to art, cultural exchange
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Saudi sculptor Lamia Moraished. (Tuwaiq Sculpture)
Special Saudi Arabia’s Tuwaiq Sculpture exhibition opens doors to art, cultural exchange
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Iranian sculptor Sahar Khalaji. (Tuwaiq Sculpture)
Special Saudi Arabia’s Tuwaiq Sculpture exhibition opens doors to art, cultural exchange
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Egyptian sculptor Ahmed Karaly. (Tuwaiq Sculpture)
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Updated 18 February 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Tuwaiq Sculpture exhibition opens doors to art, cultural exchange

Saudi Arabia’s Tuwaiq Sculpture exhibition opens doors to art, cultural exchange
  • Held under the theme ‘Dimensions of Movement,’ symposium is spotlighting 30 artists from around the world
  • Lamia Moraished: ‘The symposium wasn’t just about contributing a piece, but it was also a global cultural experience’

RIYADH: In the past month, 30 artists from 20 countries carved and sculpted their way through raw stone. Now, the annual Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium has opened its doors to the public, displaying their large-scale public works until Feb. 24 just north of ROSHN Front.

Under the theme “Dimensions of Movement,” each artist explored the progress and expansion they all witnessed across the Kingdom, specifically Riyadh, in their own language. The symposium is curated by Head Curator Marek Wolynski, and Associate Curator Fahad Al-Jebreen.

Wolynski told Arab News: “‘Dimensions of Movement’ pays tribute to how society can develop and integrate progress within daily life. I’m hoping that (it) captures a moment in time and serves as a point of reference for the generations to come.”

Once the sculptures are relocated to public spaces across the Kingdom’s capital, he hopes they will reflect the optimism, passion, and dynamism embedded within Saudi society.

The 30 artists not only carved raw granite into large-scale artworks, but also shared breakfasts and dinners, enjoyed cultural exchanges and Sunday excursions, demonstrating that Tuwaiq’s goal is to forge collaboration between artist communities around the world.

“It’s not only about the production of sculptures, it’s predominantly about the exchange of knowledge and transfer of skills that happens between artists themselves,” Wolynski said.

The program received an unprecedented 700 applications from 84 countries. After careful selection by the jury panel, 30 artists were selected from Saudi Arabia, China, India, Iran, through to the Arab world, Europe and South America, including Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, and others.

Spanish artist Jordi Raga has developed methodologies that combine constructive and subtractive techniques using manual and digital technologies. The work intends to behave as a sundial during the summer solstice.

Influenced by the notions of progress and evolution, Raga has centered two of Saudi Arabia’s most vibrant cities, Riyadh and Makkah, in his artwork titled “The Spark,” which combines techniques of manual and digital technologies. Using 3D software, he predicted a shadow that points from Riyadh to Makkah on June 21, reflecting the importance of will and hope as a driver of progress and evolution.

“The spark is the beginning of a chain reaction. So, all progress can create a revolution … I believe art is a catalyst as well,” Raga told Arab News.

The Spanish artist’s practice also champions sustainability. At Tuwaiq, he made a point to generate a spatial experience with minimal materials and waste.

The cohort features 10 Saudi artists, half of whom are women. Artist Azhar Saeed centered her work, titled “Extension,” around the Kingdom’s multitude of pioneering feats in various fields.

“It symbolizes an extension of past efforts, from the Kingdom’s foundation until now. The country is experiencing the largest construction renaissance in the modern Arab world, so we as Saudis are working quickly and ambitiously to cope with this change,” she told Arab News.

The five stone pieces, derived from the geometrical shape of honeycombs, are a nod to the essential component of cooperation between various projects under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Saudi artist Lamia Moraished’s sculpture consists of horizontal columns resting on natural-textured stone pieces. The work intends to evoke a feeling of firmness and solidity even while in movement.

“The symposium wasn’t just about contributing a piece, but it was also a global cultural experience. We created friendships, exchanged knowledge and cultures, and learned about sculptural heritage in other countries as well,” she told Arab News.

The program also incorporates public engagement through ongoing workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses, and university and school visits. The program was designed to “allow for the community to embrace the transformation on different levels,” Wolynski said.

“This is very important, especially for children to see different models for things they can do in the future. If they see art, they can think maybe to become creators in multiple fields, so that’s already a catalyst,” Raga noted.


Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 

Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 
Updated 19 November 2024
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Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 

Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 

DUBAI: Saudi-born Jordanian royal Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein attended a ceremony marking the inauguration of the first ordinary session of the 20th Parliament in Amman on Monday, marking her second public appearance since the birth of her first child this summer. 

The royal showed off an elegant black ensemble for the occasion, complete with an oversized belt by Dior and pumps by Chloe. The look was finished off with the Goji Mini Bag in Black by Jill Sander. 

Princess Rajwa was photographed alongside Queen Rania, who showed off a red look courtesy of Maison Valentino and Altuzarra. 

Princess Rajwa made her first public appearance since the birth of Princess Iman bint Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II at a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match in October. 

On August 3, 2024, the royal welcomed her first child, Princess Iman, with Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah. 

At her birth, Jordan’s King Abdullah posted a tribute to his granddaughter on social media. Translated from Arabic, the post read: "I thank God for giving us our first granddaughter Iman bint Hussein. I congratulate beloved Hussein and Rajwa for their newborn.

“We ask God to raise her well and protect her for her parents. You have lit up our family.”

Princess Rajwa, who celebrated her 30th birthday in April, is the daughter of late Saudi businessman Khalid bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saif, who died in January this year, and his wife, Azza bint Nayef Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Sudairi.


Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market
Updated 19 November 2024
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Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

DUBAI: Skincare and makeup brand Flormar is planning to triple the number of its stores in Saudi Arabia over the next four to five years to meet the demand of a burgeoning and increasingly competitive market.

Established in Milan, Italy, in the late 1950s, the company is now headquartered in Turkiye. Arab News spoke to CEO Matthieu Gomart about why he is so keen to increase the brand’s presence — currently 25 outlets — in the Kingdom.

“The beauty market in the Middle East — and specifically in Saudi Arabia — is quite dynamic,” he explained. “They have double-digit growth, making it one of our most exciting markets.”

Flormar has undergone something of a transformation in recent years, refining its product lines and formulations to appeal to a broader, more discerning audience. 

(Supplied)

Gomart said the brand’s approach has evolved to focus “on high-quality makeup at affordable prices” that aligned with skincare and ethical beauty trends. 

The company’s clean and vegan products, designed to enhance skin health, have been particularly well-received among Saudi consumers, he added, noting an increasing appetite for natural ingredients and skin-friendly formulations. 

(Supplied)

It is a trend highlighted by panelists at Riyadh’s Hia Hub beauty conference in October. Industry insiders, such as Chalhoub Group president Patrick Chalhoub, told Arab News the under-30 demographic “use skincare products more frequently and are willing to experiment with innovative products, even with brands that are not necessarily very popular.”

With an entire conference dedicated to growing the Kingdom’s skincare market, it is no wonder Flormar has identified it as a target segment.

Gomart said Saudi consumers were also embracing innovations such as “skinification” — adding skincare benefits to makeup products.

To meet this demand, Flormar is adapting its offerings to include sun protection and hydration in its makeup line.

“Saudis have a strong appetite for those nutrients,” he said.

Flormar’s growth includes partnerships with local retailers, distribution through pharmacy chains, and plans to expand its e-commerce footprint.

“We are happy to be contributing to the rise of self-expression in Saudi Arabia,” Gomart added.


‘Fictional Landscapes’ exhibition brings together 28 women artists in Dubai

‘Fictional Landscapes’ exhibition brings together 28 women artists in Dubai
Alisa Gallery Alexandra Paperno Untitled, 2018 (From Drawing Lesson series) Video, 6 min Edition 5
Updated 18 November 2024
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‘Fictional Landscapes’ exhibition brings together 28 women artists in Dubai

‘Fictional Landscapes’ exhibition brings together 28 women artists in Dubai

DUBAI: Set to run until Dec. 15, art exhibition “Fictional Landscapes” features the work of 28 women artists from across the world at Foundry Downtown Dubai in the UAE.

The show brings together creatives from the UAE, Russia, Iran, Armenia, India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Iceland, the US and beyond in a bid to explore the commonalities between women’s experiences.

Led by a three-person curatorial team — Nadine Khalil, Alisa Bagdonaite, and Serafima Kostrova — organizers made a point of working with women-led galleries.

The show “offers a platform for voices that have historically been underrepresented, particularly women artists interpreting landscapes through their own cultural lens,” Bagdonaite told Arab News, adding that the project aims to “(amplify) 28 women’s voices in a way that is recognized on a global scale.”

The exhibition features both established and emerging artists, including Anna Afonina, Maryam Ashkanian, Mary Badalian, Anna Fobia, Anna Komarova, Liudmila Konstantinova, Taisia Korotkova, Olya Kroytor, Lilia Li-Mi-Yan and Katherina Sadovsky, Katerina Lukina, Oksana Mas, Almagul Menlibayeva, Irina Nakhova, Lisa Olshanskaya, Alexandra Paperno, Vasilisa Palianina, Lidia Russkova-Hasaya, Diana Shliman, Sofya Skidan, Olga Tatarintsev, Irina Zatulovskaya, and Asia Zaslavskaya well as UAE-based artists Richi Bhatia, Olia Breva, Sophiya Khwaja, Sara Masinaei, and Fatima Uzdenova.

“Despite the varied geographical and socio-political backgrounds of the artists showcased in ‘Fictional Landscapes,’ a shared resonance emerges, creating a cohesive narrative that transcends individual origins,” Bagdonaite said.

Through a range of media, including textile, video, painting, and performance, “Fictional Landscapes” explores how environments extend beyond physical terrains to embody mental and emotional spaces shaped by memory, identity, and migration.

“(We) prioritized diversity in artistic medium and perspective, selecting artists from various regions who engage in both traditional and innovative forms … the artists were not only chosen for their aesthetic contributions but also for their commitment to examining challenging topics like migration, identity, changing landscapes and gender dynamics, all through the lens of womanhood and resilience,” Bagdonaite explained.

“What is so pertinent in ‘Fictional Landscapes’ is that the artists’ works collectively evokes a conversation around mutual discovery and understanding, enabling a richer, more intriguing experience,” she added.

When asked to share a particular piece that resonated with her, Bagdonaite pointed to Alexandra Paperno’s “Canceled Constellations.”

“(It) represents constellations that were once recognized and named but later ‘canceled’ by the International Astronomical Union in 1922. This project speaks to the human tendency to draw boundaries — even in the stars — while also reminding us of what remains beyond our control and unites us all.”


‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar puts spotlight on Pakistani art and architecture through the ages 

‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar puts spotlight on Pakistani art and architecture through the ages 
Updated 17 November 2024
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‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar puts spotlight on Pakistani art and architecture through the ages 

‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar puts spotlight on Pakistani art and architecture through the ages 
  • Exhibition features more than 200 paintings, videos, sculptures and installations from the 1940s to the present 
  • Exhibition will run at the National Museum of Qatar until Jan. 31, 2025

DOHA: A three-month art and architecture exhibition in Doha featuring the works of renowned Pakistanis from the 1940s to the present highlights the South Asian country’s diverse art scene and brings the evolution of art and architecture in the region to a global audience. 

Titled “Manzar,” which can be translated from Urdu to mean scene, view, landscape or perspective, the exhibition includes more than 200 paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, installations, tapestries and miniatures from celebrated Pakistani artists. It has been organized by an Art Mill Museum team and will run at the National Museum of Qatar until Jan. 31, 2025. 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al-Thani, inaugurated the exhibition in Doha last week. 

“Pakistan’s art scene is less well known in the world compared to other art scenes and for us art historians it is absolutely fascinating to be able to share it with the world,” Caroline Hancock, senior curator of modern and contemporary art at the Art Mill Museum, told Arab News.

“We wanted to recount an expansive notion of this place, not limited by drawn and imposed borders, but true to the porosity and transnational interconnections of cultural expressions (in Pakistan).”

‘Flowers: Gardens of Paradise’ (2021) by Hamra Abbas at the ‘Manzar’ exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Courtesy of Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Zarmeene Shah, director of graduate studies at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi, the co-curator for Manzar, described the exhibition as “exceptionally significant.” 

“Because we never see such a body of noteworthy work come together in a single space, as most of these artworks live in private collections, inaccessible to the public, which is why Manzar offers an incomparable opportunity for audiences to engage with these masterpieces, and to explore how art and architecture have responded to, and reshaped, the nation’s social and political narratives,” Shah told Arab News. 

“Our aim is to start a conversation and not provide a definitive showcase.”

The exhibition, designed by eminent Pakistani architect Raza Ali Dada, integrates architecture and art to chart the thought processes, resistance struggles and achievements of the artistic and architectural community of the South Asian country. 

The exhibition runs thematically and opens with works by pioneering artists such as Abdur Rahman Chughtai and Zainul Abedin, who produced stellar works of art during British colonial rule from 1858-1947 and continued after Pakistan was born as a separate nation out of united India. 

A video installation titled ‘Disruption as Rapture’ by Shahzia Sikander (2016), displayed at the ‘Manzar’ exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Indeed, the partition of 1947 is a significant theme for many Pakistani artists at the exhibition, including Anna Molka Ahmed, Zarina and Bani Abidi. The exhibition also features the aesthetic experiments of artists such as Shakir Ali, Zubeida Agha, Murtaja Baseer and Sadequain, whose deeply personal modes of expression are rooted in the vibrant urban centers of Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which embody diverse artistic responses to historical and cultural shifts in the region.

Zahoor Ul-Akhlaq, Imran Mir and Rasheed Araeen — known for their multidisciplinary approaches, involvement in educational initiatives, and theoretical writings challenging Western art history and traditions at home and internationally — are also featured, as are influential figures of different generations such as Salima Hashmi, Quddus Mirza, Lala Rukh, Aisha Khalid and Durriya Kazi.

Important diaspora artists whose work is part of the exhibition include Naiza Khan in London, Ruby Chishti, Huma Bhabha, Iftikhar and Elizabeth Dadi and Salman Toor in New York, Bani Abidi in Berlin, Basir Mahmood in Amsterdam, Seher Shah in Barcelona and Khadim Ali in Sydney.

The exhibition also sheds light on contributions by foreign architects who reshaped Pakistan’s landscape and articulated the ambitions of its institutions through landmark projects. These include French artist Michel Ecochard, who designed the first university in the southern city of Karachi, and Greek artist Konstantínos Doxiadis, the lead architect who planned Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. 

Manzar also explores Pakistan’s engagement with the debate on regionalism in architecture through the works of influential architects such as Nayyar Ali Dada and Kamil Khan Mumtaz from Lahore, alongside Yasmeen Lari, Habib Fida Ali, and Arif Hasan from Karachi. 

The exhibition extends to the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani with a range of outdoor and indoor installations, as well as a film and video program. Renowned architect Yasmeen Lari, who works in the intersection of architecture and social justice, has exhibited bamboo shelters designed as emergency open-source housing for flood victims, in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan.

Additionally, the art collective Karachi LaJamia is exhibiting a project addressing the environmental crisis in the province of Sindh. Many of these contemporary projects emphasize the themes of sustainability and ecology, reflecting a growing urgency to address environmental issues through art and architecture.

“Manzar is an exhibition that truly reflects how everyone from the discourse of art and architecture seem in constant conversation, in dialogue about the environment, either the political environment or the ecological environment,” Karachi-based architect Marvi Mazhar said during a panel discussion, saying Manzar had brought into the spotlight the political and ecological changes the region has undergone through the decades. 

“We have always faced heartbreaks, be it the partition, or the formation of East Pakistan (present day Bangladesh) or other movements such as the politics of land and water. Yet historically we collectively ride the tide, through forging diverse practices and sensitivity to their connection to the wider history of modern and contemporary art.”


Ayman Al-Zubaidi: Bringing authentic Saudi flavors to London’s culinary scene

Ayman Al-Zubaidi: Bringing authentic Saudi flavors to London’s culinary scene
Updated 15 November 2024
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Ayman Al-Zubaidi: Bringing authentic Saudi flavors to London’s culinary scene

Ayman Al-Zubaidi: Bringing authentic Saudi flavors to London’s culinary scene
  • The founder of London’s Hijazi Corner was hopeless in the kitchen, but his move abroad sparked a desire to recreate the cuisine of his homeland 

LONDON: Ayman Al-Zubaidi — the acclaimed chef behind Hijazi Corner, London’s first Saudi Arabian restaurant — has cooked for dignitaries, diplomats, celebrities and even the Kingdom’s royal family. But his most discerning critics were waiting for him much closer to home. 

In 2021, after several years living in London, Al-Zubaidi came home to Jeddah. But instead of the football shirt his family had pictured him wearing after his UK studies in sports science, he returned in chef whites. It was a transformation that no one saw coming — least of all him. 

Growing up in Jeddah’s Al-Sabeel district with his sister and three brothers, Al-Zubaidi could barely boil his own water. The kitchen was strictly his mother’s territory, and his late-night culinary ventures didn’t go far beyond packets of instant noodles. But now, the tables had turned, and his mother was seated as his guest. 

Hijazi Corner is London’s first Saudi Arabian restaurant. (Supplied)

“When I first moved to the UK, I was clueless in the kitchen, so I called her for help,” Al-Zubaidi tells Arab News from his restaurant in London’s de facto Arab district of Edgware Road. It was her loving mentorship that laid the foundations for his culinary journey, shaping his path to becoming one of London’s most distinctive chefs. 

“When any chef starts to speak about food, they talk about their mum. Her chicken kabsa is a bit oily, a bit shiny and looks amazing — even just talking about it now I become hungry,” Al-Zubaidi says. “But even if I had the same ingredients and made it the same way, hers would always taste better.” 

Building on family recipes honed over decades by his ancestors in Yemen, Al Zubaidi’s Hijazi Corner is the only place in the UK capital where Saudis can find a true taste of home. 

Lined with thick carpets and ornate window paneling evoking the buildings of Jeddah’s Al-Balad historical district, its menu is full of comforting favorites drawn from across the Kingdom’s western coastal region — chicken seelag, slow-roasted lamb haneeth and delicate, flaky samboosek. 

Al-Zubaidi with Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid and the latter's wife. (Supplied)

“From the richest person to the poorest person in Saudi Arabia, we eat the same food,” he says. “When we celebrate, when we grieve, when we are happy or sad, we get masoub (banana pudding) or motabbaq (thin layers of pastry stuffed with meat).” 

Al-Zubaidi’s path to the kitchen was anything but conventional. As a teenager eager to learn English, he set his sights on the UK, drawn by what he called “a love for the accent,” and made the leap in 2017. After completing his language course, he switched tracks to study sports. But somewhere between lectures and life abroad, homesickness hit in the form of a craving for the familiar flavors of Arabia. 

“In London, you can find plenty of Turkish, Kurdish, Indian, even Malaysian options — but nothing from Saudi,” he explains. “So I decided to make it myself.” He began recreating the comforting dishes of home in his small Clapham flat, selling them cash-in-hand to fellow Saudis in search of an authentic taste of the Kingdom. 

But the secret didn’t stay a secret for long. Soon, his passion found a new platform — Snapchat. 

Al-Zubaidi shared short videos of his cooking process, garnishing each clip with personal moments and mouth-watering close-ups of Saudi dishes. His humble videos quickly gained a loyal fanbase, and orders poured in from every corner of the city — particularly as COVID took hold in the early months of 2020. 

“People from the Saudi embassy added me, people from Aramco working in London added me. Saudis living here, working here, growing up here — plus lots of foreign people who had been to my country and tried this food before.” 

What started as a side hustle quickly evolved into a pop-up, and by 2023, into a brick-and-mortar restaurant where Londoners could finally experience the authentic flavors of Saudi Arabia. 

During the pop-up stage, Al-Zubaidi’s Snapchat followers became more than fans; they became enablers of his culinary vision, bringing a piece of Saudi Arabia to his London kitchen. Whenever one of his followers planned a trip from Saudi to the UK, they’d reach out, asking if he needed any hard-to-find ingredients. 

Al-Zubaidi’s requests were simple but essential — fragrant spices, fresh dill, and most importantly, the special pastry sheets that he just couldn’t source in London.   

“I’d say ‘I need the real pastry for samosa.’ And they’d bring it for me,” he says. 

The enthusiasm was mutual. His followers were just as eager to bring these reminders of home, knowing he’d transform them into the dishes they missed. 

Yet not everyone was as supportive. As he juggled his studies and the pop-up, criticism began to surface, especially from former friends back home. 

“They mocked me,” he recalls. “They’d say things like, ‘You went to the UK to study, and now you’re just selling food?’” 

Influencers he approached for social-media support brushed him off with dismissive remarks. But Al-Zubaidi was undeterred, finding new friends and switching his studies from sport to cooking. With a network of loyal clients and the backing of a few new investors he had met along the way, he began seriously considering a restaurant. 

One wealthy friend, who had seen the young chef’s determination, urged him to take the plunge. After months of hard work studying knife skills, mastering Saudi dishes, and learning the restaurant business inside out, Al-Zubaidi took the leap. 

Two years after opening its doors, Hijazi Corner is a definite success, becoming one of London’s top-rated Middle Eastern eateries. It’s perpetually packed with diners, and has become a go-to spot for celebrities, diplomats, and dignitaries from the Arab world and beyond, all seeking an authentic taste of Saudi Arabia. 

After showcasing Saudi cuisine at several festivals and events, on National Day this September, Al-Zubaidi received a special honor — an invitation to the Kingdom’s embassy in London. 

The recognition came after HRH Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, visited Hijazi Corner and was so impressed that he mentioned it by name in his National Day speech. Al-Zubaidi, overcome with pride, shed tears of joy.  

“I am proud of what I’ve achieved, but I haven’t finished yet,” he says. “This is just the beginning—there’s so much more of Saudi culture I want to share with the world.”