Merwas — Riyadh’s beating heart of creativity

Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, Merwas fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, along with hosting workshops, networking sessions, and community events. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub/Supplied)
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Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, Merwas fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, along with hosting workshops, networking sessions, and community events. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub/Supplied)
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Updated 20 April 2024
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Merwas — Riyadh’s beating heart of creativity

Merwas — Riyadh’s beating heart of creativity
  • World’s largest music production studio is nurturing Saudi talent, streamlining local industry

RIYADH: Riyadh’s Merwas, considered the biggest art and entertainment factory globally, is proving to be one of Saudi Arabia’s greatest music industry assets.

Nada Al-Tuwaijri, co-founder and CEO of Merwas, told Arab News that the facility, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest music production studio, “is home to all artists.”

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She added: “The methodology behind it is to create solutions through the subsidiaries, and invest in both talent and infrastructure.

“Alongside it being a one-stop shop for all content creators, we strive to take our local talents from local to global and create a unique stamp in the industry.”




Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, Merwas fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, along with hosting workshops, networking sessions, and community events. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub/Supplied)

The entertainment zone and audiovisual production studio, located in Boulevard Riyadh City, houses 22 main studios alongside its academy.

Some of the top musicians in the world have visited Merwas since it opened in 2022. These include DJ Khaled, the acclaimed Saudi singer Rabeh Saqer, and the Emirati singer Ahlam. Afrojack, a world-renowned Dutch DJ and producer, also led an electronic music boot camp to nurture local talent and inspire a new generation of Saudi artists.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Merwas, located in Boulevard Riyadh City, houses 22 main studios alongside its academy.

• The academy’s classes offer local creatives and artists direct access to seasoned expertise.

• The Earth Sound Studio, or ESS, named after the late Saudi composer Talal Maddah.

Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, the culture factory fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, while providing artists with access to top-tier services, facilities and industry expertise.




Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, Merwas fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, along with hosting workshops, networking sessions, and community events. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub/Supplied)

The Earth Sound Studio, or ESS, named after the late Saudi composer Talal Maddah, features state-of-the-art technology, such as the SSL console, which is used to create depth on music tracks and ensures the true soul of the artist’s voice is protected.

This live recording space is booked almost every day by various artists, and has been used by some of the Arab region’s biggest stars.




The facility, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest music production studio, is home to all artists according to co-founder Nada Al-Tuwaijri. (Supplied)

One of the only five Neve consoles in the world can be found in the Neve Studio. The panel is known for its high-quality sound and warmth, and is ideal for music recording, vocal tracking, and mixing for exceptional audio quality.

Its live studio can accommodate over 120 orchestra members and their instruments to provide a unique recording experience.




Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, Merwas fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, along with hosting workshops, networking sessions, and community events. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub/Supplied)

Specifically designed for electronic music production, the EMP Suite is a DJ’s dream, with cutting edge synthesizers and digital audio workstations ensuring an artist leaves the room with a fully produced track.

Merwas is also home to three production suites, designed for content creators who require a comfortable and professional environment for music production, editing, and mixing. Each suite is equipped with industry-standard gear, software, and acoustics to support a wide range of projects.




Nada Al-Tuwaijri, Merwas cofounder and CEO

The studio also provides private rehearsal spaces to ensure Saudi talents are nourished to their full potential. The versatile space is designed for musicians, performers, and other artists to rehearse and refine their craft within a comfortable environment with access to instruments and equipment.

Part of the charm of recording studios is the live jam sessions that have given birth to some of the most iconic records to date. Merwas’ Band Live/Control Room also captures the spontaneity of live performance within its soundproof walls.

Alongside (Merwas) being a one-stop shop for all content creators, we strive to take our local talents from local to global and create a unique stamp in the industry.

Nada Al-Tuwaijri, Merwas cofounder and CEO

Championing audiovisual pursuits, the studio has made space for high-quality podcasts and videos to come to life.

The podcast suite and FM radio recording spaces are tailored to immerse listeners with unbeatable audio clarity, while the 25-meter-long Green Screen room helps ideas come to life, whether commercial, film, or music video.




Spread across almost 5,000 square meters, Merwas fosters creativity, collaboration, and the production of multimedia content, along with hosting workshops, networking sessions, and community events. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub/Supplied)

Material can then be edited at the color-grading suite, which is essentially a small theater with 4K projector. Producers, directors, writers, and engineers gather here to put the final visual touches on video projects through its DaVinci color grading software and hardware.

Academy Classes offers local creatives and artists direct access to seasoned expertise. These feature advanced stations for sound production, engineering, and technical programs, with everything necessary for a basic understanding and training of music production.

The studio hosts workshops, networking sessions, and community events in an effort to flourish the music industry locally while making it a magnet for international talent. Anyone can be a part of this community by booking a suite or signing up for a workshop on their website merwas.sa.

Merwas has positioned itself at the the forefront of the entertainment industry being the first of its kind in the MENA region. In less than a year since its launch, it has already became a hotspot for musicians across the globe to visit and utilize its services, from rising talents to international A-listers.

Founded by Al-Tuwaijri and Chief Content Officer Rumian Al-Rumayyan in partnership with Sela, Merwas treasures Saudi creativity and is a vital part of building an ecosystem and community for local artists.

Their partnership with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has set a new focus on preserving the rights of local creatives, pillared by the aim to enrich the culture of the Kingdom while empowering its citizens and their creativity in an environment of abundant knowledge, education in culture, art, entertainment and music.

 


Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom
Updated 4 sec ago
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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom
  • Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have reported multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Security officers in Asir region arrested two Ethiopians for smuggling 4 kg of qat, and two Yemenis with 10 kg of qat, in separate operations in Al-Farsha governorate. 

In addition, officers in Jazan region arrested three Ethiopians for selling amphetamine; and in Jeddah, a citizen was arrested for selling hashish.

Border Guard patrols in Al-Dayer governorate, Jazan, thwarted the smuggling of 116 kg of hashish; and in another operation, two Yemenis were arrested for smuggling 240 kg of qat.

Border Guard patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboah sector thwarted the smuggling of 32,900 medically-regulated tablets, and arrested five Ethiopians for smuggling 100 kg of qat.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.

The authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. 

Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah

Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah
Updated 50 min 38 sec ago
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Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah

Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah
  • The goal of the museum is to become a global cultural hub celebrating Saudi Arabia’s heritage.
  • The museum will cover more than 40,000 sq. meters

RIYADH: Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz, the wife of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced the launch of Misk Heritage Museum program “Asaan,” a cultural institution expected to open in the coming years in Diriyah.

The goal of the museum, backed by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk,” is to become a global cultural hub celebrating Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

It will play a key role in cultural sustainability through various exhibitions and educational programs.

“Asaan will showcase the Kingdom’s rich legacy, including artifacts, customs, and societal values,” Princess Sara, chairperson of Asaan, said in a statement.

“Our goal is to cultivate a generation that takes pride in its heritage and actively works to preserve and revitalize it.”

The museum will cover more than 40,000 sq. meters and will feature Zaha Hadid Architects’ designs, and blend traditional Najdi architecture with contemporary creativity.

Exhibits will include thousands of heritage artifacts that illustrate Saudi history and cultural evolution.

The site will also feature permanent exhibitions, art galleries, an arts courtyard, and the “Asaan’s Majlis,” a dedicated space for dialogue, workshops, and cultural discussions.

The museum will also house conservation laboratories and interactive learning programs, providing visitors with immersive experiences that bring Saudi history and traditions to life.

Princess Sara is a strong advocate for cultural preservation and empowerment, particularly in supporting young people and individuals with disabilities through educational and professional initiatives. Her efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on heritage conservation and national identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Asaan is expected to become a major cultural landmark, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in heritage preservation and its commitment to celebrating its historical legacy on a global stage.

 


US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh

US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh
Updated 17 February 2025
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US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh

US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh

RIYADH: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday on his first tour of the Middle East as Washington’s top diplomat. 

Rubio’s plane earlier took off from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, bound for Riyadh, where he is set to meet Saudi leaders including his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. 

Rubio is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia in preparation for direct talks between US and Russian officials in the coming days to seek an end to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The trip follows last week’s telephone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Trump said they “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.”


SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Updated 31 min 40 sec ago
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SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
  • Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible

ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)

The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.

The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.

In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.

• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)

The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.

But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.

This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)

This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.

“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.

The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.

“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”

Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)

In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.

Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.

Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.

They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”

For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”

The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.

“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”

As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.

“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”

Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.

Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”

With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.

Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.

Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.

Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.

Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.

Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Natalie Al-Sarraj is a visual storyteller and film studies graduate, who explores untold stories through film and digital media.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.

Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.

 


Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.