Elyanna wows fans at Outside Lands music festival 

Elyanna wows fans at Outside Lands music festival 
People in the crowd held up the Palestinian flag during her set. (Getty Images)
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Updated 13 August 2024
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Elyanna wows fans at Outside Lands music festival 

Elyanna wows fans at Outside Lands music festival 

DUBAI: Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna wowed the audience at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco this week. 

The artist performed popular hits, including the viral “Ganeni,” along with “Mama Eh,” “Ghareeb Alay,” and “Woledto,” blending dance and musical influences from Arab culture into her set.

People in the crowd held up the Palestinian flag during her set.




Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna performed at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco. (Getty Images)

The 22-year-old music sensation wore a long-sleeved, semi-sheer dress made of delicate, web-like lace material, with metallic embellishments and silver sequins adding a touch of shimmer. 

The dress featured cutouts at the midriff and legs, along with an asymmetrical hemline and fringe details.

The Los-Angeles based singer’s music uniquely fuses Arabic and Western beats, a reflection of her multicultural upbringing. Throughout her career, she has worked to normalize Arabic lyrics in the Western music scene, drawing inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, and Middle Eastern icon Fayrouz.

Earlier this week, Elyanna teased an upcoming collaboration with British band Coldplay, rapper Little Simz, Nigerian singer Burna Boy and Argentine singer Tini that is set to drop on Aug. 23. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Coldplay (@coldplay)

The song, titled “We Pray,” is from Coldplay's upcoming album “Moon Music,” scheduled for release on Oct. 4. The singers previously performed it in June at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival.

Last month, Elyanna – who was the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at California’s Coachella music festival in 2023 – announced that she is expanding her world tour “Woledto,” with new dates and locations in Europe.

The tour, from Oct. 5 to Dec. 16, will have 30 stops.

“The Woledto Tour from North America to Europe! See you soon,” she wrote to her 1.5 million followers on Instagram at the time.

Her fans quickly took to the comments section, requesting gigs in Lebanon, Dubai, Los Angeles, Australia, Barcelona, Lisbon, Milan and more.

In May this year, she made her television debut on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

Elyanna delivered a medley of hits from her debut album including “Callin’ U (Tamally Maak)” and “Mama Eh,” the first song performed entirely in Arabic on the show.


‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three

‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three
Updated 11 September 2024
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‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three

‘I Am Georgina’ highlights Saudi Arabia in first trailer for season three

DUBAI: After two successful seasons, “Soy Georgina” (“I Am Georgina”) is set to return to Netflix with a third season on Sept. 18 that highlights star Georgina Rodriguez's life in Saudi Arabia, according to a trailer dropped by the streaming giant today.

The new season will give a peek inside power couple Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxurious new life in Saudi Arabia, a move that took place in Dec. 2022 when the Portuguese football legend signed with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The trailer begins with shots of Rodriguez in AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s historic UNESCO heritage site, as she poses in front of the Instagram-famous mirrored Maraya Concert Hall.

There is a strong focus on her long-term partnership with Ronaldo as she’s seen supporting from the stands at various football matches.

The trailer also briefly spotlights Rodriguez and her family – including the couple’s children and her stepson Cristiano Jr. – at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia.

Light-hearted moments show the family spending time at the dinner table at their Saudi home, laughing and making conversation.

The trailer also prominently features Rodriguez at Paris Fashion Week, waiting nervously backstage as she gets ready to walk the runway for Swiss fashion label Vetements.


Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show

Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show
Updated 11 September 2024
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Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show

Lindsay Lohan, part-Arab models stun at Michael Kors show

DUBAI: Dubai-based Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan was spotted at the Michael Kors show during New York Fashion Week, where she watched part-Arab models Nora Attal and Loli Bahia walk the runway.

Lohan wore a sleek silver satin slip dress paired with a long grey coat featuring a fur collar. She kept her look minimal with subtle jewelry and straight, flowing hair.

Lohan wore a sleek silver satin slip dress paired with a long grey coat featuring a fur collar. (Getty Images)

The show took place in a cavernous space in midtown, with stark metal benches lining the rectangular walls. Gigantic faux black rocks were scattered throughout the center and sides of the venue, similar to the rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast. The dramatic Italian cliffs in an urban setting played into Kors’ abstract inspiration.

Lohan watched as the Arab models graced the runway. Attal wore a strapless black lace midi dress with a deep sweetheart neckline and a small center cutout, accentuated by a belted waist that added structure to the silhouette.

Attal wore a strapless black lace midi dress with a deep sweetheart neckline. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bahia was seen in a tailored black ensemble, featuring a sharp blazer with a plunging neckline and high-waisted shorts, cinched at the waist with a thin black belt for a sleek, minimalist look.

For this collection Kors told The Associated Press that he was “glued” to pop culture and was especially fascinated by the recent Netflix series “Ripley,” based on Patricia Highsmith’s classic novel, “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” The dark story is set in coastal Italy where a man who covets a friend’s wealthy life kills him and takes over his identity, killing anyone else who threatens his new persona.

Bahia was seen in a tailored black ensemble, featuring a sharp blazer with a plunging neckline and high-waisted shorts. (Getty Images)

“There’s lots of texture, black raffia, white embroideries. Everything is very tactile,” Kors explained. “It’s all the colors that you would find in the Mediterranean. So all of the natural colors have very soft browns and creams. And then of course, there’s going to be blue.”

The brand’s craftsmanship was on display with intricate peekaboo lace dresses and skirts and several dresses, skirts and coats adorned with flower appliqué. Accessories stood out in the collection with leather handbags, hats and shoes teeming with black raffia that looked like leather straw. The ever-present trench coat appeared for men and women on the runway, mostly oversized and slouchy, AP noted.  


Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

DUBAI: The burgeoning Saudi film industry is going from strength to strength.

On Tuesday, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, took to X to reveal that the Saudi box office has made SAR 421.8 million ($112,410,096) in the first half of 2024, adding that two of the three leading films were Saudi-produced. He did not reveal the names of the two films.

“Saudi box office sales have reached 8.5 million tickets with revenues exceeding 421.8m SAR during the first half of 2024. Two of the best-selling films amongst the top 3 are Saudi #SaudiVision20230,” he wrote.

Saudi Arabia’s cinema scene has been booming since lifting its 35-year ban in 2018. With 66 theaters across 22 cities and box office sales reaching $919 million in 2023 (up 25% from 2022), the industry is growing at a rapid pace.

While Hollywood films like Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and Tom Cruise-starring “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” have contributed to ticket sales, Saudi films have also been making a mark.

Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami’s Riyadh-based thriller “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) has been a success since it was released at the beginning of 2024, soaring to the top of the Saudi box office following its screening at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. The film tells the story of Fahad, who, after getting fired from a call centre, takes a job as a night courier who illegally sells alcohol in order to save his ailing father.

“Sattar,” the Saudi Arabian family comedy about a depressed man who follows his dreams of becoming a freestyle wrestling champion, smashed box office records last year, earning $2.2 million over its first 12 days, instantly making it the highest-grossing Saudi movie of all time, so far.

 


New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage

New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage
Updated 10 September 2024
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New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage

New partnership to conserve AlUla’s cultural heritage
  • National Archives will work with the commission in four broad areas: training and scientific exchange, archival research, public programming, and digitization
  • Abeer Al-Akel: Our partnership with the National Archives exemplifies the power of international collaboration

JEDDAH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has signed a partnership agreement with the UK National Archives in line with the commission’s goals of cultural heritage preservation, international collaboration, and contribution to Vision 2030.

Through its expertise in archival management and historical documentation, the National Archives will work with the commission in four broad areas: training and scientific exchange, archival research, public programming, and digitization. Specific initiatives will focus on joint research projects, digital archive initiatives, and cultural exhibitions.

Abeer Al-Akel, acting CEO of the commission, said: “RCU’s campaign of comprehensive regeneration is transforming AlUla into a global hub for heritage and culture — and an extraordinary location for residents and visitors. Our commitment to conservation supports Vision 2030’s goal of promoting Saudi culture through initiatives that are ‘powered by the past, reimagined for the future.’

“Our partnership with the National Archives exemplifies the power of international collaboration, combining expertise and resources from Saudi Arabia and the UK to enhance cultural heritage research and public programming.”

Saul Nasse, chief executive and keeper of the National Archives, said: “Working with the Royal Commission for AlUla is an opportunity to share our pioneering work in documenting and safeguarding heritage. RCU has an ambitious strategy to preserve the rich stories of northwest Arabia, and we look forward to contributing our insights and experience.”

Through this collaboration, RCU and the National Archives aim to enhance the visibility of Saudi documentary heritage and strengthen the capacity of local archives to provide wide access to these invaluable resources, further solidifying AlUla’s position as a global hub for cultural preservation and exploration.


Tory Burch taps Loli Bahia for New York show

Tory Burch taps Loli Bahia for New York show
Updated 10 September 2024
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Tory Burch taps Loli Bahia for New York show

Tory Burch taps Loli Bahia for New York show

DUBAI: American designer Tory Burch unveiled a collection imbued with the spirit of sport — but without venturing into sportswear — at New York Fashion Week this week, with French Algerian model Loli Bahia walking the runway.

Freedom and movement were reflected in loose-fitting wool pants and wrap dresses, while power shone through in the assembly of different pieces, fabrics and cuts on the models marching down the catwalk, AFP reported.

Bahia showcased one of these looks, donning a sleek, structured black ensemble with asymmetrical cuts and overlapping panels that gave it a modern, deconstructed feel. The top had a wrap-like structure with subtle ties on the front, while the skirt featured a high slit. 

Bahia donned a sleek, structured black ensemble with asymmetrical cuts and overlapping panels that gave it a modern, deconstructed feel. (Getty Images)

The outfit, from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, was completed with bold, oversized statement earrings and classic black peep-toe heels.

Bahia was joined by Mona Tougaard, who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry. 

Tougaard graced the runway wearing a sleeveless, cropped black top with a V-neckline, paired with a voluminous, flowy white skirt that had a layered, ruffled design. The skirt featured delicate draping and soft pleats. She wore neutral-tone open-toe heels and had her slicked-back. 

Tougaard graced the runway wearing a sleeveless, cropped black top with a V-neckline, paired with a voluminous, flowy white skirt that had a layered, ruffled design. (Getty Images)

Other standout looks from the show included an ensemble of ultra-light suede pants with a rope belt and a skin-tight sweater patterned in red and white.

A transparent white jersey shirt with ruffles and overly long sleeves was paired with its formal counterpart, brown wool pants.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TORY BURCH (@toryburch)

With this collection, the Pennsylvania native broke from the style that made her famous, a combination of preppy New England with a touch of the bohemian.

“It’s more about the spirit and the essence of sport,” Burch, whose shows have become a staple of New York Fashion Week, told AFP.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TORY BURCH (@toryburch)

That means it is about “movement, about freedom, precision” as a starting point, she explained, adding: “The word ‘synchronicity’ was something I thought about.”

 “I wanted to be careful with not having too many different prints, but I wanted it to come across in some textures and the fabrics and the color,” Burch, who this year celebrated the 20th anniversary of her eponymous fashion house, said.