Sotheby’s to auction rare Islamic arms and armor collection
Updated 25 March 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Sotheby’s is set to showcase a collection of Islamic arms and armor, representing more than 500 years of history and spanning more than 100 lots in April in London, Dubai and at the biannual Arts of the Islamic World & India.
The collection presents the artistic traditions of numerous Islamic dynasties, from Spain to Indonesia, and is the result of over 50 years of study and acquisition by scholar-collector Philippe Gilles René Missillier (1949-2022).
The auction will take place on April 29 at Sotheby’s London, followed by the biannual Arts of the Islamic World & India sale on April 30.
The collection presents the artistic traditions of numerous Islamic dynasties, from Spain to Indonesia. (Supplied)
Prior to the auctions, highlights from the collection will be exhibited at Sotheby’s Dubai gallery in Dubai International Financial Center from April 7-11.
The collection highlights the technological evolution of weaponry, tracing developments from the equestrian age of chivalry through the gunpowder revolution and into the modern era.
The items showcase skilled craftsmanship, featuring vegetal and geometric patterns combined with calligraphy. Similar motifs appear across different weapons, highlighting the connections between Islamic art across time and place.
An exceptional Sabre presented to Claude Martin by Nawab Asaf Al-Dawla of Awadh, India, late 18th century (estimate £300,000-500,000). (Supplied)
Notable items include rare Mamluk and Aqqoyunlu pieces, as well as examples from the Safavid, Ottoman and Mughal empires. Highlights include artifacts from the Siege of Vienna’s Turkenbeute and the personal swords of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and French army officer Claude Martin.
Missillier, who assembled the collection over half a century, immersed himself in his field, visiting museums, attending auctions and studying reference works.
His collection was exhibited in Paris in 1988 as part of Splendour des Armes Orientales, the largest exhibition of its kind in the 20th and 21st centuries.
This upcoming sale marks the first public viewing of the collection since that exhibition.
Saudi Arabia returns to London Design Biennale with ‘Good Water’ pavilion
Updated 27 March 2025
Arab News
DHAHRAN: Saudi Arabia will participate at the London Design Biennale 2025 with “Good Water,” an exhibition exploring the hidden costs and economies of water, running from June 5-29 at Somerset House.
Commissioned by the Architecture and Design Commission, the pavilion is curated by a multidisciplinary design collective comprising Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan and Fahad bin Naif. Drawing on their backgrounds in architecture, design and the arts, they will challenge conventional notions of access, distribution and the perceived value of water.
Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said: “Saudi Arabia’s return to the London Design Biennale marks another chapter in our commitment to design as a tool for dialogue and cultural exchange. We look forward to engaging in conversations on creativity, innovation, and systems thinking during our fourth participation in the event.”
The exhibition responds to this year’s biennale theme “Surface Reflections,” by inviting visitors to reconsider their relationship with water.
At the heart of the Saudi pavilion is a sabeel, a traditional water fountain deeply rooted in Saudi culture that provides complimentary water to anyone who passes by. It is seen as a symbol of hospitality and generosity.
The sabeel, within this context, represents a paradox. While it offers water freely, the reality is that no water is truly free, the exhibition argues. Every drop is made possible through a network of labor, energy and infrastructure — whether extracted through costly desalination, bottled and imported or transported through vast water systems requiring maintenance and oversight. The cost is absorbed by governments, corporations, and workers, yet the long-term impact is shared by all.
In this showcase, “Good Water” repositions the sabeel not just as a gesture of goodwill, but as a question: Who pays for “free” water? What does it truly cost?
“The pavilion uses familiar elements to draw attention to water’s hidden economies,” said the participants Tarabzouni, Jamal, Kattan and bin Naif in a joint statement. “It encourages visitors to drink with awareness, to acknowledge the price, and to recognize that while the cost of good water may be borne by someone else, it ultimately affects everyone. By relocating the sabeel to the London Design Biennale—where water scarcity is not an immediate concern—we reframe it as an object of scrutiny, making the invisible visible and the passive active.”
In 2023, Saudi Arabia participated at the 4th London Design Biennale with a pavilion titled “Woven” by Ruba Alkhaldi and Lojain Rafaa.
ISLAMABAD: Zarnab Tahir struggled to catch her breath as the steep incline of the hiking trail at Islamabad’s picturesque Margalla Hills tested her endurance. Hiking can put one through physical exertion, especially when they do it on an empty stomach.
An hour before the sun sets and the call to prayer blares out from various mosques located in Pakistan’s capital city, a group of fitness enthusiasts take to the hiking trails in Margalla Hills National Park.
Islamabad Run With Us (IRU), which describes itself as Pakistan’s “pioneering running community,” is behind the pre-iftar hiking initiative.
“When you engage in pre-iftar [physical] activities during Ramadan, it gives you extra energy, an extra boost,” Qasim Naz, who founded IRU in 2016, told Arab News on hiking trail number three.
“And when someone joins in on an activity once or twice, they figure out it’s not that hard and they can sustain it comfortably.”
Participants hike up the mountain at the Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad on March 25, 2025, during an Arab News’ Ramadan special coverage of a pre-iftar hiking trend in Pakistani capital. (Photo courtesy: Handout/IRU)
Naz stresses that staying active during the holy month is essential. The IRU organizes five activities a week, which include two runs and three hikes.
“Either we can maintain our weight, or if our goal is weight loss, we can achieve it by being in a calorie deficit while eating a healthy diet and exercising,” Naz explained.
Tahir, 22, meanwhile said she was committed to reaching the top of hiking trail before sunset. This was the second time she was hiking with IRU.
She agreed with Naz that group activities are “much easier” to sustain.
“I think it is important to go at your own pace and it’s so much easier with the group,” Tahir, a content creator, told Arab News.
“If you go alone, it’s kind of more difficult and you are like really slow but if you go with the group you can maintain that pace and I think it’s much easier that way.”
Participants hike up the mountain at the Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad on March 25, 2025, during an Arab News’ Ramadan special coverage of a pre-iftar hiking trend in Pakistani capital. (Photo courtesy: Handout/IRU)
Mahwish Ashraf, a journalist associated with a foreign diplomatic mission in Islamabad, shared how she struggled the first time she went on a pre-iftar hike with IRU.
“The first time I was hiking, I returned from in between, I couldn’t complete it,” she admitted. “So, this is my second time hiking with the IRU, and gladly, I’m at the main point, the meeting point.”
Eraj Khan, a commercial specialist visiting from Australia to spend Ramadan with his family, said pre-iftar hikes give one “lots of energy.”
“For fat burning, it’s a great activity,” Khan said. “Especially because the last two hours of fasting are the hardest, most people feel really hungry. But so far, I’m loving it.”
As the clock continued to tick and evening settled in, the hikers began to pick up their pace. For Tahir, reaching the top of the trail before sunset was a victory in itself.
This aerial view shows the Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad on March 25, 2025, during an Arab News’ Ramadan special coverage of a pre-iftar hiking trend in Pakistani capital. (Photo courtesy: Handout/IRU)
She had pushed past exhaustion, embraced the challenge and proved to herself that she was capable of more than she thought she could achieve.
And according to her, hiking with the group made all the difference.
“The energy of the group keeps you going,” she said. “Even when you feel like stopping, you see everyone else moving forward, and you push through.”
Al-Oudah Mosque restoration in Diriyah revives Najdi heritage
Second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historic Mosques aims to preserve the mosque’s rich history and Najdi architectural heritage
Recognizing its cultural significance, the project will use traditional Najdi construction methods, including mud and natural materials suited to the desert climate
Updated 26 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The historic Al-Oudah Mosque in Diriyah, a key heritage site in Riyadh region, is being restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historic Mosques aims to preserve the mosque’s rich history and Najdi architectural heritage, restoring it to its former splendor.
One of the region’s oldest worship sites, Al-Oudah Mosque has been restored three times, with the last renovation about 15 years ago, according to the SPA.
Recognizing its cultural significance, the project will use traditional Najdi construction methods, including mud and natural materials suited to the desert climate.
The renovation will expand the mosque from 794 sq. m for 510 worshippers to 1,369 sq. m for 992 worshippers.
This expansion reflects a commitment to preserving history while meeting the community’s evolving needs, the SPA reported.
It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two of the project, which includes six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.
Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, in which 30 mosques were restored in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, the SPA reported.
The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.
Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.
The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.
Saudi creators bring a modern twist to ‘Fawazeer Ramadan’ for TikTok
Updated 26 March 2025
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: The “Fawazeer Ramadan” franchise, originally made famous in Egypt by iconic performers Nelly and Sherihan, has been reimagined for the TikTok generation.
The classic TV show, known for its musical riddles and whimsical performances, has been a staple of Ramadan entertainment for decades.
This year, Saudi creators Lama Najjar and Mohammed Subaie returned for their second year adapting the format, bringing a fresh and modern twist to the beloved show for a new audience.
“Honestly, it was such a fun and beautiful experience! When we first started, we never expected people to engage with it so much,” Najjar told Arab News.
“‘Fawazeer Ramadan’ is part of so many people’s memories, and it felt great to bring it back in a new way that fits today’s generation,” added Subaie. “TikTok gave us the space to connect directly with people and see their instant reactions to each episode.”
Lama Najjar, deeply involved in shaping the content, emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience. (Supplied)
As Ramadan comes to a close, the creators reflected on the evolution of the show, which featured challenges and riddles.
“This year, we wanted to bring new ideas and challenges that people might not expect,” said Subaie. “We’ve improved a lot in terms of filming and editing, and even the riddles themselves are a bit smarter and harder!”
Najjar, deeply involved in shaping the content, emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience. “Honestly, I like to be part of everything! From writing the riddles to choosing the ideas and how we present them. I love adding my personal touch and making sure the content feels close to the audience and reflects my style. And of course, interacting with the audience is a huge part of what I do — they’re the reason for our success, so I always want to make sure they feel connected,” she shared.
The show has resonated with younger audiences, many of whom are experiencing “Fawazeer Ramadan” for the first time, according to Subaie.
“Even those who never watched the original ‘Fawazeer’ are now loving the idea. People are waiting for each episode, and that’s the best proof that it connects with them,” said Subaie.
Your guide to Art Week Riyadh: From flagship shows to studio tours in JAX District
Updated 26 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh’s inaugural edition is set to take place from April 6-13 under the theme “At The Edge.” The event will feature works from more than 45 galleries, private and institutional collections, and a public program of talks — here is your guide to getting the best out of Art Week Riyadh.
First up, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the event’s flagship exhibition which is curated around three thematic threads — “Everyday Life,” “Landscapes,” and “Motifs.”
Bashaer Hawsawi’s ‘Warm Space 1,’ 2018, Red Broom with African Cloth. (Courtesy of Hafez Gallery and the artist)
The exhibition features contributions from prominent galleries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, including A. Gorgi Gallery (Tunisia), Ahlam Gallery (Saudi Arabia), Albareh Art Gallery (Bahrain), Al Markhiya Gallery (Qatar), L’Art Pur Gallery (Saudi Arabia), AV Gallery (Saudi Arabia), Ayyam Gallery (UAE, UK), Carbon 12 (UAE), Efie Gallery (UAE), Experimenter (India), Galerie Krinzinger (Austria), Gallery Misr (Egypt), Galerie La La Lande (France), Galleria Continua (Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Italy, UAE), Green Art Gallery (UAE), Hewar Art Gallery (Saudi Arabia), Hunna Art (Kuwait), Lawrie Shabibi (UAE), Layan Culture (Saudi Arabia), Le LAB (Egypt), Leila Heller Gallery (UAE, USA), Lisson Gallery (China, UK, USA), Mennour (France, UK), Nature Morte (India), Perrotin (China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, USA), Sabrina Amrani (Spain), Selma Feriani (Tunisia), The Pill® (France, Turkey), The Third Line (UAE), Tabari Artspace (UAE) and Wadi Finan Art Gallery (Jordan).
Al Mousa Center in central Riyadh
Up next, visitors should head over to the Al Mousa Center in central Riyadh where more than 15 galleries will present both solo and group exhibitions specially conceived for Art Week Riyadh.
Once a bustling commercial complex, the center is now a cultural destination that houses around 20 art galleries. Galleries participating in Art Week Riyadh include Abdullah Hammas Studio, Abstract Art Gallery, Ahlam Gallery, Alajilan Gallery, Alestudio, AMA Art Venue, Art Arif Gallery, Art Connection, AV Gallery, China Saudi Cultural Art Association, ERRM Art Gallery, Frame Art Gallery, Kadi Art Gallery, Kenz Gallery, Mahd Alfnon Gallery, Marsami Art Gallery, Ola Art Gallery, Takeib For Arts, Tequin Art Gallery, WHJ ALLON and Wrd Art Gallery.
Invited exhibitions
JAX District will also host three exhibitions by invited collections, offering a rare insight into Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural identity. Presented under the title “Collections in Dialogue,” these exhibitions emphasize the role of patronage and collecting in shaping and preserving visual culture.
The section includes a curated presentation of artworks from the collection of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Featuring works by artists such as Do Ho Suh, Maha Malluh, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Mohammad Alfaraj, Hazem Harb, Gregory Mahoney, Moath Alofi, and Sultan bin Fahad, the exhibition highlights the interplay between material memory, transformation, and the landscapes that shape identity.
Neïl Beloufa’s ‘Double Standard,’ canyon, 2024, MDF and rubbio varnish. Neil Beloufa, Adagp, Paris, 2025, Photo. Archives Mennour. (Courtesy the artist and Mennour, Paris)
Meanwhile, Art Jameel will present a selection of eight single-channel artworks from its collection that highlight the diverse and evolving landscape of experimental film and video art practices in the region. This presentation brings together video works by artists from Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, largely made in the 2010s, that reflect on a decade marked by profound transformations. Many of the featured works are early and foundational works by major artists such as Ahaad Alamoudi, Hiwa K, Bouchra Khalili, Basim Magdy, Ahmed Mater, and others.
Also, “Abstract Horizons: Three Generations of Saudi Art” by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) will go on show. Borrowing its title from a work by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem, the exhibition draws from SRMG’s collection to explore the progression of Saudi abstraction through the practices of key figures such as Al-Saleem, Abdulhalim Radwi and Taha Al-Sabban, who merged global influences with local traditions. Their legacy is reinterpreted by a new generation of creatives, including Raeda Ashour, Rashed AlShashai and Zaman Jassim.
Talks, workshops and studio tours
A series of talks and workshops will reflect on themes and questions facing the visual arts in Riyadh, more widely in Saudi Arabia, and around the world. Curated by Shumon Basar and titled “How to Art World? Lessons in Value,” the program will run at JAX District.
A “Moving Image” program will highlight the medium’s capacity to explore complex personal, cultural and social narratives, and feature the work of Theaster Gates, Zineb Sedira, Hicham Berrada, Bani Abidi, Laurent Grasso, Afra Al Dhaheri, Mohamed Bourouissa, Sarah Brahim, Farideh Lashai, and Hashel Al-Lamki.
At JAX District, some of Saudi Arabia’s leading artists — including Ahmed Mater, Ayman Zedani, Marwah AlMugait, and Muhannad Shono — will open the doors to their studios, while resident galleries Athr, Hafez and Lift will present a lineup of exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) will present the exhibitions titled “Art of the Kingdom” and “Adaptability Ceramics,” alongside a series of workshops and pop-ups.
