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AL-Monitor Riyadh: Saudi artists' exhibit in Jeddah and AlUla

This week, we guide you through exhibitions in Jeddah at Hayy Jameel surveying the experience of artists in cities across the world.

Riders compete during the first stage of the AlUla Tour cycling race from al-Manshiyah Train station to the al-Manshiyah Train Station, a 142.7 kilometers ride, in Alula, northwestern Saudi Arabia on January 28, 2025. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
Riders compete during the first stage of the AlUla Tour cycling race from al-Manshiyah Train station to the al-Manshiyah Train Station, a 142.7 kilometers ride, in Alula, northwestern Saudi Arabia on January 28, 2025. — LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images

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Leading the week: “We Saw an Endless Cycle”

Inspired by a poem by artist Seher Shah titled “We Saw an Endless Cycle,” this exhibition at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah reflects the various ways in which artists view cities. The exhibition, which runs until April 17, presents works by artists whose practice engages with the cities they dwell in and visit. They survey and record their experiences through physical movements such as walking or crawling. Such acts are then used to create artworks in a variety of media, including painting, writing, sculpture, drawing and mixed media installations that echo the metropolises they visit and live in.

Curated by Art Jameel’s Rotana Shaker, the exhibition features works by artists from Saudi Arabia and across the world. The exhibition also features archival materials and artworks from the Art Jameel Collection as well as loans and new commissions.

On view are works that reflect urban experiences in metropolises across the world, from busy streets in Guangzhou, Cairo and New York to ancient streets and marketplaces in Jerusalem and the Saudi port city of Jeddah, to the alluring North African city of Tunis and urban experiences in Lahore and Islamabad. In this poignant group show, artists showcase through their work how the cities we experience represent a myriad of cultures, collective imagination, challenges and hopes and dreams.

Location: Hayy Jameel, Al Muhammadiyah District, Jeddah 

Date: until April 17

Find more information here.

Word on the street: African Lounge
A view of the African Lounge in Riyadh (Courtesy of Tashas Group)

A view of the African Lounge in Riyadh (Courtesy of Tashas Group)

Inspired by the tented safari camps in Africa, this innovative lounge-restaurant concept merges the allure of Africa and Arabia within a delicious new space in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The new concept has been established under Tashas Group, of which fans of the stunning Flamingo Room in Dubai and Riyadh will be aware. The African Lounge, located in Al Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah overlooking the historic At-Turaif, the birthplace of the Saudi state, offers three unique concepts under one roof: a lounge bar, a dining area and a terrace with breathtaking views. The decor is undoubtedly Africa-inspired, relaxed albeit lavish. Dishes to try include the Calamari Sosaties, Butternut Curry and the Grilled Bao and traditional South African Bobotie.

Location: Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate 

Find more details here.

Riyadh diary
An exhibition view of "Reminiscence" by Maha Malluh during the AlUla Arts Festival. (Courtesy Royal Commission for AlUla)

An exhibition view of "Reminiscence" by Maha Malluh during the AlUla Arts Festival. (Courtesy Royal Commission for AlUla)

Maha Malluh: Reminiscence

Acclaimed Saudi artist Maha Malluh is showcasing her photograms in AlUla during the AlUla Arts Festival. Until April 19, the exhibition presents artworks she has created since 2005, showcasing her desire to preserve memories of her country during a period of rapid transformation. 

Location: AlUla, Old Town

Date: Until April 19

Find more details here.

Japan Cultural Days

Japanese culture and heritage will be celebrated across Ithra’s impressive venues during the Japan Cultural Days event held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture until Feb. 8. The program features the first Saudi concert of the Japanese music sensation Drum Tao, known for its performances merging traditional Taiko drumming and modern choreography. Other experiences include 15 hands-on workshops on everything from manga creations to sushi making and flower arranging, and free exhibitions. There’s also an interactive metaverse experience that enables participants to explore Tokyo as well as the opportunity to join a virtual traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Location: 8386 Ring Road, Gharb Al Dhahran 34461

Date: Until Feb. 8

Find more information here.

Neuma: The Forgotten Ceremony Art Installation and Exhibition

This exhibition presents a work jointly created by Saudi artist Sarah Brahim and French artist Ugo Schiavi, marking the first collaborative artwork embodying the identity of Villa Hegra — the Saudi-French institution set to open in central AlUla. The project presents an indoor exhibition at Dar Tantora in AlUla and an outdoor installation at Wadi Al Naam, including a striking 15-panel glass installation that appears to emerge from the desert sands. The project presents blown glass sculptures inspired by local stones in AlUla. It also includes a film charting the research process. 

Location: Dar Tantoura and Wadi Al Naam, AlUla

Date: Until Jan. 30

Find more information here.

Book of the week: “Bride of the Sea”
This novel by Saudi-American writer Eman Quotah offers a spellbinding tale of love, immigration, religion and family and a poignant portrait of loss and healing.

This novel by Saudi-American writer Eman Quotah offers a spellbinding tale of love, immigration, religion and family and a poignant portrait of loss and healing. The book tells the story of newlywed university students, Muneer and Saeedah, who are expecting their first child and about to divorce. Soon after their marriage ends, Muneer returns to Saudi Arabia, while Saeedah remains in Cleveland, Ohio, with their daughter, Hanadi. Out of growing fear of losing her daughter, Saeedah disappears with Hanadi, leaving Muneer to search for his daughter for years — the result of which not only changes the lives of Hanadi and her parents, but also their circle of friends. When Hanadi comes of age she realizes that she is in the center of a horrible conflict and torn between two cultures.

View from Riyadh
A view of Saudis in a car by Norah Al-Amri. Courtesy of Norah Al-Amri

A view of Saudis in a car by Norah Al-Amri. (Courtesy of Norah Al-Amri)

Riyadh-based award-winning photographer Norah Al-Amiri has become known for her images that capture everyday life in Saudi Arabia. Her focus is on Saudi culture and heritage during a time of great change for the nation. Through her captivating photographs, Amri offers outsiders and local Saudis another view of the kingdom.

By the numbers
  • According to US data platform PredictHQ, there will be 100 impactful events in Riyadh taking place over the next 90 days. Predicted attendance of these events is estimated at 8,273,129. These events are ones that disrupt normal operations or generate high levels of activity in an area.
  • One of Riyadh’s most notable culture events, the annual light exhibition Noor Riyadh, secured two new Guinness World Record titles for the fourth year in a row. The first went to Chris Levine for “the longest distance covered by a laser beam in a laser show,” and the second went to Saudi artist Rashid Al Shashai for his installation recognized as the “largest illuminated pyramid artwork made from recyclable materials.”