AL-Monitor Riyadh: Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui’s art and sound in AlUla

Leading the week: Lebanese artist and composer Tarek Atoui in AlUla

Lebanese artist and composer Tarek Atoui is presenting his work in “Bayt Al Hams” (“The Whispering House”), an interactive exhibition at AlWarsha Space in AlUa that explores the interplay between materials and sound. Atoui, born in Beirut and now based in Paris, has spent the past 10 years developing unique musical instruments that incorporate organic materials. In late January, in the ancient desert region of AlUla, Atoui made use of these new instruments in the opening performance for the AlUla Arts Festival. 

The musical performance was not conventional. On the stage, located in the AlJadidah district of AlUla, was a carpet covered with branches, stones and various electrical devices. In the center of the stage was a stone basin filled with water and fitted with microphones, while a table in a side corner was decked with different-colored fabrics that appeared as if they had been taken from a nearby local tailor. A few instruments appeared on stage, including a mixing board, a ride cymbal and a few drums. Although the audience was intrigued by the unusual setup, it came as no surprise to those familiar with Atoui's work, which is known for incorporating unexpected objects into his performances.

That evening, Atoui performed alongside French percussionist Toma Gouband and students from music schools across AlUla, marking the launch of the festival and his exhibition “Bayt Al-Hams” — Arabic for “The Whispering House” — at AlWarsha Space, which runs until April 19.

In both his performance and the exhibition, Atoui challenges traditional notions of music, blending performance art and sound with the natural landscape of AlUla.

Although the performance has ended, Atoui's interactive installation continues to explore the relationship between materials and sound, inviting visitors to experiment with his unconventional instruments. One piece features chains that dangle toward a cymbal, while another uses an ink pad that reacts to the body’s electricity to produce deep bass notes. The exhibition also offers a glimpse into the early stages of Atoui’s commissioned three-year project for AlUla’s upcoming Contemporary Art Museum.

Date: Until April 19

Location: AlWarsha Space, AlUla

Find more information here.

Word on the street: Attache

An exterior view of Attache in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. (Courtesy of Attache)

The latest buzz in Riyadh’s food and entertainment scene centers around Attache, a new cultural members' hub created by the team behind Saudi entertainment giant MDLBeast and designed by Jeddah-based architecture and design studio Bricklab. Located on the grounds of a former equestrian club in the Diplomatic Quarter, Attache offers a sophisticated, multisensory experience. Visitors can enjoy weekly music events, a restaurant serving international flavors with farm-to-table dishes, indoor and outdoor dining options, dance rooms, and versatile spaces for private and corporate events.

Blending modern design with the charm of an adapted historic structure, Attache provides a refined and vibrant setting for social gatherings. Notable menu highlights include the Japanese Wagyu tartare, Norwegian pave of salmon, roasted corn salad and the irresistible twice-baked Swiss comte souffle.

Location: Al Safarat

Find more information here.

Riyadh diary

A view of Layali’s setting in Diriyah, Riyadh. (Courtesy of Diriyah)

Layali Diriyah

As part of Diriyah Season 2024-25, the popular Layali festival returns for its fourth edition, offering an immersive winter experience that celebrates Diriyah's rich history and culture. Visitors can enjoy live music, interactive light displays, performances, and a variety of local and international dishes from six cafes and nine restaurants. The event also features 13 luxury retail stores showcasing top brands and handcrafted items.

For a special evening, try the Chef’s Table Experience with exclusive dishes. Don’t miss the palm frond bridge, where live folk performances create a vibrant cultural atmosphere. 

Date: Until April 11

Location: Al Ain Al Jadidah, Al Bujairi, Diriyah

Find more information here.

“A World of Silence” at L’Art Pur Foundation

Curated by Christiane Ashkar, this contemporary sculpture exhibition fosters cultural exchange between artists from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, showcasing works by Hassan Kamel, Maged Mekhail, Naguib Moein, Mohamed Radwan, Mohamed Fayoumy, Mohammed Al Thagafi, Alia Al Tokhais and Talal Al-Tokhais.

Hosted at L'Art Pur Foundation in Riyadh — founded by Princess Adwaa bint Yazid Bin Abdallah in 1999 — the exhibition supports cultural and artistic awareness while celebrating both emerging and established Saudi artists.

Date: Until April 17

Location: L’Art Pur Foundation, Takhassusi Street, Riyadh

Find more information here.

Ramadan shopping in Souq Al-Zal

For authentic Ramadan gifts, visit Souq Al-Zal in Diriyah, where you’ll find artisanal crafts, perfumes, abayas, cosmetics, fabrics and more. Operating since 1901, it’s reputed to be Riyadh’s oldest and largest antique marketplace, offering incense, textiles, perfumes, clothing and more.

Translated as “carpet market,” Souq Al-Zal is also the perfect spot to shop for stunning hand-woven carpets from the region and beyond.

Date: Open daily

Location: Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Street, Diriyah

Find more information here.

Book of the week: “Saudi Dates — A Portrait of the Sacred Fruit”

This beautiful tome, published by luxury publisher Assouline and created in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, delves into the heritage of date palms, which can be spotted across the landscapes of the kingdom and offers what has been referred to as “sacred fruit.” Dates have long been referenced in the Holy Quran and throughout the region for their sustenance and for the date palm’s ability to provide shelter. The book features original photography by Oliver Pilcher and illustrations by Rafael Alterior.

View from Riyadh

Majid Angawi for Chaumet celebrating Saudi National Day. (Courtesy of Majid Angawi)

Based in Jeddah, Majid Angawi is the founder of MA Creative Studio, specializing in high-end jewelry and fashion photography, as well as creative visuals crafted by local artists. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Arabia and showcased in art exhibitions at venues such as ATHR Gallery and Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. Angawi is known for his distinctive approach to retouching, infusing his photographs with rich vibrancy, and incorporating analogue photography techniques to create a compelling bridge between the past and the present.

By the numbers

• Over 200 million palm trees spread across 1.5 million hectares annually yield an impressive 9.7 million tons of dates, according to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Waste and Agriculture.
• Saudi Arabia presently imports 80% of its food but is working to increase domestic production in line with Vision 2030 goals.