Saudi label Rebirth brings boho style to regional fashion scene 

Saudi label Rebirth brings boho style to regional fashion scene 
Riyadh-born Tala Abukhaled is the founder, designer, and creative director of the luxury bohemian ready-to-wear label Rebirth. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 August 2024
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Saudi label Rebirth brings boho style to regional fashion scene 

Saudi label Rebirth brings boho style to regional fashion scene 
  • ‘We want to tell stories through our pieces,’ says founder Tala Abukhaled 

RIYADH: Riyadh-born Tala Abukhaled is the founder, designer, and creative director of the luxury bohemian ready-to-wear label Rebirth. Established in 2021, the sustainable slow-fashion brand for men and women that is intended to celebrate and revive Saudi artistic heritage in unique, modern, statement pieces, reflecting the Kingdom’s current cultural transformation.  

Rebirth, Abukhaled tells Arab News, is related to “anything that has to do with being free, being connected to Earth, or being inspired by nature. It all comes back to that bohemian feel, using natural materials in the designs.  

“For me, what you wear reflects who you are,” she continues. “You can be whoever you want. It can give you confidence, even change the way you act, so it’s really important.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rebirth (@rebirth.sa)

Fashion has been a long-time passion for Abukhaled. “Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to do something in the creative field and the arts, but I didn’t decide what until I started applying for university. Growing up, I really did care about what I was wearing and styling my wardrobe, so that led me to (study for a) degree in fashion design and patternmaking (from French fashion institute ESMOD).”  

The bohemian — or “boho” — style that Abukhaled favors has long been associated with avant-garde non-conformists and has had a major impact on artistic styles over centuries. It generally promotes a free-spirited approach to creativity, borrowing from other art forms but not sticking to any rigid design doctrines. Natural color palettes, ethnic prints, and comfort are significant features of bohemian fashion. 

Social media has made boho styles even more popular, but the Kingdom has not previously produced a brand that identifies so obviously with the style. After some experimentation with her brand’s creative direction, it was this gap in the market that Abukhaled identified.  

“If I want to shop ‘luxury bohemian,’ it’s very hard to find and it’s not readily available everywhere,” she explains. “I really built on that idea.”  

However, it wasn’t just a market-research-driven decision, Abukhaled points out. “I’m kind of a reflection of my brand and its spirit,” she says. “A lot of people (assume) I’m from Jeddah, because it’s more beach-y and free-spirited, when actually I’m not.”  

Her latest collection takes inspiration from Saudi palm trees. It features beach resort-inspired garments including fishnet hoodies that nod to the historic coastal fishing trade to statement neck pieces that repurpose dried palm fronds. Boho is on full display in the collection’s eclectic mix of traditional materials — including flax seed, raffia, and palm wood beads — with modern designs.  

“I also made other collections like my line that incorporates bisht embroidery into the designs in a way that hasn’t been showcased before,” Abukhaled adds. “(And I’ve used) the shemagh in new colors and ways.”  

Her Bisht collection featured the titular embroidered embellishments on a bomber jacket, palazzo pants, and an asymmetrical choker top, as well as a redesign of the traditional shalki fabric into a corset top, which she called “A Modern Heirloom.”  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rebirth (@rebirth.sa)

“I hope that Rebirth preserves some art and culture,” she says. “We also want to tell stories through our pieces. Each one has a story to tell.” 

And those stories are not solely focused on the Kingdom. In October, Rebirth produced a line in honor of Palestine. An Instagram post for one of the pieces was accompanied by text that read: “Each stitch representing a thread of hope, the Palestinian embroidery will forever be engraved on our skin, and we’ve represented this sentiment by creating a piece from delicate white tulle finely stitched using the Palestinian embroidery method. The cuffs, which securely embrace your wrists, symbolize unity by lacing the rope through each loop of transparent fabric, signifying the diverse community we have become.”  

Abukhaled places great emphasis on sustainability for her brand. None of her pieces are mass-produced, instead she champions the circular production model, meaning each piece of fabric is used to its fullest extent.  

“Honestly it’s crazy how many leftover fabrics, dead stock, and even stitched garments go to waste each year,” she says. “I started noticing it even more when I started producing ethically. Going to malls or entering a store and seeing racks and racks of the same product just became so overwhelming.” she said.  

According to the US National Library of Medicine, the global fashion industry produces 92 million tons of waste annually. And that figure is expected to rise to 134 million by the end of 2030.  

“So, I felt like I needed to stress that,” says Abukhaled. “I love that sustainability is such a growing aspect globally now — and in KSA as well. It’s the fastest growing segment of fashion.”  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rebirth (@rebirth.sa)

However, the designer notes that sourcing sustainable materials means spending more money; a fact that has forced her to search out fabrics in Turkiye, India, and other countries. 

“Looking back to when I started, I got slapped left and right by the mistakes (I made),” she says. “But that’s the only way to learn when starting a business.  

“Don’t be afraid to ask for support from the government,” she adds, citing the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, (Monsha’at) and other programs including the Fashion Commission’s Saudi 100 Brands initiative as helpful resources.  

“They’re offering us so much support. You just need to know where to go. They’re there and ready to help you,” she said. 

That support is already helping Abukhaled to establish Rebirth on the global scene. She recently signed an agreement with New York concept store DOORS NYC, which will take the brand’s name to one of the world’s great fashion capitals.  

Abukhaled also promises that she’ll be announcing an “exciting project” soon, and suggests that boho enthusiasts “stay on the lookout.” 


Review: Experience luxury living at Shebara on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia

Review: Experience luxury living at Shebara on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Updated 41 min 10 sec ago
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Review: Experience luxury living at Shebara on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia

Review: Experience luxury living at Shebara on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
  • Can the Kingdom’s latest beach resort live up to its eye-watering price tag? 

RED SEA: Overwater villa resorts continue to attract holiday goers around the world, but the Kingdom’s latest beach resort, Shebara, on the Red Sea, is breaking the mold with its futuristic designs. 

It’s rare that a resort’s architecture is seen as its biggest draw, but that is exactly what Killa Design, the studio behind Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, has managed to achieve, with its silver stainless-steel pods that dot the ocean in a necklace-like curve 25 kilometers off Saudi Arabia’s coastline. 

The silver stainless-steel pods dot the ocean in a necklace-like curve 25 kilometers off Saudi Arabia’s coastline. (Supplied)

Most visitors will arrive from elsewhere in the Kingdom via the Red Sea International Airport. Currently an efficient two-hall operation — until developers build a larger airport set to welcome international flights — beach-ready tourists arrive at Shebara via a 30-40-minute boat ride or a 30-minute seaplane flight that departs from nearby the airport, which currently serves domestic flights from Jeddah and Riyadh. 

Sunlight reflects off the resort’s 73 orb-like villas as guests approach, with the mirrored surface of each pod changing from sunlight to sunset. Both the Beach Villas and the Overwater Villas are available with one or two bedrooms. 

The resort, which is reportedly powered entirely by an on-site solar farm, has all the amenities you would expect for the SAR9,000 (just under $2,400) nightly price tag (for a one-bedroom Beach Villa), but, as we said, it’s the spacious living spaces themselves that are the highlight. The luxe spa, well-kitted out gym and water sport offerings are really just there to complement the rooms, both the exteriors and interiors of which are worthy of a Bond film. 

The interiors — by Studio Paolo Ferrari — are a masterclass in experiential living. (Supplied)

The interiors — by Studio Paolo Ferrari — are a masterclass in experiential living: steel curves, pops of burnt orange, and leather-clad curved walls may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s an experience — one that comes with a reflective button-operated bar that sits like a giant beetle near the living area. 

A fully equipped kitchenette is a plus point for guests keen to use the various Nespresso gadgets. Trek over to the bathroom — even the one-bed Overwater Villa is a roomy 188 sq. meters — and you’ll be treated to a free-standing bathtub and separate, curved shower room. 

From the lights to the air conditioning and patio doors, it’s all touch screen or button-controlled. Hitting a switch triggers a swoosh as the French doors open to reveal endless blue sea, with a small dipping pool and two outdoor seating areas on a marble-clad deck. For guests seeking a little extra privacy while taking a dip, it should be noted that the overwater villas’ deck pool and sea-skimming overwater hammock area are not shielded from view.  

While there are similar resorts the world over, the architecture and fresh take on beach living make Shebara well worth a visit. (Supplied)

Guests travelling in larger groups are able to reserve an entire islet — the Beachfront Crown Villas Ensemble option, which includes a three-bedroom villa and three one-bedroom villas. The Beachfront Royal Villas Ensemble on the separate Sheybarah Island, featuring a private dock, is also available. This option boasts a four-bedroom villa and three one-bedroom villas.  

Walk or catch a buggy through beautifully landscaped soft dunes to the spa and you’ll be treated to a menu of massage, facial and hammam options. The post-treatment relaxation area, with the usual sauna-and-steam room mod cons, is a little on the small side. 

Dining options include iki.roe, serving modern Japanese-Nikkei cuisine; Ariamare, led by restaurateur Chef Marco Garfagnini whose menu offers Mediterranean flavors; Lunara, an international brasserie; and Saria Pool Bar & Grill, a beachside venue specializing in Levantine cuisine. Solera, an adults-only pool bar, is the ideal spot to watch a spectacular sunset with a mocktail in hand. 

Solera, an adults-only pool bar, is the ideal spot to watch a spectacular sunset with a mocktail in hand. (Supplied)

All in all, it’s as luxurious as it gets. But it has to be said that sea resorts do have to contend with more than their fair share of wear and tear due to the weather conditions they face. It is perhaps unfair to expect the resort’s many glass and steel surfaces to be crystal clear and brilliant all the time, but if we were nitpicking — and at this price point, we surely must — more attention could be paid to the details in the public areas as it all feeds into the experience. That being said, the rooms themselves are pristine. 

While Mother Nature does battle with the resort’s maintenance staff on a daily basis, she’s also the source of one of Shebara’s most stunning offerings; the snorkeling at this resort is a must as the Red Sea is famous for its diverse marine life, clear blue-green waters and colorful coral. 

While there are similar resorts the world over, the architecture and fresh take on beach living make Shebara well worth a visit. 


Valentine’s gift guide featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands

Valentine’s gift guide featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands
Updated 14 February 2025
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Valentine’s gift guide featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands

Valentine’s gift guide featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands

Explore this curated list of romantic gifts for Valentine's Day, featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands.

Ofa Jewelry

A timeless classic reimagined, this handcrafted ring is made from 18k solid gold and adorned with pink sapphires (SR2,890).

Kooheji Jewelry

This sleek horoof pendant from Kooheji is a statement of personal style. Nestled in a heart of shimmering mother of pearl and crafted in lustrous 18K gold, the graceful pendant hangs from a shimmering chain, offering a contemporary and meaningful expression of individuality (SR1,692.60).

Charmaleena Jewelry

The ca-love-graphy love necklace in yellow gold, paved with diamonds, is a luxurious and meaningful piece that symbolizes love. This elegant necklace is ideal for making a statement of devotion (SR3,795).

Alwaleef Perfumes

Yaqoot is a romantic fragrance with a captivating scent that begins with bergamot and concludes with the allure of musk and vanilla, leaving a distinctive, lasting presence (SR249).

Mihyar Brand

Mihyar’s stylish mix of metal, leather, and beaded bracelets reflect the latest trends and are suitable for any occasion (SR99).

Zyros Brand

This elegant rosary is a charming addition for the man who values style. Made from Faturan stone, it features 35 meticulously crafted red stones, making it suitable for daily use (SR119).

Alrajul Almotameez Brand

Handcrafted with attention to detail, these BOZCADA cufflinks exemplify high elegance and are perfect for any formal occasion (SR249).

 


A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia 

A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia 
Updated 14 February 2025
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A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia 

A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia 

RIYADH: Valentine’s Day is here! Couples in Saudi Arabia can celebrate the day at some of these unique fine dining restaurants, or plan a romantic getaway. 

Chotto Matte offers a captivating blend of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in a stunning setting at KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District). With breathtaking views and an atmosphere enhanced by live shows, it is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The special Valentine’s menu allows couples to savor innovative dishes while enjoying the city’s impressive skyline, making for an unforgettable evening.

“For our first Valentine’s Day in Riyadh, we are bringing together the bold flavors of Nikkei cuisine and the indulgence of selfcare.

"Guests can enjoy exclusive specials including White Chocolate & Matcha Heart dessert and Mariposa Rosa mocktail, alongside a special collaboration with RITUALS, who are gifting an exclusive wellbeing set.

"It’s all about celebrating love through taste, ambiance, and a touch of luxury,” said Kurt Zdesar, founder of Chotto Matte.

Brute sets the stage for a lively Latin-inspired celebration, featuring a curated menu that highlights the vibrant flavors of Latin America. Priced at SR850 ($226) per couple, this restaurant offers a festive atmosphere with live entertainment and a DJ, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy. Couples can indulge in delicious starters like shrimp chicharron and a classic surf and turf main course, all while enjoying the lively ambiance.

Guests at Clap can immerse themselves in a contemporary Japanese dining experience that exudes elegance and energy. For SR950 per couple, the meticulously crafted menu features sushi and sashimi paired with live entertainment. The electric atmosphere, combined with exquisite dishes, makes Clap an ideal destination for couples looking to celebrate their love in style. 

Scott’s, a renowned seafood icon, invites couples to indulge in a romantic four-course menu. The intimate setting, adorned with candlelight and live jazz, creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. Guests can look forward to a heart-shaped dessert that adds a sweet finish to their dining experience, ensuring smiles all around. 

Bringing a touch of New York to Riyadh, Raoul’s offers a charming atmosphere with live music and a carefully crafted menu. Couples can enjoy a delightful dining experience enhanced by the sounds of a live band. The menu features delectable dishes, including creamy risotto with shrimp, and an indulgent chocolate dessert, perfect for a romantic night out. 

Bador Al-Huthail, who was born and raised in New York, is delighted to be taking his wife to Raoul’s on Valentine’s Day, and said: “My wife and I always visited Raoul’s when we lived in New York, and now we’re continuing that tradition here in Riyadh.”

At Nozomi, contemporary Japanese dining meets refined romance. This elegant venue offers an enchanting setting complemented by live music, making it an ideal choice for couples. The menu boasts must-try items like marinated yellowtail and jumbo tiger prawns, ensuring a memorable dining experience filled with flavor and ambiance.

Madeo invites guests to savor a Tuscan love story with a curated Valentine’s menu that captures the essence of Italian tradition. Couples can enjoy a rich Tuscan-inspired menu in a cozy atmosphere, complete with live music, making it a perfect spot for intimate conversations and indulgent culinary delights.

For a unique Swiss dining experience, The Swiss Bistro offers a SR390 set menu for two. Couples can enjoy delicacies like salmon salad, Swiss cheese fondue, and roast beef tenderloin in a charming and rustic setting, perfect for a cozy and romantic evening. 

Sushi Samba Riyadh invites guests to embark on a culinary adventure on Friday. Priced at SR400 per person, the restaurant offers an optional Valentine’s set menu featuring an indulgent lineup of dishes crafted by its executive chef. With live entertainment, including a violinist, and delightful dessert giveaways, Sushi Samba creates a romantic atmosphere that ensures an unforgettable experience. 

Mohammed Taher, who is taking his wife to Sushi Samba, said: “My wife loves sushi, and with the stunning view from Sushi Samba in the KAFD area, it’s the ideal spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day … just the way she enjoys it.”

ROKA KSA elevates Valentine’s Day celebrations with an exclusive set menu priced at SR295 per person. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional Japanese cuisine, ROKA offers live DJ performances and romantic decor, creating an ambiance perfect for couples looking to celebrate love.

Mansard Riyadh features several signature restaurants — Carbone, Sadelle’s, and L’Ami Dave  — each offering exquisite dining experiences enhanced by romantic settings. From live music to caricature artists, the venue transforms into a haven of love, ensuring that every detail is crafted for an unforgettable evening. 

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, Jeddah’s resorts provide the perfect backdrop for love. Nothing is more enchanting than a trip featuring spa treatments and stunning beach views. The Narcissus Hotel and Spa stands out with its breathtaking view of Jeddah’s north coast, offering 60 villas of various sizes, from junior to royal, ensuring a luxurious stay. 

Another favored location for a quick escape is Durrat Al-Arus, known for its secluded villas that come with private beaches and pools. This bustling resort, popular among locals, offers a variety of activities, making it ideal for families as well. 

Couples can also explore the breathtaking Harrat Viewpoint in AlUla, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. 

Climbing the impressive terrain of Harrat Uwayrid rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort, and AlUla Oasis. The natural beauty provides a romantic backdrop for couples looking to connect with nature and each other.


Akon, Lil Baby to headline MDLBEAST concerts at Formula E Prix Jeddah 2025

Akon, Lil Baby to headline MDLBEAST concerts at Formula E Prix Jeddah 2025
Updated 13 February 2025
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Akon, Lil Baby to headline MDLBEAST concerts at Formula E Prix Jeddah 2025

Akon, Lil Baby to headline MDLBEAST concerts at Formula E Prix Jeddah 2025

DUBAI: Akon and Lil Baby are set to perform at the Formula E Prix this weekend in Jeddah, MDLBEAST announced on Thursday.

The global music powerhouse is bringing the stars to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Feb. 14 and 15, adding a dynamic entertainment element to the high-speed racing event.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jeddah E-Prix (@jeddaheprix)

Akon, the Senegalese American singer, producer and entrepreneur known for hits like “Smack That” and “Lonely,” will take the stage on Feb. 14.

Sharing the night with him are Egyptian singer Ruby and rap sensation Wegz.

On Feb. 15, Atlanta rap star Lil Baby — renowned for chart-toppers like “Drip Too Hard” and “Woah” — will bring his signature energy to the stage.

The night will also feature Kuwaiti group Miami Band and Egyptian electronic trio Disco Misr.
 


Saudi-Spanish artist Hana Maatouk discusses her debut solo show ‘Worlds Within’

Saudi-Spanish artist Hana Maatouk discusses her debut solo show ‘Worlds Within’
Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi-Spanish artist Hana Maatouk discusses her debut solo show ‘Worlds Within’

Saudi-Spanish artist Hana Maatouk discusses her debut solo show ‘Worlds Within’
  • ‘I’ve been dabbling with the fantastical,’ says Hana Maatouk

RIYADH: Saudi-Spanish artist Hana Maatouk loves giving gifts. As a child, she presented each member of her family with a comic, abstract doodle that she felt embodied them. “I would narrate my feelings or my response to an event through images,” she tells Arab News.  

Now, her work has drawn crowds in New York to her first solo show, the conclusion of a four-month residency with downtown art space Chinatown Soup. 

Through her work, Maatouk explores Saudi Arabia’s evolving socio-political landscape and her personal memories of growing up there. In that solo exhibition, “Worlds Within,” which took place at NYC Culture Club last month, Maatouk used memory not as the main narrative, but as a way to examine the present.  

"Memory from Omra," 2022. (Supplied)

“Initially, I thought I was going to archive my personal memory and make fantastical images based on my personal narrative. But when I started, I realized that my fascination with memory actually goes beyond myself,” she said.  

“Worlds Within” was part of “Within Reach” — a show encompassing a number of exhibitions celebrating the 2024 class of undergraduate visual arts students from Columbia University, where Maatouk studied, and Barnard College. Maatouk’s vibrant, surrealist work was heavily inspired by the 12th-century Andalusian mystic Ibn Arabi and his philosophical concept of divine time and space.  

During her residency at Chinatown Soup, Maatouk intended to create a picture for every significant memory she has, even if it was just a quick sketch. And what she realized in the process was that her relationship to memory is very much rooted in emotions and images rather than language.  

"The Rocks Are Witness," 2024. (Supplied)

She came into her residency with the work she had created for her thesis, in which the predominant color was a bold red. Her later works slowly developed out of that, and even referenced the doodles she had made as a child.  

One piece, a drawing in charcoal, is a depiction of her memory of Umrah, which she performed with her father and brother when she was around 12 years old. There are no photographs of their trip, so the painting was purely based on her memory. “I still recall the feeling of the white tile beneath my feet. Our pace. My eyes observing, witnessing,” she says. “When I showed that picture to my brother, he was like, ‘Yeah, that’s how I felt it as well.’”  

This piece became “significant in the development of my visual language,” she adds, “because of the fleeting figures. If you look towards the top and the peripheries, the ‘figure’ turns into a simple arc, which becomes a unit on its own. Visually, I reduced the information down to the most basic cell that could still represent a figure but also carry many meanings in its abstraction.”  

"In Two," 2025. (Supplied)

In her discussions with others about her work, a recurring theme was just how unreliable memories can be. This led the artist to explore other questions, such as why we define memory based on what it is not.  

“It’s almost like we’ve pitted memory against fact and made it unreliable in its definition. But what if its power is that it can transcend time and space — that it exists, actually, outside of those two things? It incorporates those two things. But it exists beyond them. It’s timeless,” she says.  

Hana Maatouk. (Supplied)

While the show consists mainly of paintings, Maatouk has trained in many mediums, including sculpture, installation, printmaking, and photography. “I don’t have one particular medium that is ‘it’ forever, I think it’s just a matter of what language fits the idea that I’m working with,” she says. “With painting, most recently, I’ve been dabbling with the fantastical, the fictional, and the mythological, because painting, in its essence, is an illusion. You’re making three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional plane. It already has elements of the fantastical embedded in it. So, when I was writing these narratives about the changes I was observing in Saudi Arabia, it made sense to do it in painting.”  

As the daughter of a Saudi father and Spanish mother, Maatouk says there are aspects of her cultural background, history, and perspective that she’s eager to translate through her work. The challenge is taking these elements outside of their cultural realm to new audiences.  

“My audience (for the latest exhibition was) a New York audience, and actually, at the opening, my friend Sarah, who’s American, brought a friend to the show, and I asked her which piece resonated, and she pointed to the one of Umrah,” she says. 

“What makes a good work for me… I think about it in terms of an emotional transfer. I love to see the work resonating with people in an emotional way, where they feel like something in them was seen in the work.”