Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates Saudi creativity and heritage

Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates Saudi creativity and heritage
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Atelier Hekayat. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)
Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates Saudi creativity and heritage
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(AN/ Huda Bashatah)
Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates Saudi creativity and heritage
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(AN/ Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 23 October 2024
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Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates Saudi creativity and heritage

Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates Saudi creativity and heritage

DUBAI: The second day of Riyadh Fashion Week unfolded with a vibrant celebration of Saudi fashion, featuring an impressive lineup of six runway shows. Notable designers included Waad Aloqaili, Fatima Abdulqader, Khawla Alaiban, Ashwaq Al-Marshad, Atelier Hekayat and a grand finale by Yahya Albishri. Each designer brought their unique vision and cultural influence to the fore, illustrating the dynamic evolution of Saudi fashion.

One of the standout presentations came from Ashwaq Al-Marshad, who debuted her “Fahdah” collection. Drawing inspiration from the influential women in her life, Al-Marshad’s collection encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and elegance. The fabrics used — opulent lace, flowing chiffon and luxurious silks — reflect a timeless aesthetic that is both sophisticated and feminine. A particularly striking feature of her collection is a light pink hue reminiscent of her mother’s engagement dress, symbolizing grace and femininity.




Ashwaq Al-Marshad. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

Al-Marshad also paid tribute to her grandmother, showcasing a stunning burgundy dress paired with a delicate sheer headscarf. The intricate hand-embroidery of flowers creates a captivating 3D effect, adding depth and artistry to each piece. The haute couture collection not only highlights Al-Marshad’s craftsmanship, but also celebrates the legacy of strong women, with an emotional nod to her daughter, Fahdah.

Reem Al-Suwaidi, a prominent fashion blogger, expressed her admiration for Al-Marshad’s collection, saying: “I’m in love with the designs. I’m so proud of Ashwaq; I’m actually wearing Ashwaq couture today.” She added: “The craftsmanship is exquisite. Each piece tells a story, and you can feel the emotions behind them.” Al-Suwaidi also highlighted the launch of Al-Marshad’s new heels, crafted in Milan, which complemented the exquisite pieces showcased on the runway. She praised the color palette and intricate embroidery, noting her enthusiasm for the burgundy elements: “The richness of the burgundy pieces just captivates you. Ashwaq has truly outdone herself.”




 (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

Following Al-Marshad’s emotionally charged presentation, Atelier Hekayat took to the runway with its show “Hotel De Hekayat.” The designers aimed to capture the essence of love through their collection, presenting 30 unique designs representing 30 different hotel rooms. Each design tells a story, with the audience left to interpret which room holds the most significance. The interactive concept was a creative twist that engaged viewers on a deep level.

“We are always on a journey to find love, and our show reflects that,” said Alia Oraif, a designer with Atelier Hekayat. “Each piece is inspired by a different room, each with its own narrative. It’s up to the viewer to decide which story resonates the most.” The label also introduced its signature “etoile de Jeddah” print, reimagined this year in vibrant colors. “We wanted to infuse more life and energy into our designs while staying true to our roots,” the designers added. The incorporation of the popular Arabian leopard print highlighted a significant cultural element of Saudi heritage.




Atelier Hekayat. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

As Riyadh Fashion Week continues to showcase the talent of local designers, it is clear that the event is not just about fashion; it is a celebration of culture, legacy and creativity. Each designer brings their own narrative to the runway, contributing to a rich tapestry of stories that reflects the diverse influences shaping Saudi fashion today.

The success of the second day of RFW is indicative of the growing impact of Saudi designers on both the local and international fashion scenes. With each collection, they challenge conventions, push boundaries and elevate the art of fashion, establishing a unique identity that resonates with audiences around the world.


Ed Sheeran to headline Abu Dhabi’s Offlimits Music Festival in 2025

Ed Sheeran to headline Abu Dhabi’s Offlimits Music Festival in 2025
Updated 04 December 2024
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Ed Sheeran to headline Abu Dhabi’s Offlimits Music Festival in 2025

Ed Sheeran to headline Abu Dhabi’s Offlimits Music Festival in 2025

DUBAI: British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is scheduled to headline Abu Dhabu’s Offlimits Music Festival on April 26, 2024.

The popular performer — known for his electrifying live performances and chart-topping tracks such as “Perfect,” “Shape of You,” and “Photograph” — will bring his biggest tracks and charisma to the Offlimits stage.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Joining Sheeran will head a lineup of yet-to-be-announced international and regional talent. Whether you are a fan of pop, indie, hip-hop, or electronic, Offlimits aims to provide something for everyone.

The festival — brought to Abu Dhabi by Theory Eleven Entertainment, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and Miral — also promises to deliver “cutting-edge visuals and immersive art installations.”


 


Bundoo Khan: How one restaurant parlayed barbeque into a Karachi landmark

Bundoo Khan: How one restaurant parlayed barbeque into a Karachi landmark
Updated 04 December 2024
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Bundoo Khan: How one restaurant parlayed barbeque into a Karachi landmark

Bundoo Khan: How one restaurant parlayed barbeque into a Karachi landmark
  • Founded in 1948, Bundoo Khan Restaurant is a mainstay for politicians, celebrities, and residents of the port city
  • Eatery first gained prominence when its barbeque caught the eye of ex-president Ayub Khan at a local exhibition

KARACHI: For over seven decades, the Bundoo Khan Restaurant has been a culinary landmark in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, delighting generations of food lovers with its signature kebabs, sizzling chicken tikkas and crunchy parathas.
Founded in 1948 by Al Hajj Bundoo Khan, a migrant from Meerut in present day India, the restaurant began as a humble barbecue stall on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road, then known as Bandar Road, using family recipes passed down from a maternal uncle.
While the eatery was a hit from the beginning, it gained visibility when its innovative approach to grilling and marinating caught the eye of General Ayub Khan, who served as the president of Pakistan from 1958 until his resignation in 1969. Becoming a favorite of the president turned the small eatery into the talk of the town, and it began to draw large crowds from all walks of life.
“My father can be called the founder of barbecue [in Karachi],” Akber Bundoo Khan, the founder’s 62-year-old son, told Arab News. 
“No one knew how to make tikka [like him], how kebabs were made, how parathas were made or how halwa was made.”
Indeed, barbeque has become synonymous with the Bundoo Khan name in Karachi, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for the city’s residents and a gathering place for politicians, government officials, actors and singers.
“This brand has been around for 76 years,” said Waqar Mehmood, Bundoo Khan’s grandson who oversees a branch in the city’s Sindhi Muslim area.
“When we first set up an exhibition [during the first few decades], the first person to visit was [Pakistan’s former president] Ayub Khan who gave us the first prize and a gold medal for our barbecue.”
Mehmood spoke about visits to the restaurant by General Ayub Khan’s family, as well as Pakistan’s former first lady Ranaa Liaquat Ali Khan, ex-premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and the now jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Legendary Pakistani actors like Muhammad Ali, Zeba and Waheed Murad were also loyal patrons and iconic singer Noor Jehan continued to request Bundoo Khan’s food until her last days before she passed away in 2000.
“Every day, I would personally take her double-spiced chicken tikka and six kebabs to the hospital,” he said.
The restaurant’s influence has also been immortalized in Pakistani music, with songs like Ahmed Rushdi’s 1954 hit “Bandar Road Se Keamari” and Mehdi Hassan’s 1977 track “Makhan Jesi Larki,” both mentioning the eatery.
Pakistani TV and film actor Behroze Sabzwari recalled childhood memories of visiting the original branch on MA Jinnah Road and meeting the restaurant’s founder, who passed away in 1987 at the age of 105.
“I lived and grew up in the area right behind the Bundoo Khan [Restaurant] in Jacob Line,” he told Arab News. “It wasn’t much, but you could get tikka for just 10 or 15 rupees [$0.05] and everything else as well. And believe me, the taste from those days of that halwa, that tikka, those kebabs, that paratha still lingers with me to this day.”
Asad Sohail, an engineer and regular customer, also recalled visiting Bundoo Khan as a child with his father and grandfather, saying dinner at the restaurant was a must after a night out at the movies.
“We used to come here with my grandfather, wearing shorts, when we were little. Then, as kids, we came with our father,” he said.
“Their barbecue, I haven’t tasted anything like it anywhere in Pakistan. It’s truly unique. Their kebabs are so tender, the marination is perfect, and the tikka, what can I say? It’s completely different from anything else.”
Today, while the restaurant keeps attracting new customers at all its branches in Karachi and across Pakistan as well as in Dubai and Madinah, the first branch on MA Jinnah Road has seen a decline in clients in recent years due to a rise in crime in the area. 
Still, Akber Bundoo Khan’s son insists the original location will never shut down.
“This is our asset,” he said. “The flavor that started here has spread all over the world. It’s because of this taste that we’re famous ... Our identity, our entire legacy, has been built from here.”


Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity

Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity
Updated 03 December 2024
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Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity

Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity
  • Masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture and creativity
  • Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric

RIYADH: Riyadh Art, one of the world’s largest public art programs, has unveiled four monumental public artworks with the launch of the Riyadh Metro, transforming stations into cultural landmarks.

At the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, Alexander Calder’s “Janey Waney” takes center stage.

The lofty and colorful sculpture exemplifies Calder’s pioneering spirit in kinetic art, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.

Nearby, Robert Indiana’s “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” — one of the world’s most recognizable artworks — captivates visitors with its vibrant interplay of color and universal themes of connection and hope.

Together, these masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture and creativity.

At the Qasr Al-Hokm Downtown Metro Station, designed by the renowned architectural firm Snohetta, Ugo Rondinone’s “The Sun” makes a striking golden centerpiece, symbolizing energy and renewal.

Complementing this is Zaman Jassim’s “When the Moon is Full,” a reflective and poetic piece inspired by Riyadh’s cultural heritage.

“These permanent artworks embody our vision of transforming Riyadh into an open-air gallery that enriches the quality of life and fosters a deeper connection between people and art,” said architect Khalid Al-Hazani, executive director of Riyadh Art.

“By collaborating with some of the most creative minds of our time, we’re not just adding art to public spaces — we’re creating cultural landmarks that inspire and engage generations,” he added.

Al-Hazani told Arab News: “The beautiful thing is that there is a specialized program under Riyadh Art dedicated to installing artworks in all 85 stations that we’ve already selected, which will be produced and placed within the upcoming year.”

Led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Riyadh Art is championing cultural innovation and economic diversification, and positioning the Kingdom’s capital as a global center for contemporary art and culture.

Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric, displaying over 500 artworks by more than 500 local and international artists, hosting more than 6,000 community engagement activities, and engaging more than 6 million visitors.

As the program continues to expand, the number of artworks and initiatives is expected to grow significantly, fostering a sense of community, enriching the city’s identity, and elevating Riyadh’s standing as a global arts destination.


Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month

Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month
Updated 03 December 2024
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Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month

Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month

DUBAI: The inaugural edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards — which will take place on Dec. 11 at the King Fahad Cultural Centre, as part of the first edition of Riyadh Music Week — will present awards in more than 40 categories, organizers announced.

Some of the categories include Top Artist, Song of the Year, Best in Dialect Charts, and Top New Artist of the Year.

With 210 nominations and 96 artists covering top songs, artists, composers, songwriters, and producers, Al Shami leads the nomination count with 14, while other prominent stars such as Assala Nasri, Ahmad Saad, Tamer Ashour, alongside Elissa, Dystinct, Ayed and Tul8te, are also nominated. 

The event will feature musical performances by some of the most prominent artists in the region and the world, including Elissa, Dystinct, Ahmed Saad, Ayed and Tul8te, among others.

The event celebrates established and emerging regional talents, as well as the songs that have gained wide popularity on the trusted Billboard Arabia charts, including the “100 Artists” and “Hot 100” charts, and genre-specific and dialect-specific charts.

Billboard Arabia and the inaugral Billboard Arabia Music Awards is a result of a partnership between SRMG and Billboard. With Saudi Arabia’s live events market projected to surpass $1 billion by 2025 and streaming platforms in the region experiencing annual growth rates of between 10 percent and 15 percent, Billboard Arabia is poised to shape the regional and global music scene, driving economic growth and fostering creative expression.

Mike Van, the president of Billboard, expressed pride in the strategic partnership with SRMG, saying in a statement: “The Billboard Music Awards is globally recognized as the pinnacle of musical achievement, celebrating artists for their chart success and industry impact. We are excited to bring this legacy and vision to the MENA region, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and musical excellence of local artists. This collaboration provides them with a unique platform to amplify their presence on a global stage.

“Winning a Billboard Arabia Music Award is a significant milestone in an artist’s career, one that can significantly accelerate their journey and open new doors for success,” he added.

Rami Zeidan, managing director of Billboard Arabia, described the event as historic: “Shaping new cultural trends in music has always been a fundamental part of Billboard’s pioneering philosophy.”

He highlighted that “the Billboard Arabia charts reflect our steadfast commitment to empowering the next generation of musical talent and celebrating the music that deeply influences listeners’ tastes and shapes the evolving music landscape.”

Zeidan further stated that “the music industry in the MENA region is experiencing unprecedented growth and rapid expansion, making it a focal point for global music platforms.”


Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh

Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh
Updated 03 December 2024
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Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh

Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh

RIYADH: Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori pays homage to Saudi culture and heritage in his latest work, which can be seen at Noor Riyadh, the Kingdom’s annual festival of light and art. 

In “View Tracing #5 ‘LABYRINTH’,” the artist creates a visual manipulation experience featuring prominent cultural elements such as the falcon, mabkhara (incense burner), dallah (coffee pot), and an oud musical instrument mounted on large blocks and steps. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“I designed this with the structures based on Islamic geometrical patterns, so when people see it from the top, you see the patterns. After doing some research, I selected objects inspired by Saudi Arabia and the neighboring regions … These represent the senses — taste, smell, sound,” Mori told Arab News. 

All the objects on display are 3D-printed and lined with fluorescent thread which glows in the ultraviolet-lit room, the lines creating geometric shapes that resemble computer-generated graphics. 

Viewers cannot physically smell, taste or hear the items, but the artist creates an experience where echoic, olfactory and taste memory come into play.

Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori. (Supplied)

As they navigate the maze-like pathways they are challenged to test their own memory, creating a unique experience of determining what we presume to be true and what really is in both virtual and physical spaces. 

“This physical sculpture and installation was made digital to explore the relationship between two and three-dimensional, the analog and digital Riyadh,” said Mori.

Previous artworks in the series use a grid pattern, but this one features triangular patterns signaling to the motifs commonly found in old houses in Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state. 

This is Mori’s first time visiting and exhibiting his work in the Kingdom and he expressed his optimism for the region’s art scene: “It’s very powerful and energized. I’m very excited for the future here. I’ve talked with artists from Saudi and other countries and they are very motivated, so I got some inspiration from them and I’d like to continue that in my work.”