New book series ‘Arabian Explorers’ reintroduces seminal works on Arabian history

New book series ‘Arabian Explorers’ reintroduces seminal works on Arabian history
William Gifford Palgrave's travel itinerary. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 January 2025
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New book series ‘Arabian Explorers’ reintroduces seminal works on Arabian history

New book series ‘Arabian Explorers’ reintroduces seminal works on Arabian history
  • Travelogues from Burton, Doughty, Wellsted and Palgrave feature in Arabian Explorers Series  

DUBAI: Driven by romanticism, imperial ambition, and scholarly curiosity, a succession of European adventurers set sail for Arabia throughout the 19th century, laden with expectation and a desire to unravel its mysteries. For many, the goal was a deeper understanding of the region’s history, religion, geography, peoples, and wildlife, as well as the uncovering of Biblical truth. For some, natural history, ethnology, cartography, and archaeology were combined into a single expedition, resulting in the publication of multi-disciplinary personal narratives that fed the Victorian hunger for adventure, discovery, and escapism. 

Among them were Charles Montagu Doughty — the first European to enter Hegra, the Nabateans’ second city after Petra — and James Raymond Wellsted, a second lieutenant of the East India Company, who survived a hurricane off the coast of Magna and took part in a detailed study of the Gulf of Aqaba. Arguably the most famous, however, was the eccentric Englishman Richard Francis Burton, a complex figure remembered for his keen sense of adventure, overt Orientalism, and undertaking the Hajj in disguise. He also embarked on an outlandish mission in search of the legendary gold mines of Midian, an ancient region or tribal confederation mentioned in both the Qur’an and the Bible and thought to be located in north-west Arabia. 

The newly-published Arabian Explorers Series reintroduces travelogues by all three, as well as by William Gifford Palgrave, an intriguing figure who served variously as a soldier, interpreter, priest, missionary, spy, and diplomat. Published by Empty Quarter Press, the series seeks to bring the authors’ vivid depictions of Arabia to a new audience. 




William Gifford Palgrave. (Supplied)

“Throughout their journeys, each author recorded some of the most detailed analyses and observations of Arabia in the English language and precious details about society, cultural customs, political structures, ancient heritage sites, and the shifting power dynamics of the peninsula in this period,” says Jeff Eamon, editor-in-chief at Empty Quarter Press. “We aim to couch each text in its proper context so readers can appreciate their significant historical value (and) understand each author’s subjectivities and perspectives.” 

The reprints include newly commissioned maps, glossaries, and forewords by leading historians, placing these complex and often provocative legacies in context. Included are new editions of Palgrave’s “Personal Narrative of a Year’s Journey Through Central and Eastern Arabia (1862-63),” first published in 1865; volume one of Burton’s “The Land of Midian (Revisited),” originally published in 1879; Wellsted’s “Travels in Arabia Volume Two,” printed in 1838; and Doughty’s “Travels in Arabia Deserta Volume One,” a monumental text first published in 1888. 

“Much of the written information that we have about 19th-century Arabia comes from these travelogues,” explains Eamon. “They have long provided precious information for scholars, students of history, and general readers interested in Arabian culture, social customs, and heritage. With Saudi Arabia’s current investment in its wealth of cultural assets and heritage sites, these publications are amazing sources of information. Doughty, for instance, is the first to document Hegra in minute detail, with detailed sketches of the Nabataean tombs, which have become a major part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural offering.” 




Charles Montagu Doughty was the first known European to enter Hegra and he provided glimpses of the area through his sketches. (Supplied)

The four travelogues have inspired academic inquiry for over a century, but have also sparked debate, not least because of the biases inherent in their authors’ views. Burton in particular, has faced accusations of Orientalism and of perpetuating stereotypical views of Arabia. His observations were often tinged with a sense of superiority and colonial arrogance, although he had great admiration for both Islam and Arab culture. 

“Burton’s views on the Arab world were complicated,” admits Dane Kennedy, a historian of the British imperial world and author of the foreword to “The Land of Midian (Revisited).” “His comments on the Bedouin could be highly critical, though he also promoted a romanticized view of them as princes of the desert. Furthermore, he was a forceful defender of the Islamic faith and Arab culture, so much so that many of his countrymen ostracized him, believing him to be a convert to Islam. 

“He was a man of many talents and vast contradictions. He was both an agent of British imperialism and a critic of it. He was a bigot and a relativist. He was, above all, a man of immense curiosity about other cultures, and he sought to satisfy that curiosity by learning some 25 languages, travelling widely across India, Arabia, Africa, Latin America, and other lands, and often acquiring an intimate knowledge of the local communities he encountered.” 

Palgrave, who made a foolhardy attempt to cross the Nafud desert in July without local guides and barely made it to salvation in Jubbah, also viewed the world through a Eurocentric, colonial lens. The first Westerner to successfully cross the Arabian Peninsula from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf (west to east), he travelled in disguise — as a Syrian physician — and filled his narrative with vivid, compelling observations of the landscapes, tribal dynamics, and cultural practices of the Arabian Peninsula. He achieved immediate acclaim upon the publication of “Personal Narrative,” thanks in part to his love of storytelling. 

“We are now more than 150 years on from Palgrave’s Arabian travels and his narrative can be read on various levels — from travelogue to adventure story,” says James Parry, a cultural heritage writer and author of the foreword to the new edition of “Personal Narrative.” “It’s worth remembering that he had a great sense of theatre and wrote his account with his audience very much in mind — it’s a very entertaining read. His descriptions of the places and tribes he visited are fascinating, even if some of his comments about local people and customs are seen as problematic today. They need to be understood as the product of their time, and his account as an historical document.” 

All four travelogues filled in much of the outside world’s knowledge of the Arabian Peninsula. Burton’s account of his journey from Cairo to Makkah, for example, gave the British public a much richer understanding of the region and its peoples. 

“Despite their flaws, it is important to recognize that each author spent years travelling in Arabia, learning the language and customs of its people long before mass transit made the peninsula easily accessible to outsiders,” says Eamon. “While some of their observations can be dismissed now, they nonetheless help paint a picture of pre-industrial Arabia.  

“History-telling is fickle,” he adds. “It carries with it the same baggage that weighs down any human experience. The Arabian Explorers Series is just this: a collection of human experiences, however flawed, that contribute to the broader mosaic that is the history of Arabia.” 


Diriyah Storytelling Festival breathes new life into Saudi Arabia’s literary heritage

Diriyah Storytelling Festival breathes new life into Saudi Arabia’s literary heritage
Updated 05 February 2025
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Diriyah Storytelling Festival breathes new life into Saudi Arabia’s literary heritage

Diriyah Storytelling Festival breathes new life into Saudi Arabia’s literary heritage
  • Event offers deep dive into Kingdom’s rich tradition
  • Locals, visitors explore Saudi literature

RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival brings together literary enthusiasts, publishers, and celebrated authors and provides a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s rich storytelling traditions and evolving literary landscape.

The event, which lasts until Feb. 8, features panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and interactive experiences.

The festival is attracting a diverse audience, including international visitors who engage with Saudi authors to explore locally published books.

One of the standout sessions, “The Roots of the Tale,” featured renowned Saudi novelist and journalist Badryah Al-Bishr, who spoke about the transformation of storytelling into modern literature.

Al-Bishr said: “My participation was all about tracing the wisdom of storytelling to the structure of novels. Since I studied folk tales in my master’s degree while also writing novels, I explored how traditional narratives evolved before written literature.

“Societies have always needed this literary and cultural influence — it serves deep and indirect functions, whether in raising children, comforting sorrowful hearts, or inspiring values and ideals.

“This is what we now call ‘soft power.’ Storytelling has always shaped minds, transferring across cultures like the tale of ‘Cinderella,’ which exists in Russia, Europe, and even Najd.”

A key aspect of the festival is its focus on showcasing Saudi literature to international visitors, offering translations and accessible editions of local works.

Modi Al-Dossari, from the Tashkeel Publishing House, noted the growing interest from foreign attendees, and added: “We’re working on something big here at the festival.

“The visitors are quite diverse, including many foreigners eager to learn about our culture.

“At Tashkeel we have Saudi books and stories translated into English, and they are among our bestsellers. It’s amazing to see our culture being shared in such a smooth and accessible way.”

The availability of translated Saudi literature has helped bridge the gap between local storytelling and a global readership, highlighting the richness of Saudi narratives and their universal appeal.

Beyond book discussions, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival provides visitors with a fully immersive cultural experience, allowing them to explore the historic and artistic depth of Diriyah.

Entry to the festival costs SR40 ($10.66) per person, which includes access to all three locations — Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel, and Al-Zuhayra — as well as shuttle transportation between the venues and parking areas.

The festival also features restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, making it an ideal destination for both literary and cultural exploration.

Hind Mohammed, who was attending, said: “I loved visiting Diriyah, especially Bujairi Terrace. It’s such a beautiful and enriching experience, with a vibrant atmosphere, and fantastic cafes, restaurants, and children’s play areas.”

Visitors can witness the breathtaking sunset over Diriyah’s landscape — and see a combination of golden light, traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings creating a spectacular and serene experience.

Saudi Arabia’s literary scene has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing global recognition for local authors and their works. Events like the Diriyah Storytelling Festival contribute to this transformation by providing a platform for dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange.


Designers offer up day-to-evening wear at Dubai Fashion Week

Designers offer up day-to-evening wear at Dubai Fashion Week
Updated 04 February 2025
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Designers offer up day-to-evening wear at Dubai Fashion Week

Designers offer up day-to-evening wear at Dubai Fashion Week

DUBAI: Day three of Dubai Fashion Week saw presentations by fashion label BLSSD, New York-based British Iraqi designer Tara Babylon, Dubai-based Lebanese designer Dima Ayad and a multi-designer showcase curated by department store Etoile La Boutique.

Rawdah Mohamed walked the runway for Dima Ayad. (Supplied)

Somali Norwegian model Rawdah Mohamed walked the runway for Ayad, who stayed true to her brand’s founding ethos and offered up chic looks for a diverse range of body shapes. Houndstooth patterns were employed in various hues across the collection, while winter-appropriate fabrics and evening wear options in rippled gold also made an appearance.

Babylon took over the runway with her Autumn/Winter 2025 collection titled “Princess of Thieves.” The designer brought a warm and tropical vibe to the winter collection with Middle Eastern-inspired palm tree prints and earthy green tones. Weaving, printing and crochet techniques were used along with recycled cotton tapestry to create stylish winter pieces.

(Supplied)

The Central Saint Martins and Parsons-educated designer is known for the performance-like aspect of her shows, and Monday night’s showcase in Dubai was no different. Models strode down the runway in a series of artfully created balaclavas that matched the ensembles.

(Supplied)

Meanwhile, Etoile La Boutique’s invite-only showcase was a curated multi-designer collection titled “Twilight to Midnight.” The playful showcase offered up a sunshine yellow taffeta dress alongside a sequined mini-skirt and expertly cut leopard-print trench coat.

UAE-born and bred streetwear and ready-to-wear label BLSSD showcased its signature experimental styles in seasonal colours — a floor-grazing blazer paired with slouchy, masculine trousers was a particular draw at the show.


Ithra’s Kimono Exhibition showcases art, evolution of a Japanese symbol in Saudi Arabia

Ithra’s Kimono Exhibition showcases art, evolution of a Japanese symbol in Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 February 2025
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Ithra’s Kimono Exhibition showcases art, evolution of a Japanese symbol in Saudi Arabia

Ithra’s Kimono Exhibition showcases art, evolution of a Japanese symbol in Saudi Arabia

DHAHRAN: As part of the Japan Cultural Days event that ends on Feb. 8, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is hosting a Kimono Exhibition, offering visitors an up-close look at these traditional Japanese garments synonymous with the country.

Maha Abdulhadi, creative programs specialist at Ithra, explained the significance of the exhibition to Arab News.

The patterns and fabrics of kimonos often reflect seasonal changes, festivals and artistic aesthetics, further emphasizing their connection to Japanese culture. (Supplied)

“The Kimono Exhibition at Japan Cultural Days is not just a fashion showcase — it (is) a deep cultural experience. It celebrates Japan’s artistic legacy, demonstrates the adaptability of tradition in a modern world, and strengthens cultural exchange between Japan and global audiences,” Abdulhadi said.

As one of the most iconic symbols of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship, the kimono has served as a representation of Japan’s rich cultural identity and its textile artistry, showcasing centuries-old techniques of dyeing, weaving and embroidery, while also demonstrating how contemporary designers have reinterpreted the kimono for modern sentiments.

The exhibition also highlights the significance of kimonos in different celebratory occasions, showcasing how their styles vary depending on the event.

The selection of kimonos was curated by Ithra’s Museum & Exhibition unit. (Supplied)

The patterns and fabrics of kimonos often reflect seasonal changes, festivals and artistic aesthetics, further emphasizing their connection to Japanese culture.

This free exhibition showcases 17 kimonos in total, carefully selected to highlight the evolution of this iconic Japanese attire.

Ten kimonos were loaned from the Japan Kimono Museum in Fukushima. These pieces represent antique kimonos from different historical periods, reflecting the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), and Showa (1926-1989) eras. The Japan Kimono Museum, which opened in 2022, houses the largest collection of kimonos in Japan, with approximately 10,000 items in total, including accessories.

As part of the Japan Cultural Days event that ends on Feb. 8, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is hosting a Kimono Exhibition. (Supplied)

 “I would like to add that the design of one of the uchikake kimono displayed from the Japan Kimono Museum is by Kansai Yamamoto, a fashion designer who was active in Paris Fashion Week and other events,” Abdulhadi added.

In addition to the historical pieces, seven kimonos in the exhibition came from a private collector based in Japan, showcasing modern interpretations of the traditional garment.

The selection of kimonos was curated by Ithra’s Museum & Exhibition unit. The curatorial team focused on presenting the evolution of kimonos, emphasizing their intricate dyeing techniques, exquisite craftsmanship and regional styles that tell captivating stories of tradition and heritage.

Beyond being a fashion exhibition, the event as a whole, which began on Jan. 23, was created to foster cultural exchange as the two countries celebrate 70 years of Saudi-Japan diplomatic relations.


Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April

Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April
Updated 04 February 2025
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Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April

Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April

RIYADH: The first-ever edition of Art Week Riyadh will be held from April 6-13, hosted by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission.

Set to run under the theme “At The Edge,” the event will gather local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and art enthusiasts at a week-long event to take place across the city of Riyadh, headquartered at JAX District in Diriyah.

Alongside exhibitions, Art Week Riyadh will put on a program of talks, workshops, and performances for the public.

According to a released statement, the “inaugural edition will explore thresholds, transitions, and liminal spaces, reflecting Riyadh’s role as a center of global cultural engagement.”

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, commented: “Art Week Riyadh is about building a robust and inclusive framework—one that supports innovation, creativity and thought leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing culture. By bringing together diverse elements of the Saudi art sector, it aims to empower and nurture practitioners and foster a shared vision of growth, opportunity, and cultural enrichment.”


Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race

Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race
Updated 04 February 2025
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Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race

Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race

DUBAI: Veteran Egyptian director Ahmed Shawky was appointed president of the critics jury at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival this week, coinciding with the festival’s announcement that the Arab film “Yunan” will compete for the top Golden Bear prize.

The festival is scheduled to take place from Feb. 13-23.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ahmed Shawky (@shawforlife)

Shawky will preside over the largest jury panel convened annually by the International Federation of Film Critics, guiding 12 international critics in assessing films across different festival categories. 

Alongside serving as jury president, he will also join the international competition jury, where he will work alongside critics Maja Korbecka from Poland and Francisca Romero Pezoa from Chile.

Meanwhile, “Yunan” is directed and written by Syrian filmmaker Ameer Fakher Eldin.

It is among the 19 films competing for the Golden Bear and is the only Arab film featured in the main competition lineup.

“Yunan” first premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where it secured the Edipo Re Award in 2021.

It also received several recognitions, including the Best Arab Film Award and the Shadi Abdel-Salam Award for Best Film at the Cairo International Film Festival.

The film tells the story of an Arab writer who, feeling lost in exile in Hamburg, travels to a secluded island in the North Sea with thoughts of ending his life. There, he meets an elderly woman who helps him rediscover his desire to live.