SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform. The team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities. (Supplied)
SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform. The team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 February 2025
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SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
  • Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible

ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.




Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)

The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.

The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.

In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.

• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.




Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)

The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.

But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.

This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.




Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)

This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.

“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.




The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.

“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”

Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.




Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)

In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.

Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.

Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.

They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”

For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”

The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.

“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”

As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.

“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”

Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.

Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”

With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.

Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.

Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.

Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.

Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.

Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Natalie Al-Sarraj is a visual storyteller and film studies graduate, who explores untold stories through film and digital media.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.

Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.

 


Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah

Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
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Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah

Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
  • The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service

JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.

The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on 'Organic Iftar,' the theme of the evening. (Supplied)

The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.

Indian Consulate’s iftar in Jeddah featured the theme of sustainability and emphasized the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and India. (Supplied)

The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.

These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Foods Products Exports Development Authority and the Indian government, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.

 


Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
Updated 15 March 2025
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Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
  • The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance

RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.

It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.

The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.

The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.

A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.

The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.

Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.

This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.


OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
Updated 15 March 2025
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OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
  • Hissein Brahim Taha urges need to ensure rights to foster care, education, healthcare

Jeddah: Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the importance of improving efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He made the remarks on Orphan’s Day in the Islamic world, marked on the 15th of Ramadan each year, to raise global awareness about the hardships faced by orphaned children in the world’s poorest communities.

Taha called for greater efforts to protect and provide for orphans, particularly in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected and climate change-impacted areas, where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable.

He said that the OIC will remain committed to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems, including orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare and education.

Taha highlighted the need for governments, societies and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions, the SPA reported.

He underscored Islam’s strong emphasis, through the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on treating orphans with kindness, ensuring their care, education, healthcare and social well-being, safeguarding their rights and providing them with a proper upbringing.

Orphan’s Day was established through a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Guinea, in December 2013, with the aim of raising awareness about the issues and needs of orphans.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
Updated 15 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
  • KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people
  • KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In Romania, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food baskets to families in Bucharest and Constanta as part of its Etaam Ramadan project, along with 250 food baskets in the villages of Al-Hamra and Abu Qudur in the Syrian Arab Republic, and 1,300 food baskets to families affected by floods in various regions of Pakistan.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates to The Gambia and 50 tonnes to Cote d’Ivoire, as well as 2,400 boxes of dates to 15,000 beneficiaries in the Seiyun district of Hadramout governorate, Yemen, as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts.


Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 
Updated 15 March 2025
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Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has said.

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Forecasts say the Makkah and Riyadh regions will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts.

The Madinah, Asir, Hail and Qassim regions can expect moderate to heavy rain, while the Eastern Province will see moderate showers.

Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Tabuk, Baha, Jazan and Najran.

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.