Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale: The making of ‘On Weaving’ — winner of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize 

Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale: The making of  ‘On Weaving’ — winner of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize 
The winners of the inaugural edition of the award — which is part of the Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale — are a collective including Dubai and Beirut-based EAST Architecture Studio. (Supplied)
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Updated 20 February 2025
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Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale: The making of ‘On Weaving’ — winner of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize 

Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale: The making of  ‘On Weaving’ — winner of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize 
  • The award — part of the Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale — was given to a design inspired by regional weaving traditions

JEDDAH:  Currently situated under the expansive canopies outside Jeddah’s Western Hajj Terminal is “On Weaving,” the winning design of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize — an international award for the design of a musalla, a place for prayer and contemplation that is open to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  

The winners of the inaugural edition of the award — which is part of the Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale — are a collective including Dubai and Beirut-based EAST Architecture Studio, structural engineer Christopher Blust from AKT II, and Beirut- and San Francisco-based artist Rayyane Tabet. They designed a modular structure inspired by regional weaving traditions and constructed from sustainable local materials such as date palm waste and palm fronds and fibers. The space was immediately popular with visitors during the opening days of the biennale, with many heading inside to one of the smaller rooms to pray.  




The modular structure used engineered, glue-laminated palm-wood composite, which is the product of the waste of 150 palm trees — proof of the ability to use local, sustainable materials to create lasting architectural structures. 

A summary of “On Weaving” on the biennale website states: “The double-sided pedestal is staggering in its ascent and thinning out as it reaches towards the sky. Its form resembles a loom, paying homage to tangible and intangible cultural heritage of weaving traditions and craftsmanship. It is autonomous, but also modular to suggest multiple uses — acting as structure, function, and ornament. The earthy colors that make up the musalla’s exterior are energized with color within the structure’s interior, where natural dyes made from local and regional plants are used to create bright reds, blues, greens and yellows. The musalla’s open courtyard invites visitors to sit, gather or pray, individually or communally.”  

“The brief for the competition called for a collaborative team that brings together an architect, an artist, and a structural engineer and fabrication expert,” Nicolas Fayad, co-founder of EAST Architecture Studio, told Arab News. “From the very first moment, we worked together conceptually and philosophically on what it means to build a musalla today — knowing that musallas, unlike mosques, are largely nomadic in nature; they were built by Bedouins in the desert (and could be) moved from one place to another.” 




AlMusalla 2025, Drawing courtesy of EAST Architecture Studio. (Supplied)

So Fayad and his collaborators set out to create a structure that could easily be assembled, disassembled and rebuilt elsewhere (indeed, after the biennale ends on May 25, it will be moved to another location). It features an open central courtyard and prayer spaces and somewhat resembles a loom, addressing ideas of togetherness and proximity — core tenets of prayer in Islam. The façades were created by weaving together palm fronds and fibers, and the gaps let in natural light, as well as allowing the musalla to be incorporated into its surroundings. 

“Our musalla looks at the legacy of cultural typologies in spaces of worship, coupled with weaving as a craft,” Fayad explained. “(It also serves) as a structural performance that uses local material — most importantly, waste that comes from a natural material. We have identified throughout our research that there’s a lot of waste that comes from palm trees in Saudi Arabia.” 

The modular structure used engineered, glue-laminated palm-wood composite, which is the product of the waste of 150 palm trees — proof of the ability to use local, sustainable materials to create lasting architectural structures. 

What is so striking about the structure is not just the materials used to make it and the way in which it was created, but the literal and metaphorical tribute the structure pays to weaving.  

“On Weaving,” Fayad explained, is a metaphor for creativity and a reference to a material culture long dominant in the region,” adding that the design of the space readapts the narrative of woven textile as both an art and a functional design element. 

Weaving is itself a meditative ritual, of course, so here it serves as both an important part of the design process while also reflecting spirituality and the cultural heritage of the Kingdom and the wider Gulf region. 

“(We are presenting) the idea of weaving not only as a craft or as a way of making, but also as a way of holding art, architecture and engineering together as part of a continuous tradition,” said Fayad.  


Disneyland to open in Abu Dhabi 

Disneyland to open in Abu Dhabi 
Updated 07 May 2025
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Disneyland to open in Abu Dhabi 

Disneyland to open in Abu Dhabi 

DUBAI: The UAE is set to host the Middle East’s first Disney theme park, with Disneyland Abu Dhabi confirmed for Yas Island.

An official opening date has yet to be revealed.

The project is a collaboration between Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based entertainment developer, and The Walt Disney Company.

(Left to right) Mohamed Al-Zaabi, Mohamed Al-Mubarak, Robert Iger, Josh D'Amaro. (Supplied)

Once completed, it will be Disney’s seventh global destination, adding to its parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

The new resort will be developed and constructed by Miral, while Disney will handle creative design, attraction development and overall experience planning

Robert Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Disney to bring its renowned storytelling to yet another region of the world with a completely new theme park experience that will be a cultural, entertainment and technological marvel.” 

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said: “The concept for this resort will push the boundaries of theme park design, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created.”


Deal signed to promote Saudi cultural heritage 

Deal signed to promote Saudi cultural heritage 
Updated 07 May 2025
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Deal signed to promote Saudi cultural heritage 

Deal signed to promote Saudi cultural heritage 
  • MoC signs agreement with Boutique Group
  • Agreement covers several cultural fields

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has signed a cooperation agreement with Boutique Group to promote the Kingdom’s rich heritage.

Deputy Minister of Culture for National Partnerships and Talent Development Noha Kattan signed the agreement with Boutique Group CEO Christophe Mares in Diriyah. 

Kattan emphasized that the partnership aligns with the ministry’s goals of preserving the nation’s heritage and culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

She added that the agreement honors the Kingdom’s rich history and contributes to building a future that values tradition and encourages global cultural creativity.

Mares expressed his company’s pleasure in the new partnership, which will focus on providing a unique and luxurious experience that reflects Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity.

He said the company will represent each region’s culture by incorporating its visual styles, sounds, and traditions into palace operations.

The agreement covers several cultural fields to showcase the Kingdom’s heritage in creative and contemporary ways, the SPA reported.

This will be achieved by integrating Saudi cuisine into the culinary experience, dressing hotel staff in traditional attire, and infusing palace designs with cultural symbols.


Jameela Jamil lands role in new film on Korea

Jameela Jamil lands role in new film on Korea
Updated 07 May 2025
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Jameela Jamil lands role in new film on Korea

Jameela Jamil lands role in new film on Korea

DUBAI: Actress, body positivity activist and presenter Jameela Jamil, known for her role in “The Good Place,” is set to star in “Pyongyang Home Video,” a new drama based on true events. 

She will star alongside “Squid Game” actor Won Ji-an. 

Won Ji-an will star in the movie. (Getty Images) 

The film follows North Korean sisters Nari (Ji-an) and Hana, who grow up secretly watching banned Hollywood movies. When their father’s black market VHS operation is exposed by a neighbor, the sisters are forced to flee the country. As they navigate their dangerous escape, they use scenes from their favorite films to deal with the mental toll the journey takes on them. Years later, Nari meets American talk show host Serena (Jamil), who vows to reunite the sisters on live television — only for the broadcast to take an unforeseen and revealing turn.

Hailing from Imagine Entertainment and South Korea’s Desert Bloom Pictures, the film will be directed by award-winning Korean filmmaker Yoon Sung-hyun, famous for his movie “Bleak Night.”

The screenplay comes from Liz Kerin, an American screenwriter, novelist and acclaimed playwright best known for the vampire series “Night’s Edge.”

 

 

Jamil shared the news on Instagram, writing: “She’s doing a proper movie!!!!”

The actress has a few productions in the works. 

Jamil is set to star in “Hysterical,” a feminist dramedy created by Olivia Lee and loosely based on real-life events involving controversial internet personality Andrew Tate. 

Jamil stars alongside Naomie Harris and Romesh Ranganathan.

Jamil has also lent her voice to the Pixar animated film, “Elio,” which is set for release on June 20. Jamil will be voicing the character of Ambassador Questa.

“Elio” follows an 11-year-old boy named Elio, who accidentally becomes the ambassador for Earth after being transported across the galaxy.

The movie also features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Remy Edgerly as his alien best friend Glordon, Academy Award winner Zoe Saldana as Elio’s Aunt Olga, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO.

Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, the film is produced by Mary Alice Drumm.


Review: Exhilarating South Korean anime ‘Solo Leveling’ packs a punch

Review: Exhilarating South Korean anime ‘Solo Leveling’ packs a punch
Updated 07 May 2025
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Review: Exhilarating South Korean anime ‘Solo Leveling’ packs a punch

Review: Exhilarating South Korean anime ‘Solo Leveling’ packs a punch

RIYADH: One of South Korea’s hottest anime series, “Solo Leveling” takes viewers on an electrifying adventure, blending themes of fantasy and action in a mystical world.

In its second season, main character Sung Jinwoo struggles to find his purpose as a low level hunter in a world with powerful warriors who travel through portals to fight magical beasts. One day, after a strenuous battle which wiped out his peers, Jinwoo was left in a dungeon.

In a plot twist, Jinwoo is spared and “reawakened” by the “System” with a new life, immersing him in a video game-like world where he becomes an iconic fighter.

Once a hunter awakens, their ranks are set and they have no possibility for leveling up, leaving them to hone their skills through training.

As Jinwoo’s strength increases and he gains fighting skills, his battles with monsters become more intense, intricate, and fast paced. The battle scenes have gained tremendous popularity and rightfully so — Jinwoo partakes in provoking conversations with his enemies, enraging them and defeating them with ease.

The battle scenes are epic and portrayed through colorful animations shown at every angle. Anime fans describe Jinwoo to be “aura farming,” a trending term describing the act of an individual intentionally doing something “cool” and always winning seamlessly. 

Anime series often start with a slow burn, but “Solo Leveling” starts off strong, packing a punch with its gripping fantasy storyline from the first episode.

 The only downside is that the fast-paced nature of the show introduces new characters and scenes without a buildup, potentially causing confusion for some viewers.

 Based on an anime series by author Chu-Gong, the on-screen adaptation is worth watching if you are looking for your next binge-worthy anime.

 


Review: The final season of ‘You’ is a damp squib

Review: The final season of ‘You’ is a damp squib
Updated 07 May 2025
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Review: The final season of ‘You’ is a damp squib

Review: The final season of ‘You’ is a damp squib

LONDON: Back when it debuted in 2018, “You” was a wonderfully trashy, pulpy thriller that invited audiences to snigger at the sheer silliness of its lead character’s likability. After all, Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) might have been a charming, literature-loving bookstore manager – but he was also, we learned during that excellent first season, a serial killer with a tendency to stalk and emotionally manipulate his latest fixation before finally revealing his psychopathic tendencies.

Having a charismatic serial killer at the heart of a show is nothing new – just look at the irrepressible “Dexter” – but “You” set itself apart by not taking itself too seriously, acknowledging the ridiculousness of its central conceit and reveling in the silliness of making us ‘root’ for its really bad good guy. The last series, for example, saw Joe move to London and wind up getting blamed for the murder of a cadre of vacuous socialites, only to discover that he was, in fact, guilty of the crimes after having had a psychotic break – that’s the level of silliness we’re dealing with here. And, for the most part, it works. “You” remains a rip-roaring good time – albeit one with a problematic heartthrob as its protagonist.

A still from the series that is available on Netflix. (Supplied)

The fifth and final season sees Joe return to New York with new wife Kate, cleared of any previous crimes thanks to her influence and power – trying to be on his best behavior, but using his unique skillset to ‘protect’ his family from perceived threats when he can’t keep his murderous tendencies to himself. That setup makes the first half of the final season a decent enough watch – there’s plenty of commentary on high society and its hypocrisy, of the immunity granted to those with money and status, however awful they might be.

But “You” too quickly sets Joe back on a path we’ve seen him tread in the past – his head turned by new muse Bronte (Madeline Brewer), killing anyone who threatens his perception of their romantic connection. With the show now deviating from the Caroline Kepnes books that inspired the earlier seasons, there’s a rush to a finale that feels reductive – given how much we’ve invested in Joe’s character arc, the violent conclusion feels overblown and overly dramatic. Whether or not Joe gets what he deserves is open to debate – but we’ve been robbed of the finale we’ve earned for sticking with him.