How Saudi creatives are adopting AI to shift the boundaries of contemporary art

Special How Saudi creatives are adopting AI to shift the boundaries of contemporary art
Random International’s “Alone Together” that selected passersby to shed a spotlight on through a custom tracking system, at Noor Riyadh 2024. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 March 2025
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How Saudi creatives are adopting AI to shift the boundaries of contemporary art

How Saudi creatives are adopting AI to shift the boundaries of contemporary art
  • Saudi artist Daniah Al-Saleh fuses AI with cultural memory, transforming spoken Arabic phonemes into an abstract soundscape
  • Curators like Auronda Scalera and Alfredo Cramerotti bridge the gap between technology and art, showcasing AI’s creative potential 

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries in Saudi Arabia where artists are blending tradition and technology, integrating personal archives and cultural memories into a dynamic, human-machine collaboration.

One standout example is Daniah Al-Saleh, whose work was featured at Noor Riyadh 2022, the world’s largest annual light art festival.

Known for merging AI with cultural memory, Al-Saleh exemplifies the fusion of innovation and heritage. Her artistic journey began with geometric watercolors, but pursuing a master’s degree in computational art deepened her engagement with programming.

This evolution culminated in her 2019 installation, “Sawtam,” which won the Ithra Art Prize and marked a pivotal moment in her career.

“I broke down the spoken word into the tiniest form of communication, which was the phoneme,” Al-Saleh told Arab News.

“I brought in my knowledge of coding and programming, inspired by (Manfred) Mohr, this computer artist… and recorded my voice saying these abstract sounds.”

The result was a soundscape where Arabic phonemes merged into a wall of noise that, when deconstructed, revealed the fundamental elements of the region’s spoken language.

“It was a big turning point in my art career,” she said.

While studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, Al-Saleh was introduced to machine learning and used pattern recognition program StyleGAN to create several notable works.

One such piece, “Love Stories,” features multiple figures lip-syncing to 26 well-known Arabic love songs. The work examines cultural resistance to public displays of love and affection in conservative societies.




Saudi artist Daniah AlSaleh's “Love Stories,” composed of multiple figures that lip sync to 26 well-known Arabic love songs that examines the traditional resistance to public displays of love and affection in conservative societies. (Supplied)

Another, “Evanesce,” blurs the line between memory and reality, evoking nostalgia for Egyptian cinema’s golden era through AI-generated videos.

Meanwhile, “Rewind Play Glitch” presents a curated mosaic of seemingly personal imagery, exploring themes of familial bonds, love and the passage of time.

Despite her use of machine learning, Al-Saleh does not rely solely on AI. She blends digital techniques with traditional media to create a distinctive style.

This fusion is evident in her 2022 piece, “Hinat,” which combines photographic transfer, painting, video and algorithmic generation to honor a female Nabatean historical figure.




Saudi artist Daniah AlSaleh's “Hinat” utilizes photographic transfer, painting, video, and algorithmic generation to immortalize a female Nabataean historical figure. (Supplied)

The installation, currently featured in the “Art of the Kingdom” exhibition at the Saudi Arabian Museum of Contemporary Art, highlights her ability to bridge ancient narratives with modern technology.

To create the piece, Al-Saleh hired several women and filmed across various locations in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla region, home to some of the Kingdom’s most striking Nabatean ruins.

Like any technology, AI tools inevitably become outdated. Al-Saleh initially used StyleGAN for some of her work, but the program is no longer available.

“As an artist, I need to adapt and see within what context can I use that, is it a good fit, or should I use something else? Or maybe not use AI at all?” she said.

DID YOU KNOW?

• AI is not limited to visual art — it is also used to compose music, write poetry and even design sculptures.

• AI art generators such as DALL-E 2 and MidJourney use advanced algorithms to create unique visual masterpieces.

• AI integration with virtual reality offers immersive, interactive experiences in AI-generated environments.

Artists incorporating AI into their creative practices benefit from the support of curators who bridge the gap between art and technology.

Qatar-based curatorial duo Auronda Scalera and Alfredo Cramerotti have worked with numerous artists to integrate emerging technologies into contemporary art.

Most recently, they curated the 2024 Noor Riyadh Festival which highlighted innovative light-based artworks. For Noor Riyadh 2024, Cramerotti was the lead curator for international art, and Auronda Scalera curatorial advisor; the other lead curator was Dr. Effat Fadag for Saudi art. 

Scalera explained that some artists she and Cramerotti work with “create their own AI with their archive — for example, they don’t use ChatGPT.”

“When you create your tool, it’s like you create your brush,” she told Arab News.

Al-Saleh is one such artist who prefers to use her own archive. “I don’t use ready-made data sets — I collect what I can from open-source content,” she said.




London-based Saudi Arabian artist Daniah Alsaleh winner of the second edition of the Ithra Art Prize. (Supplied)

“For example, for my work Evanesce, there are a lot of available movies online in black and white, which I watched — tens and tens of these movies — and collected the data I wanted and then worked with that.”

She added: “Regarding ‘Love Stories,’ that was a bit challenging because I had to collect data sets of males and females with Gulf and Arab features that were public. I can’t go into private profiles and take those photos.

“(It depends on) the type of AI you’re using, on how much control you want to get involved with, or do you want to give agency to the machine learning or AI program, or how much agency you want to take.”

In addition to their work at Noor Riyadh, Scalera and Cramerotti were curators and jury members for the 13th anniversary of the Lumen Prize X Sotheby’s in 2024, which featured cutting-edge digital artworks from leading artists.




Curatorial duo Auronda Scalera and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, who specialize in bridging between art and new technologies. (Supplied)

They also curated Art Dubai Digital 2024, a section dedicated to exploring the intersection of digital art and technology.

The duo leads Multiplicity-Art in Digital, an online platform promoting art with a focus on diversity and inclusion, and spearheads Web to Verse, a project dedicated to researching the evolution of digital art from the 1950s to today.

Cramerotti said artists tend to approach technology differently from designers, focusing not on function but on critically unpacking, subverting and reimagining its use in creative contexts.

“Unlike designers, let’s say, that use the technology for a certain purpose, artists don’t have a purpose in terms of a function,” he told Arab News.

“They’re really good at unpacking the technology, critically analyzing the technology, subverting the use of technology, using that technology for another purpose.”




Saudi artist Daniah AlSaleh's “Rewind Play Glitch," which is a curated mosaic of seemingly personal imagery evoking familial bonds and love.  (Supplied)

Each moment in history brings new technologies to explore, as with photography in the 19th century and computer art in recent decades. The art lies in the ideas and techniques behind using these tools, not the tools themselves.

“It’s not just about using ChatGPT to come up with a text or using Sora to come up with an image,” Cramerotti said.

“It’s about asking, ‘Okay, what are the critical elements that I input to create that text or the image? How do I link and contextualize my approach as an artist beside my work as an artist in using this technology?’”

As AI evolves daily, it challenges the world — and artists — to harness its advancing tools in new ways.

“Even (for) us as curators, it’s a learning process,” Scalera said. “Curators today, we are like students.”




Curator Auronda Scalera's post on X on Oct. 1, 2024. (X: @AurondaScalera)

Expanding on this, Cramerotti added: “We are the interface between (art and) the public — and as art practice, art making, art displaying is changing, then our work is changing.

“You always have to frame a certain artistic practice in a new way and to present to a public using a new vocabulary.”

Another challenge lies in bridging contemporary and digital art spheres through curatorial innovation.

“With the 2021 digital art boom, you have a lot of digital curators who have no idea how a museum works, or how an institution works, or how to write an exhibition mediation plan or an exhibition installation plan,” Cramerotti said.

“And then, you have a lot of museum curators who have no idea how an NFT works, or how an immersive experience impacts the senses of a viewer.”

He emphasized that emerging technologies introduce scientific complexities beyond the traditional scope of art history, requiring curators to adapt and expand their expertise.

Scalera explained that this was why they decided to form a curatorial duo.

“This curiosity about the unknown is something that is really important for curators, because otherwise you are going to be stuck in only one theory,” she said.

“In that way, you can be curious, and you can work closely with the artist and discover different landscapes in art and new technology.”




Krista Kim’s “Heart Space,” that transforms collected heartbeats into visual symphonies, at display during Noor Riyadh 2024. (Supplied)

The latest Noor Riyadh edition explored the theme “Light Years Apart.”

The festival highlighted numerous AI-generative artworks, such as Krista Kim’s “Heart Space,” which transformed collected heartbeats into visual symphonies, and Random International’s “Alone Together,” which used a custom tracking system to spotlight selected passersby.

While AI-generated images are now accessible to the masses, ethical concerns remain regarding the references fed into these systems.

Last month, more than 5,600 artists signed an open letter urging Christie’s New York to cancel its first AI-generated art auction, criticizing AI models for allegedly using copyrighted works without permission.

Scalera noted ongoing efforts to address these ethical challenges.

“It’s an open discourse now,” she said.
 

 


Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun
Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun
  • Tabletop games bring families together for unplugged fun and real connections

RIYADH: In a screen-saturated world where social interactions often shrink to notifications, analog fun is reshaping Saudi leisure. Board games, once dismissed as childish relics, are experiencing a revival across the Kingdom. Whether at home, in cafes, or at traditional majlis gatherings, Saudis are increasingly turning to tabletop games for fun, connection and cultural relevance.

What began as a simple form of entertainment during family nights or holidays has grown into a social phenomenon, with games like Jackaroo, Sequence and locally designed options such as Saudi Deal, Elaab Bel Khames (Play With Five), La Tagool (Don’t say), and Ensan, Hayawan, Khashaabalan (Person, Animal, Nonsense) now staples in Saudi homes.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“It became a trend because people miss real-life connection,” said Roaa Al-Johani. “Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.”

This sentiment is echoed across Saudi homes, where board games have moved from being a once-in-a-while pastime to an essential part of gatherings.

I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way.

Wojoud Aziz

“Board games are a big part of our culture now,” Al-Johani added. “You see them in cafes — some cafes are fully built around them. Every Saudi home probably has either a Jackaroo or a Carrom board, especially after the (pandemic) era.”

During the pandemic, with more people spending time at home and looking for ways to unplug from screens, tabletop games offered a low-tech yet highly engaging alternative.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

Al-Johani shared how her own family embraced this shift: “I come from a family that loves board games to the point that my grandpa has a Jackaroo board in his majlis and invites his friends and neighbors to play. It’s kind of how we bond — when we play, age doesn’t really matter.”

The appeal lies in the shared experience. Unlike video games, which are often isolating or limited to a few players, board games bring people together physically and emotionally.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“Even though I’m a hardcore gamer, I still prefer board games sometimes,” she said. “It’s really about the people you’re with — not just the game. The vibes, the laughs, the face-to-face time … it just feels more real.”

Norah Shobili, who recently tried Jackaroo, was similarly surprised by how engaging it was. “I used to think it was a kid’s game because they were the only ones playing it, but once I learned it, it was genuinely fun!”

People miss real-life connection. Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.

Roaa Al-Johani

More than the gameplay itself, Shobili highlighted the intergenerational aspect of local games. “‏Back when Monopoly was the trend, kids wouldn’t play with elderly, because they’re kids they don’t know how to play, but with Jackaroo you see the elders team up with the young ones because they’re very good!”

CaptioA retro-style football board game draws family members together in an evening of lighthearted rivalry. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)n

Wojoud Aziz said that Saudi-made games resonate deeply with local culture: “They speak our language — literally. The humor, the names, the style — it all feels like home. You can tell they’re made by people who understand our culture and how we hang out.”

According to Aziz, board games are now a fixture in Saudi social life. “They weren’t always this big, but now? They’re part of the plan. I always see people playing them during family gatherings or chill hangouts.

A traditional Saudi game night with a personal twist — pastel-colored Hello Kitty cards meet local wooden game boards in a nostalgic, floor-style setup. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“It gets super competitive but in a fun way, and everyone’s into it — even those who don’t usually play games.”

While most local games focus on fun, she believes there is more to them than meets the eye. “Some games really push you to focus, plan ahead and even read other players’ vibes. It’s low-key educational, too, but without making it feel like school, you know?”

Casual dominos outdoors. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The social value of these games is clear. “Board games have the advantage of being present with your family — if not verbally then at least physically,” Shobili said. “The whole family in one room, and as long as whoever you call will answer, that’s more than enough to spend quality time for me. It’s more about being there rather than doing something or talking.”

She also believes that Saudi game developers can take creative liberties, as long as they do not lose what matters most. “As long as they preserve the spirit of gatherings — being able to play as a big group regardless of age — they can develop however they want.”

That inclusivity is crucial. “Not all international games are translatable,” she said.

Looking ahead, both players and creators hope to see more storytelling and cultural depth in locally made games. “I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way,” Aziz said. “Something that mixes nostalgia with creativity — and hopefully goes global.”

As Saudis seek richer, more engaging ways to connect with friends and family, board games have become more than just entertainment — they are a bridge between generations, a spark for laughter, and a reason to put phones down and just be present.

 


The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans
Updated 20 April 2025
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The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans
  • As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has, historically, been a hub for the making of gold jewelry. Families in Al-Ahsa and Qatif have been passing down this intricate art for centuries, forging the region’s cultural identity and fueling its commerce.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid the Kingdom’s economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Mohammed Al-Hamad, former head of the Gold and Jewelry Committee at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared insights into the historical development of this profession in an interview with the SPA.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

Al-Hamad comes from a long line of jewelry manufacturers and gold traders. He described the traditional methods of shaping gold using rudimentary tools to create distinctive jewelry. He explained that the traditional goldsmithing process began with melting gold in a crucible over hot coals using a leather bellows, followed by shaping it with a hammer and anvil, the essential tools of the trade.

According to Al-Hamad, early goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops, selling their creations, and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Some even traveled extensively to trade in used gold, silver, and the gold embroidery of traditional cloaks (bisht), using scales and traditional weight measurements before the widespread adoption of the gram system.

FASTFACT

Early Saudi goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Transactions were often based on trust, with gold frequently sold on credit or entrusted to the goldsmith for repair or modification.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate. (SPA)

Al-Hamad recalled that, as a child, he accompanied his father to purchase a 10-tola gold ingot —about 116 grams — for SR 600, a hefty sum back then.

He also mentioned a remarkable relic of the craft’s storied past — a legal document more than 200 years old recording the sale of a gold sandal, a testament to the artistry’s deep roots in the Eastern Province.

Artisans, he said, often crafted their own specialized tools and displayed their finished pieces in a traditional box known as a matbakah.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting. Some opened shops, workshops, or even factories, while others pursued opportunities in national companies or government positions.

Al-Hamad sees his generation as a bridge, connecting the days of pure handcrafting to a new era of gold trading and specialized workshops.

Jaafar Al-Nasser, a young electrical engineering graduate from the US, chose to carry forward his family’s goldsmithing legacy, the SPA reported.

He has built a factory packed with cutting-edge technology. Al-Nasser said that the gold and jewelry industry has transformed dramatically, shaped by economic, cultural, and social shifts, particularly greater exposure to international cultures.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate.

Al-Nasser said soaring gold prices have hit the industry hard. Larger pieces are costlier to craft, pushing designers to create lightweight jewelry. This focus on minimal weight is a core goal for today’s manufacturers, he noted — a delicate balance of artistry and practicality driving this traditional craft forward.

 


Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation

Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation

Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation
  • The two sides discussed opportunities for developing partnerships in various transportation activities

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser met Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir recently in NEOM.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for developing partnerships in various transportation activities, along with exchanging expertise in infrastructure, port connectivity and facilitating trade exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Egyptian minister’s visit included a series of meetings and sessions, along with a meeting with officials in NEOM, where future projects were reviewed, and cooperation opportunities in maritime transport and modern technologies were explored.

 


Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival

Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival

Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival
  • The commission’s goal is to promote Saudi films and local talent and demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom’s film industry, while fostering collaboration with Chinese and Asian film sectors

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission is taking part in the Beijing International Film Festival, being held in the Chinese capital from April 19-22.

Its presence reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding the global presence of Saudi cinema, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Launched in 2011, the Beijing International Film Festival is a leading event in Asia and globally, promoting cultural exchange and cinematic dialogue.

There is a Saudi pavilion for the commission and its partners, offering a platform to engage with visitors and filmmakers and emphasizing creative and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

The program also features a special screening of “Norah,” which highlights local talent and the richness of Saudi Arabia’s artistic content.

The commission’s goal is to promote Saudi films and local talent and demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom’s film industry, while fostering collaboration with Chinese and Asian film sectors.

It also aims to position Saudi Arabia as a key destination for filmmakers and expand international partnerships, with the hope of cementing its place on the global cinema map.

 


Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
Updated 19 April 2025
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Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
  • The session included participation from several high school students
  • Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.