Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with Biennale Nights

Running from March 6-15, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., offering a vibrant mix of activities and attractions. (SPA)
Running from March 6-15, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., offering a vibrant mix of activities and attractions. (SPA)
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Updated 15 March 2025
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Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with Biennale Nights

Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with Biennale Nights
  • Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport, the event offers visitors a cultural and spiritual experience

JEDDAH: The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has unveiled Biennale Nights, a special Ramadan program at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah.

Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, the event runs until May 25, offering visitors a cultural and spiritual experience that celebrates the holy month while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic heritage.




Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)

During Ramadan, visitors can take part in workshops featuring Arabic calligraphy and traditional craftsmanship, as well as interactive experiences exploring the artistic expressions associated with the holy month.

Sharing his experience, Ahmed Ramadan told Arab News: “This was my first time visiting the Islamic Arts Biennale, but I had planned to go for a while. When they announced the Ramadan events, I got even more excited. I feel that there is a strong connection between Ramadan activities and Islamic arts. I came with a group of friends, and we found many activities that suited young people.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.

• The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.

He added: “We played some group games, enjoyed a variety of food, including traditional Saudi dishes and Ramadan sweets popular in the western region. Honestly, it was a wonderful experience.




The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. (Supplied)

“The timing, in the middle of Ramadan, was ideal, after the initial days of the month, which are usually packed with family gatherings and invitations. It was a great opportunity for my friends and me to come together in such a unique place.”

Running from March 6-15, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., offering a vibrant mix of activities and attractions.




Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)

Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.

The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.




Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)

Adding to the festive spirit, live music and cultural performances take place, while visitors can find unique Ramadan-themed gifts at the Biennale Design Store.

For many, the Ramadan Market has been a memorable experience.

Walaa Ali, a visitor from Jeddah, said: “The venue offered a diverse range of activities specifically designed for the holy month of Ramadan. What made these activities special was how well they aligned with the spirit of the month, covering various disciplines and formats — some were workshops, others were entertainment spaces and some featured food.”

Rowa Haddad from Makkah said: “I found it to be the perfect place to visit with my family. The venue offers a variety of activities that cater to all family members, and what makes it even more special is the spiritual Islamic theme that fits both the location and the essence of this holy month. That’s why visiting this place was an excellent choice for us.”

In partnership with the Red Sea Film Foundation, the biennale also presents a curated selection of film screenings, delving into themes of resilience, faith and identity from across the Islamic world.

These experiences offer visitors a meaningful way to engage with art, culture and heritage, blending traditional Islamic aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression.

The Ramadan Market offers iftar and suhoor options, including curated iftar menus for pre-booked gatherings featuring dishes inspired by Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisines.

The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. It is held at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, an award-winning architectural site that has long served as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah.

The first biennale welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, and the second expands on this success with an even richer program.

The Ramadan events are open to all biennale visitors. Registration is available through the official website at biennale.org.sa.

 


Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement

Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement
Updated 36 sec ago
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Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement

Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement
  • The agreement aims to explore collaboration in areas such as leadership development, executive education, scientific research, and strategic communication

RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, also known as Misk, and London Business School signed on Sunday a strategic agreement to strengthen leadership and advance executive education. 

The agreement aims to explore collaboration in areas such as leadership development, executive education, scientific research, and strategic communication, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to empower leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

It was signed by Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of the foundation, and Professor Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, in the presence of Majid Al-Qasabi, Vice Chairman of Misk Foundation, and Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education.

The cooperation includes designing and delivering empowerment and leadership development programs for youth, and developing short executive courses and tailored workshops for Saudi leaders. 

It will study the potential establishment of a regional executive education hub in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.

Commenting on the partnership, Al-Badr said the agreement reflects Misk Foundation’s commitment to developing a generation of leaders capable of shaping a sustainable future and driving national transformation.

“Through the strategic collaboration, we aim to deliver effective educational and executive solutions, and to advance scientific research that support the development of qualified leadership capabilities, contributing to enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness regionally and globally,” he added.

This partnership with London Business School, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, falls within Misk Foundation’s broader efforts to provide innovative learning and training opportunities that contribute to building a thriving society led by youth. 


US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation

US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation
Updated 13 April 2025
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US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation

US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation
  • Chris Wright discussed renewable energy sources with Saudi officials

RIYADH: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership for fostering robust energy cooperation between the two countries.

Wright, who visited the Kingdom on Sunday, expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for supporting energy partnership with the US.

During a media briefing at the Energy Ministry in Riyadh, Wright discussed his conversations with Saudi officials regarding energy investment, trade and security. He praised the Kingdom’s solar energy sector and innovative energy development approach.

He discussed renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and solar power with Saudi officials, stressing the need for long-term investments to meet rising global demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Wright highlighted the importance of stable oil prices to encourage investments in vital minerals, and emphasized the need to promote mutual investment and consistent growth in energy supplies, the SPA added.

Regarding the tariffs introduced globally by the US, he said the focus was on fair trade and bringing jobs back to the country. Wright described them as strategic tariffs aimed at encouraging domestic investment.


Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors

Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors
Updated 13 April 2025
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Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors

Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors
  • Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept weaves together tradition, technology
  • We should showcase Saudi heritage to the world through tourism and fashion, she says

JEDDAH: In Saudi Arabia, where each region’s distinct heritage shines through its landscape and traditions, tour guides serve as vital ambassadors — and one Saudi designer believes their attire is key to embodying the cultural treasures they represent.

Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.

Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)

Using technology to champion heritage, her project merges the cultural identity of AlUla with aesthetics and the functional needs of the job, highlighting Saudi identity in its finest form.

“Saudi heritage has its place and value,” she told Arab News. “We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors."

HIGHLIGHT

Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.

Al-Juhani holds a bachelor’s degree in clothing and jewelry design from Taibah University, and boasts a master’s in fashion design from King Abdulaziz University.

Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)

She added: “During my studies there was a significant focus on fashion that reflects heritage, as well as the role of modern technologies in the development of the fashion industry.”

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her vision for tour guide uniforms, she said: “During my visit to AlUla in 2021 I noticed that tour guides did not have a specific uniform to stand out to visitors.

Saudi heritage has its place and value. We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors.

Dallal Al-Juhani, Saudi designer and academic

“As a fashion designer I felt compelled to find a solution to this issue by creating designs suitable for this role.”

Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage.

Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)

It serves as a visual narrative, representing the beauty of AlUla’s monuments while establishing a deep connection between the storyteller and the place itself.

She said: “Patterns were inspired from iconic locations such as Al-Hijr and Jabal Ikmah, incorporating Nabataean letters and prominent symbols such as the bull, lion, and hand.”

Dallal won the Gold Medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations 2024, alongside special recognition from Croatia and Romania. (Supplied)

Functionality was a key consideration in the uniform’s design, and Al-Juhani added: “The uniform gives the tour guide a sense of belonging and comfort, leaving a positive impression on tourists, which elevates the level of professionalism in the tourism sector.”

As a young Saudi designer Al-Juhani’s message to her peers is to keep up with modern trends by utilizing new technologies in design and illustration. In fact, as part of her project, she harnessed artificial intelligence techniques to enhance her designs.

And to bring her vision to life she used AI-powered tools like Midjourney and Lexica to develop prototypes before transitioning to manual work.

She said: “I used natural leather and techniques such as burning and decoration that mimic the ancient Nabataean style. I also added traditional details using leather threads and blanket stitching to enhance the heritage touch.”

While Al-Juhani did face some challenges in sourcing high-quality materials, the input offered by tour guides made the process smoother.

She added: “I made sure to involve them in every stage to strengthen their connection to the uniform, making it a project they felt a part of rather than just a product.”

Her innovative approach has already earned her recognition, and Al-Juhani was awarded the gold medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations in 2024, as well as receiving special recognition from Croatia and Romania at the same event.

“It was proof that heritage and monuments give design authenticity, uniqueness, and enhance its aesthetic and expressive value,” she said.

 


Saudi traditional crafts on show at Jouf camel auction

The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf. (SPA)
The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf. (SPA)
Updated 13 April 2025
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Saudi traditional crafts on show at Jouf camel auction

The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf. (SPA)
  • Women demonstrate art of making sameel storage pouches

RIYADH: The art of making leather containers for storing food and drinks was just one of the attractions at the recent Jouf camel auction in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate.

With 2025 designated as the Year of Handicrafts, festivals across Saudi Arabia are providing important platforms for artisans to showcase and market their traditional skills.

Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee. (SPA)

At the camel auction, which ends on Tuesday, craftswoman Umm Meshaal, told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel, a type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.

Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee.

FASTFACTS

• At the Jouf camel auction, craftswoman Umm Meshaal told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel.

• It is a traditional pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.

The process starts by tanning the skins using a tree extract and salt to remove the hair and any impurities. The hides are then left to dry before being cut and sewn together into the desired shape.

A type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water. (SPA)

The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf, particularly among Bedouin communities who use them for storing and carrying vital supplies.

Many consumers say the best ghee in the Kingdom comes from these traditional vessels, the report said.

 


Riyadh expo to feature poultry innovations

Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. (SPA)
Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. (SPA)
Updated 13 April 2025
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Riyadh expo to feature poultry innovations

Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. (SPA)
  • The ministry highlighted the broad participation expected at the event, including public and private sector representatives, scientific associations, and nonprofit organizations focused on livestock development

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli will inaugurate the fourth Middle East Poultry Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from April 14 to 16.

This year’s exhibition will feature 340 local and international companies showcasing innovations in poultry, feed, animal health, and nutrition, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry highlighted the broad participation expected at the event, including public and private sector representatives, scientific associations, and nonprofit organizations focused on livestock development.

Specialized pavilions will cover poultry production, feed manufacturing, milling technologies, veterinary services, and animal nutrition and health, the SPA added.

Visitors can explore more than 800 advanced products and technologies aimed at strengthening poultry industry supply chains.

The ministry emphasized the poultry sector’s growth, driven by government support through loans, poultry project facilities, and private sector investment. These efforts, aligned with Vision 2030, are vital for enhancing the Kingdom’s food security.