Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade

Special Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
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Visitors to Jeddah Art Promenade can enjoy a variety of food and beverage offerings. (Supplied)
Special Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
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Live performers are an integral part of the Jeddah Art Promenade Ramadan celebrations. (Supplied)
Special Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
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A nostalgic majlis scene showing how Ramadan was traditionally celebrated. (AN Photo)
Special Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
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The Jeddah Art Promenade blends entertainment, culture, and cuisine during Ramadan. (AN Photo)
Special Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
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A variety of regional cuisines are on offer at the Jeddah Art Promenade during Ramadan. (AN Photo)
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Updated 25 March 2025
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Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade

Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
  • Enjoy Saudi cuisine and live performances at traditional Ramadan festivities
  • Residents and visitors descend on the city’s corniche for celebration of Saudi culture

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Art Promenade comes alive during Ramadan, providing a vibrant destination to experience the traditions and culture of Saudi Arabia.

The venue blends entertainment, culture and cuisine, displaying the essence of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.

As visitors step into the promenade, they are greeted with the sounds of traditional songs and performances. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by colorful lanterns and decorative lights typical of the holy month.

There are also numerous restaurants offering traditional Saudi and international cuisine, catering to a wide range of tastes.

Sajidah Sheikh, a vendor selling traditional fried liver, known as kibdah, and baleela, made with chickpeas, said: “I feel empowered to be a part of the Ramadan season. I love cooking and I am trying to make the kibdah taste different from other stalls using my own spices.

“The Ramadan vibes here are incredible and it is something which everyone should visit to learn about our culture and holy month traditions.”

One of the standout features of the Jeddah Art Promenade is its celebration of local heritage and traditions.

Visitors can take a walk through history by exploring exhibits that recreate traditional Saudi homes.

There is a tent that shows the way homes were decorated in the past, with a majlis (sitting area) where a man sits with children studying, and a girl watching on an old-fashioned television.

This nostalgic scene offers a glimpse into the past and shows how Ramadan was celebrated in previous generations.

One of the visitors, Nida Ali, said: “Coming to the Art Promenade with my children, I could teach them about the culture and show them how Ramadan is celebrated in the country.

“It’s amazing to show them … how our houses used to look, especially the television, stand, and seating arrangements. The nostalgia and … memories are special.

“We broke our fast here with a seaside view and prayed in Rahma Mosque, which was beautifully decorated with lights.

“After breaking our fast, we enjoyed walking the streets, trying snacks like baleela, French fries, luqaimat, and sipping on the very famous Vimto drink.”

In addition, the promenade brings to life the culture of the local fishermen, where a group of them can be seen working on their nets while singing traditional songs.

Abdullah Okis, one of the performers, said: “We are trying to present the local fishermen culture and the songs they sing while catching.

“It feels great to be a part of Ramadan activities as well as showcase the Saudi culture,  the lively atmosphere ... People stop to watch us perform and engage with us while we are singing.”

The promenade also offers the opportunity to experience traditional trades. Visitors can meet a miharris, a person who sharpens knives in the traditional way, roaming around the area.

Another familiar figure is the mesaharati, a person who carries a drum and goes around waking people up for suhoor.

Alongside them, local vendors offer an array of products, from perfumes and pickles to tailor-made clothing and accessories, giving visitors the chance to experience the crafts and flavors of Jeddah.

Maha Al-Rahman, who sells traditional jalabiyas and handmade accessories, said: “Each of my creations is crafted to blend tradition with a modern touch, offering something unique that represents Ramadan traditions.

“Although I sell online, this opportunity allows me to reach new customers and expand my business by connecting with thousands of visitors each day, helping me build a strong customer base.”

Khalid Al-Zaabi, a vendor from Oman selling traditional sweets, said: “We’re here to give visitors a taste of our traditional Ramadan sweet, made from sugar and flour, which is stirred until it turns brown. People are really enjoying it, and we’re also offering Omani perfumes.”

The appeal of the art promenade is not limited to just the food. Mohammed Hamoud, another visitor, said: “The cultural significance is clearly visible. My daughters applied henna (and) we had the most amazing traditional Saudi snacks.

“We even enjoyed the Mexican snacks that were available everywhere. Rides, food stalls were many, and children had their own dedicated playing areas and we had a good time until breaking fast.”


Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

Benson Boone to perform in the UAE
Updated 17 April 2025
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Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

DUBAI: US singer and songwriter Benson Boone will open this year’s Yasalam After-Race Concerts, part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.

Boone, known for chart-topping hits like “Beautiful Things” and “Slow It Down,” is set to take the stage at Etihad Park on Dec. 4.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

Last week, organizers announced that pop superstar Katy Perry will headline the event’s grand finale on Dec. 7.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

The 2024 lineup featured performances by Teddy Swims, Peggy Gou, Maroon 5, Eminem, and Muse.


Saudi Film Festival returns with roster of regional films and special section for Japan

Saudi Film Festival returns with roster of regional films and special section for Japan
Updated 16 April 2025
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Saudi Film Festival returns with roster of regional films and special section for Japan

Saudi Film Festival returns with roster of regional films and special section for Japan

DUBAI: The Saudi Film Festival is set to return for its 11th edition from April 17 to 23, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

On Wednesday, the film festival announced that “SIWAR” by director Osama Al-Khurayji will be the event’s opening screening as well as the film's world premiere. 

The film, which unfolds between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, was primarily shot in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia.

The film is inspired by true events and was written by Rashed Al-Munajjim. It tells the story of two newborns, one Saudi and the other Turkish, who were mistakenly switched at birth.

“The story of ‘SIWAR’ has stayed with me since the true incident occurred in 2012, and I’ve wanted to bring it to the screen. Finally, after all these years, I’m proud to present this human story, and I’d like to thank Film AlUla for their support in making this film. I’m also proud that its launch will take place at the Saudi Film Festival, which is very dear to my heart,” said director Al-Khurayji.

This year’s theme, “Cinema of Identity,” will explore how films shape and reflect individual, national, and cultural identities.

Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission, the festival will feature 68 films from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf — including Iraq and Yemen — and beyond.

 

 

The narrative features in competition include “Hobal,” “My Driver and I,” “Thuqoub,” “Fakher Al-Suwaidi,” Anaashed Adam,” “Es-aaf,” “Behind the Mountains” and “Adjourned.”

A highlight this year is the honorary tribute to Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, a veteran Saudi actor with over three decades of experience in theater, television, and cinema. His notable works include the TV series “Tash Ma Tash” and “Bayni Wa Baynak,” as well as films such as Ithra’s “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and the recent “Hobal.” 

 

 

This year’s lineup includes seven Saudi and Gulf feature films, 22 short fiction films, and seven documentaries, alongside 12 parallel screenings of Saudi productions. The festival will also host four panel discussions, four advanced masterclasses and three book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia.

The plaza and library at Ithra will host ‘Meet the Expert’ one-on-one sessions and private screenings, offering filmmakers ample opportunities for personalized mentorship and feedback.

A key component of the festival is its production market, which will showcase 22 booths from various production entities, providing filmmakers with a platform to develop and present their work. And to network.

Additionally, Japanese cinema will be in focus, marking 70 years of Saudi-Japan relations, with eight Japanese films and expert discussions.

Those Japanese films include: 

 

 

‘River Returns’

Hoping to save the village and his family from a flood, a young boy journeys alone to a pool deep in the mountains, following a tradition that is disappearing in post-war Japan.

‘Blue and White’

Ryusuke, who is grieving, makes salt on the day of his wife's funeral, aiming to preserve the local area’s salt making history.

‘Toma #2’

When Toma decides to place his father, who suffers from dementia, in a facility, he discovers an instant camera in his father's room that he had forgotten to develop.  

‘Kaburagi’

Kaburaki, a photographer for a weekly magazine, receives a message from an unknown source tipping him off about an idol he has been chasing.

‘Extremely Short’

Based on a story by Hideo Furukawa, the short film follows a man searching for the shortest thing in Tokyo.

‘The New World’

On a sunny June day, Kaname summons old friends to the wilderness with a purpose, but only one arrives.


Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop
Updated 15 April 2025
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Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

DUBAI: US superstar Jennifer Lopez is set to return to the UAE this summer with a performance at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on July 29. 

The concert is part of her “Up All Night Live” world tour and will mark her second tour performance in the Middle East, following a show in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on July 6.

Fans can look forward to chart-topping tracks such as “If You Had My Love,” “Jenny From The Block,” “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” and “On The Floor.”

This will not be her first performance in the UAE capital this year—Lopez previously took the stage in February as part of the Saadiyat Nights concert series.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential entertainers, Lopez has made her mark across music, film and television. She remains the only female artist to simultaneously top both the US box office and music charts, with over $3 billion in global box office earnings, more than 80 million records sold and billions of streams and views across her music catalogue.

In film, her recent Netflix releases “Atlas” and “The Mother” both debuted at number one on the platform, with “The Mother” now ranking among Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films of all time. 

In 2025, her latest film “Unstoppable” reached the number one spot globally on Amazon Prime Video.

Lopez’s UAE concert is organized by Ethara, a UAE-based events company. 

Ethara is also organizing Katy Perry’s concert in the UAE, which is  part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.

The music star will headline the grand finale on Dec. 7 at Etihad Park.

In addition to her global tour, Lopez is set to headline the after-race concert at the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 in Jeddah this weekend, taking the stage on April 19.

She will join an impressive lineup of international and regional artists, including Usher, Major Lazer, Peggy Gou and PartyNextDoor, alongside Arab stars such as Marwan Pablo, Tul8te, Hisham Abbas, Mostafa Amar and Hamid El-Shaeri.


Georgina Rodriguez shows off Arabic tattoo

Georgina Rodriguez shows off Arabic tattoo
Updated 15 April 2025
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Georgina Rodriguez shows off Arabic tattoo

Georgina Rodriguez shows off Arabic tattoo

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez gave fans a peek into her life in Saudi Arabia this week through a series of Instagram stories. One standout moment was a close-up photo highlighting her Arabic tattoo, which reads: “Keep all evil away from us, Amen.” 

She included the same phrase in Arabic as a caption. In the photo, she also showed off a large emerald-cut diamond ring, a glittering watch and a crocodile-skin handbag.

Later that afternoon, Rodriguez shared more family moments when she posted videos of stepson Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s football training with Al-Nassr’s youth team. In one clip, captioned “The best team,” the group was seen singing and cheering.

Instagram/ @georginagio

Rodriguez also gave her followers a behind-the-scenes look at her personal routine in Riyadh, sharing a short video of herself practicing salsa dancing. “Third salsa class in Riyadh,” she wrote in Spanish.

The posts are part of her continued documentation of life in Saudi Arabia, where she lives with her partner, football star Cristiano Ronaldo, and their children.

The couple recently appeared together in a new campaign for Saudi Arabia’s luxury cruise line, Aroya Cruises. 

In the video, the pair exchange a lighthearted moment in Arabic. Rodriguez says “yalla” — meaning “let’s go” — after selecting the cruise on her phone, and Ronaldo replies cheerfully “yalla.”

The scene then changes into scenes of the couple exploring the cruise experience, with panoramic sea views, luxurious interiors and their private accommodation.

Both Ronaldo and Rodriguez shared the campaign on their social media profiles with the caption: “Home isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling.”

In addition to her lifestyle content and brand campaigns, Rodriguez has also taken part in humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, she visited the King Fahd National Centre for Children’s Cancer to support young patients.

She was joined by Monica Esteban, president of Spanish charity, the Juegaterapia Foundation, as they distributed Baby Pelones dolls featuring a scarf designed by Rodriguez. During her visit, the model hugged and spoke with the children and joined in their play with the dolls.


Women-led ‘Unbound Territories’ is Dubai art consultancy’s first exhibition

Women-led ‘Unbound Territories’ is Dubai art consultancy’s first exhibition
Updated 15 April 2025
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Women-led ‘Unbound Territories’ is Dubai art consultancy’s first exhibition

Women-led ‘Unbound Territories’ is Dubai art consultancy’s first exhibition

DUBAI: Dubai’s contemporary art scene welcomes a new voice this April with the launch of A+ Art Consultancy’s inaugural exhibition, “Unbound Territories,” which will run until April 30 at Foundry Downtown.

Spearheaded by Azra Aban, the show is a collaboration with London’s Gillian Jason Gallery and brings together a powerhouse roster of female artists — from icons like Louise Bourgeois and Bridget Riley to emerging talents Megan Baker and Pippa El-Kadhi Brown.

Spearheaded by Azra Aban, the show is a collaboration with London’s Gillian Jason Gallery and brings together a powerhouse roster of female artists. (Supplied)

The partnership with Gillian Jason Gallery has deep roots, Aban explains.

“Our relationship with Gillian Jason Gallery goes back to my time in London, where I had the opportunity to work closely with their team and witness their thoughtful approach to bringing together artists in meaningful ways,” she told Arab News.

Pieces span sculpture, printmaking, painted photography, oil painting and works on paper. (Supplied)

“When I set out to launch A+ Art Consultancy with an exhibition that would introduce a compelling mix of emerging and established international artists to Dubai, it coincided with Gillian Jason Gallery’s own interest in expanding their community in the region — particularly around their mission to champion the best female artists working today.”

The shared mission to champion female artists meant the collaboration was a natural fit.

The exhibition’s title — “Unbound Territories” — reflects the curatorial intent behind the show.

“It captures the essence of what this particular collection of artists and artworks represents,” said Aban. “The exhibition brings together a diverse group of female artists … unfolding as a compelling dialogue that transcends time, geography, and artistic medium.”

Sadie Clayton’s ‘Into You II,’ 2025. (Supplied)

Pieces span sculpture, printmaking, painted photography, oil painting and works on paper — mediums that, in Aban’s words, “reveal the radical potential of material and form.”

The exhibition also marks the UAE debut of several artists, offering what she describes as “an important and meaningful milestone” for the regional art scene, and reflects shifting dynamics in the Middle East.

“Women across the world are increasingly stepping into the positions they have long deserved,” said Aban. “‘Unbound Territories’ stands as a testament to the powerful contributions of female artists … and to the profound impact they have had on the global creative landscape.”

She sees the UAE as uniquely positioned to amplify these voices. “The UAE’s art ecosystem is not just growing, it’s carving out a distinctive identity that merges regional heritage with a global perspective,” she said

That vision also defines the consultancy’s future direction.

“You can expect more collaborations that highlight underrepresented narratives, spark dialogue between cultures, and offer collectors access to unique and powerful work that endures,” promised Aban.