Best and Worst: Saudi influencer Alya Khalil talks fashion, food and entertainment

Best and Worst: Saudi influencer Alya Khalil talks fashion, food and entertainment
Saudi influencer Alya Khalil. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 March 2025
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Best and Worst: Saudi influencer Alya Khalil talks fashion, food and entertainment

Best and Worst: Saudi influencer Alya Khalil talks fashion, food and entertainment

DUBAI: The Saudi influencer talks fashion, food and entertainment. 

Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen? 

“Succession.” The drama, the outfits, the power struggles… it’s just so good. For movies, “Interstellar” blew my mind. The way it explores space, time and human connections is incredible. The visuals are stunning, the music is unforgettable, and the story really makes you think about love, sacrifice, and the unknown. Plus the scene where time moves differently on different planets is just crazy. 

Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen? 

I couldn’t get into (2009 British horror movie) “Triangle.” It’s the worst horror movie I’ve ever seen. It had an interesting idea, but the way it played out just didn’t keep me hooked. The characters weren’t very engaging, and by the end, it felt like it was trying too hard to be clever instead of actually being scary. 

Best personal style moment so far? 

Wearing evening dresses from my favorite Saudi designer, Huda Bamarouf. Nothing beats that feeling! I’ve worn Huda’s designs so many times, and every single time feels special. Huda is so unique. Her designs mix timeless elegance with a modern flair that truly sets them apart. My favorite piece is her stunning yellow “Alya” dress. It’s so elegant. It made a huge splash on social media, garnering tons of orders.  

Worst personal style moment? 

My teenage years — specifically the neon skinny jeans era. What was I thinking? 

Best accessory for a little black dress? 

A killer pair of earrings or a bold clutch. They are simple but they make a statement. 

Worst accessory for a little black dress? 

I don’t like it when there’s too much going on — like layering a million necklaces with an oversized belt. It just kills the elegance.  

Best fashion trend of 2025? 

Effortless minimalism. It’s chic, clean and timeless. I love it.  

Worst fashion trend of 2025? 

I don’t like some of these extreme Y2K comebacks. Not everything from the 2000s needs to make a return! 

Best advice you’ve ever been given? 

“Stay true to your vision, but be flexible.” It’s been a real game-changer for me. Trends change all the time, and life throws surprises at you, so being able to adapt while keeping your true self has really helped me grow. 

Worst advice you’ve ever been given? 

“Follow every trend to stay relevant.” No thanks. True style is all about curation. 

Best book you’ve ever read? 

“The Alchemist” (by Paolo Coelho). It’s such a good reminder to trust the process. I love how it shows that the journey itself is as important as the destination. It’s not just about chasing your dreams — it’s about embracing every twist and turn along the way. The simple storytelling makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, and it reminds you that every setback or unexpected turn can lead to amazing discoveries.  

Worst book you’ve ever read? 

“Twilight” wasn’t my thing. I just didn’t love the writing style.  

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low? 

Two things: a little retail therapy and putting together an outfit that makes me feel amazing. Shopping gives me a creative break. And when I step outside in an outfit that boosts my confidence, it feels like I’m reclaiming my power. 

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good? 

Overcommitting and saying yes to everything just because you’re on a high. While it might feel exciting at first, it can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed. It sets you up for stress later on and can even affect your credibility if you can’t deliver on what you’ve promised. 

Best holiday destination? 

Italy. It’s beyond gorgeous. Not only does it boast stunning landscapes and charming cities, but its rich culture makes every moment feel like a dream. And the food is unforgettable: every meal is a celebration of taste, from fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas to decadent gelato. Wandering through Rome’s timeless ruins or the chic streets of Milan feels like stepping into a living museum of art and fashion. Every corner of Italy invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and immerse yourself in a vibrant lifestyle that’s as stylish as it is soulful. 

Worst holiday destination? 

I don’t like anywhere that’s so packed with tourists that you can’t actually enjoy it. 

Best subject at school? 

Art and literature. I’ve always been drawn to creative stuff. 

Worst subject at school? 

Chemistry. I respect it, but it was never my thing. 

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day? 

Plan your outfit the night before. It saves time and puts you in the right mindset.  

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day? 

Endless scrolling on social media. You suddenly realize that an hour has gone by and you’ve done nothing. 

 

 


Abu Dhabi gears up for 7th Culture Summit 

Abu Dhabi gears up for 7th Culture Summit 
Updated 23 April 2025
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Abu Dhabi gears up for 7th Culture Summit 

Abu Dhabi gears up for 7th Culture Summit 
  • 3-day program will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, artist talks, and workshops
  • Impact of AI on the creative industries among wide range of topics to be discussed

DUBAI: The UAE capital is preparing to host the seventh edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, a global forum for cultural exchange and dialogue, from April 27-29 at Manarat Al-Saadiyat. 

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the three-day event will bring together policymakers, artists, scholars, and innovators to explore the theme “Culture for Humanity and Beyond,” focusing on the intersection of culture, technology and global governance.

The program will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, artist talks, and workshops. 

Confirmed speakers include Mo Gawdat, former chief business officer at Google X; philosopher Susan Buck-Morss; Prof. Iyad Rahwan from the Max Planck Institute; and Glenn D. Lowry, director of MoMA.

Other prominent voices set to appear include Sir William Sargent of Framestore, and Koyo Kouoh, executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA.

The panels will explore a wide range of topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries.

Sessions such as “AI Revolution: Redefining Creativity in the Age of Machines,” “Should Governments Regulate AI to Compensate the Creative Industries?” and “The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cinema” will address the growing role of generative technologies in reshaping artistic expression, intellectual property and creative labor.

The summit will also revisit cultural policy discussions, hosting the second edition of the Mondiacult Ministerial Dialogue. The two-part session will bring together more than 10 ministers of culture to explore the influence of AI on culture and the role of the arts in peacebuilding and sustainability. 

Another key session will examine the implementation of the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education, building on outcomes from a related global conference held in Abu Dhabi in early 2024.

Highlighting culture as a public good, the summit will include sessions on environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and cultural governance. Sessions will include “Turning Green: What Happens When Cultural Leaders Take Action for the Planet” and “From Ruins to Resilience: A New Era of Heritage Rehabilitation.”

Creative voices such as Thomas Heatherwick, Colleen Atwood, Refik Anadol, and Herbie Hancock will participate in artist talks and panels. The program will also feature conversations between prominent figures, including philanthropist Maja Hoffmann, architect Hashim Sarkis, and director Sir John Akomfrah, as well as a session on jazz and humanity led by Hancock and journalist John Ridding.

Attendees will also be able to engage with the work of regional talents, including poet and artist Alia Al-Shamsi, designer Omar Al-Gurg, and architect Abdalla Almulla, offering insights into the UAE’s growing creative sector.

The event’s global partners include UNESCO, The Economist Impact, Design Museum, Google, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, and the Recording Academy. Additional collaborators range from regional institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Cultural Foundation to international cultural bodies such as Institut du Monde Arabe, TeamLab and the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute.


REVIEW: ‘Andor’ proves yet again why it is best ‘Star Wars’ series

REVIEW: ‘Andor’ proves yet again why it is best ‘Star Wars’ series
Updated 43 min ago
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REVIEW: ‘Andor’ proves yet again why it is best ‘Star Wars’ series

REVIEW: ‘Andor’ proves yet again why it is best ‘Star Wars’ series
  • Rather than big-picture heroics, ‘Andor’ looks at the minutiae
  • Tony Gilroy’s script could be ripped from real headlines today

DUBAI: In an era of recycled nostalgia and cookie-cutter franchise television, “Andor” has stood apart — an unflinching, cerebral, slow-burn rebellion against everything formulaic in “Star Wars.”

Its final season — the first three episodes are now available to stream on Disney+ — does not only stick the landing, it embeds itself in the emotional marrow of the galaxy far, far away, delivering arguably the most powerful conclusion to any “Star Wars” story to date.

Moving away from the big-picture heroics of the Jedi versus the evil Sith, “Andor” instead looks at the minutiae, immersing itself in the details of both sides of war: the cold machinery of oppression and the sacrificial cost of resistance.

Even as the rebellion reaches boiling point, audiences are treated to smaller, more personal moments.

There are the intricacies of a political wedding on Chandrila, a lunch scene involving an overbearing mother and her son’s new beau, and flashbacks to an adoptive father and his new daughter/mentee coming into their own.

The season especially spends time on the long-anticipated Ghorman Massacre, rendered in chilling, harrowing detail.

Fans have known about it in bits and pieces — a footnote in the birth of the Rebellion — but creator Tony Gilroy manages to turn it into a gut-punch, a brutal turning point that clarifies the stakes for the characters, and audience.

Written years before current political events, “Andor” feels eerily prescient. Its exploration of surveillance, radicalization, immigration, propaganda, and the erosion of civilian rights could be ripped from today’s headlines.

That is not accidental — Gilroy’s scripts are steeped in the rhythms of real revolutions, from the French Resistance and student revolts to modern authoritarian regimes.

The cast, once again, does a stellar job of bringing to life such a weighty script, involving significant time jumps and mounting stakes.

On the side of the resistance, we have Diego Luna (playing the titular Cassian Andor), Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma), Adria Arjona (Bix Caleen), Stellan Skarsgard (Luthen Rael) and Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau).

The imperial forces are represented by the excellent Denise Gough (playing imperial supervisor Dedra Meero) and Kyle Soller (Syril Karn), as well as Ben Mendelsohn, returning as Director Orson Krennic, a powerful Imperial official who reports directly to Emperor Palpatine.

With “Andor,” Gilroy and Luna have truly set the gold standard for what future “Star Wars” can be. Not just a space opera, but real stories of transformation and beauty.
 


Review: Watching ‘Hobal’ at the Saudi Film Festival was an immersive experience

Review: Watching ‘Hobal’ at the Saudi Film Festival was an immersive experience
Updated 23 April 2025
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Review: Watching ‘Hobal’ at the Saudi Film Festival was an immersive experience

Review: Watching ‘Hobal’ at the Saudi Film Festival was an immersive experience

DHAHRAN: Watching “Hobal” at the 11th Saudi Film Festival, hosted at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, was cathartic.

The setting in which the film was screened was significant. The cinema is close to Ithra’s Energy Exhibit, which allows visitors to explore the journey behind oil extraction and energy resources in the Kingdom on the very land where black gold was first discovered in 1938.

Attentive faces, bathed in the glowing light of the screen sat with popcorn-scented hands. Together, we embarked on a journey — both collective and deeply personal — without moving an inch.

“Hobal” tells the story of a Bedouin family, set in the early 1990s, living in extreme isolation, led by a paranoid patriarch (Ibrahim Al-Hasawi) who believes the end of times is near, and strongly forbids anyone from his family to venture into town.

The title, “Hobal,” is apt. It references a pre-Islamic figure whose word became gospel, offering deeper layers to the film’s exploration of power and belief.

The family’s situation intensifies when Rifa (Amal Sami), the teen girl, falls gravely ill with a highly contagious case of measles and is forced to isolate even further in a tent alone. Her anguished mother (Mila Al-Zahrani) is consumed with worry, but the men, under the strict guidance of the patriarch, refuse to leave the desert to seek medical help. The women — and young teen boy, Assaf — are confronted with a dilemma: Survival or obedience.

With the hissing desert winds, surrounded by stubborn tents and the suffocating grip of impending grief and unearthed betrayal, the question arises: Will they stay or will they go?

The film’s cinematography is a standout. One particularly stunning shot lingers — a mirror leaning into the sand, reflecting Rifa and Assaf in deep conversation seemingly side-by-side but while apart. The desert engulfs them but they seem grounded. It is shatteringly beautiful. The wisest figures seem to be the youngest.

Set against the backdrop of the Gulf War, the real battles feel internal.

What made watching “Hobal” even more powerful was experiencing it in a Saudi cinema — not too far, geographically, from where the Gulf War broke out, knowing this was a story entirely brought to life by local talent.

There is also a strong Ithra connection. The film was written by Mufarrij Almajfel, who also wrote the award-winning 2023 Ithra film “Hajjan” (about camels), which also starred Al-Hasawi — honored at this year’s festival for his remarkable career. Camels, the symbolic “ships of the desert,” make several meaningful appearances here too, helping to move the story along.

Directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei and produced by Sharif Almajali (along with Alshlahei and Mohammed Al-Turki as executive producers), “Hobal” is a collaborative effort between Shaf Studios, Film Clinic and Peninsula Pictures Group.

The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah and was released in cinemas across the Kingdom in early 2025.

Since then, “Hobal” has grossed an impressive SR21.6 million (about $5.8 million) in its first month, quickly becoming the fastest-growing box office hit in Saudi cinematic history.

It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.


L’Atelier Nawbar gains fans in Hollywood

L’Atelier Nawbar gains fans in Hollywood
Updated 23 April 2025
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L’Atelier Nawbar gains fans in Hollywood

L’Atelier Nawbar gains fans in Hollywood
  • British star Cynthia Erivo wears label’s jewelry at Coachella
  • Dima and Tania Nawbar head family business set up in 1881

DUBAI: Dima and Tania Nawbar, the sisters behind Lebanese jewelry label L’Atelier Nawbar, have added a new Hollywood name to their list of fans: Cynthia Erivo.

The British singer and actress was spotted this week wearing The Buoy Hoops from L’Atelier Nawbar’s latest Lot No. 91 collection during her Coachella debut.

Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, the statement earrings were paired with a cream lace gown featuring wide bell sleeves layered over a black satin base. The look combined varied textures and was styled with over-the-knee black boots.

The sisters took to Instagram to share a picture of the star wearing the earrings and wrote: “In love!!!”

L’Atelier Nawbar was established in 2011. Dima and Tania are fourth generation jewelers. They are the first women to take over the family’s Beirut-based business which was founded by their great-great-grandfather in a gold souk in 1881.

Since establishing their own modern take on the brand, the sisters have gone on to see their designs worn by international celebrities including Queen Rania of Jordan and Joey King.

And they have their collection of rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets stocked at major retailers including Harrods, Bloomingdales and Moda Operandi.

The designers previously told Arab News that they wanted trendy, multipurpose jewelry for every day and night. Their designs can be worn in various ways, with pendants serving also as rings, which reduces investment costs.

The sisters also decided to move away from the traditional business model and offer something new. “We didn’t want to traditionally follow the family business as it was,” Dima said.

So the sisters decided to embrace individuality by remodeling pieces and creating new bespoke jewelry for clients.

Clients are able to bring their own jewelry into the atelier, and the designers will upcycle and redesign the pieces into something fresh and modern.


Ramy Youssef stars in new film by ‘Succession’ creator

Ramy Youssef stars in new film by ‘Succession’ creator
Updated 23 April 2025
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Ramy Youssef stars in new film by ‘Succession’ creator

Ramy Youssef stars in new film by ‘Succession’ creator

DUBAI: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman and Cory Michael Smith play four billionaires in “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong‘s HBO film, “Mountainhead.”

As they enjoy their trip, the world erupts in chaos with headlines such as “Sectarian Violence Escalates in India” and “President of Uzbekistan Forced to Move to Secret Location” interrupting their downtime.

In the trailer, the billionaires receive a call from the President of the United States. “What could he possibly have to say?” asks Smith.

Youssef responds: “That your platform has inflamed a volatile situation, circulating unfalsifiable deepfakes, massive fraud, market instability.”

Armstrong wrote and directed the film, which is a parody of the lives of the ultra-wealthy.

Filming began on “Mountainhead” in March, giving the crew a tight turnaround time before the film’s release on May 31.

In a recent interview with Variety, Youssef teased the film, saying it’s “funny in the same way ‘Succession’ is.”

Egyptian American comedian, writer, actor and director Youssef is known for creating and starring in “Ramy” on the US streaming platform Hulu, which won him a Golden Globe in 2020 in the category Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy.

His animated series “#1 Happy Family USA” had world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, in March.