Qatar’s ‘Beyti Beytak’ exhibition in Venice explores architecture’s roots in hospitality 

Qatar’s ‘Beyti Beytak’ exhibition in Venice explores architecture’s roots in hospitality 
Yasmeen Lari's ‘Community Center’ Doha, 2024. (Coutesy of Qatar Museums)
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Updated 29 May 2025
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Qatar’s ‘Beyti Beytak’ exhibition in Venice explores architecture’s roots in hospitality 

Qatar’s ‘Beyti Beytak’ exhibition in Venice explores architecture’s roots in hospitality 
  • Show examines how traditional MENASA design ‘fosters belonging, dignity, and collective life’ 

DUBAI: Qatar’s first participation in the Venice Biennale of Architecture is a major exhibition spanning two sites in the Italian city — the ACP-Palazzo Franchetti, and the site of what will be the permanent Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale. (That pavilion will be the first permanent addition to the historic gardens in more than 30 years.) 

The exhibition, “Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La Mia Casa è la Tua Casa,” is presented by Qatar Museums and curated by the Art Mill Museum — Qatar’s yet-to-be-built museum of modern and contemporary art — and, according to a press release “explores meanings of hospitality within the architecture, urbanism and landscape designs of the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa region.” It features examples from 30 architects, dating from the mid-20th century to the present day.  

Aurélien Lemonier, architect and curator at the Art Mill Museum, and the exhibition’s co-curator, tells Arab News: “The exhibition reflects on the essence of hospitality, not just as tradition but as a spatial and social practice. It explores how architecture from the MENASA region fosters belonging, dignity, and collective life.” 




Saudi architect Sumaya Dabbagh’s Mleiha Archaeological Center, completed in 2016. (Courtesy Dabbagh Architects — Photo by Gerry O’Leary, Rami Mansour)

On the permanent pavilion’s future site stands a newly commissioned structure by Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first female architect and a pioneer of humanitarian design. Her bamboo-and-palm-frond “Community Center,” created using zero-carbon, low-cost techniques, was developed through the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, which Lari co-founded. The structure exemplifies what she calls Barefoot Social Architecture — a methodology that mobilizes local resources, community labor, and heritage crafts to produce flood- and earthquake-resistant structures, addressing, she has said, “climate and social justice.” 

“When I spoke with Yasmeen,” recalls Lemonier, “I realized her work is a direct legacy of (Egyptian architect) Hassan Fathy. Like him, she empowers the poor to build their own futures.”  

The exhibition draws a clear line of continuity from Fathy’s radical use of earthen materials and community-led design to Lari’s ‘barefoot architecture’ in Pakistan. “Fathy taught communities to build with mud brick and vernacular layouts; not only to survive but to thrive,” he says. “Lari continues that legacy by using architecture as a tool of empowerment.” 




A drawing of Hassan Fathy’s Hamdi Seif Al-Nasr Rest House. (Courtesy of The American University in Cairo)

Lemonier’s co-curator Sean Anderson, an associate professor at New York’s Cornell University, says: “For centuries, cities in the MENASA region have been shaped not by individual buildings, but by how people gather, interact, and live together. Today, that wisdom is more relevant than ever, as we witness the planet’s transformations, mirrored by technology’s drive toward a more collective, yet divided, future.” 

This spirit is echoed in the main exhibition at Palazzo Franchetti where “Beyti Beytak” becomes an immersive and archival deep dive into MENASA’s architectural richness. Some of the architects featured are being exhibiting in Venice for the first time. The curators’ ambition is to capture the continuity across generations — from pioneers such as India’s Raj Rewal, Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil of Egypt, Pakistan’s Nayyar Ali Dada, and Sri Lanka’s Minnette de Silva to contemporary leaders including Palestinian-Jordanian architect Abeer Seikaly, Bangladesh’s Marina Tabassum, Sumaya Dabbagh of Saudi Arabia, and Palestine’s Dima Srouji. 

“‘Beyti Beytak’ is a testament to the architectural heritage and creativity of the Arab world and the Global South,” says Lemonier. “The future Art Mill Museum was conceived as a multidisciplinary institution, one that will embrace this richness not as a regional footnote but as a core narrative.” 




Aurelien Lemonier, co-curator of the ‘Beyti Beytak’ exhibition. (Supplied)

The curators have woven together an architectural narrative grounded in civic humanism, tracing three generations of architectural expression through thematic sections that include oases, mosques, museums, housing, and gardens, with a special focus on community centers and urbanism in Doha. 

“The selected architects’ work forms a chorus of alternative futures; ones where architecture is not a luxury, but a deeply human practice of care, resilience, and place making,” says Anderson. In fact, one of the pavilion’s central propositions is that, architecturally, traditional knowledge may offer more-resilient solutions to climate change than high-tech design.  

“It’s a paradox,” Lemonier admits. “You’d think triple-glazed facades and cutting-edge systems are more advanced — but mud, lime, and bamboo buildings often perform better in extreme climates. What we see with Yasmeen Lari is a reappropriation of vernacular materiality as climate adaptation.” 

Throughout the exhibition, the curators draw a sharp line between architectural conceptualism and communal responsibility.  

“Architecture is not sculpture,” Lemonier says emphatically. “It is a social and collective act. The architect must think of themselves not as an artist, but as a participant in a living society.”  

This ethos is also reflected in the Doha-based segment of the exhibition, where the urbanism of Qatar is framed as humanist and collective. “Doha offers public parks, civic space, and an architecture of sociability,” Lemonier notes. “It’s not only about the buildings, it’s also about the empty spaces that allow a community to gather. It’s not about big gestures. It’s about how architecture allows a community to live, build with care, with humility, and with others in mind. For me, that’s the measure of success in design.” 

Anderson adds: “As architects, we hold a responsibility not just to build, but to shape how we gather, connect, and see one another. Architecture isn’t static. It’s one of the most dynamic ways we experience humanity. This exhibition explores how space can be a vessel for empathy — especially in a time when technology often divides us. Yasmeen Lari’s work may be rooted in (Pakistan’s province of) Sindh, but its message transcends borders: it asks us to reflect on what it truly means to design for people.” 

By placing Lari’s work in direct dialogue with the legacy of Hassan Fathy and by elevating regional voices too often overlooked, “Beyti Beytak” challenges dominant norms in global architecture. And it offers a compelling argument: Your home is not just yours — it belongs to the community, the climate, and the culture it serves. 

For the Arab world and the broader MENASA region, “Beyti Beytak” positions architects as custodians of culture and agents of justice.   

“This exhibition is not just about buildings,” says Lemonier. “It is about how we live together, how we welcome one another and how we shape a shared future through design.” 

-ENDS- 

  

 


London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 

London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 
Updated 17 July 2025
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London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 

London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 
  • A guide to finding a taste of home on your travels  

LONDON: As the number of Saudi expats and visitors in London continues to grow, it’s no surprise that Saudi-owned brands are rising in popularity in the British capital. So, if you’re planning to make the big move — or just visiting — but you’re concerned about feeling homesick, don’t worry; your favorite cafés are coming with you, making your mornings abroad feel a little more like home. 

Somewhere Café 

Somewhere Café has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership. (Supplied)

If you’ve visited Somewhere Café in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, then you’re already familiar with its unmatched ambiance, food, and décor. With its first UK outlet, the beloved café — which has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership — has brought its signature “home-away-from-home” experience, along with classic Middle Eastern flavors, to London’s premier department store: Harrods. 

“Inspired by our travels, we invite you to experience a piece of our journey. Much like finding a painting and bringing it home as a memento, Somewhere celebrates the unique from everywhere. The space is elegantly well-travelled, with an eclectic touch, showcasing Middle Eastern influences through craft and curation,” co-founder Amal AlMarri told Arab News. 

If you’re craving something beyond the ordinary, Somewhere Café delivers a fusion of flavors that reimagines nostalgic childhood dishes. Its most popular items include beef shawarma rice, kunafa croissant, and guacamole hummus. For lunch or dinner, you might try the crispy, golden shrimp kunafa or indulge in the rich truffle and cheese batata harra.  

To complement its bold menu, the café features a warm, dimly lit interior — a cozy and inviting space to relax with friends and family. Before you leave, the dessert menu — featuring a delectable farak French toast or French coffee baklava — deserves an equal amount of attention. 

Hijazi Corner 

At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. (Supplied)

London’s first Saudi restaurant — Hijazi Corner — is a vibrant addition to the city’s dynamic culinary scene. At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. The inspiration behind the restaurant? His mother’s kitchen. 

“When any chef starts to speak about food, they talk about their mum. Her chicken kabsa is a bit oily, a bit shiny, and looks amazing — even just talking about it now makes me hungry,” Al-Zubaidi told Arab News last year. “But even if I used the exact same ingredients and followed her method, hers would still taste better.” 

Rooted in tradition, the menu features dishes typically found in Saudi homes — especially Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, where Al-Zubaidi grew up. Highlights include chicken seelag, slow-roasted lamb haneeth, and delicate, flaky samboosek. 

In just two years, Hijazi Corner has become one of London’s most sought-after Middle Eastern restaurants — a testament to the deep longing among Saudi expats for authentic flavors from home. 

Qahwah London 

Qahwah London serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa. (Supplied)

For those pining for the traditional, rich, aromatic flavors of Arabic coffee, Qahwah London is exactly what you need, with a wide selection of authentic qahwah options, including a tangy, spiced black coffee or the café’s signature Royal Infusion — a warming blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Feeling hungry? Qahwah London also serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa — the perfect pairing for a steaming cup of Arabic coffee. 

Guests can also book private gatherings for friends and family, or host intimate events like weddings or nikkah ceremonies. As part of its private offerings, the café provides a luxurious setting: rooms adorned with gold-plated coffee cups and an eye-catching assortment of traditional sweets — all designed to create a decadent group experience. 

Diwan Kitchen 

Diwan Kitchen captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature. (Supplied)

Diwan Kitchen is perfect for Saudis in the UK who are craving not only an authentic bite from home, but the feeling of being back in the Kingdom. It captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature.  

“We wanted to show people what traditional Saudi dining is like” Adem Nasraddin, co-founder of the restaurant, told Arab News on the restaurant’s opening night in May. “There’s a rhythm to Saudi life. A scent, a pace, a flavor. We bottled that feeling and served it on a plate.” 

The menu takes diners on a journey across the Kingdom, from the Hijaz region, with its rich, tangy foul medammas — served in the center of the table with bread for sharing — to Najd, with jareesh, a hearty stew-like dish topped with fresh meat and vegetables. 

Half Million 

½ M Café is on Oxford Street. (Supplied)

Grab a coffee and a quick bite at Half Million Café on Oxford Street, then stroll over to Hyde Park for the perfect London morning. 

As in its original location in Saudi Arabia, Half Million in London is committed to delivering a “premium coffee experience.” Whether you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast tea or a vibrant red berry infusion, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And when the sun is out, their iced coffees offer the perfect refreshment. The menu — from cakes and sandwiches to freshly baked pastries — is completely halal. 

If you’re after a bold, decadent brew in a sleek, stylish setting, Half Million Café is the ideal stop. With its modern cup designs and curated aesthetic, it’s a chic addition to London’s café scene. 


Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 

Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 
Updated 5 min 45 sec ago
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Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 

Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 
  • Relaxation and realization at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort 

 MALDIVES: There are few places in the world that truly embody serenity the way the Maldives does, and my recent yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort was nothing short of transformative.  

The resort — set among turquoise waters, white sand and swaying palm trees — was not just a getaway; it was a reset for the body, mind and soul. 

From the moment I arrived, it felt as though time slowed down. Each day began with yoga classes overlooking the endless blue of the Indian Ocean with the sound of the wind rustling through palm trees and the gentle rhythm of waves crashing on the shore. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. One of the most peaceful sessions took place around sunset, as the sky shifted from soft gold to dusky pink. 

A yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. (Supplied)

The retreat was led by Dubai-based instructor Emilia Métaireau. Each day, we explored one of the “koshas” — the five layers of the self in yogic thought — starting with the physical and gradually moving on to the emotional, mental and spiritual realms. Métaireau’s ability to guide us gently into each theme, while adapting to every participant’s level, made the experience both grounding and expansive. 

And while the classes make you sweat, you remain in constant Zen mode. During the final relaxation, there was no escaping the inevitable: drifting into the deepest, most peaceful sleep. 

Post-practice, we had plenty of time to explore and unwind at the resort. Our villa came with its own bicycles, which made exploring the island feel peaceful and playful. Riding from one side to the other with the sea breeze on my face was one of the small joys that made the trip so memorable.  

The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. The Lighthouse was undergoing renovations during our stay, but we were still able to enjoy its menu in a different setting. Fresh seafood, balanced flavors and thoughtful plating made each meal feel special. 

The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. (Supplied)

The resort is also on the edge of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers rare access to graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. We headed out on a boat, gliding across crystal-clear waters in search of them, stopping at three different spots. Mantas have a vast area to explore, so sightings are never guaranteed and, after a while, we began to lose hope. But just as we were about to head back, the team spotted them near the surface. Guests — including my husband — were able to get into the water with the rays. He said they were much larger than he expected, yet graceful and fascinating to watch up close. 

The resort’s spa — set above the water — was the perfect complement to the physical and spiritual work on the retreat. The treatment rooms offer panoramic views of the ocean, which only deepens the relaxation experience, and every aspect, from the scents used to the post-treatment tea, was curated to bring a sense of calm and renewal. 

This retreat gave me the space to reconnect with myself in a truly meaningful way, and Métaireau’s guidance gave me a deeper understanding of yoga. I used to attend classes in Dubai, but I struggled to focus, often skipping the breathing exercises, weighed down by the stress of a busy workday. But being in the Maldives, surrounded by nature, was a completely different experience. With every session, I felt more present, more grounded and more in tune with myself. 

If you would like to try yoga — or if you’ve already tried but found it hard to engage properly — then I highly recommend going on a retreat, even within your own country. Stepping away from your daily routine makes all the difference.  


Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage
Updated 16 July 2025
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Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

DUBAI: Saudi writer and producer Mona Khashoggi’s latest production, “Sinbad the Sailor,” was staged on Tuesday at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, blending traditional Arab storytelling with contemporary performance. 

The family-friendly dance show was a vibrant reinterpretation of the legendary seafarer’s adventures, inspired by tales from “One Thousand and One Nights” and set in eighth-century Mesopotamia.

Khashoggi is a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations. (Supplied)

The musical tells the story of Sinbad, who loses his fortune in a card game and goes on a journey to find new treasures. Along the way he faces sea monsters, wild adventures and magical caves. He meets a kind girl and together they find friendship, love and a way back home to Baghdad, where Sinbad inspires a young boy with his stories.

Khashoggi, a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations, emphasized her decision to work with a global cast. “Because this is a dance show … I wanted the best ballet and contemporary dancers. My dancers are all professional from the Mathew Bourne school, English National Ballet and West End Musicals,” she told Arab News. 

Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences. (Supplied)

“My lead Mark Samaras is in ‘Moulin Rouge.’ My creatives are from the West End with awards. I wanted to push the bar high and introduce an Arab story,” she added. “Mona Khash Productions is a British production. I always work and produce my shows in London before we tour internationally. London and the West End shows are the center and capital of theater in the world.”

Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences. 

Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. (Supplied)

“My work and passion is to revive our culture and bring it to a wider audience and international audience. My shows are educational and cultural. The dance and costumes are inspired by stories from ‘1001 Nights,’ set in Mesopotamia in the 8th century, during the era of Haroun El-Rashid and Queen Zubaida,” she said. 

Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish.

Director and choreographer Anjali Mehra, whose credits include “Jesus Christ Superstar” and "Lord of the Rings,” said: “The Middle East offers so many exciting social and celebratory dances.
“I was inspired by certain steps, foot rhythms, arm movements and stage patterns. With a mixed heritage cast, we were able to combine modern storytelling dance with classical technique and Arabic steps to bring ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life,” Mehra added.


Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 
Updated 15 July 2025
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Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 
  • Three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several Year of Handicrafts initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture
  • Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces

RIYADH: The “Arts Telling Stories” exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation’s culture and history through authentic handicrafts.

The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several “Year of Handicrafts” initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community. 

Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment.

The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation.

It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region’s geography, the SPA reported.

The exhibition reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.


Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval
Updated 15 July 2025
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Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

DUBAI: Lebanese Australian duo, model Jessica Kahawaty and mother Rita, have launched their own cookbook — with no less a person than Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox providing a cover quote.

Kahawaty and her mother are the minds behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita and the book, “Mama Rita: Family recipes from the Mediterranean,” is now available for pre-order ahead of its release in September.

It is endorsed by Cox, who says it is “a must-have for anyone who is passionate about cooking and loves food as much as I do.”

Writing on Instagram on Monday, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist, and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm, and generous.

“Years of love, passion, late nights and so many memories. It’s all finally coming to life just as Mama Rita turns five this September,” she added.

Kahawaty is on an entrepreneurial roll, having launched jewelry brand Kahawaty Jewels alongside her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, in May. Based in Dubai, it continues the family’s long-standing tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

For Jessica, building the brand with her father has been a meaningful journey.

“He’s the only man I trust when it comes to diamonds and jewelry. He has an impeccable eye for detail and quality. He has the most incredible craftsmanship. I learned so much from him and launching this with my father feels like a true partnership,” she said.