XP Music Futures 2024 Concludes: A Celebration of Transformation and Global Impact -
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Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 to Open Jan. 30
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced the appointment of an expanded curatorial team and the official opening date for the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, which will begin on Jan. 30, by Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed, the curatorial team reflects the Biennale's growing ambition to bridge Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving cultural scene with global artistic discourse. Razian is the Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at Art Jameel, while Ahmed is a curator and educator who serves as Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art them are international curators Maan Abu Taleb, May Makki, Kabelo Malatsie, and Lantian Xie. Milan-based architect Sammy Zarka has also been named Associate Architect and Exhibition Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 will again take place in the JAX District of Diriyah, a creative and cultural hub west of event will extend into newly opened venues within the district, further activating its industrial heritage spaces and building on the success of the 2022 and 2024 editions, which drew more than 340,000 visitors Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, said the diverse curatorial backgrounds — from music and literature to performance and architecture — signal the Biennale's commitment to cross-disciplinary exchange.'This curatorial team brings together a wide range of voices shaped by different disciplines,' said Al-Bakree.'Their experience demonstrates the evolving role of contemporary art as a space of exchange, and I hope this opens new pathways for artists and audiences in Saudi Arabia.'The 2026 edition will feature new commissions and works by artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world, inviting dialogue on the role of contemporary art in a nation undergoing rapid the CuratorsMaan Abu Taleb is co-founder of the Arabic music platform Ma3azef and a novelist and essayist whose works have explored the intersections of sound, politics, and identity. May Makki previously served with the Museum of Modern Art in New York and has held research and curatorial roles at MoMA PS1, Mathaf in Doha, and Columbia University's Wallach Art Gallery. Kabelo Malatsie is the former director of Kunsthalle Bern and has curated international exhibitions including the Yokohama Triennale and the Sharjah Biennial. Lantian Xie's diverse artistic practice spans installations, performances, and collaborative projects that have been presented at the Venice Biennale, Dhaka Art Summit, and Centre Pompidou. Sammy Zarka is an architect and lecturer at Milan's Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti. His work centers on ephemeral architecture and socio-spatial memory, with previous collaborations including Fondazione Prada and Italo Rota's museum projects. — SG Also read: Dubai Police Solve Heist of Extremely Rare $25mn Diamond in Less Than a Day
Gulf Weekly
07-08-2025
- Gulf Weekly
Shields up!
A beloved children's book written by a Bahraini author has been made into a cartoon series, and officially released this week, teaching young minds valuable lessons in gratitude, integrity, patience and more. Faris wa drou'oh Al-asher ('Faris and his 10 shields') penned by Nada Fardan hit the shelves back in 2015, and is a collection of 10 short stories, each dedicated to a particular 'shield' or virtue. The Sanad resident had originally submitted her work at the popular Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity and after receiving a positive feedback and praise from the jury, decided to publish it. However, the idea for it to be adapted as an animated series Durro'a Al-Faris ('knight's shields') struck last year after Saudi writer Fahad Al-Qahtani reached out to Ms Fardan, and the duo worked with animation company Cartologia to bring the tales alive in a rhyme format. Over the last year, three of the 10 episodes were created and the first episode of the series was screened at Abdulrahman Kanoo Cultural Centre in Riffa during an event. It also featured a themed competition for children, an interactive session singing the rhyme featured in the cartoon, and a book signing, among other things. Nada emphasised that the series delivers authentic Arabic content rooted in local cultural and environmental values. 'I'm thrilled to see that my story will now reach a wider audience,' Nada told GulfWeekly. 'Our goal is to reinforce identity, instill a sense of belonging, and present engaging, value-driven stories that maintain the simplicity and excitement children love. 'This is a big project and we're in the process of working on the remaining episodes. The first three are available on my YouTube channel (@al-nadaworkshops),' the 39-year-old added. The series revolves around young Faris ('knight' in Arabic), who faces life's battles with unwavering courage and resilience thanks to his shields or virtues that guide him – the Shield of Self-Confidence, which empowers Faris to believe in himself; the Shield of Cultural Difference, which celebrates diversity and understanding; and the Shield of Gratitude, fostering appreciation, among others. According to the architect-turned-full-time-author, she always strives to write stories that can resonate with children from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, with some of her books featuring characters with special needs, nodding to her inclusive approach. One of her recent titles Manba'a Al-Jood ('source of bounty') was officially unveiled at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival this year and highlights the idea that something good can only be built on strong, noble foundations. Her first children's book One Trunk Away – the heartwarming tale of Harry, a young elephant, and his mother, who gently encourages him to face new challenges on his own – also released this year. 'We are considering having English subtitles for the animated series (Durro'a Al-Faris), so more children can enjoy it,' Nada revealed. Other books by the author include Faris fi zaman Al-goos ('Faris in the Pearling Age'), Ebtisamet Shamoosa ('Sunny Smile'), and Hamama Nodi ('Nodi the dove').
Gulf Weekly
31-07-2025
- Gulf Weekly
All eyes on the music
Serving up a softer, more contemplative side of their signature Afro-Khaleeji sound, Bahraini fusionists Majaz have released the fourth single from their upcoming EP. Titled Aini, the song dropped on July 25 and introduces a sonic shift for the group, which is known for its energetic, upbeat rhythms. Built around the term of endearment 'aini' which translates in Arabic to 'my eyes' or 'my beloved' and is commonly used across Khaleeji dialects, the track embodies compassion and empathy. 'This song reveals a different side of Majaz,' the band's guitarist Hameed AlSaeed told GulfWeekly. 'It highlights the more chill vibe of our Afro-Khaleeji sounds. 'Musically, it stands in contrast to the rest of the EP, which is much more energetic.' The lyrics in Aini serve a dual purpose. On the surface, they appear as a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. But beneath that is a broader commentary on the gradual erosion of deep human connection in the digital age. The double meanings throughout the song make it relatable on multiple levels, whether listeners interpret it as a love ballad or a reflection on modern disconnection. 'The song sheds light on the importance of human connection in a world where real, deep human interactions are becoming increasingly scarce, gradually losing their significance and weight amidst the ever-evolving ways through which the age of information shapes the way we communicate,' Hameed explained. In keeping with the band's commitment to preserving and evolving Khaleeji musical heritage, Aini incorporates 'Sawt Shami', a rhythmic pattern rooted in 'Fann As-Sawt', an urban art form that has played a significant role in Gulf music for centuries. While the band often experiments with Khaleeji rhythmic foundations, the use of 'Sawt Shami' in this track signals a deliberate nod to 'one of the timeless pillars of Khaleeji musical heritage', repackaged in a modern aesthetic. 'The song was written in mid-2022 and we have also played it live in many of our shows, where it got shaped into the final version,' bassist Salah Alawi added. 'The challenge was testing the song couple of times in front of the audience before hitting the studio.' The single follows Ya Lala (a vocable commonly used in Khaleeji culture and music as a display of joy and care-free sentiments), Heila Hei (a generational Bahraini phrase with no particular linguistic meaning), and Ala Wain (Arabic for 'to where'), which have received praise for their creative fusion of genres. Like its predecessors, Aini will be part of Majaz's upcoming and as-yet-unnamed five-track EP, which is expected to be released by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Made up of Bahrainis Hameed, Salah, cellist Jehad Al Halal, and Saudi percussionist Abdulla Faisal, the quartet is currently planning shows across the region. Aini is now streaming on all major platforms.
