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The National
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Art, music and film: 10 cultural festivals in the Mena region worth travelling to
The Middle East and North Africa is not only magnet for tourists, the region also offers a wide range of vibrant and dynamic cultural events for arts enthusiasts. From large music festivals in Morocco and Lebanon, to cutting-edge art fairs in Saudi Arabia, the region's events calendar is packed with experiences to captivate and inspire. Here are 10 events worth travelling to. The region has a new arts festival. The inaugural Art Week Riyadh will showcase works from more than 45 regional and international galleries, alongside a wide-ranging series of public talks. Running under the theme At the Edge, events will be held at various locations in the city. At Al Mousa Centre, 15 galleries will present solo and group exhibitions, while the Jax District will feature three exhibitions exploring Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural identity. The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting Art of the Kingdom, and Adaptability: Ceramics. Running for more than 30 years, the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is one of the most distinctive music gatherings. The festival in the northern Moroccan city showcases traditional and spiritual music from around the globe, while also hosting discussions that promote cross-cultural dialogue. Past events have featured an eclectic mix of artists, including the late Lebanese singer Wadih El Safi, American punk-poet Patti Smith, soul singer Ben Harper, and Qawwali master Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This year's line-up will be revealed soon. The festival is one of Turkey's premier arts events. Its packed two-day programme includes art exhibitions, film screenings, concerts and philosophical discussions. While this year's line-up is yet to be announced, past guests have included authors Orhan Pamuk and Zadie Smith, artist and activist Ai Weiwei and experimental musician Laurie Anderson. North Africa's biggest music festival returned last year after a five-year hiatus, and it normally packs a bumper line-up of regional and international stars. This year looks no different with Hollywood star and rapper Will Smith announcing he will begin his European tour in Rabat. Held in venues across the Moroccan capital, Mawazine is a perfect opportunity to explore Rabat's neighbourhoods. Best of all, most of the concerts are free. Expect crowds of at least 50,000 for shows on the main stages. Launched in 2020, the festival emerged from the severe disruptions of the pandemic to become one of the region's most vibrant film gatherings. Screenings and discussions are held in venues across the Jordanian capital, ranging from open-air cinemas and cultural centres to independent theatres. While it boasts a strong international programme of feature films, documentaries and shorts, the festival is also a platform for new voices from the Arab world. Past festivals have welcomed acclaimed figures such as filmmaker Nadine Labaki and Palestinian actor Ali Suliman. The festival in the ancient Roman city of Jerash has hosted generations of revered singers in its historic amphitheatre, surrounded by breathtaking archaeological ruins, over almost four decades. Celebrating the Arab world's rich musical heritage, past performers have included Lebanese star Fairouz, Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir and Jordan's own Omar Al Abdallat. Come for the sounds, stay for the sights. The Baalbeck International Festival is the crown jewel of Lebanon's cultural calendar and a landmark event in the Arab world, having run for nearly 70 years. Its roster of past performers reads like a who's who of music history, with Umm Kulthum, Fairouz, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald gracing its stage. Audiences can expect another rich line-up spanning classical music, Arabic pop and contemporary dance. While the official programme and dates have yet to be announced, local media reports suggest the festival will begin on July 25, with events typically unfolding over two to three weeks. The El Gouna Film Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Egypt's Red Sea coast, has become one of the region's most glamorous cinematic gatherings. It may not yet carry the gravitas of Morocco's Marrakesh International Film Festival, but El Gouna more than makes up for it with its star-studded guest list, red-carpet premieres and a strong programme of Arabic cinema and international films. Past attendees include actress Hend Sabry, director Mohamed Diab, and Oscar winner Forest Whitaker. Visa For Music spotlights emerging artists from the Mena region through a dynamic programme of showcases, conferences and networking sessions. Each day features multiple performances across Rabat, covering a broad spectrum of genres from Moroccan Gnawa to the desert blues of Mali. Since its launch in 2014, the festival has helped to launch the careers of acts including the Moroccan-French fusion band Bab L'Bluz and the Sudanese group Alsarah and The Nubatones. Initially conceived as a lead-up to the mammoth Soundstorm music festival in Riyadh a week later, XP Music Futures has since grown into an event in its own right. Blending industry panels, masterclasses and workshops by day with high-energy concerts by night, the festival spans multiple stages and showcases the latest sounds emerging from Saudi Arabia and the wider region. It's an exciting convergence of music, creativity and forward-thinking dialogue that's defining the region's sonic future.
Leaders
21-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia to Participate at Triennale Milano's International Exhibition
Saudi Arabia is set to participate at the 24th International Exhibition at the Triennale Milano design museum in Italy later this year, according to Arab News. Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced that the Kingdom will organize a pavilion dedicated to the agricultural oasis of Al-Ahsa. Titled 'Maghras: A Farm for Experimentation,' the exhibition is hosted by the Architecture and Design Commission. Curated by Lulu Almana and Sara Al-Omran, the event will run from May 13 to Nov. 9. The exhibition will offer glimpses into the intersection of farming traditions, ecological shifts as well as cultural memory within a rapidly transforming landscape. Interestingly, Maghras farm has inspired the team through its community-driven programs as well as research and artistic interventions. Directed by Alejandro Stein, the pavilion takes the form of a transplanted maghras. This form represents a traditional unit of land defined by four palm trees. Crucially, the exhibition seeks to engage audience with Al-Ahsa's evolving agricultural ecosystems through videos, sound installations and participatory programs. In order to offer a comprehensive view about Al-Ahsa, artists, architects, and researchers collaborated with the region's farming communities and collected firsthand insights into the region's shifting landscape. In addition, they deepened their cooperation through performances, film screenings and local workshops that focus on the strong connections between culture and agriculture. Related Topics: Prophet's Mosque Expansion Exhibition Offers Journey through Time 'Art of the Kingdom' Exhibition Unveiled, Showcasing Culture, Innovation Riyadh Hosts 4th International Fisheries Exhibition Featuring 120 Foreign Firms Short link : Post Views: 37
Gulf Insider
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
‘Art Of The Kingdom' Exhibition Opens At Saudi Arabia Museum Of Contemporary Art In JAX
The Museums Commission in Riyadh officially opened the 'Art of the Kingdom' exhibition at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Tuesday, marking the exhibition's second stop after its successful debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The exhibition, which celebrates Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene, features works by 17 prominent Saudi artists. It showcases the evolving role of art in the Kingdom, highlighting the country's cultural identity while addressing broader themes such as memory, modernity, and the intersection of heritage and technology. The exhibition focuses on two main questions: Is it possible for contemporary art to reflect culture in today's digital era, where information is always in motion? And how can art contribute to reshaping narratives about society and history, deconstructing the past while influencing the present? The exhibition presents a range of media, including oil paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art. They explore the transformation of the Kingdom's art scene, from deep connections to local traditions to engagement with current global issues. The exhibition's design reflects both the shared cultural experiences of the artists and their individual perspectives, creating a rich visual narrative of Saudi Arabia's history, present, and future. The exhibition also explores two main themes: the desert, symbolizing vastness and life, and the development of Saudi cultural traditions and visual culture from past to present. These themes dive into ideas of identity, environmental awareness, and the Kingdom's evolving artistic landscape. Following its first stop at the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro, which coincided with the G20 Summit in November last year, the exhibition attracted more than 26,000 visitors and received much admiration. The Riyadh stop includes new works that were not displayed in Brazil, offering fresh perspectives on Saudi contemporary art. After its run in Riyadh, the exhibition will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and exhibition will be on display at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX until May 24.
Leaders
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
'Art of the Kingdom' Exhibition Unveiled, Showcasing Culture, Innovation
The Saudi Museums Commission launched the Art of the Kingdom exhibition at JAX's Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesday. This marks its second global stop following a successful debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Featuring 17 leading Saudi artists, the showcase celebrates the Kingdom's thriving contemporary art scene while exploring cultural identity, memory, and modernity. Exploring Themes of Identity and Innovation The exhibition tackles pressing questions: Can contemporary art reflect culture in today's fast-paced digital world? How can it reshape societal narratives and redefine history? Through oil paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art, the works bridge local traditions with global issues like environmental awareness and technological evolution. Two core themes anchor the display: the desert's vastness as a metaphor for life and Saudi Arabia's evolving visual culture. Artists delve into identity, heritage, and the Kingdom's dynamic artistic growth, blending shared experiences with personal perspectives. After debuting at Rio's Imperial Palace during November's G20 Summit, the exhibition drew over 26,000 visitors. The Riyadh edition introduces new works unseen in Brazil, offering fresh insights into Saudi creativity. A Global Journey of Art and Diplomacy Next, the exhibition heads to Beijing's National Museum of China, commemorating 25 years of Saudi-China diplomatic relations. This stop underscores the Kingdom's expanding cultural influence on the global stage. The Art of the Kingdom will run in JAX until May 24. The 'Art of the Kingdom' exhibition reflects the Museums Commission's dedication to promoting Saudi artists and boosting their global reach. It also underscores the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art's mission to nurture innovation and highlight the Kingdom's finest creative works, while the museum solidifies its role as a hub for innovation and cutting-edge artistry. Don't miss this immersive journey through Saudi Arabia's past, present, and future—where tradition meets technology, and local stories spark global conversations. Short link : Post Views: 11
Saudi Gazette
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
‘Art of the Kingdom' exhibition opens at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Museums Commission in Riyadh officially opened the 'Art of the Kingdom' exhibition at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Tuesday, marking the exhibition's second stop after its successful debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The exhibition, which celebrates Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene, features works by 17 prominent Saudi artists. It showcases the evolving role of art in the Kingdom, highlighting the country's cultural identity while addressing broader themes such as memory, modernity, and the intersection of heritage and technology. The exhibition focuses on two main questions: Is it possible for contemporary art to reflect culture in today's digital era, where information is always in motion? And how can art contribute to reshaping narratives about society and history, deconstructing the past while influencing the present? The exhibition presents a range of media, including oil paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art. They explore the transformation of the Kingdom's art scene, from deep connections to local traditions to engagement with current global issues. The exhibition's design reflects both the shared cultural experiences of the artists and their individual perspectives, creating a rich visual narrative of Saudi Arabia's history, present, and future. The exhibition also explores two main themes: the desert, symbolizing vastness and life, and the development of Saudi cultural traditions and visual culture from past to present. These themes dive into ideas of identity, environmental awareness, and the Kingdom's evolving artistic landscape. Following its first stop at the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro, which coincided with the G20 Summit in November last year, the exhibition attracted more than 26,000 visitors and received much admiration. The Riyadh stop includes new works that were not displayed in Brazil, offering fresh perspectives on Saudi contemporary art. After its run in Riyadh, the exhibition will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and China. The exhibition will be on display at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX until May 24. The 'Art of the Kingdom' exhibition reflects the Museums Commission's commitment to supporting Saudi artists and expanding their global presence, as well as the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art's role in fostering innovation and showcasing the best of the Kingdom's creative practices.
