Latest news with #WadiAlFann
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘AlUla giga project is driving Saudi Arabia's cultural renaissance'
The AlUla Giga Project is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to transform the ancient city of AlUla into a world-class cultural and tourism destination. Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is a Saudi government agency established by royal decree to oversee the sustainable development and preservation of AlUla. The development plan is spearheaded by Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned AlUla Development Company and includes the construction of luxury accommodations, museums, cultural institutions, commercial and residential assets and destinations in collaboration with RCU and the private sector. RCU's Arts and Creative Industries Director Hamad Alhomiedan told Zawya Projects that the ancient Saudi city is establishing itself as a global destination for creativity and cultural exchange offering experiences that are deeply connected to the landscape, community, and heritage. Speaking in an interview ahead of his participation in the NEXT IN Summit in Madrid, organised by Acciona Living & Culture, he said AlUla and RCU's work in arts and culture focuses on building long-term, strategic initiatives that link artistic expression to place, support local creatives, and foster global collaboration 'The goal is to create a vibrant and dynamic district—where people can create, learn, connect, and grow contributing to Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural landscape," he noted. Alhomiedan is leading the development of landmark cultural assets such as the Arts Districts, Wadi AlFann, and the AlUla Contemporary Arts Museum. He pointed out that the Arts District is a central hub for fostering community connections, cultural enrichment, and personal growth and also encompasses creative assets - such as the Art Foundation, Design Space, and Madrasat Addeera – serving as a gateway into AlUla's cultural infrastructure. 'The Arts Academy gives artists the freedom to challenge themselves and elevate their practice. Our educational offerings act as a space for experimentation, pushing the boundaries of how we think and learn,' he said. On the other hand, the Contemporary Art Museum will be a flagship institution for AlUla's artistic legacy—showcasing 21st-century works from the Arab world and beyond, in dialogue with regional artists and AlUla's heritage setting while Wadi AlFann (Valley of the Arts) aims to establish a new global destination for monumental contemporary art, embedded in AlUla's desert landscape and geological formations. Alhomiedan emphasised that building a vibrant cultural sector requires different sectors working together—government, non-profits, academia, private partners, and local communities, with each bringing unique value to the table, whether it's expertise, networks, or resources. 'In AlUla, this collaborative spirit enables us to design cultural programmes that are inclusive, long-term, and grounded in local relevance. It helps us create platforms that support artists, inspire the public, and connect with global audiences in meaningful ways.' The RCU official said upcoming projects in AlUla will continue to reflect the region's distinctive balance of heritage and creativity, adding that the first permanent commissions in Wadi AlFann will be revealed soon, showcasing landmark works by leading international and regional artists. "We're also progressing with the expansion of Madrasat Addeera, as well as development of the Contemporary Art Museum and Cultural Oasis—projects that celebrate craft, design, and contemporary culture in immersive ways. These initiatives aim to tell a rich and evolving story of AlUla, offering insight into both the heritage and the creative spirit of Saudi Arabia,' he concluded. (Reporting by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
AlUla Arts Festival 2025 wraps up with a vibrant closing weekend
ALULA — As the fourth edition of the AlUla Arts Festival reaches its grand finale, visitors are invited to experience an extraordinary closing weekend filled with world-class exhibitions, interactive workshops, film screenings, and cultural engagements. Since its launch, the festival has attracted over 40,000 visitors, cementing its reputation as a premier global platform for artistic and cultural exchange. While the festival officially concludes on February 22, select exhibitions, including Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell, will remain open until April, offering extended hours during Ramadan to allow visitors further opportunities to explore the transformative power of art in AlUla's breathtaking landscape. The closing weekend promises a rich and immersive program, welcoming guests to engage with diverse artistic expressions across multiple disciplines. The AlUla Artist Residency Open Studio at Mabiti Hotel will provide a unique insight into the creative processes of international artists, showcasing their explorations in photography, installation, performance, and material studies. Visitors can also explore Raw to Revival at Design Space AlUla, an exhibition aligned with Saudi Arabia's Year of Handicrafts initiative, which highlights the influence of traditional craftsmanship on contemporary design. Music and cinema lovers will find an array of engaging experiences, with Cinema AlJadidah hosting curated screenings, including Nosferatu, Gonjiam Haunted Asylum, and Born a King, offering audiences a mix of classic and contemporary storytelling. Meanwhile, the AlUla Music Hub Vocational Students Showcase Concert will celebrate emerging talent, providing a stage for young artists to share their creativity. Beyond the festival's closing events, several acclaimed exhibitions will continue to captivate audiences until April. Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell offers a retrospective on the pioneering Light and Space artist, connecting his legacy with his ambitious land art commission in AlUla. Maha Malluh: Reminiscence presents a compelling exploration of memory and representation through contemporary art, while Tarek Atoui: Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House) invites visitors into an interactive sound experience, encouraging participation and experimentation. Additional exhibitions, such as Raw to Revival, Alamaat, and Thikra: Night of Remembering, further enrich AlUla's artistic landscape. Thikra, a site-specific performance created by renowned choreographer Akram Khan and artist Manal AlDowayan, will embark on a world tour in 2025, showcasing AlUla's cultural narrative to international audiences. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
AlUla Arts Festival 2025 wraps up with a vibrant closing weekend
ALULA — As the fourth edition of the AlUla Arts Festival reaches its grand finale, visitors are invited to experience an extraordinary closing weekend filled with world-class exhibitions, interactive workshops, film screenings, and cultural engagements. Since its launch, the festival has attracted over 40,000 visitors, cementing its reputation as a premier global platform for artistic and cultural exchange. While the festival officially concludes on February 22, select exhibitions, including Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell, will remain open until April, offering extended hours during Ramadan to allow visitors further opportunities to explore the transformative power of art in AlUla's breathtaking landscape. The closing weekend promises a rich and immersive program, welcoming guests to engage with diverse artistic expressions across multiple disciplines. The AlUla Artist Residency Open Studio at Mabiti Hotel will provide a unique insight into the creative processes of international artists, showcasing their explorations in photography, installation, performance, and material studies. Visitors can also explore Raw to Revival at Design Space AlUla, an exhibition aligned with Saudi Arabia's Year of Handicrafts initiative, which highlights the influence of traditional craftsmanship on contemporary design. Music and cinema lovers will find an array of engaging experiences, with Cinema AlJadidah hosting curated screenings, including Nosferatu, Gonjiam Haunted Asylum, and Born a King, offering audiences a mix of classic and contemporary storytelling. Meanwhile, the AlUla Music Hub Vocational Students Showcase Concert will celebrate emerging talent, providing a stage for young artists to share their creativity. Beyond the festival's closing events, several acclaimed exhibitions will continue to captivate audiences until April. Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell offers a retrospective on the pioneering Light and Space artist, connecting his legacy with his ambitious land art commission in AlUla. Maha Malluh: Reminiscence presents a compelling exploration of memory and representation through contemporary art, while Tarek Atoui: Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House) invites visitors into an interactive sound experience, encouraging participation and experimentation. Additional exhibitions, such as Raw to Revival, Alamaat, and Thikra: Night of Remembering, further enrich AlUla's artistic landscape. Thikra, a site-specific performance created by renowned choreographer Akram Khan and artist Manal AlDowayan, will embark on a world tour in 2025, showcasing AlUla's cultural narrative to international audiences. — SG
Leaders
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Diriyah Storytelling Festival Tantalizes Children
The Diriyah Storytelling Festival has attracted several children and inspired them to love reading and storytelling, Arab News reported. Themed 'Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,' the festival was part of a vast array of events in Diriyah Season. The festival transformed the region into a magical world for children satisfying their curiosity and meeting their expectations. Diriyah Storytelling Festival Amuses Children During their tour to the Story Village, young children listened to interesting tales told by professionals. Meanwhile, Shadow Shows took young visitors to realms inspired by the book 'Kalila and Dimna.' Therefore, they had a unique opportunity to experience a new visual show combining both art with literature. Diriyah Storytelling Festival Amuses Children Interestingly, the festival offered children a unique opportunity to showcase their artistic skills through the Story and Drawing Corner. They also transformed stories into paintings that deeply mirrored their creative visions. The festival featured various interactive performance displaying historic tales inspired by Diriyah's rich heritage in a theatrical, interactive format to engage the little children. Related Topics: Diriyah Season Presents 'Souk Wonders' …..Enchanting Cultural Journey James Turrell Joins Wadi AlFann at AlUla Arts Festival 2025 Diriyah Storytelling Festival to Offer Stunning Literature Activities Children Explore Coffee Culture, Heritage at Saudi International Exhibition Short link : Post Views: 8 Related Stories
Leaders
06-02-2025
- Leaders
Wadi Al-Arj in Taif: Harmony of Nature, History, Culture
Nestled in Taif Governorate, Wadi Al-Arj offers a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and diverse flora and fauna. The valley is home to an array of plant life, including shrubs and iconic trees such as Talh, Sidr, and Juniper. Spanning 47 kilometers, Wadi Al-Arj is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the historic Marwan Castle and the renowned Crown Prince Camel Festival. Its fertile orchards flourish with fruits and grains, while palm-dotted pastures and ancient rock carvings narrate stories of past civilizations. With its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, Wadi Al-Arj is a premier destination for ecotourism, leisure, and exploration. Related Topics : James Turrell Joins Wadi AlFann at AlUla Arts Festival 2025 Saudi Artist Captivates AlUla's Wadi AlFann Visitors Diriyah Wadi Safar Project Kicks Off in Line with Saudi Vision 2030 Wadi Al-Sadr Park: New Attraction in Al-Baha Region Short link : Post Views: 15 Related Stories
