JEDDAH: In line with the artistic awakening that Saudi Arabia is experiencing, the Italian business group IBG put on a breathtaking dance show which enchanted an audience on Sunday night.
“Omnia Vincit Amor” (in English, love conquers all) is a contemporary ballet by Keyhole Dance Project, a contemporary dance company from Padova, Italy, which took place at the Italian Cultural Center.
Staged in collaboration with the Cultural Center and the patronage of the Italian Consulate, “Omnia Vincit Amor” tells a story about love and includes a lot of classical references and passionate emotions.
Before the show Elizabitta Martini, Consul General of Italy in Jeddah, said: “Entertainment is the new industry in Saudi Arabia and it is where more Italian events can contribute. We are glad the IBG is promoting such an event to strengthen Saudi-Italian ties.”
The show combined the strong but controlled legwork of ballet with a modern style that emphasizes the torso. Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction were often used as well.
Jumana Rajab, a VIP relationship executive in the audience, told Arab News: “I’m glad we’ve started to introduce this concept of fun and dance, and I can’t wait to see more similar events as it is a chance to tell people that art has great meaning.”
Noha Yousif, who works in PR and was also in the audience, told Arab News: “I am so happy to have such a show in Jeddah as when I was younger I used to dance ballet. It is an iconic moment for me to witness this art and this change coming to Saudi Arabia.”
Keyhole Dance Project was founded in 2015 by Matteo Zamperin after a journey in the Middle East. They performed earlier this month at the Italian embassy in Riyadh.
Different types of choreography were used in different pieces throughout the show, such as Stones choreography, which was created in Budapest for the Hungarian National Ballet dancers, and Gestalt choreography, which comes from a school of thought that suggests that we perceive objects as part of a greater whole and as elements of more complex systems.
Sponsors of the event were the Italian Consulate in Jeddah, Sharbatly Fruit, Unifood, End Consumer, Assila Hotel, Silver Spoon and KH Morgan. Media Sponsors were Destination Jeddah, Arab News, Alam Arrajol and Design Magazine.
Breathtaking contemporary dance show enchants Saudis in Jeddah
Breathtaking contemporary dance show enchants Saudis in Jeddah
- “Omnia Vincit Amor” tells a story about love and includes a lot of classical references
- Performer Keyhole Dance Project was founded in 2015 by Matteo Zamperin after a journey to the Midease
Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in the Arab world
RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world as part of an event that has been held annually since 2022. The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
As audiences anticipated the winners following the release of the nominees, awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered on as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the Joy Awards was Saudi 14 year old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Rateel shared her excitement towards Joy Awards:
“I’m so excited about being at Joy Awards today, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to (…) Everyone here deserves to be here.” On her beautiful sky-blue gown, Rateel shared that she was wearing Saudi designer, Adnan Akbar.
Rateel’s excitement towards the awards was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers Joy Awards; where Arab entertainment and art is celebrated.
Lebanese actress Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm towards both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in hosting the Joy Awards and creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News she emphasized Saudi’s unique qualities: “It’s this mix of culture and luxury (…) It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out” Joy Awards was filled with a bustling energy that was eager and excited to give a platform to dreamers, artists, and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world. It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving, reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
The lavender carpet paved way for international guests to speak to Saudi media on how it feels to be a part of an artistic celebration of Arab talent. Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement towards attending the Joy Awards: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise (…) It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening, meeting some of the local talent here…just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Speaking to Arab News, Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed, I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen (…) I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries, it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
That vibrant atmosphere was on full display at the Joy Awards as the ceremony continued with stars like Millie Bobby Brown winning the Personality of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Honor presented to acting legend Forest Whitaker. The stardom was not limited to the film sector, as American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs live; and British singer Robbie Williams took to stage to give a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support. As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.
