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
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
- A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
