JEDDAH: Following on the heels of “Kaala” — the first Hindi film to be successfully screened in the Kingdom — Majid Al-Futtaim on Thursday held the first screening of an Egyptian film in Saudi Arabia with the action comedy hit, “El Badla.”
Clocking a screen time of 100 minutes and directed by Tamer Hosny, the film’s plot revolves around a college student — played by Hosny himself — who attends a costume party dressed as a police officer. Hosny soon finds himself in a tricky situation after his plan backfires and he becomes the subject of a criminal investigation for false impersonation.
Cameron Mitchell, CEO of Majid Al-Futtaim Cinemas, said that Egypt’s rich history of producing quality entertainment has led to a high demand for Egyptian films, not only in Saudi Arabia but across the region as well.
“We are proud to be the first operator that brings Egyptian content to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we will continue to offer a range of movies that appeal to a variety of cultures that we cater to,” Mitchell said.
The Kingdom lifted a decades-long ban on screening films by opening its first cinema on April 18.
Hosny’s El Badla marks a first for Egyptian cinema in Saudi Arabia
Hosny’s El Badla marks a first for Egyptian cinema in Saudi Arabia
India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026
DUBAI: Renowned French architect and designer India Mahdavi has been appointed as the head of the jury for the Design Doha Prize 2026.
Born in Iran, the designer’s work includes projects at Hotel du Cloitre in Arles, the Coburg Bar at London’s Connaught Hotel, Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, the Rivington Hotel in Manhattan, and the Townhouse Hotel in Miami.
As the head of the jury, Mahdavi will convene and lead a panel of regional and international experts to identify achievements in contemporary design at the biennial showcase for design that covers Qatar, as well as the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Mahdavi also previously released a collection with Swedish retailer H&M, in addition to her own furniture objects.
“Her work transcends geography, transforming emotion, color, and form into a universal language of beauty and belonging. India’s vision — rooted in diversity, joy, and purpose — will guide us in recognizing designers who redefine what it means to create from this region, for the world,” Fahad Al Obaidly, acting director of Design Doha, said in a released statement.
“This region, one of my cultural homes, resonates deeply with me. I am awed to witness its design landscape grow and evolve,” Mahdavi added.
The Design Doha Prize will be awarded on April 14, 2026. It will honor innovation and craftsmanship in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent, with each winner taking home just under $55,000.
