World-famous Italian opera house debuts in Kingdom

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Chief Conductor Pietro Mianiti leads the Orchestra of the Teatro Alla Scala Academy in "An Italian Opera Journey." (Supplied)
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Saudi opera singer Sawsan Al-Bahiti opens the concert with a rendition of the Saudi National Anthem. (Supplied)
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The Orchestra of the Teatro Alla Scala Academy performs to a sold-out crowd on Friday evening in Riyadh's King Fahad Cultural Center. (Supplied)
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The Orchestra of the Teatro Alla Scala Academy performs at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh for "An Italian Opera Journey." (Supplied)
Updated 16 June 2019
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World-famous Italian opera house debuts in Kingdom

  • Organized by the Saudi Culture Ministry, “An Italian Opera Journey” took place at the King Fahad Cultural Center
  • Only registration was required to attend the free event, which sold out almost instantly

RIYADH: Residents in Riyadh were treated on Friday to some of the best that Italian opera had to offer, with a performance by the symphony orchestra of the Teatro Alla Scala Academy, which made its debut in Saudi Arabia.
One of the most famous opera houses in the world, dating back almost 250 years, the academy offers world-class training in all disciplines of symphony, opera and ballet, under the supervision of famous musicians.
Organized by the Saudi Culture Ministry, “An Italian Opera Journey” took place at the King Fahad Cultural Center.
Only registration was required to attend the free event, which sold out almost instantly, with 3,000 music lovers, artists and poets enjoying an hour of beautiful tributes to classical music.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The show opened with a surprise performance of the Kingdom’s national anthem by Saudi opera singer Sawsan Al-Bahiti, who received a standing ovation for her rendition.

• Al-Bahiti was invited by the Saudi Culture Ministry to perform at the event as part of its efforts to showcase national talents.

The show opened with a surprise performance of the Kingdom’s national anthem by Saudi opera singer Sawsan Al-Bahiti, who received a standing ovation for her rendition.
Al-Bahiti was invited by the ministry to perform at the event as part of its efforts to showcase national talents.
The orchestra was conducted by maestro Pietro Mianetti, and featured performances by soprano Francisca Manzo and tenor Ricardo Della Sciucca.

NUMBER

3,000 music lovers, artists and poets enjoyed an hour of beautiful tributes to classical music in RIyadh.

Some of the most iconic pieces from 19th-century Italian opera were performed. At the end of the show, a standing ovation led to an encore.
Deputy Culture Minister Hamed Fayez took to Twitter to express how much he enjoyed the evening.
“A beautiful night spent with the esteemed La Scala opera at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, amidst a wonderful crowd, with an exceptional performance from our Italian guests,” he tweeted, posting photos.
The performance is one of the ministry’s efforts to attract high-quality artistic events that enrich the Saudi cultural landscape and enhance quality of life.
The Kingdom’s first opera house will be built in Jeddah, and is scheduled for completion in 2022. The institution aims to become the new home of a Saudi residence orchestra.
The Kingdom has also seen the opening of a music institute by famed Egyptian violinist Mahmoud Sorour, with a second music institute in the works.


Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

Updated 20 December 2025
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Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

JEDDAH: Yataghan, the contemporary Saudi jewelry house founded in 2008 by designer and entrepreneur Sarah Abudawood, has announced an expansion with its Riyadh debut at Kingdom Centre, alongside the relocation of its headquarters and flagship store to a street-front location on Jeddah’s Thalia Street.

The brand, known for blending Arabian heritage with modern minimalism, unveiled two boutiques designed as immersive experiences rather than mere retail spaces.

Every detail of the new Jeddah location has been carefully curated; brass accents inspired by the Yataghan blade evoke precision and luxury, while striped, gray onyx symbolizes continuity and progress, according to the brand’s founder. Vast windows, softened by Yataghan’s signature hexagonal motif, a symbol of harmony, order, and strength, flood the boutiques with natural light, creating an inviting environment for visitors.

Inspired by the Yataghan sword, with its distinctive, single-edged blade, the brand’s collections fuse minimalist design with Arabic calligraphy and tribal motifs.

“The name Yataghan draws its meaning from the two swords on the Saudi flag — a symbol that has always fascinated me for what it represents: conviction, protection, truth, and above all, balance,” Abudawood told Arab News.

“The Yataghan sword, known for its graceful curve and exquisite craftsmanship, embodies purpose and precision. It is drawn to defend what matters and to guard what is sacred. It sets boundaries and restores equilibrium, reminding us that strength is not only about force, but about knowing when to advance and when to stand still.

“That balance is reflected in every piece we create. Because, like the sword, Yataghan is more than an ornament; it is a statement of purpose, and identity.”

Abudawood explained the cultural inspiration behind the brand, highlighting pieces connected to Saudi identity. “This branch carries designs that are deeply connected to Saudi identity and cultural memory. Some pieces are exclusive, inspired by symbols, rhythms, and forms rooted in our heritage, interpreted through a modern lens … Jeddah, in particular, has a unique spirit: fluid, expressive, open, and layered with history. That essence subtly informs the designs you’ll find here.” 

The founder also spoke of the brand’s philosophy of minimalism and meaningful design.

“It comes from my belief that simplicity creates space for meaning. I have always been drawn to architecture and the principle that form must follow function. I design with intention; nothing is accidental. Every line has a purpose, every curve holds a story. Minimalism, for me, is not about removing emotion; it is about distilling it. I want each piece to feel timeless, personal, and quietly powerful.”

The label has been flaunted by high-profile clients — including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Lama Akeel — but Abudawood emphasized the brand’s focus on connection over visibility. “Whether someone is a public figure or not, what moves me is when they feel seen by the jewelry. Yataghan has always been about resonance, about creating pieces that speak to identity, strength, and personal stories,” she said.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark new chapters for Yataghan, including local and international expansion, innovative collections, and a stronger focus on storytelling and community collaborations. “Growth has never been about reach alone; it’s about depth, integrity, and lasting impact,” Abudawood added.

“Ultimately, what drives me is purpose. I’m motivated by the desire to create work that matters, to offer women something that reflects who they are, not who they’re expected to be. Design, for me, is a form of dialogue, a way to translate emotion into form. As long as I’m creating with honesty, intention, and heart, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”