Expo 2020 Dubai unveils first permanent public artwork by Kuwaiti creative

'Chimera' by Monira Al Qadiri (2021). (Commissioned by, and collection of, Expo 2020 Dubai)
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Updated 04 July 2021
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Expo 2020 Dubai unveils first permanent public artwork by Kuwaiti creative

DUBAI: A large-scale iridescent, oil drill-shaped sculpture by Kuwaiti artist Monira Al-Qadiri has launched Expo 2020 Dubai’s Public Art Program, which features 11 artists from the UAE, region and wider world.

Alongside Al-Qadiri, the commissioned artists include Hamra Abbas, Afra Al-Dhaheri, Shaikha Al-Mazrou, Abdullah Al-Saadi, Asma Belhamar, Olafur Eliasson, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Khalil Rabah, Yinka Shonibare and Haegue Yang.

The 11 contemporary artworks will live on as part of the future city of District 2020 as the first curated permanent open-air art exhibition in the UAE.




A close up of 'Chimera' by Monira Al Qadiri (2021). (Commissioned by, and collection of, Expo 2020 Dubai)

Expo 2020 Dubai’s Public Art Program takes inspiration from renowned Arab mathematician, astronomer, and physicist Ibn Al-Haytham’s seminal work, Book of Optics (c. 11th century). Ibn Al-Haytham has been called “the father of modern optics” for his significant theories and foundational principles of optics and visual perception.  

Tarek Abou El-Fetouh, public art curator at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the Public Art Program with ‘Chimera’ by artist Monira Al-Qadiri. Her bold sculpture with its magnified size and reflective colour makes it seem like a futuristic creature from outer space. Through this sculpture, the artist attempts to merge the pre- and post-oil eras into one body. She creates aesthetic connections between pearls and oil, through their colour, materiality, symbolism, ecology and economy in order to reimagine the past, present and future of the wider Gulf region.”

For her part, Al-Qadiri said: “I am very proud to be among the 11 artists from around the world selected to be part of this program that invites visitors to access new perspectives through art in public space.”


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

With no formal fashion education programs for men in Saudi Arabia, Ahmed instead studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.