Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2020 brings together industry experts for first Saudi Salon

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai . (Farah Heiba/ Arab News)
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Updated 24 October 2021
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Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2020 brings together industry experts for first Saudi Salon

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai brought together creative experts for the first session of the “Saudi Salon” late last week.

Organizers brought together a panel of experts on Thursday to discuss the role of creative industries in facilitating cultural transformation.

The discussion was held in the Palm Garden inside the Kingdom’s pavilion and moderated by Yasser Al-Saqqaf. Participants included Robert Frith from the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Francesca Hegyi from the Edinburgh International Festival, Sarah Al-Omran, deputy director of Art Jameel, Nora Al-Dabal from the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate and Robert Bock, a representative of the MDLBEAST festival in the Kingdom.

At the beginning of the session, Frith discussed the role that creative industries play in changing societies. He said that Ithra has managed to have a positive impact on Saudi society since its inauguration in 2016 and has also succeeded in adapting to changes around it

For her part, Hegyi emphasized that culture and creativity are the mirror of society and therefore they play an important role in facilitating change in societies in general. She added: “I think this indicates the type of change that can be brought out within societies. For this change to happen, they need to ratify a set of special policies and laws that can speed up the process.”

As for Al-Dabal, she reviewed the experience of AlUla Governorate, saying: “We are all aware of the deep history that AlUla holds and the different civilizations and cultures it has witnessed throughout history. I believe that the qualitative leap that this historical site is currently witnessing shows the impact of the creative industries and their ability to change a society. She also noted the importance of partnerships in creative industries, saying: “Such partnerships are important, as they work to stimulate cooperation on one hand and on the other, contribute to deepening the effects that creative industries have on society”.

Bock, meanwhile, stressed “the power of creative industries and their ability to sharpen the human mind,” saying: “We cannot deny that the Kingdom has witnessed, in recent years, a qualitative leap in the cultural sector, which allowed the creative industries to develop faster and stronger. This created new platforms and partnerships allowing creative talents to reach out to the community and introduce themselves to it.”


Golden Globes honor Hend Sabry, Alia Bhatt at Red Sea International Film Festival

Updated 11 December 2025
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Golden Globes honor Hend Sabry, Alia Bhatt at Red Sea International Film Festival

  • Sabry given Omar Sharif Award, Bhatt the Horizon Award
  • Praise for the 2 women’s pioneering roles in world cinema

DUBAI: The Golden Globes on Wednesday recognized Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabry and Indian actress Alia Bhatt at a gala dinner held during the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.

Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award.

Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award. (Getty Images)

Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award.

Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award. (Getty Images)

The event featured a star-studded guest list, including US filmmakers Sean Baker and Darren Aronofsky, US actresses Sigourney Weaver and Shailene Woodley, British actress Naomie Harris, and French-Ukrainian star Olga Kurylenko.

Also in attendance were British actor-director Idris Elba, Venezuelan-American actor Edgar Ramirez, Indian actor Salman Khan, British-Malaysian actor Henry Golding, and British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed.

Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said at the event that Sarby was “a truly iconic performer and humanitarian whose body of work reflects the depth, power and global impact of Arab cinema, while paying tribute to Omar’s remarkable legacy as a pioneering Egyptian artist.”

The late Sharif was the first Egyptian-born actor to win a Golden Globe, and was also a three-time recipient for his roles in “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.”

“I am deeply honored to receive a prestigious award named after one of the true legends of cinema from this part of the world,” Sabry said.

“My career has been devoted to uplifting women with complex stories and I am thrilled to be sharing this Golden Globes stage with Alia Bhatt, one of the next generation’s brightest and most talented stars.

“It’s a significant moment for women in our industry and I am so pleased to be part of the Golden Globes’ enduring history.”

Hoehne said Bhatt was recognized for her “exceptional contributions to international cinema and the continued rise of the Middle East as a dynamic and influential hub for film and television on a global stage.”

The Golden Globes Horizon Award recognizes an emerging creative talent whose rising profile is shaping both regional and international culture.

“This is an honor to be recognized by the Golden Globes and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak for a new generation of aspiring performers and women who are making a difference in film and television around the world,” Bhatt said.

“At a time when global voices are coming together to tell more inclusive and impactful stories, this recognition feels especially meaningful.

“The Golden Globes are an iconic part of the global awards universe and I am delighted to be part of it and look forward to continuing my career in telling more stories of powerful and deserving women.”