Creating art with artificial intelligence in Riyadh

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Artists during the conference answering the audience questions (from left: Artur Weber, Dania Al Saleh, SKYGGE, and the host Yasmeen Sabri) (Photo: AN photo by Mohammad AL-Buaijan)
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SKYGGE performing an AI art live concert. (Photo: AN photo by Mohammad AL-Buaijan)
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Updated 21 November 2021
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Creating art with artificial intelligence in Riyadh

  • SKYGGE explained that this kind of music is welcomed in Saudi more than his home country as Saudi culture is more open to new experiences

RIYADH: During November Digital, the art gallery L’art pur has created a conference entitled "How do Art and artificial intelligence work together?".

The French ambassador, Ludvic Pouille, opened the conference by explaining the correlation between art and artificial intelligence.

He said that “The Institut français in Paris founded November digital in the year 2017. This month is dedicated to highlighting the links between these two worlds,” Pouille said.

The gallery has collaborated with the French embassy and Alliance Française in Saudi Arabia to create a special conference with the live performance of the composer SKYGGE to revive the night.




The French ambassador, Ludovic Pouille, during his opening remarks at the "How do art and AI work together?" conference. (Photo: AN photo by Mohammad AL-Buaijan)

The conference also hosted the two artificial intelligence artists Daniah Al Saleh and Artur Weber who also performed a piece of their AI artwork.

Because SKYGGE is known to use artificial intelligence in his music, the concert was a mix of Artificial intelligence, music, and colourful lights.

SKYGGE explained that this kind of music is welcomed in Saudi more than his home country as he said that the saudi culture is more open to new experiences.




Visitors enjoying VR arts at L'art Pur Gallery Riyadh. (Photo: AN photo by Mohammad AL-Buaijan)

“Saudi culture is very cool and interesting. I think it depends on the culture, like in France they get scared from my work but here they are interested,” he said.

Dania Saleh, AI artist, performed a nine minute silent movie called “fadeaway”, and it was data sets that had been collected from the Egyptian black and white movies.

She said that she was a traditional painter then she was exposed to AI art.

“I studied computational arts, the combination between digital technology and art, I had no idea what it was but I found it very interesting,” Al Saleh added.

Lastly, Weber showed his movie entitled “can you be real with me” that he said was inspired by his own dreams.

The conceptual movie contained a black silhouette of a woman trying to catch a shadow of herself in a way that touches the viewer's emotions  with repeated phrases.

He said that he was inspired by Siri to become an AI artist.

“I decided to get into the AI world when I discovered that there are some programs that you can feed and train to get used to you just like Siri,” Weber explained.

The visitors of the gallery had an interactive experience with art. They got to explore virtual reality art by using the VR glasses and enjoyed interactive comic illustrators.


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”