Saudi designers spotlighted at opening night of the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah

Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio dazzled in a blue jumpsuit from Jeddah-based designer Yousef Akbar. (AFP)
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Updated 08 December 2022
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Saudi designers spotlighted at opening night of the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah

DUBAI: The second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday night with stars from across the world descending on the red carpet. 

While stars like Sharon Stone, Shah Rukh Khan, Oliver Stone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and many more graced the red carpet in striking fashion looks, Saudi designers also had their moment to shine at the prestigious event. 

Designers from the Fashion Commission’s Saudi 100 Brands initiative made their red-carpet debut at the festival.




Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio wore a creation by Jeddah-based designer Yousef Akbar. (AFP)

Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio dazzled in a blue jumpsuit from Jeddah-based designer Yousef Akbar. She completed the look with with a gold bangle and matching stud earrings. The model has often sported creations from Arab designers. Last month, she wore a lime gown by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad to a holiday brunch in Mexico.  




Jomana Al-Rashed (right) on the red carpet with Red Sea CEO Mohammed Al-Turki (left) and Hollywood star Sharon Stone (centre). (Getty Images)

Jomana Al-Rashed, the first Saudi Arabian woman to be appointed CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group, was spotted posing alongside Hollywood star Sharon Stone, wearing Saudi label Loodyana.




Filmmaker Guy Ritchie with actress-wife Jacqui Ainsley. (Getty Images)

British actress Jacqui Ainsley, known for her role in the 2017 film "King Arthur: legend of the Sword," took to the red carpet wearing US-based label Dazluq, founded by Saudi designer Salma Zahran. Ashley is married to British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who was also in attendance. 

Honayda Serafi, founder of the Saudi label Honayda, represented her own brand in a striking green ensemble. "Delighted to be attending the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, surrounded by successful talents from around the world, and celebrating Arab artists. A grand event bridging cultures from West to East, bursting creativity and beauty," she posted on Instagram, along with shots of her outfit. 

Sofia Guellaty, the founder and editor of Mille World, also took to the red carpet in an elegant gown from Honayda.

Lebanese influencer Nathalie Fanj was seen wearing an ethereal mermaid black gown from designer Tima Abed. She completed the look with dangling, heart-shaped earring from Chopard.

Saudi Arabian actress Mila Al-Zahrani looked stylish in a sleek black-and-white gown from label Mashael Al Faris. She was styled by Rawan Kattoa and wore jewelry from French label Boucheron. 

The opening night film was Shekhar Kapur’s film, "What’s Love Got to Do with It?," starring Lily James and Emma Thompson, written by Jemima Khan, and produced by StudioCanal and Working Title.


Mini op-ed: We need a ‘potluck’ culture of reading

Updated 10 March 2026
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Mini op-ed: We need a ‘potluck’ culture of reading

DUBAI: The number of times we hear, “My kids don’t read,” “I don’t have the time,” or “Do people even read anymore?” is alarming.

With newspapers declared dead and YouTube summaries or ChatGPT reviews becoming the main course of words, I often wonder: have those asking these questions considered the role they play?

Each of us — school representatives, librarians, parents, educators, children, and even occasional readers — must ask whether we are helping create a culture where reaching for a book feels as natural as reaching for a smartphone.

Even the smallest effort counts. I think of a reading culture as a potluck where everyone brings something small, and together it becomes a wholesome meal. If you do not know where to begin, look around.

Purva Grover is an author, poet, playwright, stage director, TEDx speaker, and creative entrepreneur. (Supplied)

The UAE is rich in public libraries including in Sharjah and Dubai, such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, which is proof that access is not the issue. 

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is embedding reading into its national identity under Vision 2030 through digital libraries, major book fairs, and daily school reading.

Not a reader? Events such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature or the Sharjah International Book Fair offer easy entry points for conversation, community and curiosity.

They are built on cultural blocks that subtly encourage even non-readers into reading spaces. You could even start a reading club. I run one in Dubai called The Reading Village and have seen its quiet magic.

Culture is built by saying yes. And no to pirated PDFs on WhatsApp, as well as unchecked screen habits.

Tiny habits can help build an environment where reading becomes as much a part of our lives as scrolling on Netflix to decide what to binge-watch next.

Purva Grover is an author, poet, playwright, stage director, TEDx speaker, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder of The Reading Village, a Dubai-based community.