Middle East-inspired Eid night bazaar lights up Ramadan in Pakistani capital 

A woman applies henna on the hands of a customer at her stall during the annual fashion and lifestyle festival ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Updated 09 April 2023
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Middle East-inspired Eid night bazaar lights up Ramadan in Pakistani capital 

  • The Eid Bazaar was part of the annual Winter Fete that featured more than 60 brands, attracted up to 3,000 visitors
  • This year, the organisers were inspired to host 'suhoor night' similar to Dubai with many Eid-related brands showcasing

ISLAMABAD: With the month of Ramadan inching closer to the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Fitr, the traditional celebratory fever has taken over the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. On Friday evening, residents stepped out of their homes to attend the Winter Fete, or Eid Bazaar, saying such events helped bring people closer and spread love and happiness.

The Winter Fete, an annual fashion and lifestyle exhibition, this year brought more than 60 brands and up to 3,000 visitors under one roof, with traditional clothes, handicraft, jewelry, shoes, Eid-specific items, and scrumptious food on display, giving a festive vibe to the visitors. The event ran from 5pm to 2am in the morning.

Those who attended the colorful event said such festivals should be held more frequently to give people a much-needed break from their routine and provide them with a chance to socialize and have a great time.

“It’s a very good event because it [fosters] social connectivity because the residents of Islamabad are kind of deficient in that,” Imtenan Hayi, a lawyer who was invited to the event by his acquaintances, told Arab News. 

“We need this social connectivity in order to stay happy and motivated because after the 9-5 work routine and an economic crisis that we are [facing] in our country we need such gatherings to happen more often to bring us closer and to spread love, happiness, and togetherness among us.”

Hayi said Winter Fete coinciding with the month of Ramadan was a welcome change as people usually got “lazy after iftar.”

“Such events give energy to people to keep their enthusiasm alive, especially in Islamabad,” he added.




Women sit at their stall during the annual fashion and lifestyle festival ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)

Sabeen Abdal, one of the organizers at the event, said she and her sister had been holding the annual festival since 2015, but this year, they wanted to have a Middle East-inspired event to celebrate the month of Ramadan.

“This time, for Ramadan, we thought it would be nice to have a Middle Eastern kind of suhoor night, just like the ones in Dubai which run from iftar (evening meal) till suhoor (morning meal before fasting), with all Eid-related brands showcasing,” she said.

Abdal said she started organizing the annual event at home to give a platform to businesses that didn’t have a stores.

“In 2015, we started off on a very small scale as we had only 15 stalls then. We thought we’d give it a shot as my mother and I also do clothes, and we didn’t have a platform where we could showcase,” she said.

“We thought why not get a couple of brands together and do it at home? So that’s how the idea started which eventually came down to promoting startups from across Pakistan under one roof."




Sabeen Abdal, the organizer of the annual fashion and lifestyle festival, sits at the ticket counter during the event in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)

Abdal said up to 90 percent of the vendors at the exhibition were women entrepreneurs working from home, adding that the event provided them with just the required exposure.

“For them, under one roof and in one day, they get around 1,500 to 3,000 people visiting them and physically seeing their products, and even if [customers] don’t buy anything, they’d get to know about the brands and their products,” she explained.

The event saw participation from people belonging to all age groups and walks of life. Many of the visitors said they attended the fete to support their relatives and friends who had set up stalls there. 

“I think it’s a great social activity and Islamabad has very few such opportunities where citizens can come and interact with each other,” Pakistan’s information minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, who came to the event with her kids, told Arab News.

“I am here because my cousin is here from America, she has a jewelry stall. I am here just to support her.” 

Aurangzeb said the event was less business-oriented and more like a family get-together.

“I can see other families also interacting [with each other], having food, and going around stalls, so I think it's a great opportunity and a great event,” she added.




A woman sets up jewelry pieces at her stall during the annual fashion and lifestyle festival ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)

Noreen Sami Khan, one of the guests at the event, said she showed up to support her friend who organized the event. 

“It’s a very good idea because people have been starved of entertainment, and such events rarely take place in Islamabad,” Khan said. “A lot of people have come here after iftar with their children which they normally don’t, so it’s good.”

Vendors who set up stalls at the event told Arab News that such events give a boost to their businesses, so they should be held more often. 

“I am selling brownies here and I started this business during the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Rafay Alvi, who owns a small baking business. 

“I have been coming to these events for a while now, and Winter Fete is one of the best events in the twin cities as there is a good vibe here, and there are families here, so it’s a good audience for me to target.”




Rafay Alvi carries a box of brownies for customers at the annual fashion and lifestyle festival ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)

Another entrepreneur, who had set up a stall for handmade dolls and puppets at the event, said the exhibition provided her with the chance to communicate with customers directly. 

“We make handmade dolls and puppets which are for kids and are part of our culture, but they have been replaced by imported toys from China,” said Ambreen Fatima, the owner of a handicraft business. 

She said the event allowed her to showcase her art that attracted a lot of attention from children, who would otherwise not be able to see these traditional toys in stores. 




A woman sits at her jewelry stall during the annual fashion and lifestyle festival ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)

Some of the visitors to the Eid Bazaar said they decided to shop from there because it was conducted in a clean and safe environment.  

“Such events are very rare in Islamabad, especially for families,” Abid Hussain, a diplomat, told Arab News. “It’s a safe and clean environment, what else can you ask for? In the rest of the world, people properly celebrate Ramadan, so we should too.”




A man stands by his snacks stall at the annual fashion and lifestyle festival ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in Islamabad on April 8, 2023. (AN Photo)


Sotheby’s ‘Origins’ auction in Diriyah achieves more than $17 million in sales, with Saudi artists shining

Updated 09 February 2025
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Sotheby’s ‘Origins’ auction in Diriyah achieves more than $17 million in sales, with Saudi artists shining

RIYADH: Sotheby’s inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia, titled “Origins,” concluded on Saturday with a total of $17,283,840 in sales in the fine art and luxury categories.

The historic event at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace was a turning point for the Kingdom’s art and luxury scene, with Saudi artists garnering significant attention.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@visitdiriyah)

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between Diriyah and Sotheby’s.

“A few years ago, we decided that Sotheby’s, as a 277-year-old brand, had to match up with Diriyah because the value systems were the same, and you can’t be Sotheby’s without being in Diriyah,” he said in his opening remarks.

The modern and contemporary art section featured works by Saudi artists that collectively realized $1.1 million in sales.

Abdulhalim Radwi’s vibrant 1984 market scene set a personal auction record, selling for $264,000 after fierce bidding online and in the room. (Supplied)

Mohammed Al-Saleem’s untitled work, sourced directly from the artist’s daughter, led the Saudi work on offer.

The piece, blending abstract Arabic calligraphy with Al-Saleem’s vision of Saudi landscapes, sparked intense competition among four bidders before selling for a remarkable $660,000 — triple its pre-sale estimate.

Abdulhalim Radwi’s vibrant 1984 market scene set a personal auction record, selling for $264,000 after fierce bidding online and in the room.

Ahmed Mater’s “Illumination Diptych (Makkiah Tale)” exceeded expectations at $102,000.

Mater, one of Saudi Arabia’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, is internationally celebrated, with works displayed by institutions throughout the Arab world, the UK and the US.

Rene Magritte’s “L’Etat de veille” sold for $1.2 million. (Supplied)

Maha Malluh’s “Magadeer” (from the “Food for Thought” series), inspired by the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Najd area of the Kingdom, sold for $84,000, also surpassing its estimate.

When it came to international works, surrealist Rene Magritte’s “L’Etat de veille” sold for $1.2 million and Fernando Botero’s “Society Woman” made $1 million. Meanwhile, Banksy’s “Subject to Availability” from his series of vandalised oils, sold for $1.2 million.

The luxury segment dazzled collectors with an extraordinary selection of rare items, such as a Patek Philippe Grand Complication watch, a Cartier diamond necklace from the Art Deco era, and a limited-edition Hermes Birkin bag crafted from exotic leather.

Collectors from 45 countries took part in the auction, demonstrating its global appeal, while nearly one-third of the lots were bought by buyers from Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, more than 30 percent of participants were under the age of 40, reflecting the growing interest in art and luxury items among younger generations.

 


Meet your sole mate at Sneaker Con in Riyadh

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
Updated 08 February 2025
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Meet your sole mate at Sneaker Con in Riyadh

  • Visitors can buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition sneakers

RIYADH: Sneaker Con in Riyadh has opened its doors to enthusiasts and collectors, offering a platform to buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition items as part of Riyadh Season.

Billed as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth,” Sneaker Con is one of the world’s largest sneaker conventions, which has previously been held in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its Riyadh edition — the first in Saudi Arabia — runs until Feb. 19 at ANB Arena.

A pair of signed sneakers by basketball player Michael Jordan, featured at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (AN photo by Hajar AlQusayer)

The event provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with industry experts and meet influencers in the sneaker community.

One visitor, Fares Indejani, highlighted the growing sneaker culture in Riyadh, pointing out that sneakers have become an integral part of personal style and expression. He told Arab News about the impact of the event on the local sneaker community.

These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space. But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.

Fares Indejani, Sneaker enthusiast

“These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space,” he said. “But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.

Visitors engaging with various shops and exploring exclusive sneakers at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (Supplied)

“You get an idea of what direction we’re heading toward, and that’s valuable knowledge for investors and business owners,” he added. “Really knowing what kind of communities are popping up, seeing how loud and real they are, and recognizing that they exist, have a voice, and are moving, is crucial.”

Abdulmohsen Al-Ahmari, another visitor, said the event provides an opportunity to see sneakers that are not typically available.

“Making connections at Sneaker Con and getting to know people helps me later,” he said.

Chase Young, a sneaker trader and founder of Culture Kicks, said: “There are people with crazy pairs of shoes and a lot of different collectors’ items here, and very high-end shoes, so (the market) is definitely big here.”

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.

 


Angelina Jolie stuns in Elie Saab at Critics’ Choice Awards

Updated 08 February 2025
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Angelina Jolie stuns in Elie Saab at Critics’ Choice Awards

DUBAI: Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie turned heads on Friday at the Critics’ Choice Awards, wearing a gown by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

The dress was from the couturier’s spring/summer 2025 collection. It featured intricate lace detailing throughout, with a flowing, floor-length silhouette. The ensemble had delicate short sleeves, a cinched waistline that highlighted her figure, and a sheer overlay.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

Jolie completed the look with a bold red lip that contrasted with the gown’s soft tones, and styled her hair in loose, effortless waves.

Demi Moore won best actress at the event, confirming her status as favorite for the Oscars.

Moore’s horror film “The Substance” won best original screenplay at the glitzy Los Angeles gala, and critics crowned “Anora” as the year’s best picture.

Moore’s triumph followed her victory at the Golden Globes in January, and puts her on track to cap a remarkable career renaissance at next month’s Oscars.

“This has been such a wild ride,” said Moore, 62, who made a string of hit films in the 1990s, but came to be known as much for her love life as her acting in subsequent decades.

That changed with “The Substance,” a body-horror flick about an aging celebrity who injects a serum to temporarily live again in her younger body.

Nodding to the film’s frequently bloody and horrifying depictions of warped bodies, Moore thanked critics for rewarding “this genre of horror films, that are overlooked and not seen for the profundity that they can hold.”


Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan shares photo of King Abdullah with granddaughter Iman

Updated 08 February 2025
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Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan shares photo of King Abdullah with granddaughter Iman

DUBAI: Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah took to Instagram on Saturday to share a touching photo of his father, King Abdullah, playing with his granddaughter Princess Iman.

The little girl is the daughter of Prince Hussein and his wife, Saudi Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein.

In the picture, the king is seen warmly interacting with Iman as she holds his cheeks.

“Iman with the dearest grandpa,” Prince Hussein captioned the post.

Rajwa and Hussein welcomed their first child on August 3, 2024. 

At her birth, the king posted a tribute to his granddaughter on social media. Translated from Arabic, the post reads: “I thank God for giving us our first granddaughter Iman bint Hussein. I congratulate beloved Hussein and Rajwa for their newborn.

“We ask God to raise her well and protect her for her parents. You have lit up our family,” he added. 


Mrs Keepa’s latest collection ‘La Boite’ is statement on breaking free

Updated 08 February 2025
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Mrs Keepa’s latest collection ‘La Boite’ is statement on breaking free

DUBAI: Mariam Yehia is the ultimate nonconformist. As the founder and creative force behind Dubai-based fashion house Mrs Keepa, her label is not defined by traditional fashion norms. Known for bold silhouettes, sculptural tailoring and avant-garde sensibility, Mrs Keepa thrives on individuality and reinvention. Yehia’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, La Boite, takes this ethos even further — challenging stereotypes, embracing duality, and redefining fashion as a personal and cultural narrative.

At its core, La Boite, which translates to “The Box,” is a direct commentary on the limitations imposed by rigid categorization. “People are always trying to fit fashion, people and even cultures into predefined boxes,” Yehia said. “This collection is about breaking free from that.” Through structured silhouettes, boxy tailoring and unexpected design transformations, the collection encourages wearers to reinterpret fashion on their own terms. Each look can be styled in multiple ways — chic, casual or bold —offering a fluidity that reflects the modern woman’s ever-changing identity.

(Supplied)

Yehia pulls out a black boxy short dress with multiple long pieces of fabric hanging from the padded shoulders and explains how the dress can be worn depending on the wearer’s mood. A client can wear the dress exactly as is — loose and androgynous — or she can tie the fabric and cinch the waist, or even layer it over a skirt and pair it with sneakers. “One outfit can have many different personas,” said Yehia. The same philosophy translates to her more sporty pieces featuring mesh and kimono sleeves — wear it wrapped around as a mini dress, or leave it open and pair it with leggings. Each ensemble gives you more than just a single look. A series of mini dresses with a scarf-like attachment will sell fast, as will the jumpsuit that can be deconstructed and worn as ultra-wide pants.

(Supplied)

While every garment was impactful, the star pieces were undoubtedly the brocade ones. A dramatic thigh-length jacket, shorts and trousers in luxurious brocade were given the sporty treatment through contrast piping —  highlighting the polarities of us as individuals. Elsewhere, denim garments engineered to perfection catch the eye. An edgy denim jacket retains a cinched look even when unbuttoned, while jeans with the waistband folded over featuring sparkling embellishments add a maximalist touch. Loyal Mrs Keepa clients will also be drawn to a red crepe number with exaggerated shoulders and high low layering of fabric, which can be both modest and sexy.  Potential buyers might also enjoy her experimentation with feminine lace — a rarity for Yehia.

(Supplied)

Mrs Keepa has always thrived on storytelling through fashion, and La Boite is no exception. Beyond its sharp tailoring and experimental silhouettes, the collection holds a deeper meaning: A rejection of stereotypes, particularly those imposed on Middle Eastern people. “We’ve been framed for too long. For years, global fashion dictated that for a designer to be successful, they had to be recognized internationally first. But why? Why can’t we build a strong foundation in our own region first, before expanding outward?” She speaks of the diversity of designs within the region itself and of the uniqueness of each Arab designer, whether it is refined tailoring, cool streetwear, maximalist silhouettes or modest fashion. “Despite this diversity, we are still stereotyped. This collection challenges the rigid perceptions that frame the Middle East as a monolithic culture, often diminishing its significance.”

Yehia delivers a collection that is both metaphorically and literally transformative. Whether through adjustable silhouettes, unexpected layering or garments that can be styled in various ways, each piece invites the wearer to reshape, reinterpret and make it their own. “Fashion isn’t just about clothing — it’s about identity, emotion and the freedom to express yourself beyond predefined labels,” Yehia said. La Boite is an invitation to step outside the box — on your own terms.