Saudi artist exhibits two artworks at Rome art fair

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Abrar S. Sultan with her paintings ‘the clown Who Knows It All’ and ‘My Genie’ at the Rome International Art Fair. (Supplied)
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Sultan has participated in exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Italy “with the ambition to become a world-known brand in fine art that has dimensions. (Supplied)
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A Saudi artist hearing a viewer from interested visitor her insights and feelings about the work in the Rome International Art Fair 2023. (Supplied)
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The visitors of the Rome International Art Fair 2023 discussing their admiration and expressing their views of the work. (Supplied)
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Visitors from Artist, art collectors and art credits, minutes before opening of Rome International Art Fair 2023. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 July 2023
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Saudi artist exhibits two artworks at Rome art fair

  • Paintings ‘The Clown Who Knows It All’ and ‘My Genie’ by Abrar S. Sultan are on display at an international art fair

RIYADH: Abrar S. Sultan is the only Saudi artist participating at the Rome International Art Fair 2023 with two contemporary artworks.

The fair, which began on July 14 and will end on July 27, provides artists and exhibitors with the opportunity to present their works to an international audience of professionals, such as curators, gallerists, collectors, editors and publishers.

Sultan’s first artwork, “The Clown Who Knows It All,” is “a beautiful artistic experience … where the artist felt the love that the world needs.”




More paintings by the artist can be found on her social media. (Instagram/abrars_art)

Her second artwork, “My Genie,” is about self-empowerment. “What if we were given the opportunity to be our own magical genie and the ability to achieve all our dreams without limits, without restrictions?”

Sultan, who is a clinical pharmacy graduate, has passion for different art forms including painting, playing violin and writing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The 2023 Rome International Art Fair began on July 14 and will end on July 27.

• Abrar S. Sultan is a clinical pharmacy graduate with a passion for different art forms, including playing violin.

• She has participated in exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Italy.

“I always had a radical connection with beauty and art with a strong will to express my thoughts and my views of the world,” she told Arab News.

“I see the world through a distinguished point of view that focuses on looking on the positive side and embraces the beauty of vulnerability,” she said.




Many of interested and specialized in the arts attended Rome International Art Fair 2023, which continues until Thursday. (Supplied)

The artist, who received strong positive feedback on the opening day, was overwhelmed with gratitude for having the opportunity to present her work in Rome — a rich historical city that has housed many well-known artists.

Talking about her participation at the fair, Sultan said: “And for me it raised the challenge of proving that Saudi artists will always thrive and get the right recognition in any place in the world.”

Sultan has participated in exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Italy “with the ambition to become a world-known brand in fine art that has dimensions … and many stories to tell in a way that unfold the mysterious part of our deepest feelings and emotions open to be rediscovered with elegance.”

 


Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses

Updated 24 January 2026
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Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses

  • Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs

RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.

More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.

Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.

Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.

He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.

Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.

A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.

Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”

This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.