Saudi brand AGMARAT showcases floral designs in Milan 

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Updated 24 September 2023
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Saudi brand AGMARAT showcases floral designs in Milan 

DUBAI: Saudi designer Rana Alfehaid, founder of AGMARAT, is presenting her latest collection in Milan on the sidelines of the city’s renowned fashion week. 

Along with 39 other designers from the Kingdom, Alfehaid is showcasing her designs as part of the Saudi 100 Brands initiative during White Milano, the international apparel and accessories trade show which takes place alongside Milan Fashion Week. 

“Presenting my designs in Milan as part of White Milano is a dream come true,” Alfehaid told Arab News. “It’s an incredible feeling to be on such a prestigious international stage, showcasing Saudi fashion to the world.” 




AGMARAT is presenting her latest collection in Milan. (Supplied)

Alfehaid’s collection is a celebration of the camellia flower, a symbol of purity.

“Each piece in the collection draws inspiration from the camellia’s delicate petals, incorporating intricate floral motifs and soft, flowing fabrics,” she said. “I’m most excited to showcase the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in this collection, as well as the unique color palette inspired by the camellia, which reflects the beauty and elegance of our culture.

“Being part of Saudi 100 Brands and representing Saudi culture abroad fills me with immense pride,” she continued. “It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it’s an honor to be an ambassador for our culture through fashion.” 




Alfehaid has previously presented her designs at a show organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission in New York. (Supplied)

Alfehaid said that she hopes the show in Milan will not only gain her brand recognition on the global fashion scene, but will also inspire other Saudi designers to pursue their dreams and showcase the Kingdom’s culture.

Alfehaid has previously presented her designs at a show organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission in New York, in honor of Princess Rima bint Bandar Al-Saud. 

“The designs were inspired by authentic Saudi heritage (and reflected) the beauty and originality of Saudi art,” she said.




AGMARAT is expected to participate in Paris Fashion Week 2023, which begins Sept. 25. (Supplied)

“The fashion scene in Saudi Arabia has evolved tremendously,” Alfehaid added. “There’s a growing appreciation for local talent, and it’s encouraging to witness the flourishing creativity in our country.” 

The designer is currently working on expanding her brand internationally. “I’m collaborating with international artists and designers to create unique collections that bridge cultures and tell compelling stories through fashion,” she said. 

AGMARAT is expected to participate in Paris Fashion Week 2023, which begins Sept. 25.


Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in the Arab world

Updated 18 January 2026
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Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in the Arab world

RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world as part of an event that has been held annually since 2022. The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
As audiences anticipated the winners following the release of the nominees, awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered on as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the Joy Awards was Saudi 14 year old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Rateel shared her excitement towards Joy Awards:
“I’m so excited about being at Joy Awards today, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to (…) Everyone here deserves to be here.” On her beautiful sky-blue gown, Rateel shared that she was wearing Saudi designer, Adnan Akbar.
Rateel’s excitement towards the awards was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers Joy Awards; where Arab entertainment and art is celebrated.
Lebanese actress Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm towards both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in hosting the Joy Awards and creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News she emphasized Saudi’s unique qualities: “It’s this mix of culture and luxury (…) It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out” Joy Awards was filled with a bustling energy that was eager and excited to give a platform to dreamers, artists, and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world. It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving, reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
The lavender carpet paved way for international guests to speak to Saudi media on how it feels to be a part of an artistic celebration of Arab talent. Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement towards attending the Joy Awards: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise (…) It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening, meeting some of the local talent here…just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Speaking to Arab News, Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed, I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen (…) I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries, it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
That vibrant atmosphere was on full display at the Joy Awards as the ceremony continued with stars like Millie Bobby Brown winning the Personality of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Honor presented to acting legend Forest Whitaker. The stardom was not limited to the film sector, as American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs live; and British singer Robbie Williams took to stage to give a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support. As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.