Contemporary artist Manal Al-Dowayan to represent Saudi Arabia at Venice Biennale  

Saudi contemporary artist Manal Al-Dowayan is set to represent the Kingdom at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from April 20-Nov. 24, 2024. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 November 2023
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Contemporary artist Manal Al-Dowayan to represent Saudi Arabia at Venice Biennale  

DUBAI: Saudi contemporary artist Manal Al-Dowayan is set to represent the Kingdom at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from April 20-Nov. 24, 2024.  

Al-Dowayan’s showcase will be located at the Saudi pavilion, which is commissioned by the Ministry of Culture’s Visual Arts Commission.  

The artist’s work features various mediums, including photography, sound, and sculpture. Her creations explore traditions, collective memories and the status and representation of women.

In a released statement, Al-Dowayan said: “My approach to art over the last two decades has given me the chance to be part of a transformation that is taking place in my country.

The Biennale Arte 2024 presents a rare opportunity to represent where I stand in my practice, positioned in the context of my community, my country and the world as a whole.”

Details about Al-Dowayan’s installation are yet to be revealed. 

This will mark Saudi Arabia’s fourth time participating in the La Biennale di Venezia. 


Lolo Zouai releases new music video, sets album date

Updated 10 February 2026
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Lolo Zouai releases new music video, sets album date

  • French Algerian star will release new album April 24
  • Record dedicated to a close friend who died in 2021

DUBAI: French Algerian singer and songwriter Lolo Zouai this week dropped a new music video for her single “Holding On” and announced that her upcoming album, “Reverie,” will be released on April 24.

The track, which blends R&B and dance-pop elements, explores themes of grief and memory. Its accompanying music video is dedicated to Zouai’s close friend Hanna Rosa Hotchkiss who died in 2021.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Zouai said the album reflects a period of personal change.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

“This record was made through three years of grief, growth, and reflection. I had to lose myself to find myself again. I couldn’t have done it without my angel, Hanna.”

“Thank you to my collaborators, my friends, and my Lo-riders who held me down through it all,” she added. “I hope it heals you the way it healed me.”

Zouai teased the album earlier this year writing: “2026. ALBUM SUBMITTED. LET’S… GOOO,” on Instagram, sharing a carousel of images of herself.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

Fans quickly took to the comments section to congratulate the music sensation.

“OH MY GOD FINALLY!!! I’m so so so excited and proud of you omg, you did that,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Some good news i needed this fr.”

Another fan said: “I’m so excited I just shed a tear … 2026 is so gonna be your year boo!!!! SEE U SOON!!”

Zouai’s last release was in November, when she dropped a new single titled “3AM in San Francisco.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

In 2024, Zouai dropped several tracks, including her “Please Hold” EP featuring “jetlag” and “UNHHH,” along with “mute” and “Potential.”

In June 2024, she also announced that she had written a song for K-pop group NewJeans for their Japanese debut.

Known for her blend of R&B, club-pop and hip-hop, she has gained an international fan base for her dynamic stage presence and genre-blending music.

Her career highlights include the release of a debut album “High Highs to Low Lows” in 2019, which features 12 tracks, and a follow-up “PLAYGIRL” in 2022, which has 13 tracks.

After the album’s release in October 2022, Zouai was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.