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)
Short Url
Updated 23 November 2023
Follow

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. 


Bella Hadid dazzles in archival Georges Chakra

Updated 15 February 2026
Follow

Bella Hadid dazzles in archival Georges Chakra

DUBAI: American Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid glittered as she stepped out in a stone-detail dress from Lebanese label Georges Chakra when she attended a Valentine’s Day dinner in Los Angeles for her perfume brand Orebella.

A post shared on Orabella’s Instagram Stories on Friday announced: “Last night, we gathered with friends to celebrate the season of love and connection.”

The Lebanese couturier’s official Instagram side also shared some looks, captioning the post: “@BellaHadid stepped out in an archival #GeorgesChakra Couture look from the Spring/Summer 2003 collection for a Valentine’s Day dinner celebrating her brand Orebella.

“The sheer scarlet silk chiffon dress features a fitted bodice and a fluid column skirt, finished with a softly ruffled knee length hem.”

Meanwhile, at the end of last year, Hadid launched Orebella in the Middle East by introducing Ulta Beauty in Kuwait and Dubai.

In June last year, Ulta Beauty awarded the fragrance brand its prestigious Conscious Brand of the Year title, recognizing the label’s commitment to clean ingredients, ethical practices and sustainable packaging.

Orebella, which launched in 2024 with a sell-out line of clean fragrance mists, is rooted in Hadid’s love of scent layering, spirituality and beauty rituals.

Hadid wrote on her website at the time: “For me, fragrance has always been at the center of my life — helping me feel in charge of who I am and my surroundings. From my home to nostalgic memories, to my own energy and connection with others, scent has been an outlet for me. It made me feel safe in my own world.”

The alcohol-free scents of Orebella were Hadid’s answer to traditional perfumes.

“Through my healing journey, I found that I was extremely sensitive to the alcohol in traditional perfumes — both physically and mentally — it became something that was more overwhelming than calming to me,” she added. “That is the main reason I wanted to find an alternative, so essential oils became an artistic and experimental process for me.”

Last month, Hadid took part in a fundraising concert, Artists for Aid, in Los Angeles to support humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine and Sudan, which she co-hosted with Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal, a longtime advocate for humanitarian causes.

The concert was led by Sudanese-Canadian poet Mustafa and brought together musicians, actors and activists in a show of solidarity.