Al-Turaif’s legacy revealed: Exhibition opens at UNESCO headquarters

Princess Tarfa Al Saud at the “The Earthen Testament: Tracing the Legacy of Diriyah" in Paris. (X/@KSAForUNESCO)
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Updated 22 February 2024
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Al-Turaif’s legacy revealed: Exhibition opens at UNESCO headquarters

  • Event featuring an eclectic mix of artworks, photographs, cinematic pieces and crafts that epitomize Diriyah’s essence

RIYADH: An exhibition focusing on Diriyah has opened at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s headquarters in Paris, courtesy of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Saudi Arabia’s permanent delegation to UNESCO, and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, it was announced on Thursday.

“The Earthen Testament: Tracing the Legacy of Diriyah,” which runs until Feb. 29, shines a spotlight on the historic Al-Turaif district — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010 — and showcases its heritage.

The exhibition aims to bring to life the district’s rich tapestry of art and heritage, featuring an eclectic mix of artworks, photographs, cinematic pieces and crafts that epitomize Diriyah’s essence, the birthplace of the Saudi state. Spanning roughly 600 years, it offers visitors a visual narrative into Diriyah’s past.

Saudi Ambassador to France Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili expressed his delight at the exhibition, adding that the initiative underscored the shared commitment to safeguarding and revitalizing cultural heritage sites for both Saudi society and the global community.

DGDA CEO Jerry Inzerillo said the exhibition blended historical authenticity with modern creativity by showcasing works by Saudi artists.

Highlights include the works of Rasha Al-Rashed, Omar Abduljawad, Ali Al-Sameen, and the Jeddah-based architecture firm Bricklab Studio.


France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

Updated 16 January 2026
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France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

  • L’Institut francais, Riyadh Art will open La Fabrique on Feb. 22
  • ‘New cultural chapter’ between the nations, says France envoy

RIYADH: L’Institut francais in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Art, an initiative of the city’s royal commission, have announced the opening of La Fabrique, a space for artists, on Jan. 22.

The project is based in the Riyadh Art Hub in JAX District and will enable Saudi and French artists to create, experiment, and bring their visions to life, according to a press release from the organizers.

La Fabrique also offers the public a rare opportunity to witness creative production including movement performances, digital and immersive arts, photography, music, cinema, cuisine and poetry.

At its core, La Fabrique fosters artistic exchange between French and Saudi artists, fostering new encounters, shared practices, and co-creation.

The initiative is aligned with the vision shared by French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have placed cultural cooperation at the heart of the renewed Saudi-French strategic partnership.

Anchored in the ambitions of Vision 2030, La Fabrique is a part of Riyadh’s transformation into a major international cultural hub.

Developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the project strengthens the long-standing cultural dialogue between the two nations, the press release stated.

Patrick Maisonnave, ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, said: “La Fabrique embodies the spirit of a new cultural chapter between France and Saudi Arabia.

“By bringing our artists together, we are not only sharing techniques and traditions, we are opening a space where imaginations meet, new forms emerge, and creativity becomes a bridge between our two societies.

“This initiative reflects our belief that artistic dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding, trust, and a shared future. It stands as a concrete example of France’s contribution to the ambitions of Vision 2030.”