Saudi film ‘Norah’ makes history with Cannes Film Festival screening

“Norah” had its official screening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. (AN/ Ammar Abd Rabbo)
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Updated 23 May 2024
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Saudi film ‘Norah’ makes history with Cannes Film Festival screening

DUBAI: Saudi film “Norah” had its official screening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, becoming the first film from the Kingdom to screen as part of the official calendar at the event.

The movie, filmed entirely in AlUla and directed by Tawfik Al-Zaidi, is running in the “Un Certain Regard” section of the festival.




The movie is running in the “Un Certain Regard” section of the festival. (AN/ Ammar Abd Rabbo)

The film is set in 1990s Saudi Arabia when conservatism ruled and the prefessional pursuit of all art, including painting, was frowned upon. It stars Maria Bahrawi, Yaqoub Al-Farhan, and Abdullah Al-Satian and follows the story of Norah and failed artist Nader as they encourage each other to realize their artistic potential in rural Saudi Arabia.

“Norah” is in competition with 19 other films from around the world.




The cast, director and CEO and chairwoman of the Red Sea International Film Festival appeared together on the red carpet for French adventure drama film “Le Comte de Monte-Cristo.” (AN/ Ammar Abd Rabbo)

On Wednesday, the cast, director and CEO and chairwoman of the Red Sea International Film Festival Mohammed Al-Turki and Jumana Al-Rashed, respectively, appeared together on the red carpet for French adventure drama film “Le Comte de Monte-Cristo.”

“Norah” was backed by the Red Sea Fund — one of the Red Sea Film Foundation's programs — and was filmed entirely in AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia with an all-Saudi cast and a 40 percent Saudi crew.


Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad show new couture collections in Paris

Updated 29 January 2026
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Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad show new couture collections in Paris

  • Saab’s collection uses light as central theme
  • Exploration of structure, movement by Murad

DUBAI: Lebanese designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad presented their Spring/Summer 2026 haute couture collections in Paris earlier this week.

Look 1 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Saab’s collection referenced light as a central theme, expressed through elongated silhouettes and layered embellishment, according to a statement from the brand.

Look 2 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

The runway featured gowns built on sheer bases, with metallic embroidery, sequins and crystal beadwork creating layered textures across champagne, gold, bronze and soft ivory tones.

Look 3 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Column dresses, deep necklines and floor-length gowns dominated the collection, while draped panels, embroidered capes and sheer overlays added movement.

Look 4 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Several looks incorporated fringed detailing and geometric patterns, with crystal embellishments catching the light as models walked.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

Accessories were kept minimal, allowing the focus to remain on craftsmanship and surface technique.

Meanwhile, Murad’s collection also placed craftsmanship at the center of the show.

Look 1 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

According to the house, the collection explored structure and movement, using corsetry to define the body and draping to create fluidity.

Look 2 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

The runway featured fitted gowns and sculpted eveningwear built around structured bodices, many finished with dense embroidery, crystals and metallic thread.

Look 3 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

A palette of champagne, pale blue, sage green, ivory and gold ran throughout the show, with strapless silhouettes, off-the-shoulder gowns and column dresses appearing alongside sheer panels, thigh-high slits and flowing trains.

Look 4 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

Shorter dresses with crystal-encrusted bodices were shown alongside floor-length gowns, with sheer layers and extended trains.