Saudi artist Rana Alsaggaf: ‘I hope my work inspires people to explore these places’ 

'Makkah Gate' by Rana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)
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Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi artist Rana Alsaggaf: ‘I hope my work inspires people to explore these places’ 

  • The Saudi artist’s sketches of landmarks from her homeland are on display at the Islamic Arts Biennale

JEDDAH: Rana Alsaggaf has carved her own space in the Saudi art scene with her intricate sketches of landmarks from across the Kingdom. With a background in interior design and master’s degrees in entrepreneurship and innovation as well as international art and culture management, her practice is deeply rooted in both technical knowledge and a passion for heritage. 




Rana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)

Recently, she had the honor of showcasing her work at the second Islamic Art Biennale in Jeddah, an experience she describes as both meaningful and humbling. 

“It’s an opportunity to present my work in a space that celebrates the intersection of faith, culture, and artistic expression,” she told Arab News. 

Alsaggaf is showcasing “Sacred Journeys” at the biennale, which runs until May 25. It is a collection of works that visually narrate the journey from Jeddah to Makkah, a path traveled by millions of pilgrims. It was installed at the Jeddah Airport Pilgrims Gateway, a setting that naturally resonated with the work. 




'Bab Al-Salam Gate.' (Supplied)  

“This route is more than just a road, it is a transition into a sacred experience,” Alsaggaf explained. “By sketching its key landmarks, I wanted to highlight the gateways that pilgrims pass through on their way to Makkah. I hope my work inspires people to explore these places and to connect with their history in a way that feels tangible and relevant today.” 

Alsaggaf’s artistic process always begins with firsthand exploration. She visits the sites, sketches on location whenever possible, and refines her compositions by focusing on perspective, architectural details, and the emotions these places evoke. Research also plays a key role in her work; she digs into the history of each landmark, uncovering stories that add depth to the experience. 

To enhance this connection, with each artwork she includes a card sharing insights about the location. By keeping her color palette minimal, she ensures the focus remains on the form, history, and character of each landmark. 




'Historic city wall of Jeddah' by Rana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)

Alsaggaf chose to highlight the pilgrimage gates because of their historical and functional significance, as well as their strong connection to the Islamic Art Biennale’s location. 

“These gates mark important entry points for travelers and pilgrims, making them both symbolic and relevant. Each one represents a threshold, a moment of arrival and transition on the journey to Makkah,” she said. 

Through her art, Alsaggaf hopes to spark curiosity and inspire people to visit these sites, experiencing their significance firsthand. “I want my sketches to create a sense of connection,” she stated. To enhance this connection, she draws from an eye-level perspective, making viewers feel as though they are standing right in front of the landmarks. Her illustrations act as a bridge between the past and present, preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Hajj. 

“These places are not just remnants of the past; they continue to welcome travelers and pilgrims every day. Through my art, I want to ensure they remain part of our cultural dialogue,” Alsaggaf said. 

While her work is rooted in direct observation, Alsaggaf takes care to research each site’s historical context. However, rather than reconstructing what no longer exists, she prefers to depict landmarks as they stand today, emphasizing their continued presence and relevance. 

“The biggest challenge is capturing the depth of the experience in a way that feels immediate and real. I wanted my sketches to reflect the emotional weight of the journey while staying true to the landmarks’ current state,” she explained. “Balancing simplicity with meaning was key.” 

Jeddah’s Rawasheen, the intricately carved wooden balconies found on historic buildings, have been a recurring theme in Alsaggaf’s work. Beyond their striking appearance, they represent the layered history of Jeddah as a gateway for travelers and pilgrims. 

“For me, they are windows into the soul of the city, reflecting both its past and its living heritage,” she said. 

These ornate facades are a symbol of craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and architectural identity — elements that Alsaggaf is passionate about preserving through her sketches. 




'The Pilgrim's Gateway' by Rana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)

Alsaggaf uses her Instagram page, Wings Over Saudi, to share her art — which includes paintings as well as sketches — with a wider audience. The name was inspired by a legendary Jeddah folktale involving seagulls, and reflects her artistic vision of movement, exploration, and perspective. 

“It represents the way I approach my art, not just as static images, but as invitations to discover Saudi’s landscapes, cities, and cultural landmarks,” she explained. 

Her collection of paintings titled “Reflections of Jeddah” is a tribute to the coastal city’s historic streets. Created in her studio within Jeddah’s heritage district, the series captures the play of light, shadow, and intricate designs that define its acclaimed architecture. 

“Through these works, I aim to preserve Jeddah’s historic charm while celebrating its enduring cultural significance,” she said. 

Another series, “Sketchbook Journey,” highlights the wider Kingdom’s diverse architecture, from grand mosques to ancient alleyways.  

“Each piece in this series honors Saudi Arabia’s architectural legacy, preserving its beauty for future generations while encouraging a deeper appreciation for the artistry and heritage that define the Kingdom,” she said. 

Alsaggaf sees endless opportunities to continue exploring and documenting her homeland.  

“There are so many incredible landmarks still to capture,” she said. “I want to keep sketching, discovering, and sharing the beauty of these places with others.” 


Focus on AI rise in creative industries at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

Updated 28 April 2025
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Focus on AI rise in creative industries at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Industry leaders gathered at the 7th Culture Summit Abu Dhabi on Monday to discuss the rise of artificial intelligence in creative industries — and what it means for the future.

Panelists at the event, held at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al-Saadiyat, included Riyad Joucka, founder and principal architect at the Middle East Architecture Network, a practice based in Dubai.

Others included Stephen King, senior lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai; Imad Mesdoua, director of government affairs for the Middle East and Africa at Spotify; and Dr. Patrick Noack, executive director at the Dubai Future Foundation.

The panel examined AI’s impact across multiple creative fields, exploring the opportunities AI presents as well as the challenges that arise when employing machine intelligence.

Joucka was keen to emphasize the importance of using AI as a tool to “extend human creativity,” rather than replace it.

“I see technology as an important tool to extend human creativity and knowledge, and not necessarily as a substitute for the human touch in design,” he said, adding that human-AI collaboration was the ideal creative journey from ideation to finished product.

Mesdoua echoed the importance of the human touch at Spotify, saying “there are two ingredients to the Spotify secret sauce, one is personalization … and the other one is discovery.

“Personalization is to a large extent driven by AI and technologies and algorithmic advances … it makes sure that your app fits you like a glove. The other ingredient to the secret sauce is what we call discoverability.

“And what that means is every now and then on your Spotify app, you will get a suggestion for a song or an artist or genre that you might not have typically listened to, and that’s largely the work, not solely, but largely the work of human editors.”

The panel examined AI’s impact across multiple creative fields, exploring the opportunities AI presents as well as the challenges that arise when employing machine intelligence.
(AN Photo by Mohamed Fawzy)

That is “very important, particularly for diversity,” Mesdoua noted, adding “a big part of the work that the editors are doing to make sure that up-and-coming genres are being spotlighted and playlisted to global audiences in a unique way.

“So AI can reflect the user, but editors can help recommend new things to users.”

While human curators are key to promoting international music to global audiences, Mesdoua did note the importance of AI in the music industry, saying one of the most important positives is lowering the barriers to entry.

“If you think back to 70 years ago or 80 years ago, becoming a really established musician required you overcoming a ton of barriers and hurdles, particularly on the infrastructure side of things.

“You had to have an expensive studio at your disposal … now you can be all by yourself in your room with amazing AI software and amplify whatever creative spark you have in your mind and really go from ideation to production super-fast.”

It is something Noack was more cautious about, though, with the executive director at the Dubai Future Foundation saying “a barrier to entry is not necessarily a bad thing.”

“I think a lot of people come into space that is not necessarily their calling or (they do not have a) high level of skill and suddenly they know how to do something and they’re the expert in this space.”

A litmus test for good AI, he added, is “whether it can be switched off or rolled back.”

Taking into account differences between various creative fields, the panelists took a nuanced approach and discussed whether AI’s influence was similar across sectors.

There was one warning repeated across various creative fields — including architecture, marketing, education and music — panelists warned that practitioners need to “know when to stop and when to bring the human element back into creativity,” as per Joucka.

Running until April 29 and organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the three-day summit includes policymakers, artists, scholars, and innovators.

The theme is “Culture for Humanity and Beyond,” focusing on the intersection of culture, technology and global governance.


Jordanian crown prince marks Princess Rajwa’s 31st birthday

Updated 28 April 2025
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Jordanian crown prince marks Princess Rajwa’s 31st birthday

  • Royal family shares new official portrait of princess

DUBAI: Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah took to social media on Monday to send best wishes to his Saudi-born wife Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein on her 31st birthday.

“Happy birthday Rajwa! Grateful for the love, kindness, and warmth you bring into Iman’s life and mine,” he wrote, referring to their infant daughter Princess Iman.

Princess Rajwa gave birth to Iman — the first grandchild of King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania — in August last year.

The Jordanian royal family shared a new official portrait of Princess Rajwa to celebrate her birthday. (Instagram)

The Jordanian royal family shared a new official portrait of Princess Rajwa to celebrate her birthday.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hamzah Azoqa (@hamzah_azoqa)

She is seen wearing a jewel-toned ensemble featuring a cowl neck top and wide-leg pants from Los Angeles-based label Simkhai. She accessorized her look with the two letters lariat necklace from Joy Jewels, featuring the Arabic starting letters of the names of the crown prince and Princess Rajwa.


Jameela Jamil takes Australia by storm

Updated 28 April 2025
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Jameela Jamil takes Australia by storm

DUBAI: Actress and body positivity activist Jameela Jamil ended her first speaking tour of Australia last night, during which she took her signature blend of radical honesty, humour and advocacy to packed theatres across the country.

The tour, titled “An Evening with Jameela Jamil,” opened in Sydney on April 26, continued in Brisbane on April 27, with the final stop in Melbourne last night.

After her Brisbane show, Jamil took to Instagram to thank her audience. “These are very new things I’m talking about, some of which I’m finding literally on stage during your Q and A section. It’s where I most learn how I really feel. Which is weird when in front of over a thousand people in PIN DROP silence.

“But I’ve unchained myself from a need to be performative or perfect. So I’m giving you my truest raw form in these talks. It’s the full me showing you my heart and not expecting you to embrace me. The fact that you do, has blown me away every night,” she wrote.

Jamil also took a moment to thank her moderator, April Helene-Horton, a body positivity activist.

“Big, huge thanks to @thebodzilla who stepped out of her comfort zone with me last night and did a smashing job. What a light of a human,” she wrote.

She also shared behind-the-scenes moments and audience interactions, giving fans a glimpse into the tour’s intimate atmosphere.​

In an earlier interview with Marie Claire, she said: “I could not be more excited to have candid, bold and rebellious conversations. I have always felt drawn to the culture, humour and tenacity of Aussies, and look forward to some spirited discussions.”

Known for her breakout role as Tahani Al-Jamil in “The Good Place,” Jamil has since become a leading voice in global conversations about body image and mental health. Her Australian tour offered audiences an unfiltered look into her personal journey — from her struggles with eating disorders and public missteps to her evolution into a fearless advocate for authenticity.

Jamil's tour also highlights her initiative, Move for Your Mind, a reimagining of her earlier I Weigh movement. This project aims to dismantle toxic fitness culture and promote mental well-being, encouraging individuals to prioritize their mental health over societal expectations.


Role of culture in governance highlighted at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

Updated 27 April 2025
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Role of culture in governance highlighted at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: World leaders discussed how culture can transform global challenges at the seventh edition of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

The summit — which opened on Sunday in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s culture district at the Manarat Al-Saadiyat — is hosting a range of panels and discussions exploring the theme “Culture for Humanity and Beyond.”

One of the panels featured former world leaders discussing the role of culture within global governance.

Former Slovak Prime Minister Iveta Radicova set the tone at the “Bridging the Cultural Gap: The Role of Culture in Shaping Global Governance” panel, saying that “400 years ago, there were 800 million people on the planet. Today, it’s 8 billion, divided into 195 states and 6,000 different community groups with their own languages and cultures.”

The panel featured former world leaders discussing the role of culture within global governance. AN Photo

New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, sharing her country’s successful model of integrating Maori cultural heritage into national governance.

She noted that leadership must be “intentional” about diversity. “I always start with the ‘I’,” she explained, “because if you’re not a committed, inclusive leader, you will not get to the destination of equity.”

Former President of Mauritius Cassam Uteem illustrated how cultural diplomacy works in practice, sharing how his small island nation has played a major role in international cultural politics. He highlighted Mauritius’ participation in UNESCO, bringing perspectives of small, developing island states into global discussions.

The panelists unanimously agreed that traditional international institutions are ill-equipped to handle today’s complex cultural landscape. They called for more innovative approaches that place culture at the center of global governance, rather than treating it as a peripheral concern.

“Culture is the mirror of human existence and the producer of new dreams, and without dreams, we lose our human dignity,” said Radicova.

A recurring theme was the need to combat misinformation and protect cultural authenticity in an era of tech moguls ruling the roost and advancements in artificial intelligence.

“If you would like to build social cohesion and solidarity around the world, you have to fight for the truth, and openly, without dancing around, with courage and really verified arguments,” said Radicova.


Bella Hadid celebrates beauty brand in Texas after Gigi Hadid’s birthday in New York

Updated 27 April 2025
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Bella Hadid celebrates beauty brand in Texas after Gigi Hadid’s birthday in New York

DUBAI: Almost one year since launching her fragrance brand Orebella, US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid made an appearance at the Ulta Beauty Field Leadership Convention in San Antonio, Texas, to promote her label.

The alcohol-free scents of Orebella, which launched in May 2024, were Hadid’s answer to traditional perfumes. The model dubs her fragrances “skin perfumes” and she has described them as “hydrating, alcohol-free and enriched with essential oils.”

Hadid attended the convention hosted by cosmetics chain store Ulta Beauty, taking to Instagram to say it “is so beautiful because we get to celebrate so many amazing brands but most of all we get to celebrate all of the hard working Ulta family that help us feel great!”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

Hadid jetted to San Antonio after celebrating her sister Gigi Hadid’s 30th birthday in New York. The birthday party was held at Le Chalet in New York City on April 25, and Bella attended in a chic all-black look complete with dark sunglasses.

Gigi entered the venue with her partner, Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, and met up with her sister Bella, mother Yolanda Hadid, father Mohamed Hadid, Russian media personality Keni Silva and US actress Anne Hathaway.

Gigi’s birthday was on April 23, and the internet was abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends who sent birthday wishes to the supermodel as she turned 30.

Bella shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate, writing: “IT’S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA.”

Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter’s 30-year journey. “Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn’t been one day without you on my mind,” she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.

She added: “As you know giving birth to your first born is life changing, it really marks the first day of the rest of your life as you transition from womanhood into the blessing of motherhood. Today is your special day and I want to say thank for choosing me to be your mommy and for all the love, light and reflection you have brought into my life.”

Italian designer Donatella Versace also shared a birthday message, posting a few images with Gigi and writing: “Happy Birthday to my Taurus twin, @gigihadid! I wish I was with you on this special day. I am sending you kisses and so much love - today and always. Love you!”