Saudi artist Reem Al-Nasser discusses her Diriyah Art Futures Residency 

Reem Al-Nasser has been selected for the inaugural Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency. (Credit: Jawad Tabatabai)
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Updated 16 May 2025
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Saudi artist Reem Al-Nasser discusses her Diriyah Art Futures Residency 

  • Al-Nasser says she is inspired by area’s ‘natural beauty’ 

DUBAI: Saudi artist Reem Al-Nasser has been selected for the inaugural Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency, a new initiative from Diriyah Art Futures.  

The residency, which runs until July, brings together artists and scholars to explore emerging ecologies, speculative futures, and the evolving relationship between technology, nature and cultural heritage. 

Organized by the Museums Commission under the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the residency supports experimental research and production in the field of digital and new media art.  




Al-Nasser, one of three Saudi artists participating, described being selected as both an honor and a milestone in her artistic journey. (Supplied)

Participants are provided with a production budget and technical support, as well as access to labs and studios. The spring cohort includes artists and scholars from Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, France, Germany and the UK. 

Al-Nasser, one of three Saudi artists participating, described being selected as both an honor and a milestone in her artistic journey.  

“I felt immense happiness and deep honor,” she told Arab News. “Being chosen for such a prestigious residency was a validation of my artistic journey and gave me a sense of responsibility and excitement.” 

The theme of the inaugural residency is “High-Resolution Dreams from the Sands.” Artists are encouraged to examine the intersections of land and technology. Al-Nasser’s interpretation of the theme centers on the flower known in Arabic as Al-Samh — a plant native to Saudi Arabia, which she uses as a symbol of resilience, healing and shelter.  




Sketch of her upcoming work for the residency. (Supplied)

“I’m working on archiving the ancient behaviors associated with this flower as a symbol of defense and protection, incorporating its intricate details into digital artworks that simulate its essence,” she said.  

Al-Nasser is developing a series of interactive digital installations that integrate visual projection, augmented reality and artificial intelligence to animate the symbolic qualities of the flower and bring them into a contemporary digital art context. Her goal is to create a multi-sensory experience that immerses viewers in the story of the flower, blending visual detail with conceptual depth. 

“These tools allow me to present the intricate details of the Samh flower in a stunning and unprecedented way,” she said. 

Al-Nasser often draws inspiration from traditional storytelling and behavioral patterns, using art to reframe these ideas through a modern lens. “My style is a blend of digital and physical media, with a focus on storytelling — restructuring and connecting ancient knowledge with modern elements,” she said. “Being in Diriyah opened my eyes to the importance of drawing inspiration from local elements and presenting them in a contemporary manner. It’s also encouraged me to experiment with modern techniques I haven’t used before.  




Sketch of her upcoming work for the residency. (Supplied)

“Diriyah has also inspired me with its natural beauty, palm gardens and ancient forts, which have become a central focus in my work,” she continued. “The environment here encouraged me to deeply reflect on the relationship between nature and art and to celebrate its elements through technology. I hope people feel the profound connection between environmental science and the Desert Samh Flower and appreciate the power of nature in creating symbols that inspire art and creativity. I want them to reflect on the relationship between heritage and technology and how art can bridge the two.” 

As the Kingdom invests more heavily in cultural infrastructure and platforms such as DAF, Al-Nasser believes local artists are increasingly positioned to shape the global conversation around digital and new media art. 

“Saudi artists are producing remarkable works that are rooted in cultural heritage while integrating modern technologies,” she said. “They have the potential to revolutionize the global art scene by highlighting the beauty of local nature, like the Samh flower, in innovative ways.” 




'Bakila Recipe,' 2024, presented in Paris. (Supplied)

Al-Nasser’s journey into art began in her teenage years, driven by a fascination with creative expression and storytelling. “Art became my way of understanding the world and sharing my perspective,” she said, adding that her creative inspirations often stem from historical and behavioral patterns.  

“Ancient storytelling and understanding personal experiences were my primary sources of inspiration,” she explained. “I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of subtle details in behaviors, their connection to time, and how art can highlight and center them in storytelling.” 


Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

Updated 15 July 2025
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Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

  • Three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several Year of Handicrafts initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture
  • Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces

RIYADH: The “Arts Telling Stories” exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation’s culture and history through authentic handicrafts.

The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several “Year of Handicrafts” initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community. 

Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment.

The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation.

It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region’s geography, the SPA reported.

The exhibition reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.


Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

Updated 15 July 2025
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Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

DUBAI: Lebanese Australian duo, model Jessica Kahawaty and mother Rita, have launched their own cookbook — with no less a person than Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox providing a cover quote.

Kahawaty and her mother are the minds behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita and the book, “Mama Rita: Family recipes from the Mediterranean,” is now available for pre-order ahead of its release in September.

It is endorsed by Cox, who says it is “a must-have for anyone who is passionate about cooking and loves food as much as I do.”

Writing on Instagram on Monday, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist, and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm, and generous.

“Years of love, passion, late nights and so many memories. It’s all finally coming to life just as Mama Rita turns five this September,” she added.

Kahawaty is on an entrepreneurial roll, having launched jewelry brand Kahawaty Jewels alongside her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, in May. Based in Dubai, it continues the family’s long-standing tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

For Jessica, building the brand with her father has been a meaningful journey.

“He’s the only man I trust when it comes to diamonds and jewelry. He has an impeccable eye for detail and quality. He has the most incredible craftsmanship. I learned so much from him and launching this with my father feels like a true partnership,” she said.


Haql Summer Festival boosts tourism, economy

Updated 14 July 2025
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Haql Summer Festival boosts tourism, economy

  • Festival offers a wide range of attractions, including an amusement park with electric and inflatable rides
  • Visitors can also enjoy restaurants, shopping, and essential services, ensuring a well-rounded experience

JEDDAH: With schools on summer holiday, children and parents are embracing a season of relaxation, exploration, and entertainment.

From coastal getaways to mountain retreats, families across Saudi Arabia are making the most of summer with fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

The Haql Summer Festival, being held at Prince Fahd bin Sultan Park, runs until mid-September. It offers a wide range of attractions, including an amusement park with electric and inflatable rides, a family seating area, and an open-air theater featuring traditional performances, competitions, and daily prizes.

Visitors can also enjoy restaurants, shopping, and essential services, ensuring a well-rounded experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival aims to boost tourism in Haql, stimulate the local economy, increase commercial activity, and create job opportunities, positioning the region as a unique and attractive destination.

Haql, located in northwest Saudi Arabia in the Tabuk region and overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, boasts clear views of several neighboring countries’ coastlines.

The festival is part of the Saudi Summer program, which runs until September and showcases the Kingdom’s diverse tourism offerings — from mountains and beaches to international events and exclusive deals, catering to all travelers.


Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life

Updated 14 July 2025
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Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life

  • Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time
  • Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event

RIYADH: The Beit Hail Festival, which runs until July 29, is showcasing unique works which reflect the region’s rich historic archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time, highlighting the details of daily life and the beauty of historic architecture.

Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, has presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event.

The model has attracted the attention of thousands of visitors and illustrates the techniques used to craft such works, enriching the festival’s depiction of the Kingdom’s heritage.

Al-Khazam based the model on historic sources, using precise measurements and conducting field visits. He also consulted historians, researchers, and elderly residents for accuracy.

The model features key landmarks, including Barzan Palace, a mosque, the commercial square, and various government offices, the SPA added.

Built with traditional materials such as clay and palm trunks, the model uses classic construction techniques and incorporates period ornaments and engravings, effectively recreating the city center of the past.


The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

Updated 14 July 2025
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The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

DHAHRAN: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, or LAAF, the UK’s longest-running annual celebration of Arab arts and culture, returns this month with a theme that feels both timely and timeless: “Nostalgia.”

Now two decades in, the festival has grown from grassroots beginnings into an internationally recognized celebration.

Running through to July 20, this year’s program explores how memory, heritage and longing shape artistic expression across the Arab world and its diasporas. 

The dynamic, bilingual line-up spans film, music, literature, performance, food and family activities — all underscored by deeper reflections on identity, loss and cultural continuity.

Arab News spoke with Taher Qassim, originally from Yemen, who founded LAAF in 1998 as a community-led effort to foster cultural pride and preserve Arab identity in Liverpool.

“The theme of ‘nostalgia’ is a reflection of both how far we’ve come and where we began,” Qassim said. “Twenty-three years ago, we set out on a path that was uncertain but filled with excitement and purpose. We knew we wanted to create something that represented the Yemeni and Arab presence in Liverpool, but we didn’t yet know how to express it.”

What began as a handful of cultural activations has since evolved into a platform for Arab artists. “From those humble beginnings … the festival began to blossom,” he said. “Today, we proudly offer a platform to artists from across the Arab world, Europe, the US, and beyond — something we could only have dreamed of.”

Two events stand out for him: ‘Arabs Are Not Funny’ and ‘The Book of Sanaa.’ The former, he says, “directly challenges the long-held stereotype that Arabs lack a sense of humor. It’s refreshing, bold and liberating — exactly what the festival stands for.”

The latter brings together literature, poetry, food, and a model of Yemen’s historic capital.

“The richness of this event would’ve felt like a fantasy to us two decades ago. Now, it’s a reality — something we’ve made possible through years of dedication and community.”

Qassim, who was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for services to community cohesion, handed over the festival’s leadership to his daughter, Afrah, who now steers LAAF with the same vision and care.

Today, LAAF is no longer seen solely as a festival for the Arab community. “That perception has shifted dramatically,” Qassim said. “People from all backgrounds and ages attend and engage. The festival has become a space for dialogue, curiosity and connection.” As he put it, “Conversations happen naturally — before, during and after events.”

One event he hopes visitors will not miss is the now-iconic “Family Day” at the Palm House in Sefton Park. “It’s become the signature event of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival — our legacy day,” he said. “Families travel from across the UK, Europe, and even further afield to be part of it. The atmosphere is joyful, welcoming, and truly inclusive … a vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Arab culture at its best.”

Some events require tickets, but “Family Day” — an afternoon of music, crafts, performances and community — is the grand finale and free to all.