Saudi Culture Ministry to hold photography expo in Venice

Through the Kingdom Photography Award, the Visual Arts Commission aims to support creatives in photography, enhance the sustainability of the local photographic scene by fostering cultural exchange. (X @mocsaudi_en)
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Updated 29 August 2025
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Saudi Culture Ministry to hold photography expo in Venice

  • Visual Arts Commission CEO Dina Amin said that holding the exhibition in Venice marks a significant step that reflects the continuous development and vibrant creativity of the photography sector in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is preparing to organize the exhibition “In a New Light,” showcasing contemporary photography from Saudi Arabia as part of cultural events at the Abbazia building in Venice, Italy.

The exhibition will run from Sept. 12 to Oct. 10, and will feature works shortlisted for the 2025 Kingdom Photography Award.

The award, launched in 2022, is an annual initiative designed to empower professional photographers and support emerging talent in the field of photography.

Visual Arts Commission CEO Dina Amin said that holding the exhibition in Venice marks a significant step that reflects the continuous development and vibrant creativity of the photography sector in the Kingdom.

She added that the exhibition highlights the innovative contributions of Saudi photographers, whose works express national identity through fresh perspectives that engage international audiences.

Through the Kingdom Photography Award, the Visual Arts Commission aims to support creatives in photography, enhance the sustainability of the local photographic scene by fostering cultural exchange, enrich visual knowledge and build a photographic archive that documents the Kingdom’s features, heritage and landscapes through artistic lenses, embodying the national visual identity.

The award also aims to foster a culture of innovation in photography, encouraging participants to explore new approaches that transcend traditional practices while providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their works to a global audience.

The 2025 edition of the award has attracted numerous submissions from Saudi and international photographers.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya ‘shaping the future,’ says executive ahead of Six Flags opening

Updated 22 December 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya ‘shaping the future,’ says executive ahead of Six Flags opening

  • Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari underscored the Kingdom’s recent monumental achievements in alignment with Six Flags Qiddiya City’s symbolic upcoming opening, stating: “We, in Saudi Arabia do not start where others end, we start where others dream”

RIYADH: Qiddiya is “shaping the future of entire sectors,” the entertainment megaproject’s managing director said at a press conference on Monday ahead of the official opening of Six Flags on Dec. 31.

Abdullah Al-Dawood took to the podium to share his pride in Qiddiya City’s speedy progress.

Six Flags Qiddiya City Entrance. (AN Photo by Basmah Albasrawi)

“Today, Six Flags Qiddiya City is complete, and Aquaarabia is over 95 percent complete,” he said.

With doors set to open in nine days, Al-Dawood made sure to remind the audience that this milestone is only the beginning of a grander vision for Qiddiya City and the Kingdom as a whole.

Abdullah Al-Dawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company speaks at Six Flags Press Conference. (AN Photo by Basmah Albasrawi)

“What we are doing today goes beyond simply developing a project, it is about building a city and shaping the future of entire sectors. God willing, the Kingdom will be among the leading countries in the fields of entertainment, sports, culture and tourism” he said.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari underscored the Kingdom’s recent monumental achievements in alignment with Six Flags Qiddiya City’s symbolic upcoming opening, stating: “We, in Saudi Arabia do not start where others end, we start where others dream.”

En route to the park, Qiddiya executives welcomed members of the press to their grand project as mountains made way to rollercoaster views.

Qiddiya’s progress in becoming a hub for entertainment and sports is visible in the daylight as cranes and construction crew gathered to finalize building some of the most anticipated projects such as Aquaarabia, a waterpark, and golf courses in the heart of the desert.

The park is the first Six Flags outside of North America and forms part of Qiddiya Investment Co.’s flagship development.