Bringing Japan’s Cultural Heritage to Saudi Arabia

The program opened with a diverse lineup of music performances, workshops, exhibitions, and culinary experiences. Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari visited Ithra to explore the exhibits, meet artists, and emphasize the growing cultural relationship between the two nations.

“At Ithra, we believe in the power of cultural exchange and its lasting impact in fostering mutual understanding,” said Noura Alzamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs. “The Japan Cultural Days event is a testament to our commitment to global dialogue.”

Two exhibitions took center stage—one dedicated to traditional Japanese kimonos and another highlighting Japan’s automobile industry. The kimono display featured 17 exquisite pieces, including rare antiques from the Japan Kimono Museum in Fukushima, reflecting the artistry of different historical eras. The automotive exhibition showcased 15 classic and modern Japanese cars, with contributions from private collectors in Qatif.

Exclusive Performances and Interactive Experiences

A standout event was the debut performance of Drum Tao in Saudi Arabia. The world-renowned Japanese drumming ensemble delivered an electrifying show, blending Taiko drumming with flute and harp melodies. Ithra also hosted a variety of performances, including a Kabuki theater production and a Kendama showcase, blending traditional and modern Japanese arts.

Visitors explored Japan’s culture through immersive activities, including a metaverse journey to Tokyo, a Japanese bazaar featuring handmade crafts, and street food kiosks offering authentic flavors. The Japanese House Experience allowed attendees to participate in tea ceremonies and Wagashi sweet-making sessions.

Cinema enthusiasts enjoyed seven acclaimed Japanese films, including Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli animations The Boy and the Heron and Howl’s Moving Castle. A special screening of One Cut of the Dead featured an exclusive Q&A with writer-director Shinichiro Ueda.

Workshops and Cultural Dialogues

Fifteen hands-on workshops introduced participants to Japanese culinary arts, calligraphy, flower arranging, and manga creation. A highlight was the kintsugi workshop, where visitors learned the traditional art of repairing broken pottery with gold.

Panel discussions explored Japanese literature and cultural connections from a Saudi perspective. Topics included translating the works of Haruki Murakami into Arabic and a session led by Saudi travel writer Badr Al-Balawi.

Continuing Ithra’s Cultural Exchange Mission

Since its inception in 2018, Ithra has served as a gateway to global cultural experiences. The inaugural Cultural Days in 2020 highlighted Vietnam’s heritage, while the 2022 edition celebrated Cairo’s vibrant culture. With each edition, Ithra continues to strengthen cultural understanding and bring the world closer to Saudi audiences.

For more information on Ithra’s programs and upcoming events, visit www.ithra.com.

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Exploring the Richness of Arabic Calligraphy

The two-day workshop introduced participants to the history of Arabic calligraphy. It also covered the influential schools that shaped this artistic tradition and the contributions of renowned Arab calligraphers. More importantly, the event provided a deep dive into Ruq’ah script, its structure, and the artistic rules that define its form.

To make the experience more engaging, attendees were encouraged to practise writing Ruq’ah script firsthand. Under the guidance of Mohammad Altamimi, they refined their skills and gained a better understanding of this unique style.

A Platform for Learning and Creativity

The workshop attracted a diverse group of calligraphy enthusiasts, including beginners and experienced artists. Since the session combined theory with hands-on practice, it allowed participants to develop their skills in an interactive setting. Furthermore, the event served as a space for cultural exchange, where attendees shared their passion for Arabic calligraphy.

Many participants expressed their appreciation for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and its commitment to preserving Arabic heritage. In fact, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring that Arabic calligraphy continues to inspire future generations.

Commitment to Arabic Heritage

Since its establishment, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Arabic calligraphy. As part of this mission, the library regularly hosts educational programs, workshops, and cultural initiatives that highlight the importance of this traditional art form.

For those interested in attending future events, visit www.mbrl.ae or follow the library on social media to stay updated.

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A key addition to the 2025 fair is the introduction of the Premiere sector, dedicated to ultra-contemporary artworks created within the past five years. This section will showcase 10 galleries, each presenting works by up to three artists.

Among the participants:

• Chapter NY will exhibit photochemical paintings by Antonia Kuo and ceramic works by Erin Jane Nelson.
• Magician Space from Beijing will showcase Liu Ding’s installation Survivors, which reflects on trauma.
• Edel Assanti from London, making its Art Basel debut, will highlight Lonnie Holley’s multi-medium practice.

Newcomers and Industry Heavyweights

This year’s edition features a mix of first-time exhibitors and established industry leaders across multiple sections.

New exhibitors in the Galleries sector include:

• Arcadia Missa
• François Ghebaly
• Anat Ebgi
• Polka Galerie
• Fanta-MLN

They will present alongside returning major galleries such as:

• Pace Gallery
• Gagosian
• Hauser & Wirth
• David Zwirner
• White Cube
• Marian Goodman Gallery

The Parcours section, themed Second Nature, will return with site-specific installations throughout Basel. Additionally, Messeplatz will be transformed by a large-scale spray-paint installation from acclaimed German artist Katharina Grosse.

Also, Maike Cruse stated that the 2025 edition will showcase a diverse range of extraordinary artworks, encourage international dialogue, and reinforce Art Basel’s status as one of the most influential events on the global art calendar.

Full Exhibitor List

GALLERIES

• 303 Gallery
• 47 Canal
• A Gentil Carioca
• Miguel Abreu Gallery
• Acquavella Galleries
• Air de Paris
• Antenna Space
• Applicat-Prazan
• The Approach
• Arcadia Missa
• Art : Concept
• Alfonso Artiaco
• Balice Hertling
• von Bartha
• Beijing Commune
• galería elba benítez
• Bernier/Eliades
• blank projects
• Blum
• Marianne Boesky Gallery
• Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
• Bortolami
• Galerie Isabella Bortolozzi
• BQ
• The Breeder
• Ben Brown Fine Arts
• Galerie Buchholz
• Cabinet
• Emanuela Campoli
• Canada
• Galerie Gisela Capitain
• Cardi Gallery
• carlier gebauer
• Carlos/Ishikawa
• Casas Riegner
• Galeria Pedro Cera
• Chemould Prescott Road
• ChertLüdde
• Mehdi Chouakri
• James Cohan Gallery
• Sadie Coles HQ
• Commonwealth and Council
• Contemporary Fine Arts
• Galleria Continua
• Paula Cooper Gallery
• Pilar Corrias
• Galleria Raffaella Cortese
• Crèvecœur
• Galerie Chantal Crousel
• Croy Nielsen
• Thomas Dane Gallery
• MASSIMODECARLO
• Jeffrey Deitch
• dépendance
• Di Donna
• Ecart
• Galerie Eigen + Art
• galerie frank elbaz
• Emalin
• Empty Gallery
• Experimenter
• Konrad Fischer Galerie
• Foksal Gallery Foundation
• Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel
• Fraenkel Gallery
• Peter Freeman, Inc.
• Stephen Friedman Gallery
• Frith Street Gallery
• Gaga
• Gagosian
• Galerie Christophe Gaillard
• Galerie 1900-2000
• Galleria dello Scudo
• François Ghebaly
• Gladstone Gallery
• Gomide&Co
• Galería Elvira González
• Goodman Gallery
• Marian Goodman Gallery
• Maxwell Graham
• Galerie Bärbel Grässlin
• Gray
• Alexander Gray Associates
• Garth Greenan Gallery
• Greene Naftali
• greengrassi
• Galerie Karsten Greve
• Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art
• Hauser & Wirth
• Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert
• Herald St
• Galerie Max Hetzler
• Hollybush Gardens
• Xavier Hufkens
• hunt kastner
• Gallery Hyundai
• Taka Ishii Gallery
• Bernard Jacobson Gallery
• Alison Jacques
• Galerie Martin Janda
• Catriona Jeffries
• Jenkins Johnson Gallery
• Annely Juda Fine Art
• Kadel Willborn
• Casey Kaplan
• Jan Kaps
• Karma
• Karma International
• kaufmann repetto
• Sean Kelly
• Tina Keng Gallery
• Kerlin Gallery
• Anton Kern Gallery
• Kewenig
• Kiang Malingue
• Galerie Peter Kilchmann
• Tina Kim Gallery
• David Kordansky Gallery
• Sylvia Kouvali
• KOW
• Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler
• Andrew Kreps Gallery
• Galerie Krinzinger
• Nicolas Krupp
• Kukje Gallery
• kurimanzutto
• Labor
• Galerie Lahumière
• Landau Fine Art
• Layr
• Galerie Le Minotaure
• Lehmann Maupin
• Tanya Leighton
• Galerie Lelong & Co.
• Lévy Gorvy Dayan
• Lisson Gallery
• Luxembourg + Co.
• Kate MacGarry
• Magazzino
• Mai 36 Galerie
• Gió Marconi
• Matthew Marks Gallery

FEATURE

• Almeida & Dale Galeria de Arte
• Galeria Raquel Arnaud
• Thomas Brambilla
• Anat Ebgi
• Jean-Kenta Gauthier

STATEMENTS

• Nir Altman
• Artbeat
• Bridget Donahue
• Fanta-MLN
• Felix Gaudlitz

PREMIERE

• Broadway
• Chapter NY
• Edel Assanti
• Gypsum Gallery
• Jacky Strenz

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A Playful Take on High-School Aesthetics

The SS25 collection, first shown at Paris Fashion Week in June, embraces the idea of “never taking itself too seriously.” Featuring a reimagined, high-school-inspired look, the collection balances wearable pieces with the brand’s signature tongue-in-cheek elements and subcultural references. Highlights include the Spiver football jersey, a cheerleader uniform-inspired cropped top, an oversized Gakuran blazer, and a badge-emblazoned leather jacket paired with matching pants. Lace-up sneakers featuring spike embellishments complete the look.

Tokyo Pop-up with Japanese Idol Theme

To further showcase the collection, the Tokyo pop-up shop brings a unique Japanese idol theme to life. Mannequins dressed as die-hard fans are posed in exaggerated formations, enhancing the pop-up’s dynamic atmosphere. The event will be available at Isetan Shinjuku until February 18.

Event Details

The Doublet SS25 “IDOL” pop-up is located at:
Isetan Shinjuku 3F West Park / Promotion
Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0022 Japan

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Hands-On Creativity for Children

Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children presents Bait Al Khazaf, a dedicated space for pottery and ceramics. Designed to inspire young artists, the workshops include pottery-making, painting, and performing arts. Children can shape clay on a wheel, decorate candles, and design costumes while learning from theatre experts. The Centre for Musical Arts leads music sessions, and families can participate in a collaborative mural.

Ceramic Art Exhibition

Curated by Kamal Al Zoubi, Head of the Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, Bait Al Khazaf features works by 55 Emirati and UAE-based ceramicists. Highlights include:

• Communication and Connection by Emirati artist Shamsa Juma, reflecting her search for perfection.
• Ibahar (Sailing) by Abdulla Al Hammadi, inspired by pearl diving.
• Calligraphy Mural by Pakistani artist Adeel Umar.
• Cultural Diffusion by Australian artist Alex Rawson, exploring cross-cultural exchange.
• Oryx the Survivor by Sudanese artist Amani Badur, symbolizing resilience.

The People of Determination Exhibition showcases inspiring works by artists with disabilities, highlighting their creativity and perseverance.

Literature and Visual Arts

Dubai Public Library’s School of Life initiative offers workshops such as:

• Ruq’ah Calligraphy by Mohammed Al Tamimi.
• Doors and Wooden Carvings by Dr Saeed Abdullah Al Wail, exploring Emirati craftsmanship.
• Sikka Folktales by Magdy ElKafrawy, bringing local stories to life on canvas.

Theatre and Folktales

The World Stage Design House (House 203) hosts theatre workshops, including:

• Puppet Workshop by Jacqui George, where children create shadow puppets.
• Lighting Workshop by Youmna Aboelella, teaching stage lighting techniques.
• Costume Design by Salma Lakharouti, using recycled materials.

At Masterpieces House – House of Folklore Tales (House 355), students from the Ministry of Education’s 2024 summer camp present artworks inspired by Kharareef (local folktales), blending tradition with modern creativity.

Festival Partners

The Sikka Art & Design Festival is organized in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development.

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Opening Ceremony

The event began with the UAE National Anthem, followed by a video highlighting the festival’s growth and success since 2011. The video emphasized the festival’s artistic achievements and its popularity with audiences of all backgrounds.

His Highness then witnessed the opening show, “An Extraordinary Vision.” The show celebrated the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, showcasing his vision for Sharjah as a global center for culture, education, and innovation.

In his speech, H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, thanked His Highness for attending the opening. He praised the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and acknowledged his continued support for the development of Sharjah.

Al Midfa also highlighted the festival’s importance in supporting small and medium-sized businesses. More than 70 national projects are participating in the Light Village. The festival provides a platform for creative artists to showcase light installations that convey meaningful messages.

Sharjah Light Festival Highlights

The 2025 Sharjah Light Festival features stunning light displays at 12 key locations. The event blends art and technology, celebrating Sharjah’s architectural beauty and cultural heritage. Some of the standout shows include “A Journey through Light and Culture,” which transforms Sharjah Mosque into a dynamic canvas, “The Story of the Wadi,” depicting Sharjah’s history through themes of water, culture, and ancient traditions, and “The Light of the East,” a 3D projection show about Khorfakkan.

Sharjah Light Festival Expanding the Festival’s Reach

This year’s edition adds new locations like Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, Al Heera Beach, and Al Hefaiyah Lake. These additions expand the festival’s cultural impact. The event continues to attract visitors from around the UAE and beyond, solidifying its place on Sharjah’s cultural calendar.

The Light Village: A Hub for Creativity and Entrepreneurship

The Light Village will run until February 23. It will feature interactive exhibits, a museum, and family-friendly activities. Local SMEs will showcase their products, ranging from food to retail experiences. The festival continues to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage with the public and gain visibility.

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A Star-Studded Event with Safa Siddiqui

The highlight of the evening was celebrity guest Safa Siddiqui, who added star power to the event. Guests enjoyed posing for photos with her and experienced the essence of VIRGIO’s luxe, sustainable, and timeless fashion.

VIRGIO’s Commitment to Sustainability

Amar Nagaram, Founder and CEO of VIRGIO, shared the brand’s vision for the future. He said, “At VIRGIO, we aim to create fashion that not only looks good but also does good. Fashion should be responsible and not just trend-driven. Our goal is to give consumers choices that align with their values while keeping them stylish.”

Immersive Experience Showcasing Sustainable Fashion

The event featured an immersive experience with insights into VIRGIO’s design philosophy, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly processes. Guests were also treated to a fashion show and a mini-exhibition of the brand’s diverse collections. This showcased how fashion can be both innovative and responsible.

Appreciation for VIRGIO’s Conscious Fashion

Guests appreciated VIRGIO’s approach to conscious fashion. The event highlighted how the brand successfully combines style and sustainability, showing how fashion can evolve and still support environmental responsibility.

The evening concluded with a networking session where guests shared their thoughts about the brand’s vision. They left with a renewed appreciation for VIRGIO’s groundbreaking approach to fashion.

The post VIRGIO Announces Its UAE Arrival with Exclusive Evening in Dubai appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Empowering the Young Writers

The 2024 anthology features the work of 22 young authors who have demonstrated their creativity while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, a theme closely tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These young authors, aged between 8 and 12 years, present stories that offer hope and visions for a brighter future, showcasing their ability to blend imagination and environmental consciousness.

A Special Celebration of Young Talent

Her Highness Sheikha Hissa expressed her pride in the work of the young writers, emphasizing the significance of fictional storytelling in shaping a better future. She stated, “These young storytellers are true ambassadors for planet Earth, using their voices to inspire change.” The ceremony also featured readings by the winning authors Lujain Wissam Al Halabi and Mohammed Hamdan Siddiqui, whose excerpts were read in both Arabic and English. Additionally, Emirati musician Zayed Mohamed Al Zaabi performed an enchanting piano piece, adding to the celebration.

Introducing the Teacher Champion Awards

Alongside the unveiling of the new anthology, the 2025 edition of the competition introduced the Teacher Champion Awards, recognizing the dedication of educators who have inspired and nurtured young writers. This new initiative aims to celebrate the invaluable role teachers play in fostering creativity and sustainability in students. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF), expressed her enthusiasm for this new award, highlighting its potential to further support education and literary excellence.

Future Aspirations and Publishing Opportunities

The 2024 anthology is available for purchase, with both Arabic and English versions of the stories professionally edited and translated. It is available as a digital download and in physical copies for AED 80 through the ELF publishing website. The stories are illustrated by regional artists, adding a unique visual dimension to the written work.

In 2025, the competition is now open for children in the region to submit fictional stories between 600 and 1,500 words, focusing on sustainability and the UN’s SDGs. The Teacher Champion Programme will offer professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and cash prizes to educators who champion the next generation of sustainability-focused writers.

This event, part of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and providing them with a platform to raise their voices for a sustainable future. The festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, concludes on February 3, 2025, celebrating nearly 200 of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers.

For more information about Voices of Future Generations and to participate in the competition, visit the official website.

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Murals Capturing Tradition, Identity, and Modernity

Among the 13 striking murals, notable works include:

• ‘A Heritage of Night’ by Eman Alrashdi, merging Emirati identity with a Van Gogh-inspired night sky.
• ‘Child’s Play’ by Perryhan El-Ashmawi, portraying childhood joy and creativity.
• ‘Rooted Connections’ by Karim Jabbari, blending Arabic calligraphy and poetry.
• ‘Dream Big’ by Noé Peiró, symbolizing Dubai’s rise from a fishing village to a global city.

Other murals explore urban life, nature, and cultural heritage, showcasing the depth of talent from regional and international artists.

Innovative Sculptures and Installations

Over 40+ installations redefine the landscape, including:

• ‘Shells’ by Dr Mohamed Yousif, depicting Dubai’s coastal history through stone carving.
• ‘Dubai Heart’ by Azza Al Qubaisi, exploring the UAE’s traditions and identity.
• ‘Starry Sky in Dubai’ by Liu Yang, a dynamic light sculpture inspired by celestial movements.
• ‘Moon’ by Mohamed Sahnoun, a calligraphy-adorned marble piece that shifts between full and crescent moon perspectives.

Interactive and Sustainable Art

Artworks like ‘Make-A-Friend’ by Hend Almurid, an installation allowing visitors to build their own sculptures, and ‘Renewal’ by Studio Thirteen X Nordic Homeworx, made from recycled wood, highlight the festival’s focus on community engagement and sustainability.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is supported by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Civil Defence, ensuring a well-curated cultural experience.

With immersive art, heritage-inspired creations, and futuristic installations, Sikka 2025 cements Dubai’s position as a thriving hub for artistic innovation and cultural storytelling.

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As Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Tabuk undergo rapid development through government initiatives and giga-projects, IFS Jeddah will highlight cutting-edge designs, sustainable interiors, and architectural innovation. With more than $1.45 trillion in hospitality, residential, and commercial projects, Saudi Arabia’s design sector is entering a new era of modernization and growth.

Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Hospitality and Real Estate Market

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has set ambitious targets for the hospitality and accommodation sector, with plans to deliver 320,000 new hotel rooms by 2030, at a total cost of $37.8 billion. The Western Province is a key driver of this transformation, with cities like Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah leading the way in luxury hotel development. Currently, 66% of Saudi Arabia’s hotel inventory is in the luxury segment, a figure projected to grow to 72% by 2030.

Industry Leaders and Key Exhibitors

IFS Jeddah will feature over 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 5,000 influential buyers from the hospitality, residential, and commercial interiors sectors. Some key exhibitors include:

• Local brands: Al Aqeel, Foamco, Al Guthmi, Al Rugaib Furniture, Creative Closets, Al Nassaj, Al Sourayi, Majestic, Damons, and Back Care.
• International brands: Standard Carpets, Trend Middle East, Surfaces Furnishing LLC, and Zuma Design Consultants.

IFS Jeddah Conference and Expert Speakers

The event will also feature IFSpeaks, a thought-leadership program featuring discussions on Saudi heritage in design, sustainability, 3D printing, and the future of AI in architecture. Speakers include:

• Amani Al Ibrahim, Partner and Executive Director of Kristina Zanic Consultants
• Dr. Karima Hemida, Head of Design at Jeddah International College
• Ma’an Bajnaid, Architect at M3N DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE
• Iman Abuljadayel, Founder of In Detail Design Center

A Three-Day Focus on Design Evolution

Each day of IFS Jeddah will explore a different design theme:

• Day One: Saudi heritage and its influence on modern interiors.
• Day Two: Innovations in flexible workspaces, AI integration, and space transformation.
• Day Three: The future of Saudi design, empowering the next generation of architects and designers.

Jeddah: A Growing Hub for Design and Innovation

Jasmeet Bakshi, Vice President of Design and Hospitality at dmg events, emphasized the strategic importance of Jeddah:

“Jeddah is experiencing an unprecedented transformation. From the Jeddah Central Project and the Red Sea Project to NEOM, the city is becoming a global leader in sustainable and innovative design. IFS Jeddah will not only showcase products but also bring together the industry’s top talents to shape the future of Saudi architecture and interiors.”

As Saudi Arabia’s design and fit-out industry expands, IFS Jeddah will serve as a key networking hub, bringing together the region’s top architects, designers, and project owners. The event is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of interiors and furniture in the Western Province and beyond.

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