Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape has moved from the margins to the mainstream. What was once quiet and private is now confidently displayed, redefining both public life and national identity.
Oct 25, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s auctions once meant camels, dates, and cars. With Sotheby’s now in Riyadh, the gavel is falling on paintings and prestige—signaling a cultural shift at home.
Sep 9, 2025
What was once dismissed as “fun time” in classrooms has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation. Today, galleries in Riyadh and Jeddah attract global curators, biennales draw record audiences, and Saudi artists stand on world stages — evidence of how art has shifted from hobby to creative economy.
Sep 4, 2025
Once seen as the domain of elites, contemporary art is now emerging as a powerful force in the Gulf—engaging the public, shaping minds, and becoming a central part of civic and cultural discourse. In this essay, Dr. Khawla Almarri traces how Qatar is leading this quiet revolution and why it matters for the region.
Jul 5, 2025
In June 2024, the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington highlighted Saudi multimedia installation artist Daniah Alsaleh’s innovative use of AI to evoke emotional reactions and reshape historical narratives. Alsaleh’s deepfake-generated portraits challenge the certainty of memory, reflecting on the impact of media and AI in shaping perceptions.
Aug 20, 2024
Stay in touch by signing up for the SAUDITIMES newsletter and let me be the bridge between Saudi Arabia and the Western world.