A Saudi artist's geometric abstraction meets digital art in Basel

Welcome to Al-Monitor Riyadh.

This week, we are highlighting the presence of Saudi artist Lulwah Al Homoud at The Digital Art Mile, the first digital art fair in Basel, Switzerland, the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh and an exhibition on Saudi traditional costumes at Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran.

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Happy reading,

Rebecca

P.S. Have feedback or tips on Riyadh's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.

1. Leading the week: Lulwah Al Homoud at Art Basel

Lulwah Al Homoud. “The Language of Existence, IQRAA 4. 2025.” Mixed media on canvas. (Courtesy of the artist)

Pioneering Saudi artist Lulwah Al Homoud, known for minimalist, abstract works often incorporating technology and reflecting traditional Islamic art, will unveil new work at the second edition of The Digital Art Mile, the inaugural digital art fair in Basel.

Homoud’s work is being presented at the booth of the Sigg Art Foundation alongside 15 international artists working across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital poetry and contemporary visual art, including painting, sculpture and multimedia installation.

Homoud said her work is "deeply rooted in the spiritual dimensions of geometry," describing it as a "continuous exploration of the essence of matter — a journey into abstraction." Drawing on the theory of Ibn Muqlah’s Proportional Cursive Script and the mathematical structure of the Vedic Square, she "translates language into visual codes where geometry and script intersect."

Her new work in Basel once again transforms Arabic calligraphy into meticulous geometric abstraction, offering a Saudi perspective that merges tradition and global contemporary art, and providing a renewed sense of Arab identity deeply rooted in heritage.

"Sigg Art continues to transcend borders in its support of Saudi art, and as an artist committed to creating a universal visual language, I am proud to contribute to this mission." She added that new pieces from her ‘Language of Existence’ series will be presented for the first time, "exploring the creation of new codes to form a universal language that can be felt rather than read through an abstract geometric approach."

An influential artist in Saudi Arabia, Homoud’s work has been presented at the British Museum in London, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The Green Box Museum in Amsterdam, and has been acquired by numerous public and private collections around the world.

Dates: June 16–22

Location: The Digital Art Mile, Basel, Switzerland

Find more information here.

2. Word on the street: Koojeh

A vibrant array of Persian dishes at Koojeh restaurant. Courtesy of Koojeh

This Riyadh-born Persian restaurant is not your typical Persian eatery. This fine dining spot is the place to go for your favorite Iranian flavors with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is inspired by the alleyways of Tehran where street life, culture and food come together. Some top dishes to try include the Joojah, a popular grilled chicken dish, the delicious Kaask Badminjan made with eggplant, onions, garlic, ground walnuts and mint, and the Kubedah Kebab made from ground meat mixed with grated onions and spices, formed into long cylinders and grilled on skewers. You’ll want to return again and again.

Location: Orwa Bin Al Ward, Al Muruj, Riyadh

Find more information here.

3. Riyadh diary

An exhibition view of “Continuation of a Craft: Saudi Traditional Costumes” at Ithra. (Courtesy of Ithra)

• Continuation of Craft: Saudi Design Costumes

Have you ever wondered what Saudis once wore several decades and even centuries ago? An exhibition in Ithra’s Gallery 2 showcases both historical and contemporary designs that reinterpret traditional Arabian costumes. It presents both the intricate artistry and historical significance of traditional Saudi Arabian attire, including jewelry and materials. Curated by Konstantinos Chatziantoniou, the exhibition features research conducted by heritage expert Laila Al Bassam, and is part of Ithra’s broader crafts theme encompassing several events and exhibitions presently taking place. Of note is the diversity of costumes on display reflecting the rich and multifaceted heritage found in regions across the kingdom. 

Dates: until Aug. 31

Location: Ithra – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Dhahran

Find more information here.

• Esports World Cup 2025

The gaming scene is making waves worldwide, but especially in Saudi Arabia, where the Esports World Cup is set to return this summer. The event highlights a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million, distributed across 25 tournaments in 24 different games, according to the Esports World Cup Foundation. Boulevard Riyadh City will be set ablaze with numerous competitions. These include popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant and new additions like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Also taking place during the event will be a Global Sports Conference hosted by Esports World Cup. There’s something for everyone. It’s an event also for fans who can explore various interactive zones, themed pop-ups and also meet and greets with gaming icons.

Dates: July 7 - Aug. 24

Location: Boulevard City, Riyadh

Find more information here.

• Creative Majlis

The Misk Art Institute is hosting a “Creative Majlis” to bring together creatives in the Saudi capital for a series of open studios, where artists from Saudi Arabia, across the Middle East and around the world will show visitors their works in progress. This will be followed by a series of panel discussions.

Date: June 22

Location: Misk Art Residences, Masaha, Riyadh

Find more information here.

4. Book of the week: “Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage”

On the occasion of Hajj season that took place this year in early June, this beautiful hardcover tome dedicated to the Islamic pilgrimage published by Assouline highlights 5,000 objects from the Khalili Collection of “Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage” from the eighth to 21st centuries from China to India, Morocco and even the United Kingdom. The illuminated chapters of the book include in-depth essays on the Islamic principles of Hajj, rituals, sacred manuscripts, textiles, souvenirs and Western perspectives.

5. View from Riyadh

A shepherd with his flock of sheep in Khaybar, Madinah, 2017. (Photographed by Faisal Al Juhani)

Based in the city of Medina, Faisal Al Juhani’s striking images capture everyday moments from across the kingdom. From Saudi men sharing time on the street, to groups enjoying evening meals, to Bedouins tending livestock, Juhani’s photographs offer a raw, authentic portrayal of life throughout Saudi Arabia. @faisalaljuhani

6. By the numbers

• The Gulf Cooperation Council personal luxury market grew by 6% in 2024, reaching $12.8 billion — despite a global decline of 2% — according to the Chalhoub Group’s report “GCC Personal Luxury 2024: Unstoppable.”
• Luxury fashion grew by 6% last year, driven by ultra high-end brands, according to the Chalhoub report. The report also notes that luxury fashion now accounts for 43% of total personal luxury spending in GCC states.
• Beauty was the fastest-growing category, increasing by 12%, with skincare leading the segment with 17% growth.