From Jeddah to Bukhara: AlMusalla Prize

Welcome to Al-Monitor Riyadh.

This week, we are highlighting several notable events: the presentation of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize at the first Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation; a fashion exhibition by Saudi designer Kaf by Kaf in Venice, Italy; new exhibition openings in Jeddah; the Metropolitan Opera’s $200 million, five-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission; and the opening of the first hotel in Riyadh’s financial district.

If you want to receive this newsletter or our other new City Pulse editions — including Dubai, Istanbul and Doha — sign up here.

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: AlMusalla in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

A view of AlMusalla at the Bukhara Biennial. (Photography by Sara Saad, Courtesy of Diriyah Biennale Foundation)

The winning design titled 'On Weaving' of the inaugural architecture competition AlMusalla Prize now rises above the skyline of the ancient city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Set against the city’s breathtaking blue domes and dramatic historical architecture, the structure was first unveiled earlier this year at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah.

Designed by EAST Architecture in collaboration with engineers AKT II and artist Rayyane Tabet, the impressive structure is built almost entirely from palm tree waste. It serves as a contemporary interpretation of a musalla — an adaptable space for prayer and gathering found throughout the Islamic world.

Its presentation in Bukhara has been staged by Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Biennale Foundation to highlight the enduring historical connections between Islamic societies across regions through contemporary design. The display was made possible with the support of Saudi companies ACWA Power and Vision Invest.

“The competition brief called for a versatile, adaptable and modular space for prayer that welcomes Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and the fact that the musalla is now taking root in an entirely new context demonstrates these qualities,” said Prince Nawaf Bin Ayyaf, chair of the AlMusalla Prize, in the opening press release. “Islamic cultures have always been shaped by movement and openness to different influences, and the architectural heritage of Muslim societies demonstrates this fact.”

Jeddah and Bukhara share histories shaped by centuries of multicultural exchange. Jeddah has long served as the gateway for pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, while Bukhara was a pivotal hub of knowledge and trade along the Silk Road for more than a thousand years.

The musalla’s journey between the two nations renews the historical and cultural ties between these cities and underscores an opportunity to foster global dialogue between Islamic cultures across West and Central Asia.

Date: Through Nov. 20

Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Find more information here.

2. Word on the street: Kimpton KAFD

An interior view of the new Kimpton KAFD by IHG in Riyadh. (Courtesy of IHG)

Marking the debut of the first hotel in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Kimpton KAFD by IHG — owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — offers striking views of the district’s shimmering skyline, including the iconic Zaha Hadid-designed metro station. 

Spread across 16 floors, the hotel features contemporary interiors enhanced by bold art installations and colorful designer furnishings. Guests can enjoy one of Riyadh’s most impressive resort-style pools or dine at Botanica, the hotel’s signature restaurant led by Neapolitan chef Michele De Bonito. The menu highlights zesty Mediterranean flavors with a Saudi twist. Signature dishes include gnocchi with okra, risotto made with local cheese, and even a date-infused tiramisu. 

Kimpton KAFD also champions sustainability. Wastewater is recycled, single-use plastics are banned and the restaurant sources produce from local farms. Guest showers are fitted with aerators to significantly reduce water consumption — making luxury and eco-consciousness go hand in hand.

Location: Kimpton KAFD by IHG, 7422 Innovation Street, King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh

Find more information here.

3. Riyadh diary

A Saudi fashion garment on view in ‘Threads of Identity: Saudi House of Fashion’ at Abbazia in Venice, Italy (Courtesy of the Saudi Fashion Commission)

• ‘Threads of Identity: Saudi House of Fashion’

In the iconic Abbazia building in Venice, Italy, an array of garments, textiles and accessories by various Saudi designers is soon to be on display. Staged in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Fashion Commission, “Threads of Identity: Saudi House of Fashion” presents select pieces from the Saudi 100 Brands initiative, a national platform highlighting diverse local fashion talents across womenswear, menswear and accessories. Each showcased piece tells a story of Saudi heritage, tradition and innovation, exploring how traditional techniques such as embroidery and weaving combine with contemporary cuts, styles and materials.

In addition, Saudi fashion label Kaf by Kaf will host a pop-up store in the Abbazia palazzo, showcasing its limited-edition Lightbound Sportswear collection, marking the first-ever collaboration between Adidas and Kaf by Kaf — alongside the brand’s own signature collection. 

Date: Sept. 14 - Oct. 10

Location: Abbazia di San Gregorio, Venice, Italy

Find more information here.

• The Metropolitan Opera announces over $200M five-year deal with Saudi Music Commission

Opera in Saudi Arabia? Less than a decade ago, this might have seemed unthinkable to most, but today it has become a warmly welcomed reality with New York's Metropolitan Opera’s announcement of a five-year partnership with the Saudi Music Commission in Diriyah. Over the past 15 years, opera houses have opened across the Gulf — in Muscat, Oman, and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates — both of which have developed ongoing programs that have brought some of the biggest names in music, opera and dance to their stages. Now, it is Saudi Arabia’s turn.

According to The New York Times, Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide the Met with more than $200 million over the next five years. The renowned company will perform classics such as Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” at the kingdom’s $1.4 billion Royal Diriyah Opera House when it opens in 2028. Each winter season, the Met will perform in Diriyah for three weeks over a five-year period. 

Find more information here.

• FLUX: Fatma Abdelrahman and Mohammed Al Ghamdi

A dual art exhibition titled FLUX, featuring the works of Egyptian artist Fatma Abdelrahman and Saudi artist Mohammed Al Ghamdi, will explore how memory is reflected in nature and material. Through evocative works on canvas the artists reflect on the endless cycles of time, nature, society and the self. 

Date: Oct. 1 - Nov. 5

Location: Hafez Gallery, Jax District, Diriyah, Riyadh

Find more information here.

4. Book of the week: "Sands of Time"

Authors Hamid A. Ghazal, Joe A. West and Colt F. Lopez draw on in-depth historical research and cultural insight to recount Saudi Arabia’s past and its rapidly transforming present. The book explores major social shifts in the country, including women’s rights, urban development and environmental concerns, as well as the nation’s Islamic history and its efforts to preserve religious heritage while embracing contemporary innovation and modern challenges.

5. View from Riyadh

Subaba, a woman who serves coffee and sweets during all-female events in Saudi. (Photography by Elham Dawsari)

Through her work, Saudi artist and photographer Elham Dawsari explores Riyadh in the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on portraits of middle- and lower-class women. In this image, she captures Subaba, a woman who serves coffee and desserts at exclusive all-female events. The photograph is part of Dawsari’s series titled “Subabat.”

6. By the numbers

• In the first quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s fastest growth in international tourism spending and ranked third globally for gains in tourist arrivals, according to UN World Tourism Organization data.
• Saudi Arabia saw a 102% jump in international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2019, according to UN data.