“Moving Images” brings Jameel Prize finalists to Jeddah

Welcome to AL-MONITOR Riyadh.

As we move into the second week of Ramadan, we spotlight the solo exhibition of Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi at ATHR Gallery in Riyadh, which offers a humorous, culturally grounded exploration of how the unexpected can disrupt our perception of reality. In Jeddah, Hayy Jameel is showcasing works by the finalists and winner of the seventh edition of the Jameel Prize, presenting poignant, image-based pieces that explore themes of memory, displacement, ecology and the legacy of war. Also not to miss this month is Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel, featuring a program inspired by the folklore and cultural traditions of Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region.

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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: ‘Jameel Prize: Moving Images’ travels to Jeddah

An exhibition view of ‘Jameel Prize: Moving Images’ at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. (Courtesy of Art Jameel. Photography by Banan Sindi)

“Moving Images,” an exhibition drawn from the seventh Jameel Prize, presents evocative, image-based works by artists from the Middle East and South Asia exploring themes of memory, displacement, ecology, and the legacy of war through film, video, digital animation and virtual reality. On view at Hayy Jameel are works by the seven finalists of this edition, selected by a panel of judges from more than 300 submissions following an open call.

The finalists include Marrim Akashi Sani, Jawa El Khash, Alia Farid, Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian, Khandakar Ohida (winner), Sadik Kwaish Alfraji and Zahra Malkani.

The artists’ works engage with themes of water, ecology, landscape and spirituality, examining how extractive industries and political dynamics shape the environmental and social fabric of the Middle East and South Asia. Many question how history is told, proposing alternative approaches to historical narratives within museums and collections, while others reflect on community and resilience.

Curated by the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) Jameel Curator of Contemporary Art from the Middle East Rachel Dedman, the exhibition also features the award-winning film “Dream Your Museum” (2022) by Khandakar Ohida. The work offers a poignant portrait of her uncle, Khandakar Selim, and his extraordinary personal collection of objects and memorabilia assembled over the past 50 years. Ohida documented the collection as it was displayed in her uncle’s traditional mud home, which no longer exists. The film invites visitors to find value in everyday objects and reflect on cultural representation and ideas of belonging.

The exhibition, first staged at the V&A in London before traveling to Cartwright Hall in Bradford as part of the city’s year as the UK City of Culture, continues the long-standing partnership between Art Jameel and the V&A.

The Jameel Prize is the V&A’s award for contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic art, culture, history, society and ideas. Founded in 2009, it is open to artists of any background, based anywhere in the world.

Dates: Until April 15

Location: Hayy Jameel, Jeddah

Find more information here.

2. Word on the street: Al Thuraya Ramadan Tent

A view of the Al Thuraya Ramadan Tent at the Fairmont Riyadh. Courtesy of Fairmont Riyadh 

One of Riyadh's most popular and upscale Ramadan tents has returned. The Al Thuraya Ramadan Tent in the elegant Fairmont Hotel offers an array of signature dishes from the Arab world and beyond in an opulent ambiance enhanced by warm decorative elements and comfortable, luxurious seating arrangements. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with aromatic Arabic coffee and dates before being guided into a traditional Bedouin-style bazaar featuring shops selling local fashion and other artisanal products, including oud perfume. Guests looking for something extra special can reserve one of 50 seats for a special tasting menu curated by Michelin Award–winning Chef Nicolas Isnard, who presents Italian cuisine blended with Saudi flavors.

Location: Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Qurtubah, Riyadh

Find more information here.

3. Riyadh diary

A view of ‘Unmirror’ by Ahaad Alamoudi at ATHR Gallery in JAX District, Diriyah, Riyadh. (Courtesy of ATHR Gallery)

• ‘Unmirror’ by Ahaad Alamoudi

Inside ATHR Gallery’s Riyadh space in the JAX District, a series of mirror-clad works lures and beguiles. The works, by Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi, feature parts of deconstructed mirrors. If you stand in front of one, don’t expect to take a regular selfie — your appearance will be as disfigured as the multiformed mirrors in front of you. Titled “Unmirror,” Alamoudi’s latest solo exhibition shatters the expected, creating a realm where reality meets speculation and the absurd. Curated by Uzma Z. Rizvi, Alamoudi once again uses irony within her multidisciplinary works to challenge how we view reality and certainty. 

Date: Until May 15

Location: ATHR Gallery, JAX District

Find more information here.

• ‘Temporary Survival’ by Saeed Gamhawi

The poignant charcoal works of Saudi artist Saeed Gamhawi are on view in his solo exhibition, “Temporary Survival,” at L’Art Pur Foundation in Riyadh. Born in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia, the artist presents in this show the use of charcoal as both material and memory, revealing its fragility and strength. The works trace transformations in which blackness becomes an accumulation of history and the remnants of time. Known as both a painter and sculptor, Gamhawi explores themes of cultural heritage, religion and society through works that range from realism to surrealism.

Date: Until April 5

Location: L’Art Pur Foundation, Riyadh

Find more information here. 

• Ramadan Nights: Hakawati Hayy

Head to Hayy Jameel in Jeddah during Ramadan for evenings filled with the magic of puppetry, shared traditions and storytelling. Spanning eight nights, the program draws inspiration from the “hakawati” (traditional storyteller), folktales from Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region, and ideas of togetherness across generations, cultures, space and time. The evenings are staged in collaboration with the Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, and with local creatives, makers and clubs. They celebrate the history of Arab puppetry, rituals and shadow play through collective imagination, play and community.

Date: Until March 15

Location: Hayy Jameel, Jeddah

Find more information here.

4. Book of the week: ‘Al'Madinah: The City of the Prophet’

Written by Tunaideb Al-Faidi, a renowned historian and author specializing in the history of Al-Madinah and the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, this stunning tome features photography by Ameen Qaisaran and explores the city's spiritual and cultural history through beautiful imagery and in-depth text. The book highlights sacred landmarks like the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque and offers an inspiring tribute to one of Islam’s most revered destinations.

5. View from Jeddah

A view of Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah in February 2024, where stands selling artisanal creations welcome visitors. (Courtesy of Art Jameel. Photography by Banan Sindi)

6. By the numbers

• According to Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Madinah recorded $13.9 billion (52 billion riyals) in tourism-related spending in 2025. Citing data reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, the minister said the figure represents a 12% increase compared with 2024.
• According to the same source, rising demand for travel and accommodation in Madinah has been met by a sharp increase in hospitality capacity. The number of licensed hospitality facilities rose to 610, marking a 35% increase, while licensed rooms surpassed 76,000, up 24%. The expansion has strengthened the city’s ability to accommodate visitors during peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj.