A creative Ramadan for the artistic soul

When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces like Hayy Jameel, Axes Café and Lift Studio among others offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)
When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces like Hayy Jameel, Axes Café and Lift Studio among others offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 April 2024
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A creative Ramadan for the artistic soul

A creative Ramadan for the artistic soul
  • Retreat to these art studios and cafes to nurture the creativity and inspiration that strikes during the month of reflection

JEDDAH: Ramadan is the month when some people are not only spiritually and religiously invigorated, but also find renewed creative energy.

Arab News prepared a list of art cafes and studios around the Kingdom that offer the space and tools to aspiring artists and creative minds to practice different art media.

Arty Cafe

Whether you want to paint, draw, sculpt, or do pottery, Arty Cafe has got you covered. The cafe provides guests with the tools, space, and hot beverages to unleash their creativity.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

The cafe is located at Ahmed Alattas Street, Al-Zahra district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @arty.cafe

The Art Cafe

Enjoy your cup of coffee surrounded by art pieces while making your own at this cafe. With its black and white modern interior which looks like a new canvas waiting for colors, the cafe also offers paper cups for those who love a challenge for drawing and painting.

It is located at Jeddah Park by Cenomi, Aziziyah district, in Jeddah, Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road in Riyadh, and at Cenomi Nakheel Mall in Dammam.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

Instagram: @artcafe_ksa

Cafe Ceramique

Cafe Ceramique is the perfect place for children to practice their creativity and engage with peers while parents can sit back with a cup of a coffee. The cafe also offers birthday party services.

It is located at Al-Makan Mall, Al-Malqa district in Riyadh.

Instagram: @cafeceramiquesa

Beehive Art

This artist hub cafe is one big umbrella for many things including a cafe, artists’ creative space, meeting center, and training hall. Beehive Art also provides workshops for painting, sculpting, mosaic, and pottery.

It is located in Al-Masiaf neighborhood in Riyadh.

Instagram: @beehive_arts

Axes Coffee

A special coffee is made for artists at Axes Coffee. With its modern-classic interior and eye-catching masterpieces displayed on the walls, the cafe serves as an inspiration itself.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

It is located at Al-Qadisiyah Street in Al-Yasmin district in Riyadh.

Instagram: @axes_coffee

Fun & Art Culture Cafe

As the name promises, Fun & Art Culture Cafe gives visitors the chance have a good time whether alone or with friends and family. It offers a wide variety of games, like darts, pool, video games, and board games. It also includes a corner for fine arts that allows creative minds to color the world and a small stage for musicians to enchant visitors with their melodies.

It is located in Auto Moto Complex in Alkhobar.

Instagram: @fun_and_art_culture_cafe

Art Studios:

Hayy Jameel

For culture lovers, foodies, art and film enthusiasts, and the curious at heart, Hayy Jameel offers entertaining artistic, film, and food activities. Equipped with an art space, a cinema hall, food stalls, and more, Hayy promises visitors a good time in the creativity-boosting neighborhood.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

It is located on Arwa bint Abdulmuttalib Street, Al-Mohammadiyah district, Jeddah.

Instagram: @hayyjameel

Saudi Center for Fine Arts

The first fine arts center founded in the Kingdom, this center trains aspiring artists of all ages to master the painting style they are interested in.

It is located on Rahmat Al-Islam Street in Al-Andalus district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @saudiartscenter

Art Edge Center

Art Edge Center is a multi-media art center that provides any type of craft that comes to mind, including carving on glass, crocheting, marbling, dada art, manga, pottery, portrait, embroidery, resin, dotting sculpting, and more. The center welcomes people of all ages to the art sessions provided.

It is located on Prince Naif Road, Al-Firdous district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @artedgecenter

Global Art

This is a school where children can establish themselves as young artists and sharpen their skills. The school is part of a chain of international art centers for children to practice their creativity.

It is located in Al-Mohammadiyah District in Jeddah.

Instagram: @globalart_moh 

Art Vision

Portraits, animation, painting on various surfaces, and jewelry workshops are all provided by this art studio for adults and youngsters. The center includes a gallery for artists to display their masterpieces to visitors.

It is located on Abdullah Al-Anqari Road, Al-Zahra district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @art_vision11

Modern Art Center

New experiences are waiting for individuals and groups to try at Modern Art Center. People can attend art sessions individually or make a reservation for a creative party with friends and family. The art sessions available are perfume and candle making, painting on canvas, bags, cups, or mirrors, and carving on clay.

It is located on Prince Saud Al-Faisal Street, Al-Rawdah district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @modernartcenter

Art Space Center

Every week, this art center offers a new painting workshop for enthusiasts, and each workshop introduces participants to a new art school and style. The center also offers workshops for children aged from 5 to 13.

It is located on Alqamah Ibn Al-Ghafwa Street, Al-Zahra district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @artspacecenter

Artistic Touch

Specializing in pottery and clay works, this studio helps people take the first step into the world of pottery and become professional potters. The studio also conducts workshops for aspiring potters, along with painting sessions on canvas and ceramics.

It is located in Alyusr Center in Al-Nahda district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @artistic.touch.jed

Cube Art

Enjoy a party in a new style filled with creativity at Cube Art. Choose the activity of your liking, whether it is painting, candle making, decorating mirrors, sculpting, pottery, farming, or tie-dye, and have a great time with your friends.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

The art studio is located on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Al-Rawdah district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @cubeart.sa

Elements Studio

From cutting, kneading, shaping, sanding, coloring, and glazing the clay, Elements Studio’s instructors will make sure you thoroughly follow the tips and tricks to each step. There are other art media available at the studio, such as painting and candle making.

The studio is located on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Al-Khalidiya district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @elements.ceramic

Lift Studio & Space

A gallery, studio, and an art space all in one place serving as a hub for traditional artists of all media, digital artists, fashion designers, and modern sculptors. With its white interior, this studio encourages artists to add lively colors to its space.

It is located in Al-Mathar Ash Shamali district in Riyadh.

Instagram: @lift.ksa

 

 


Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition

Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition
Updated 21 sec ago
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Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition

Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition

JEDDAH: Jeddah will host the inaugural “Made in Pakistan” Exhibition and Business Forum from Feb. 5-7 at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Organized by the Jeddah Chamber in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s ministries of commerce and investment, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the event will feature more than 130 exhibitors from key sectors.

It will showcase specialized Pakistani products, as well as promote investment opportunities and expanded market reach in Saudi Arabia and the region.

The exhibition highlights the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and their shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, the SPA reported.

Textiles, agricultural and food products, and leather goods will be on display, showcasing Pakistan’s rich natural resources.

Additionally, the exhibition will feature Pakistan’s renowned handicrafts, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage and centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and industrial innovation.


10,000 mangroves planted across five regions

10,000 mangroves planted across five regions
Updated 8 min 12 sec ago
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10,000 mangroves planted across five regions

10,000 mangroves planted across five regions

JEDDAH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification organized mangrove cultivation campaigns across the Kingdom on Feb. 2-3, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.

The campaigns took place in various regions, including Jazan, the Eastern Province, Madinah, Makkah, and Asir, where more than 10,000 saplings were planted, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The initiative was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and other environmental organizations.

In the Makkah region, the center planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings on Jeddah’s beaches to support biodiversity and sustainable natural resource management, the SPA added.

The initiative saw strong participation from volunteers of all ages, following the center’s launch of several volunteer opportunities to engage local communities in environmental efforts.

The campaign highlighted the vital role of wetlands as unique ecosystems that provide natural climate solutions, enhance environmental sustainability, and restore ecological balance, the SPA reported.

The center is dedicated to developing, protecting, and monitoring vegetation cover sites across the Kingdom while restoring degraded areas.

It also works to detect violations, combat illegal logging, and oversee the management and investment of natural rangelands, forests, and national parks.


Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  

Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  
Updated 15 min 54 sec ago
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Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  

Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  

RIYADH: Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Tuesday arrived in Jeddah before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.

The Saudi Press Agency shared photos of Al-Sharaa wearing the Ihram clothing, garments worn by Muslim people before performing pilgrimage.

Al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday and discussed ways to support the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.  

The visit is Al-Sharaa’s first foreign trip since taking office.

 


Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh

Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh
Updated 03 February 2025
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Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh

Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh
  • Brendan Murphy’s ‘Frozen with Desire’ takes center stage at exhibition
  • Part of ‘Boonji Spaceman’ series, symbolizes courage to face ‘unknown’

Riyadh: Renowned American contemporary artist Brendan Murphy unveiled his masterpiece “Frozen with Desire” — a sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds set in platinum — at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday.

Several of his sculptures will be on display at the hotel’s Cafe Boulud for one month. It is his second show in the Kingdom after an exhibition in November at Ahlam Gallery. 

Murphy describes “Frozen with Desire” as an extension of his “Boonji Spaceman” series, symbolizing the courage to embrace the unknown rather than merely representing space travel.

“Who is inside the astronaut suit? What are they thinking? That’s what fascinates me,” Murphy told Arab News. “It’s about stepping into the unknown, just like an artist does with every new creation.”

“Frozen with Desire: 42 spaceman” - 6,200 diamonds and 517 carats set in platinum (Supplied)

The sculpture is a feat of artistic and technical precision. “Artists always try to do things that seem impossible. That’s part of the creative process,” Murphy explained.

Murphy’s exhibition was accompanied by a cheese-tasting session led by Philippe Caillouet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France-award recipient, and director of cheese marketing at the high-end hotel.

Caillouet captivated attendees with fascinating stories about cheese-making traditions, adding cultural and culinary dimensions to the evening.

The unveiling of “Frozen with Desire,” was followed by a sumptuous dinner, making the night an unforgettable fusion of art, fine dining, and storytelling.

Beyond the exhibition, Murphy sees Saudi Arabia as a vital part of his artistic journey. He said the Kingdom was experiencing a cultural renaissance but challenges remain.

A striking pink and gold Spaceman sculpture embodying Murphy’s belief in the power of positivity and human connection. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“There’s a real hunger for creativity here,” Murphy said. “But many young artists lack access to the best materials and formal education. My goal is to help bridge that gap.”

He highlighted the need for a balanced artistic approach and the use of a wide range of mediums and genres. “Digital art is great, but what about painting and sculpture? Those require more time, resources, and mastery,” he said.

Murphy is committed to long-term collaborations in the Kingdom, revealing plans for public art installations at the new Riyadh airport and Expo 2030. His most ambitious project is the launch of a 1,000 sq. meter immersive art space in Riyadh later this year.

“I’m not just here for one exhibition — I want to create a permanent experience, a space where people can engage with my art every day, whether I’m here or not,” he said.


3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk

3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk
Updated 03 February 2025
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3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk

3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk
  • Connections between Jeddah, Dammam and Jubail ports with key counterparts in Asia, Africa and Europe

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Ports — also known as Mawani — on Sunday announced the addition of five new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port.

In a news release, Mawani said the new services would connect the three Saudi seaports with those in Aqaba in Jordan, Port Said in Egypt, Tangier in Morocco, Algeciras in Spain, Jebel Ali in the UAE, Mundar and Pipavav in India, and Salalah in Oman.

They will have a total capacity of 19,869 containers that are 6 meters in length.

The new additions are expected to enhance the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s pivotal ports in the region and globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mawani stated that efforts to widen the Kingdom’s position in the maritime navigation network connectivity index are in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.

Jeddah Islamic Port was earlier chosen as a center for the Gemini cooperation agreement between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk.

This will consist of around 340 modern and efficient vessels to cover seven trades and offer 57 services including mainliner and dedicated shuttle services.