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Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition
A model presents a creation of Saudi designer Tima Abid during the Red Sea Fashion Week in º£½ÇÖ±²¥'s Red Sea resort of Ummahat Island. (File/AFP)
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Updated 16 May 2025

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

JEDDAH: Pyramids Group held a press conference at the theater hall of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center to unveil details of the third edition of the Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition, scheduled to take place from September 25 to 28.

Attended by a select group of prominent figures, media leaders, fashion designers, influencers, and businessmen.

This exhibition is expected to mark a turning point in the fashion industry in the Kingdom, solidifying its position as a global hub for creativity and fashion.

The exhibition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote the creative industries and attract global brands to the Saudi market

Mohammed Al-Sherif, CEO of Pyramids Group for International Exhibitions and Conferences, confirmed the participation of over 550 exhibitors from 25 countries, including º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the USA, Japan, India, the UAE, and others.

“The Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition is the gateway to the future of fashion in the Middle East, where the world meets º£½ÇÖ±²¥. We expect to attract over 18,000 specialized visitors, including wholesalers, fashion designers, retailers, and investors in the industry.â€

He added: “The fashion and textile market in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in recent years. º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world, driven by Vision 2030, a young population, booming retail sector, and a strong push for creativity and sustainability.â€

Filiz Karakul, Managing Director of Pyramids Group, stated: “Fashion is the interpretation of society through history, it is a cultural home. That’s why we are here in Jeddah, launching the Saudi Fashion Exhibition for the first time. We are bringing together fashion experts from around the globe to create a global hub for textile innovation and style. It’s more than an event; it’s a new chapter for fashion in º£½ÇÖ±²¥.â€

Riyad Bakili told Arab News: “º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has started to attract designers and European brands from France, Italy, Switzerland, and others, reflecting a growing interest in fashion as part of the tourism experience. Tourism represents a major opportunity to support local fashion and open new horizons for passionate young Saudis.

There’s a new generation that has not yet participated in specialized exhibitions or summits, despite the presence of notable Saudi designers and factories.

He added, “This exhibition, offers an opportunity for those interested to explore new trends in design and discover the distinct styles and embellishments of each designer.

Significant developments are underway in the tourism sector, and we hope everyone participates to benefit from shared knowledge and impactful results.â€

Mohammed Al-Safh, Director of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center, said: “This major event is a key platform for local and international companies in the field. It reflects º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s aspirations to achieve sustainable urban development aligned with the goals of its national vision.â€

During the press conference, a short promotional video was presented, highlighting the exhibition’s milestones and previous editions, setting the stage for an exceptional edition that reflects the Kingdom’s ambitions and the flourishing of its fashion industry.

The exhibition will blend tradition with innovation, featuring the latest collections from both global and local designers in a showcase that combines elegance, modernity, and cultural diversity.

It was also an exclusive fashion design competition which willbe held during the exhibition, offering local talents the chance to shine on the global stage by presenting their work to international buyers and media. The competition promises prestigious prizes, global recognition, and potential collaborations with leading fashion houses.

Furthermore, the first International Fashion Conference in the Kingdom was revealed. It will take place during the exhibition and feature expert-led seminars, discussion panels, and advanced workshops on topics such as global fashion trends and market forecasts, sustainable fashion and textiles, AI and digital transformation in design, empowering fashion entrepreneurship as well as merging traditional and modern fashion in the Gulf.


Noor Riyadh announces artists for this year’s festival of light and art

Noor Riyadh announces artists for this year’s festival of light and art
Updated 05 November 2025

Noor Riyadh announces artists for this year’s festival of light and art

Noor Riyadh announces artists for this year’s festival of light and art
  • This year’s curatorial theme, “In the Blink of an Eye,†reflects the rapid transformation shaping Riyadh

RIYADH: The annual Noor Riyadh, the region’s largest international festival of light and art, has announced its list of participating artists, gearing up for the 2025 launch that will run from Nov. 20-Dec. 6. 

The show, curated by Mami Kataoka, Li Zhenhua and Sara Almutlaq, takes place in various hubs across Riyadh and will include 60 artworks by 59 artists, representing 24 nationalities, with 35 newly commissioned pieces. 

“Noor Riyadh is defined by its artists; their ideas, their courage and their vision,†said Nouf Almoneef, festival director of Noor Riyadh. “Each work captures the city’s momentum through light, reminding us that creativity is a universal language that connects cultures and inspires dialogue.†

Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto's "Love Difference" (2025). (Supplied)

This year’s curatorial theme, “In the Blink of an Eye,†reflects the rapid transformation shaping Riyadh.

The festival will present work responding to the theme by leading international and local artists, including Saad Al-Howede, Monira Al-Qadiri, Abdulrahman Al-Soliman, James Clar, Ivana Franke, fuse*, Ayoung Kim, Shinji Ohmaki, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Muhannad Shono.

The show will also include a special installation dedicated to the work of the late Safeya Binzagr (1940–2024), a leading figure of º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s modern art movement and the first female Saudi artist to hold a solo exhibition in 1968. 

Croatian artist Ivana Franke's "Center" (2024). (Supplied)

“Light is both a medium and a metaphor for transformation,†said Kataoka, the curatorial advisory lead. “‘In the Blink of an Eye’ reveals how quickly perception can shift — offering a moment to pause within the momentum of change and see beauty in what is constantly evolving.â€

The 2025 festival is led by an international curatorial team that brings together distinct perspectives on contemporary culture, whose vision connects Riyadh’s historical heart to its modern skyline and metro network. The show invites audiences to encounter light as a medium for perception, memory and momentum. 

The festival’s program will have Noor Riyadh unfold across six locations this year: Qasr Al-Hokm District, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, stc Metro Station, KAFD Metro Station, Al-Faisaliah Tower and JAX District. 

Saudi artist Saad Al-Howede's "Memory Melting" (2025). (Supplied)

Held under the umbrella of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, Noor Riyadh echoes Riyadh Art’s mission to transform the Kingdom’s capital city by sparking creativity and enriching daily lives. 

Since its inception, Riyadh Art has showcased more than 550 artworks by 500 Saudi and international artists, attracting more than 9.6 million visitors and spectators through its major programs. Noor Riyadh transforms everyday public spaces into distinctive encounters, hoping to create a sense of shared wonder across communities through art.

The full list of the festival’s 2025 participating artists includes: Addie Wagenknecht (US), Abdulrahman Al-Soliman (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Abdelrahman Elshahed (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Ahmad Angawi (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Alex Schweder (US), Alexandra Gelis (Colombia and Canada), Ayoung Kim (South Korea), atelier oi + WonderGlass (Switzerland), Christian Partos (Sweden), Christophe Berthonneau (France), dies_ (Italy), Saad Al-Howede (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Edwin van der Heide (Netherlands), Encor Studio (Switzerland), Fatma Abdulhadi (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Francesco Simeti (Italy), fuse* (Italy), Guillaume Cousin (France), Hmoud Alattawi (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Iregular (Canada), Ivana Franke (Croatia), James Clar (Philippines and US), Karolina Halatek (Poland), Khalid Zahid (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Kurt Hentschlager (Austria), Laszlo Zsolt Bordos (Hungary), Loris Cecchini (Italy), Marnix De Nijs (Netherlands), Michelangelo Pistoletto (Italy), Mohammed Farea (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Monira Al-Qadiri (Kuwait), Muhannad Shono (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), n + n Corsino (France), Nebras Aljoaib (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Obaid Alsafi (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Otolab (Italy), Plastique Fantastique (Germany), Random International (UK), Rejane Cantoni (Brazil), Robert Seidel (Germany), Roman Hill (US and France), Ryoichi Kurokawa (Japan), Safeya Binzagr (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Saeed Gebaan (º£½ÇÖ±²¥), Shinji Ohmaki (Japan), Shiro Takatani (Dumb Type, Japan), Shun Ito (Japan), Six N. Five (Ezequiel Pini, Argentina), someform Studio (Germany), Studio Above&Below (UK), Tonoptik (Russia), Traumnovelle (Belgium), Vali Chincisan (Romania), Wang Yuyang (China), Wu Chi-Tsung (Taiwan), Zeitguised (Germany), Zhang Zengzeng (China), Zheng Da (China) and Ziyad Alroqi (º£½ÇÖ±²¥).