����ֱ��

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Confex, which took place in Riyadh from Oct. 22 to 25, attracted major Saudi companies and global stars, highlighting the Kingdom’s rising influence in the filmmaking industry, as well as its growing creative economy. 

Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage to deliver a masterclass titled “The Genius of Embodying Different Roles.” Hosted by Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, the session provided attendees with a rare look into Depp’s artistic process, his approach to character building, and the lessons he has learned over his four-decade career. 

Now in its third year, the Saudi Film Confex has become a key platform for the Kingdom’s creative industries, uniting local talent, international studios, and investors under one roof. This year’s event featured an expansive exhibition, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. 

Film AlUla’s acting executive director Zaid Shaker described the Kingdom’s filmmaking progress as “nothing short of transformative.” 

He said: “Saudi filmmaking is not just advancing but experiencing transformative acceleration. In a few short years, the industry has gone from nascent to dynamic. Storytelling has always been part of Saudi culture — from poetry to oral histories — and film has become the newest chapter of that tradition, especially among the younger generation.” 

Film AlUla has emerged as one of the driving forces behind this transformation, providing infrastructure, incentives, and natural backdrops that attract both local and international productions. The destination has hosted several global projects, including “Kandahar” starring Gerard Butler, and is one of the most visually striking filming locations in the Middle East. 

Shaker emphasized that the Saudi film industry’s growth is powered by two essential elements: organic creative momentum and strategic national investment. 

“The sector has naturally leaned toward quality over quantity, which has ensured its early success,” he said. “Saudi-born auteurs like Shahad Ameen and Tawfik Alzaidi are earning global recognition — “Norah” was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and “Hijra” is the Kingdom’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. These filmmakers are defining a new cinematic identity for ����ֱ��.” 

He also credited the government’s deliberate approach to building an integrated ecosystem that nurtures both creativity and professionalism. 

“In AlUla alone, we have established world-class infrastructure through partnerships with industry leaders such as MBStudios,” he said. “We offer a competitive 40-percent cash rebate and provide upskilling programs with international partners to cultivate Saudi talent.” 

Film AlUla’s collaborations extend across the Kingdom’s creative ecosystem. Shaker highlighted its ongoing partnership with the Red Sea Fund, which supported the co-production of “Hijra,” filmed entirely in AlUla. 

“These collaborations are setting the foundations for a new generation of filmmakers who are rooted in the region and inspired by it,” he said. “We are building not only an industry, but also a cultural legacy that reflects ����ֱ��’s landscapes, people, and stories.” 

Beyond production, Film AlUla’s vision also encompasses tourism, education, and heritage preservation, positioning AlUla as both a cultural destination and a creative laboratory for the Kingdom’s future storytellers. 

“We are seeing a vibrant creative community forming around this ecosystem,” Shaker said. “Film Confex gives us a chance to connect with emerging filmmakers, offer training through workshops, and inspire new storylines. When young Saudis see AlUla’s landscapes on screen, it ignites ideas — they want to tell stories that belong to this land.” 

Arabia Pictures, a creative boutique dedicated to transforming ideas into intellectual properties, was participating for the third year in succession. Abdulaziz Nayta, project management and business development lead, described the company as “a one-stop shop for bringing creative visions to life.” 

Nayta said: “We offer a unique blend of services — from ideation and concept development to project management and commercial guidance. Our core focus is on content creation, IP ownership, and monetization.” 

Arabia Pictures provides both financial backing and industry expertise. The company’s portfolio spans films, series, gaming, and events — adapting Arabic stories for global audiences while also working on international brand collaborations. 

“Events like Saudi Film Confex empower the industry’s infrastructure and open new business lines in production and distribution,” Nayta added. “It’s an excellent initiative by the Saudi Film Commission, and we’re confident it will continue to yield great results for the future.” 

Making its debut appearance at the event, the Saudi Entertainment Academy — the first accredited entertainment academy in the Middle East — attracted significant interest from visitors and industry professionals alike. 

Founded in 2019, SEA provides training programs that lead directly to employment in the entertainment and event management sectors. CEO Eihab AbouRukbah said the event offered valuable opportunities for engagement and collaboration. 

“This was our first time participating, and it was amazing,” he said. “So many people came to ask about our programs — how we discover talents, what we teach, and how we can partner with companies to build the sector together.” 

He said the academy continues to expand its curriculum to match the rapid growth of ����ֱ��’s entertainment landscape. 

“We are still growing, and so is the market,” he said. “There’s a lot of potential for cooperation, innovation, and development within the community.” 

The Saudi Film Confex has become a dynamic engine for industry growth — connecting filmmakers, producers, and investors while highlighting ����ֱ��’s potential as a regional hub for cinema. The event’s success reflects the nation’s broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, in which film and entertainment are central to diversifying the economy and telling authentic Saudi stories to the world. 

By fostering collaboration, nurturing local talent, and attracting global expertise, the Saudi Film Confex continues to solidify its place as the Kingdom’s premier film industry event — one that mirrors the ambition and creative energy driving ����ֱ��’s new cultural era. 

ABU DHABI: The launch event for the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 was held on Thursday at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, with three of the city’s restaurants retaining their coveted star status.

Now in its fourth edition, the annual guide provides a directory of the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi, including the cream of the crop, the one Michelin star-rated Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida.

Michelin stars are awarded on the basis of several criteria, including the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, consistency over time and across the menu, and the expression of a chef’s personality through their dishes.

This year’s guide also includes 10 restaurants recognized in the Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes those places that offer high-quality food at more moderate prices.

Joining the list for first time in 2026 were Bua Thai Cafe, Goldfish and 3Fils Abu Dhabi, with the latter also picking up the Opening of the Year Award, which was presented to its chef Jun Kamiyama.

Almayass, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Mika, Otoro, Ryba and Tazal all retained their Bib Gourmand status from last year.

It was a special night for Vittorio Nania from Villa Toscana, who won the Young Chef Award.

“When you have passion, there is no recipe,” he said as he collected his prize. “Just believe in what you believe and push harder every day. That’s it.”

The year’s Michelin Service Award, which is presented to an individual or team that shows exceptional hospitality or service, went to chef Ricardo Bout from Ray’s Grill, a steakhouse at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers known for its panoramic views and signature chargrilled steaks.

The Michelin guide also includes “Selected” restaurants, which are recommended for their quality. Joining the list for the 2026 edition were Antonia, Cipriani Dolci, Novikov Abu Dhabi, Pinched by Kunal Kapur, Sand & Koal, Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, Taparelle and Villa Mamas.

Those that remained on the list from last year were Broadway, Em Sherif Sea Cafe, Namak, Meylas, Li Jiang, Li Beirut, Finz, Dai Pai Dong, Coya, Byblos Sur Mer, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Cafe Milano, Villa Toscana, Zuma, Catch at St. Regis, Bord’ Eau by Nicolas Isnard, Mijana, terra, Al Farah, Ray’s Grill, Kopitiam by Chandy’s, Jose by Pizzaro, Mate, NIRI, Paradiso, Punjab Grill, Oii, Grand Beirut, La Petite Maison, Butcher & Still, 99 Sushi Bar, Moksh, Fouquet’s, Oak Room and Tean.