Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival

Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival
The film focuses on Mohammed Al-Matali, who lives in Asir. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 December 2024

Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival

Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival

JEDDAH: Saudi director Saad Tahaitah is set to present his short documentary “Aseer Memory” at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, which runs until Dec. 14.

In an interview with Arab News, he discussed on the film’s exploration of cultural identity and the significance of preserving local history through the lens of its central character, Mohammed Al-Matali. The 18-minute film narrates the journey of Al-Matali, who dedicates his life to curating his father’s library, filled with invaluable old books and documents that serve as vital links to the history of the Asir region in .

Tahaitah reflected on his filmmaking journey, saying: “I started making documentary films about eight years ago. What always inspires me is the story of people and their places; it’s a significant motivation and inspiration for making every film.”

His attraction to Al-Matali’s story stemmed from the “great legacy that this person possesses.” The director believes that Al-Matali's efforts will have an even more pronounced impact on the culture of the region in the coming years, highlighting that “the film serves as an extension and preservation of his efforts over the past decades.”

Born into a family of scholars, Al-Matali works to preserve precious old books and original documents that are often the only local sources of information about the area in which he grew up. Along with his collections, he has photographed and made videos of the prehistoric petroglyphs and ancient forts that stand in the area. In his latest project, he discovers forgotten local street names in the hope of restoring them to local villages.

Set to run among a slate of international titles hailing from countries including South Korea and the US, Tahaitah hopes that “Aseer Memory” will enlighten the international festival goers who flock to Jeddah about rich heritage of the Asir region.

“The external audience may not be aware of the extent of the culture and heritage we have in our country, especially regarding the subject of the film, the Asir region. The film showcases events and documents from hundreds of years ago, as well as the way of life of people decades ago. I aspire to create more works that focus on this aspect because documentaries are the soft power to convey what we want,” Tahaitah said.

“Documenting culture and human life will create an eternal memory for the region, making films immortal,” he added.


Makkah hotels showcase rich Saudi culture for National Day

Makkah hotels showcase rich Saudi culture for National Day
Updated 23 September 2025

Makkah hotels showcase rich Saudi culture for National Day

Makkah hotels showcase rich Saudi culture for National Day
  • Pilgrims call celebrations ‘uplifting’ and ‘joyful’ as traditions take center stage in hotels
  • Hotels across Makkah had programs featuring folk dance troupes and Ardah sword dancers performing to national songs

MAKKAH: International pilgrims in the holy city’s hotels have been treated to several cultural activities as a part of ’s 95th National Day festivities.

Egyptian visitor Ahmed Abdulrahman told Arab News he was amazed: “I never anticipated discovering such beautiful national spirit.

“The folk performances provided wonderful opportunities to explore Saudi culture within an atmosphere brimming with joy and celebration.”

Hotels across Makkah had programs featuring folk dance troupes and Ardah sword dancers performing to national songs.

Pakistani pilgrim Mohammed Ali praised the organizers: “The celebration was impeccably organized and genuinely uplifting. We felt completely integrated into this momentous day.

“The traditional Saudi folklore and national Ardah performances added extraordinary richness to our spiritual journey.”

For Indonesian pilgrim Fatima Nour, the celebrations underscored ’s generosity.

“Witnessing guests from so many different countries participate in these festivities demonstrated the generosity of Saudi people and their deep love for their homeland,” she told Arab News.

“It created a truly distinctive spiritual and cultural experience for all of us.”

Abdulaziz Al-Abbadi, assistant director of public relations and marketing for the Accor Hotels Clock Tower group, said National Day embodies deep pride, belonging, and unity.

“The hotel sector in the holy capital is experiencing extraordinary momentum during these celebrations, perfectly aligned with the spirit of this beloved occasion that touches the hearts of Saudi citizens, residents, and pilgrims,” Al-Abbadi told Arab News.

“We continuously work to ensure our distinguished services meet the diverse expectations of visitors, pilgrims, and Umrah performers from every corner of the earth,” he said.

Makkah holds nearly two-thirds of the Kingdom’s hotel infrastructure, with more than 250,000 rooms available, he explained.

He said there has been expansion across central districts near the Grand Mosque and beyond, reinforcing the city’s position as a premier hospitality destination.

He credited Makkah’s service culture to centuries-old traditions of generosity.

“This has always been a land defined by hospitality and historical significance, qualities that shine through in every aspect of service we provide to visitors from around the world,” he said.

“We pledge to remain a model of excellence in the hospitality sector, fully aligned with the Kingdom’s vision that positions Makkah at the absolute forefront of global destinations for religious and humanitarian tourism.”


Hail’s iconic Quraishyyat coffee pot is symbol of hospitality

Hail’s iconic Quraishyyat coffee pot is symbol of hospitality
Updated 23 September 2025

Hail’s iconic Quraishyyat coffee pot is symbol of hospitality

Hail’s iconic Quraishyyat coffee pot is symbol of hospitality
  • Distinctive design crafted in the northern city for hundreds of years
  • Item traditionally used for special occasions remains popular today

RIYADH: The northern city of Hail in has been crafting a specific type of Arabic coffee pot known as the Quraishyyat for hundreds of years.

This distinctive vessel features a longer neck and a slimmer body than the typical receptacle, and was traditionally reserved only for special occasions.

“Al-Quraishyyat is a coffee pot made of green and yellow copper and has several names such as the palace coffee pot, the khateeb coffee pot, or Hail’s Quraishyyat,” Hamid Al-Dhuwaili, owner of Al-Dhuwaili Heritage Museum in Hail, told Arab News.

He explained that making such coffee pots had been part of the culture in Hail for hundreds of years, and added: “People have practiced this craft since ancient times, before the founding of the First Saudi State. There are well-known craftsmen in Hail who excel in this industry. Currently Hail is home to a coffee pot factory considered one of the best in the Middle East.”

While other handicrafts, including carving, tent making and weaving, are also native to Hail, it is its coffee pots that most visitors and tourists find attractive.

Thanks to its cool weather, rocky landscape and groundwater resources, Hail was one of the main stopping points for traveling merchants and migrants.

It was a resting point for travelers to feed their cattle, which fostered a culture of hospitality among the people of Hail. Coffee has been a significant part of that culture for centuries.

Along with the Quraishyyat, there are other kinds of coffee pots that are also prominent in the city, including the Baghdadiyyat, which is believed to have been introduced by travelers from the Iraqi capital.

Another variation is the Raslan, which consists of pots of different sizes. The Raslan is believed to have been brought to Hail through merchants from the Levant region.

The crafting of coffee pots in Hail has been significant throughout its history as a trading post, and remains so today as the tradition welcomes visitors from near and far.


Elyanna gears up for Global Citizen Festival show in New York

Elyanna gears up for Global Citizen Festival show in New York
Updated 23 September 2025

Elyanna gears up for Global Citizen Festival show in New York

Elyanna gears up for Global Citizen Festival show in New York

DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna will perform at the Global Citizen Festival in New York on Sept. 27, alongside Colombian superstar Shakira, US rapper Cardi B and South African singer Tyla.

The festival will take place in New York’s Central Park with the goal of “ending extreme poverty.” The annual event supports campaigns to improve energy access across Africa and defend the Amazon against deforestation.

It aims to secure commitments to bring clean, reliable energy to 1 million people in Africa, mobilize $200 million for indigenous and local entrepreneurs to protect a chunk of the Amazon rainforest the size of Italy, and raise at least $30 million to help community-based education programs improve children’s literacy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The festival is timed to coincide with the UN General Assembly that takes place in New York each September. The inaugural event, in 2012, drew 60,000 attendees.

This year, it will be hosted by Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.

Elyanna has a busy schedule for the rest of 2025, including performing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix post-race concert on Dec. 5 at Etihad Park on Yas Island.

The Los Angeles-based singer’s music is a mix of Arab and Western beats, which she attributes to her multicultural upbringing. In 2023, she became the first Palestinian artist to perform at Coachella, the popular music festival held annually in Indio, California. She also set a precedent as the first Arabic-language artist to perform at the event.

Elyanna has a strong relationship with British rock giants Coldplay, collaborating with the band on the song “We Pray” and joining them on stage in multiple cities, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Barcelona and Paris.

One of her standout appearances was during Coldplay’s four-night concert series in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, part of their “Music of the Spheres” world tour.

In April, Elyanna teamed up with the band to release a new version of “Ma Meilleure Ennemie,” a track originally performed by Belgian artist Stromae and French singer Pomme.


Mo Amer to return with third Netflix special

Mo Amer to return with third Netflix special
Updated 23 September 2025

Mo Amer to return with third Netflix special

Mo Amer to return with third Netflix special

DUBAI: Palestinian American comedian Mo Amer is all set to return with “Wild World,” his third Netflix comedy special, streaming from Oct. 28. Filmed at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the special follows his earlier Netflix stand-up shows “The Vagabond” (2018) and “Mohammed in Texas” (2021).

In “Wild World,” Amer will deliver a timely and personal hour of comedy that weaves together his Palestinian heritage, the life-changing experience of becoming a father and sharp-witted commentary on the Transportation Security Administration, said Netflix.

Amer also co-created and stars in the acclaimed Netflix comedy-drama “Mo,” which follows the life of a Palestinian refugee in the US. The award-winning, semi-autobiographical series returned in January with its second and final season.

In an interview with Arab News before the release of his TV show “Mo,” Amer said, “Making money is great, and I want to make what I can, but it’s about telling great stories. I’m less concerned about money and more concerned about punching above my weight. Creating a masterpiece is a worthy trek. That’s how I feel. That’s where I’m at right now with my stand-up and my TV show.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Before his new special premieres, Amer will appear at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where he is performing for one day only on Oct. 7 at the Sef Arena in Boulevard City. He will also return to this year’s Dubai Comedy Festival, where he will perform two shows a day on Oct. 9 and 10.
 


Sarah Taibah stars in campaign for US luxury jewelry house

Sarah Taibah stars in campaign for US luxury jewelry house
Updated 22 September 2025

Sarah Taibah stars in campaign for US luxury jewelry house

Sarah Taibah stars in campaign for US luxury jewelry house

DUBAI: actress and filmmaker Sarah Taibah has nabbed a role in a social media campaign for US luxury jewelry house Tiffany & Co.

The actress shared a post on her Instagram account, in which she goes about her day adorned in various pieces by Tiffany & Co.

“Sketchbook in hand, eternal sunshine of a stormy mind, and days rarely slow down. Absolutely in (love) with HardWear by @Tiffanyandco, it’s been my little talisman throughout,” she captioned the short clip.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The HardWear collection draws on a design from 1962, according to the brand.

“HardWear is an expression of love’s transformative strength. Like New York, the city in which it was born, the collection embodies an enduring resilience and ability to be free,” the label wrote on its website.

The collection features necklaces, bracelets and earrings with interlocked links, veering into a more industrial aesthetic than the dainty jewelry the house is known for.

Taibah shows off a pair of diamond encrusted earrings, along with a necklace and watch from the collection that was handcrafted in Switzerland.

Taibah shot to fame for her show “Jameel Jeddan,” the first local production that was wholly created and starred in by a woman.

The plot of the 2022 release was anything but typical. Strong-headed Jameel wakes up from a five-year coma and is forced to finish her last year in high school and rejoin an unfamiliar society.

As a coping mechanism, she begins to experience glitches in the form of an animated alternative reality.

Taibah is working on an offbeat Saudi romcom “A Matter of Life and Death,” which she wrote. The film is being directed by Anas Batahaf and will star Taibah and Yaqoub Al-Farhan.

Her collaboration with Tiffany & Co. is not the first time she has worked with a global luxury brand.

In February, Spanish fashion house Loewe unveiled a Ramadan campaign directed by Lebanese-Sudanese auteur Dana Boulos and starring Taibah and Olympic rower Husein Alireza.

The cast included Omani artist Mays Almoosawi, Kuwaiti visual artist Najd Al-Taher, Emirati film director Sarah Al-Hashimi, Kuwaiti DJ Cascou and Bahraini contemporary artist Salman Al-Najem.