Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition

‘Wa’rd’ series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)
‘Wa’rd’ series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 January 2025

Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition

Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition
  • Dammam collection running until Jan. 10 features sculpture, video and imagery

DHAHRAN: Visitors are immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of art as Hussain Alismail unveils his compelling solo exhibition, “W’ard,” at the SASCA Art Gallery in Dammam, .

Launched on Dec. 30 last year and running until Jan. 10, the exhibition is a captivating journey through the artist’s evolving vision.




‘Wa’rd’ series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)

In the “W’ard” series, Alismail breaks free from his signature style, which often features bold continuous-line drawings in striking shades of black and red.

Instead, the collection showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Hussain Alismail’s artworks delve into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.

• His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.

Visitors can expect to encounter an array of fascinating works, from collages that fuse imagery, mixed media pieces with texture, three-dimensional sculptures, to dynamic video installations that spark imagination.




Hussain Alismail creates a new piece while visitors watch at his W’ard exhibition in Dammam. (Supplied)

At the heart of Alismail’s work lies the symbol of the rose, a timeless emblem of unity that surpasses differences, inviting connection among visitors.

He said: “For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.”

This cultural reference runs throughout the exhibition, highlighting the themes in Alismail’s artwork.

For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.

Hussain Alismail, Saudi artist

Through his collection, Alismail creates an artistic experience that celebrates unity in the diversity of humanity.

“I see my artwork as a reflection of who I am, but once it’s out in the world, it belongs to everyone to interpret and connect with however they choose,” he told Arab News.

Alismail is not only a gifted artist, but also a committed scholar, having recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a master’s degree in design innovation and technology at RMIT.

His time in academia, which he describes as research-focused, has significantly influenced his art. “I’ve found these skills super useful for my art in this exhibition and they’ll definitely play a bigger role in my upcoming projects.”

Alismail holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drawing and painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, as well as a bachelor’s degree in creative arts in visual effects and entertainment design from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.

His academic background enriches his creative practice, fueling his artistic exploration.

Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Alismail delves into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.

His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.

Beyond canvas and paper, Alismail’s artistic skills include photography, videography and digital graphics, allowing him to create stories that invite exploration.

“Medium serves as a platform for discovery. I constantly challenge myself to go deeper into techniques and artistic presentations,” he said.

For the exhibition, Alismail embraced a variety of innovative mediums. “I played around with 3D design, 3D printing, AI generative imagery and various other hands-on mediums,” he said.

Additionally, he aims to create a vibrant experience, expressing his desire that viewers feel “joyful and leave with a smile on their face.”

Inspired by cultural stories around him, Alismail combines personal and community tales in his art, enhancing the diverse narratives he shares.

With an eye toward revitalizing cultural connections, his work fosters an enriched understanding of our shared human experiences.

“What my audience has seen from me before is different from what I’m creating now, and I know it’ll have even more depth down the line.”


BIE flag officially handed over from Osaka Expo to Expo 2030 Riyadh

BIE flag officially handed over from Osaka Expo to Expo 2030 Riyadh
Updated 20 sec ago

BIE flag officially handed over from Osaka Expo to Expo 2030 Riyadh

BIE flag officially handed over from Osaka Expo to Expo 2030 Riyadh

OSAKA: The BIE flag on Monday was officially lowered and handed over from the Expo 2025 Osaka to Expo 2030 Riyadh, represented by Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Saudi minister of state and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

After the flag handover, a video, “A Journey of Foresight,” was shown at the Osaka expo’s closing ceremony, giving those in attendance a glimpse of what is to come at Riyadh’s expo. 

Running from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to welcome more than 42 million visits from 197 countries and 29 organizations. Spanning 6 million sq. m and structured around five thematic zones, the event will explore forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as a global platform for innovation and collaboration. Following the six-month event, the site will evolve into a permanent global village, leaving a lasting legacy for Riyadh, the Kingdom, and the wider world.

BIE member states elected in 2023 as host country of World Expo 2030, which will be organized in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”

The ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Akishino, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Expo Secretary General Ishige Hiroyuki, Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi and Bureau International des Expositions General Assembly President Alain Berger.

Opening remarks were given by Chairperson of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition Tokura Masakazu, who said that the Osaka expo would not have been “so successful” without all the countries and regions’ participation.

The Scout Association of Japan, Osaka Sumiyoshi Boys and Girls Choir then raised the Japanese Flag and sang the Japanese national anthem. 

Yoshimura Hirofumi, governor of Osaka prefecture, told the audience at the closing ceremony that 28 million visitors passed through the expo gates.

He added that he would like to see Japan host a world expo again someday.

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru also addressed the closing ceremony, saying that he recalled the concerns over the expo before it opened. However, he said all the challenges were faced “one by one.”

Ishiba announced that he had presented the prime minister’s commendation to Expo 2025 Osaka’s mascot Myaku Myaku on Monday morning.

Crown Prince Akishino, honorary president of Expo 2025 Osaka, told the closing ceremony of his “deep respect for all those involved in the contribution to the expo.”

The Osaka-Kansai expo entered its final day on Monday with crowds pouring in to view the final-day ceremonies. The expo opened on April 13 and will be succeeded by expos in Belgrade (2027) and Riyadh (2030).

There was also flag handovers to Belgrade, the venue for the 2027 expo and Yokohama for the International Horticultural Expo 2027.


Saudi leadership offers condolences to Qatari emir after diplomats’ deaths in Egypt

Saudi leadership offers condolences to Qatari emir after diplomats’ deaths in Egypt
Updated 12 October 2025

Saudi leadership offers condolences to Qatari emir after diplomats’ deaths in Egypt

Saudi leadership offers condolences to Qatari emir after diplomats’ deaths in Egypt
  • King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed sympathy with the Qatari people
  • Qatari embassy in Cairo announced that the injured and the deceased would be repatriated later on Sunday to Doha

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their condolences to the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, following the death of three Qatari diplomats in Egypt.

The leaders of each sent a cable to the emir on Sunday.

“We send to Your Highness, the family of the deceased and the people of Qatar our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy,” King Salman said in a cable, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a separate message, the Saudi crown prince and prime minister conveyed his  condolences and sympathy to the Qatari emir and the families of the deceased, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, according to the SPA.

The three Qatari diplomats were killed and two others were injured in a car crash on Saturday while traveling to Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, roughly 50 km (31 miles) from their destination.

The Qatari embassy in Cairo announced that the injured and the deceased would be repatriated later on Sunday to the capital, Doha.


KSrelief chief receives Germany’s ambassador to Yemen

KSrelief chief receives Germany’s ambassador to Yemen
Updated 12 October 2025

KSrelief chief receives Germany’s ambassador to Yemen

KSrelief chief receives Germany’s ambassador to Yemen
  • Schneider praised the humanitarian aid provided by the Kingdom through KSrelief to alleviate the suffering of people in need around the world

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, received Germany’s Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Schneider at the agency’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed topics of common interest related to relief and humanitarian affairs, and ways to support humanitarian work in Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Schneider praised the humanitarian aid provided by the Kingdom through KSrelief to alleviate the suffering of people in need around the world.

 


Saudi project clears 815 explosive devices in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
Updated 12 October 2025

Saudi project clears 815 explosive devices in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
  • Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 518,633 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018

RIYADH: Members of ’s Project Masam removed 815 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 748 unexploded ordnances, 56 anti-tank mines, six anti-personnel mines and five improvised explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 518,633 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The total included 748 unexploded ordnances, 56 anti-tank mines, six anti-personnel mines and five improvised explosive devices. (Supplied)

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi scholar and former MWL chief Abdullah Naseef passes away at 86

Saudi scholar and former MWL chief Abdullah Naseef passes away at 86
Updated 12 October 2025

Saudi scholar and former MWL chief Abdullah Naseef passes away at 86

Saudi scholar and former MWL chief Abdullah Naseef passes away at 86
  • Naseef held several key local and international positions, including president of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah
  • In 1991, he received the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam for his leadership and contributions to Islamic education and international cooperation

RIYADH: Abdullah Omar Naseef, former secretary-general of the Muslim World League and deputy chairman of the Saudi Shoura Council, passed away at the age of 86.

The funeral prayer was held on Sunday at Al-Juffali Mosque in Jeddah, followed by burial at Al-Asad Cemetery.

Colleagues, friends, and members of the public expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his life and work.

Faisal bin Muammar, founding secretary-general of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, wrote on X: “My deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of Abdullah Omar Naseef, who departed this life after a distinguished journey filled with scholarly and humanitarian contributions.

“We had the honor of working together on numerous occasions — in the National Dialogue, the World Scouting Organization, and other forums — where he was always a symbol of balance and wisdom, a model of noble character, and a man whose social and humanitarian legacy will be fondly remembered.”

Naseef held several key local and international positions, including president of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, chairman of the International Islamic Relief Organization, president of the World Muslim Congress, and secretary-general of the International Islamic Council for Dawah and Relief.

He also served on the World Scout Committee, led the International Union of Muslim Scouts, and was a board member of the n Scout Association.

In 1991, Abdullah Omar Naseef received the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam for his leadership and contributions to Islamic education and international cooperation. (Supplied)

Naseef was active in the Muslim World League, representing at international conferences from 1983 to 1993. He promoted Islamic causes and encouraged dialogue among nations and religions.

As deputy chairman of the Shoura Council, he was respected for his insight and commitment to national interests.

He co-founded Dar Al-Islam in New Mexico, the Islamic College in Chicago, and the Islamic Academy in Cambridge, and served as vice president of the International Islamic University in Islamabad, Pakistan.

He chaired the boards of several institutions, including the Islamic Cultural Centers in Geneva and Sydney, the Institute for the History of Arabic and Islamic Sciences at the University of Frankfurt, the International Islamic University in Chittagong, Dar Al-Ihsan University in Bangladesh, and the Islamic University of Niger.

He also served as vice president of the Saudi National Dialogue Committee for 10 years, secretary-general of the World Islamic Council for Dawah and Relief from 1998 to 2019, president of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, and chairman of the Abdullah bin Omar Naseef Charitable Foundation.

In 1991, he received the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam for his leadership and contributions to Islamic education and international cooperation.

Born in Jeddah in 1939, Naseef earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from King Saud University in 1964 and later became a fellow of the Geological Societies of London and America.