Camila Alves McConaughey shines in Elie Saab at Riyadh event

Camila Alves McConaughey shines in Elie Saab at Riyadh event
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Updated 20 January 2025

Camila Alves McConaughey shines in Elie Saab at Riyadh event

Camila Alves McConaughey shines in Elie Saab at Riyadh event

DUBAI: Lebanese couturier to the stars Elie Saab took to Instagram to give a shoutout to model Camila Alves McConaughey, who wore the label to the recent concert “Life is a Dream,” led by Hollywood giant Anthony Hopkins in Riyadh.

“@camilamcconaughey attended the ‘Life Is A Dream’ concert composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra alongside her husband Matthew in an ELIE SAAB Spring Summer 2025 look,” the label captioned the Instagram post.

Alves McConaughey, who attended the event with her actor husband Matthew McConaughey, wore a striking yellow gown to the event, with flowing caped sleeves and a plunging neckline.

Meanwhile, US pop sensation Christina Aguilera, who performed at the Joy Awards ceremony over the weekend in Riyadh, also opted for an Elie Saab creation for the first part of her performance.

Aguilera took to the stage in a dramatic burgundy gown from Elie Saab’s Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2024 collection. The glittering gown saw Aguilera channeling old-school 1920s Hollywood glamour. The dress flowed into a feathered train, and she completed the look with a chiffon scarf, draped over her head and shoulders.

The same event saw Alves McConaughey opt for another yellow gown, this time from Oscar de la Renta.

As for the symphony concert, in a captivating blend of art and humanity, Hollywood icon Hopkins graced the Bakr Al-Shaddi Theater in Boulevard City, Riyadh, with a performance titled “Life is a Dream” as part of the Riyadh Season festivities.

Introduced by fellow actor Morgan Freeman, Hopkins opened his speech with the Arabic greeting, “As Salaam o Alaikum,” setting a tone of cultural respect and unity.

Hopkins shared his reflections on life and art, drawing from the words of Edgar Allan Poe: “I have always believed that all we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”

Reflecting on his life, he described the path from “the son of a simple baker” in South Wales to a world-renowned composer and actor.

“My life, to me, is a profound mystery,” he said. “It’s impossible to understand or take credit for the blessings I’ve been given. That’s why I believe life is a dream, and this piece, ‘Life is a Dream,’ was inspired by my dreamy childhood in South Wales, my wonderfully supportive mother and my father, who was larger than life and worked tirelessly throughout his life.”


Riyadh’s King Salman Park among 9 winners of RIBA architecture awards

Riyadh’s King Salman Park among 9 winners of RIBA architecture awards
Updated 05 November 2025

Riyadh’s King Salman Park among 9 winners of RIBA architecture awards

Riyadh’s King Salman Park among 9 winners of RIBA architecture awards
  • ‘Vital green intervention,’ says Royal Institute of British Architects
  • Other winners include Qatar’s female-only purpose-built mosque

DUBAI: Riyadh’s King Salman Park has won the award for best Future Project at the inaugural edition of the Royal Institute of British Architects Middle East Awards, which celebrate the architectural ambition and diversity of the region.

The RIBA said in a statement on Wednesday: “Transforming a former airport into the world’s largest urban park, King Salman Park introduces a vital green intervention to the heart of Riyadh.

“Designed to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and promote active, healthy living, it reflects ’s Vision 2030 commitment to a more sustainable and livable future.”

The impact of architecture to redefine how people live and connect was central to the winners.

Among them, the world’s first purpose-built female-only mosque — a groundbreaking landmark of equality and innovation located in Qatar.

It reimagines traditional spaces of worship as places for education, empowerment and community, marking a major cultural shift in the Gulf.

In Dubai, a new secondary school supporting an evolving curriculum shows how thoughtful, sustainable design can deliver lasting environmental impact.

Also, an Expo 2020 site has evolved into a vibrant civic plaza, hosting year-round events that celebrate community and cultural diversity.

Kerem Cengiz, the jury chair, said: “The winning projects reflect an architectural language that is deeply rooted in the Middle East’s evolving identity, one defined by stewardship of heritage, climate consciousness, and social transformation.

“Each shows how architecture can mediate between tradition and progress: preserving memory while embracing innovation.

“Collectively, they express a profound belief that design can honor culture, empower communities, and nurture a sustainable future for the Middle East.”

The award winners will be celebrated during Dubai Design Week at a dedicated public event on Nov. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Atrium 6, Dubai Design District.

The full list of winners:

Adaptive Reuse: The Serai Wing, Sharjah — Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim by Anarchitect

Design for Living: Al-Wasl Plaza, Dubai — Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Future Project: King Salman Park, Riyadh — Gerber Architekten is leading a joint venture with two engineering partners, Buro Happold, and Setec

RIBA Member: Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre, Al-Madam Plan — Hopkins Architects

RIBA Member: Expo 2020 Thematic Districts, Dubai — Hopkins Architects

Social Architecture: Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women, Doha – conceived by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Sustainability & Resilience: Jafar Centre, Dubai College, Dubai — Godwin Austen Johnson

Temporary Architecture: Singapore Pavilion, World Expo 2020, Dubai — WOHA

Temporary Architecture: World Food Waste Teahouse: Arabi-an, Dubai — Mitsubishi Jisho Design