Locals celebrate World Photography Day

Special Locals celebrate World Photography Day
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Rakaez Photography Club marked World Photography Day with an exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah. (AN Photo)
Special Locals celebrate World Photography Day
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Rakaez Photography Club marked World Photography Day with an exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah. (AN Photo)
Special Locals celebrate World Photography Day
3 / 6
Rakaez Photography Club marked World Photography Day with an exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah. (AN Photo)
Special Locals celebrate World Photography Day
4 / 6
Special Locals celebrate World Photography Day
5 / 6
Rakaez Photography Club marked World Photography Day with an exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah. (AN Photo)
Special Locals celebrate World Photography Day
6 / 6
Rakaez Photography Club marked World Photography Day with an exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah. (AN Photo)
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Updated 20 August 2025

Locals celebrate World Photography Day

Locals celebrate World Photography Day
  • Jeddah exhibition captures wide range of artistic perspectives
  • Pictures put spotlight on less frequented parts of

JEDDAH: Rakaez Photography Club on Tuesday marked World Photography Day with a spectacular exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah, attracting enthusiasts to view a diverse collection of photographic artistry.

Some 30 photographers displayed their best work at the exhibition, capturing a range of diverse perspectives.

Turki Al-Jadaani, a photographer and one of the founders of the club, said that the exhibition “celebrates the art of photography as a medium of storytelling, creativity and visual culture.”

He added: “For us as photographers, it’s a very significant day. We have invited members of our club and local renowned photographers to a one-day photography exhibition to show their creative photos captured by their lens.”

He told Arab News that the club was a platform committed to supporting art and artists from all walks of life.

“We take great pride in our association with initiatives such as today’s event, as well as workshops we offer,” Al-Jadaani said.

Local photographers and enthusiasts viewed the exhibition, which documented people, landscapes and culture while showcasing the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

The highlights were pictures from the less frequented parts of , and included wildlife, travel shots and portraiture.

The event fostered community engagement, with some attendees posing for spontaneous portraits and videos, adding a lively dimension to the exhibition.

Tarik Khoja, the official photographer for Saudia, said: “World Photography Day is a chance to capture moments that might otherwise fade, encouraging young photographers to pursue their craft with passion and responsibility.

“It’s a day to appreciate how photography shapes communication, storytelling and documentation.

“We invited photographers to share their most treasured images, highlighting the emotional power of photography.

“On this special day we express ourselves and our art through our lenses.”

He added that the club’s initiative provided an interactive platform for members to exchange ideas, learn techniques, and connect with the community, strengthening the local photography ecosystem.

Roaa Mansori, a passionate photographer who was attending the event, highlighted how pictures preserved cherished memories and happiness.

She told Arab News: “It is a special day and we are excited to share our favorite photos.”


Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh

Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2025

Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh

Cinephiles embark on journey through European film in Riyadh
  • Cinema links cultures, says EU envoy Christophe Farnaud
  • 15 European films subtitled in Arabic, English until Nov. 11

RIYADH: The fourth edition of the European Film Festival began on Monday in Riyadh, featuring 15 films from as many European countries — all subtitled in Arabic and English — until Nov. 11.

The bridge-building event has been organized by the Delegation of the EU to the Kingdom of , in collaboration with Arabia Pictures, VOX Cinemas, the Saudi Film Commission, as well as embassies of member states. 

On Monday, ambassadors, media representatives and other individuals were shown the Latvian film “Flow,” winner of the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

On Tuesday, the festival screened Norwegian film “Titina” and Spanish film “EL 47.”

Christophe Farnaud, ambassador of the EU to , said: “Four years on, the festival has become a landmark on ’s cultural calendar.”

He added that it is “a vibrant bridge of EU-Saudi cooperation that celebrates Europe’s storytelling heritage alongside the Kingdom’s rise as a global creative powerhouse.”

During the opening ceremony, Farnaud highlighted the festival’s role in fostering dialogue between European and filmmakers.

He said “cinema is one of the most powerful forms of art — it makes us dream, laugh, and cry. It connects people across cultures.”  

Abdulilah Alahmary, founder of Arabia Pictures, said: “We were thrilled to bring another outstanding lineup of European cinema to Saudi audiences, enriched with special guests and free masterclasses.” 

The festival features interactive seminars and masterclasses led by prominent filmmakers from Europe and .

Among the highlights were Visual Effects Artist Martins Upitis, who contributed to “Flow,” and Norwegian director Kajsa Naess, known for the acclaimed animated film “Titina.”  

Speaking to Arab News, Upitis said: “This is my first time in , and it’s such an honor to be part of the European Film Festival in Riyadh. I hope audiences here enjoy ‘Flow’ as much as we enjoyed creating it.”