Dubai Culture Launches 1st Edition of 'Talent Atelier' Program for Emirati Designers

The program aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to strengthen the cultural and creative industries. WAM
The program aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to strengthen the cultural and creative industries. WAM
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Dubai Culture Launches 1st Edition of 'Talent Atelier' Program for Emirati Designers

The program aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to strengthen the cultural and creative industries. WAM
The program aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to strengthen the cultural and creative industries. WAM

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the launch of the 1st edition of 'Talent Atelier' program, organized in collaboration with L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels.

The program aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to strengthen the cultural and creative industries, reinforcing the emirate's position as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. It aims to expand the horizons of creatives and talented individuals, refining their expertise in jewelry making and enriching their knowledge in this field.

The program, which will be held from 2nd September to 30th November 2024, focuses on three main pillars: the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones and the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques. Dubai Culture aims to develop the skills of 12 Emirati designers who will participate in a series of jewelry arts courses and workshops at the L’ÉCOLE Middle East campus in Dubai Design District.

The top six designers will be awarded the opportunity to visit Paris for five days in November to participate in an educational program organized at L’ÉCOLE France & Europe’s new campus, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau on the Grands Boulevards. These designers will be selected based on creativity, material exploration, and application of learning.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed that Dubai has succeeded in establishing itself as a leading destination for design, attracting distinguished emerging talents in this field. “The Talent Atelier program embodies the Authority's cultural commitments and responsibilities aimed at supporting and empowering Emirati designers and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to unleash their talents and contribute to enriching the creative scene in the emirate," he said.

"This initiative is about building bridges between cultures, dialogues between different arts disciplines, fostering creativity, and supporting the next generation of Emirati Talents,” said Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts.



Cultural Camp at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Showcases Saudi Heritage

The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
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Cultural Camp at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Showcases Saudi Heritage

The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA

The cultural camp is a key feature of the 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, held in Al-Sayahid desert. The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity, according to SPA.

It offers a range of programs, including live performances and interactive events, that highlight camels' historical significance in Arab culture and illustrate the values of patience, strength, and belonging.

The camp has attracted over 2,000 guests from 71 nationalities, emphasizing its global appeal as a cultural platform for diversity and tradition.

Visitors engage with cultural content through innovative methods that merge authenticity with modern technology, enhancing awareness of the camel's cultural legacy. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by preserving heritage and connecting younger generations with their roots.


Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Announces 25 Participating Artists for Seventh Edition

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
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Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Announces 25 Participating Artists for Seventh Edition

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA

Under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, Tuwaiq Sculpture has announced the selection of 25 artists for the seventh edition of the annual sculpture symposium and exhibition, taking place from January 10 to February 22, 2026.

This year’s edition unfolds under the curatorial theme “Traces of What Will Be,” inviting artists to reflect on how sculptural form can express the physical, cultural and conceptual traces that shape the future of cities and communities, SPA reported.

A total of 25 artists from 18 countries, including Saudi artists, have been selected for the seventh edition. Their proposals reflect a diverse range of artistic approaches, responding to the theme through explorations of transformation, place, and materiality.

Director of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium Sarah Alruwayti said: "The seventh edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture received more than 590 applications, reflecting the cultural diversity and global interest in the symposium. The selection of the 25 participating artists was carried out by a jury of industry experts and specialists. Their proposals show meaningful engagement with the theme and reflect the strength and diversity of contemporary sculptural practice. We look forward to welcoming them to Riyadh for the creation of new works that will become lasting additions to the city.”

Building on the evolving material practice of the symposium, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 introduces two sculpting categories: granite with optional stainless-steel integration and reclaimed metal. Twenty artists will work in granite, while five will create new works in reclaimed metal. Over four weeks, they will produce large-scale sculptures that will later be added to Riyadh Art’s permanent public art collection.

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program, inviting visitors to witness the creation of artworks and take part in panel discussions and workshops. The symposium will conclude with a public exhibition showcasing the completed sculptures from its seventh edition.


ALECSO Celebrates Opening of Arabic Calligraphy Center in Saudi Arabia

Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
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ALECSO Celebrates Opening of Arabic Calligraphy Center in Saudi Arabia

Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA

The Arab League of Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) congratulated Saudi Arabia on the opening of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy in Madinah on December 22, 2025.

In a statement, ALECSO called the center a significant addition to the Arab and Islamic cultural landscape, noting its role in preserving Arabic calligraphy and enhancing its global presence, SPA reported.

This achievement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to culture and heritage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of fostering cultural creativity and reinforcing Arabic identity.

ALECSO emphasized that such institutions serve as global bridges for cultural exchange and ensure the relevance of traditional arts through dedicated research and training facilities.