Arts and Culture

The drama series “Al-Asouf” vividly captures the trend of telling Saudi stories with Saudi actors and its power in shaping the public’s perceptions and aspirations.

The Ramadan series "Al-Asouf" folds seamlessly into the current mainstream Saudi media narrative, as the country focuses on developing its homegrown industries and nationalist rhetoric.

Through a series of megaprojects aimed at beautifying the city, Riyadh has the potential to offer a unique model of urbanity that can be a counterpoint to the more speculative trends pervasive in the region.

In this presentation, Sean Foley draws on his extensive research in Asir, Najran, and Jizan to trace the rise of the Saudi contemporary artistic movement while explaining what it tells us about the kingdom’s society in the 21st century.

Turki Al Sheikh, a larger-than-life figure in the crown prince’s close inner circle, is leading a rise of nationalist music in the Saudi mainstream.

AGSIW spoke with Kuwaiti poet and novelist Abdullah Al-Busais about the growing interest in literature among Gulf youth, publishing and censorship issues, and the recent book fair in Kuwait.

Saudi filmmakers Meshal Al Jaser and Ali Al Sumayin joined Kristin Smith Diwan to talk about and screen their work, and discuss how social media and other new technologies are influencing the future of film and media production in the Gulf.

Today Saudi Arabia is becoming a new art destination in the Gulf, but Muhannad Shono began his career when the creative economy was not a domain to be celebrated in the kingdom. Muhannad has converted his personal struggles as a naturalized citizen and an outsider into distinctive artwork. Growing up in Saudi Arabia facing identity issues and harboring a love of storytelling, Muhannad has reimagined the social narratives that he grew up...