From Tradition to Modernity: Kingdom Photography Award Frames Saudi Narratives

The Visual Arts Commission has launched two evocative photography exhibitions at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah— “Hay Ainek – In a New Light” and “When the Fog Whispers”—marking the third edition of the Kingdom Photography Award, a platform celebrating powerful visual storytelling from across Saudi Arabia.

The award received over 1,300 submissions and more than 6,000 images, showcasing talent from across the Kingdom. “Hay Ainek – In a New Light” features 30 standout winners who captured Saudi culture through a contemporary lens. Among them, Huda Ali Al Neb reimagined Najdi architecture with vibrant hues, challenging the traditional view of colorless mudbrick homes. Mohammed Aljuraybi portrayed a potter at work, reflecting on craftsmanship as a bridge between generations. Kawthar Ali Ibrahim photographed a man sitting in an empty airport lounge, highlighting quiet introspection in a space built for transience. Hayat Osamah and Sawsan Abdullah used black and white photography to explore serenity, resilience, and the connection between nature and identity—Abdullah’s work is especially notable as she overcame physical challenges to tell layered, meaningful stories.

Judged by a distinguished panel—Kholood Saleh Al-Bakr, Sara Al-Mutlaq (Saudi Arabia), Rola Khayyat (Qatar/USA), Roi Saade (Lebanon), and Shannon Ghannam (Australia)—the award celebrated images that combined technical craft with emotional depth.

Running alongside it, “When the Fog Whispers” features commissioned work from Abdulmajeed Al Roudhan, Elham Al Dawsari, Lina Geoushy, Mohamed Mahdy, and Hicham Gardaf, capturing poetic, personal reflections of the Aseer highlands.

A robust public program accompanies the exhibitions, including interactive workshops for photographers of all levels, artist talks, and community events aimed at fostering artistic engagement. These workshops offer a platform for aspiring photographers to gain hands-on experience, receive guidance from industry experts, and enhance their skills in various aspects of visual storytelling.

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, reflected, “The Kingdom Photography Award began as an initiative to spotlight local talent and now reflects a bold, confident visual arts scene in Saudi Arabia. Through exhibitions, mentorship, and storytelling, we’re nurturing a generation of artists deeply rooted in identity and ready to engage the world. Photography is capturing the soul of our nation—its heritage, its people, its future—as we build a creative ecosystem where Saudi stories take center stage globally.”

These exhibitions reaffirm photography’s power to preserve, document, and connect—positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising hub for artistic expression.

About the Ministry of Culture

Saudi Arabia has a vast history of arts and culture. The Ministry of Culture is developing Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents, and visitors. Overseeing 11 sector-specific commissions, the Ministry works towards the support of and preservation of a vibrant culture that is true to its past and looks to the future by cherishing heritage and unleashing new and inspiring forms of expression for all. Find the Ministry of Culture on social media: X @MOCSaudi_En (English) | Instagram @mocsaudi