Saudi Arabia returns to London Design Biennale with ‘Good Water’ pavilion
Updated 27 March 2025
Arab News
DHAHRAN: Saudi Arabia will participate at the London Design Biennale 2025 with “Good Water,” an exhibition exploring the hidden costs and economies of water, running from June 5-29 at Somerset House.
Commissioned by the Architecture and Design Commission, the pavilion is curated by a multidisciplinary design collective comprising Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan and Fahad bin Naif. Drawing on their backgrounds in architecture, design and the arts, they will challenge conventional notions of access, distribution and the perceived value of water.
Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said: “Saudi Arabia’s return to the London Design Biennale marks another chapter in our commitment to design as a tool for dialogue and cultural exchange. We look forward to engaging in conversations on creativity, innovation, and systems thinking during our fourth participation in the event.”
The exhibition responds to this year’s biennale theme “Surface Reflections,” by inviting visitors to reconsider their relationship with water.
At the heart of the Saudi pavilion is a sabeel, a traditional water fountain deeply rooted in Saudi culture that provides complimentary water to anyone who passes by. It is seen as a symbol of hospitality and generosity.
The sabeel, within this context, represents a paradox. While it offers water freely, the reality is that no water is truly free, the exhibition argues. Every drop is made possible through a network of labor, energy and infrastructure — whether extracted through costly desalination, bottled and imported or transported through vast water systems requiring maintenance and oversight. The cost is absorbed by governments, corporations, and workers, yet the long-term impact is shared by all.
In this showcase, “Good Water” repositions the sabeel not just as a gesture of goodwill, but as a question: Who pays for “free” water? What does it truly cost?
“The pavilion uses familiar elements to draw attention to water’s hidden economies,” said the participants Tarabzouni, Jamal, Kattan and bin Naif in a joint statement. “It encourages visitors to drink with awareness, to acknowledge the price, and to recognize that while the cost of good water may be borne by someone else, it ultimately affects everyone. By relocating the sabeel to the London Design Biennale—where water scarcity is not an immediate concern—we reframe it as an object of scrutiny, making the invisible visible and the passive active.”
In 2023, Saudi Arabia participated at the 4th London Design Biennale with a pavilion titled “Woven” by Ruba Alkhaldi and Lojain Rafaa.
REVIEW: ‘Wednesday’ season 2 is too crowded for its own good
Updated 14 August 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: Jenna Ortega once again knocks it out of the mausoleum in “Wednesday” season two, but the first four episodes suggest her scene-stealing brilliance will have to fight harder for attention this time around. The macabre Netflix hit returns with Ortega once again in razor-sharp form as the morbidly deadpan Wednesday Addams, but a crowded ensemble keeps her from shining the way she did in season one.
After saving Nevermore Academy last time out, Wednesday returns to the school as an unlikely hero. The spotlight is, understandably, a curse in her book, and Ortega leans into that discomfort with precision, delivering barbed quips and withering looks a mile a minute. But this time, she’s not the only one taking up valuable screen space.
Her younger brother Pugsley (now a Nevermore student too) arrives with his own chaotic subplots, including grisly pranks, dubious alliances, and a knack for attracting trouble. To make matters worse, Wednesday’s mother Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones, chewing every gothic inch of the scenery) takes up residence at the school, resulting in some frosty mother-daughter showdowns.
As if familial entanglements weren’t enough, a fresh murder-mystery unravels, this time involving a spate of killings carried out by murderous crows. It’s a case tailor-made for Wednesday, but some trouble with her powers means she’s not at 100 percent.
Wait, it doesn’t end there. Wednesday also has a new stalker on campus. And whoever they might be, they also control the murderous crows.
If all this weren’t enough, Wednesday also has a vision about her best friend Enid’s (Emma Myers) impending death, a vision she’s now fighting to prove wrong with everything she has.
All in all, the narrative feels more scattered than in the first season. The introduction of new side characters and expanded arcs for returning ones make the Nevermore halls feel crowded, occasionally slowing the pace. Ortega is still magnetic, but in episodes with multiple competing storylines, the show loses some of its bite.
However, if the latter half of the season narrows its focus, season two could yet match season one’s haunting charm.
Some of the biggest movies coming your way over the next few months
Updated 14 August 2025
Arab News
‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’
Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer
Director: Rob Reiner
In cinemas: Sept. 12
The long-awaited sequel to one of the greatest comedy films of all time, and the original — if you will — mockumentary, sees Guest, McKean and Shearer reunited as the hapless heavy rockers who have decided to reunite after 15 years for one final show. There’s a hitch, naturally: they need a drummer — a tricky sell when so many who previously sat the stool for Tap have met untimely ends. Along for the ride, of course, is documentary maker Martin Di Bergi (Reiner) to ensure that the historic occasion is recorded for posterity.
‘The Roses’
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Coleman, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon
Director: Jay Roach
In cinemas: Aug. 29
This star-studded remake of the 1989 black-comedy movie “The War of the Roses” (itself based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel) sees Coleman and Cumberbatch play Ivy and Theo Rose, an apparently idyllically married couple — he an architect, she a chef. But when Theo’s career trajectory starts to plummet just as Ivy’s starts to soar, the underlying tensions and competitiveness in their relationships begin to surface, with devastating and hilarious results. With some A-list comedy talent on the cast list, and Roach (the “Austin Powers” movies, “Meet the Parents”) at the helm, this might be that rare thing — a comedy movie that actually gets audiences into the cinema.
‘One Battle After Another’
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
In cinemas: Sept. 25
The latest feature from one of the most acclaimed writer-directors of his generation (although not hugely successful at the box office) is an action-thriller with a touch of satirical black humor thrown in. DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, who was once a member of a revolutionary group called the French 75. Well over a decade since the group disbanded, their nemesis — white supremacist Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Penn) — resurfaces, and Ferguson must call on his former fellow activists to help him rescue his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti), herself a budding revolutionary. Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood is the film’s composer — his sixth collaboration with Anderson.
‘After The Hunt’
Starring: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri
Director: Luca Guadagnino
In cinemas: Oct. 10
Italian director Guadagnino’s films — which included “Call Me By Your Name,” “Suspiria,” and “Challengers” — are rarely a disappointment, and this one brings some serious cross-generational star power to the big screen. Roberts plays Alma Olsson, an Ivy League professor whose close friend and colleague Hank Gibson (Garfield) is accused of assault by Olsson’s protégée Maggie Price (Edebiri — winner of an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role as Syd in “The Bear”). In trying to deal with that situation, Olsson must face up to some long-buried secrets from her past. Even if none of the cast manage to bag an Oscar, then composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross probably have a good shout.
‘Good Fortune’
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari
Director: Aziz Ansari
In cinemas: Oct. 17
Ansari’s feature debut as director is a comedy about a low-ranking angel called Gabriel (Reeves) who comes down to Earth to try and show Arj (Ansari) that money can’t solve your problems by allowing him to swap places with his rich tech-bro employer Jeff (Rogen). It doesn’t quite go the way Gabriel expected, and he ends up having his wings taken off him and being banished to live among humans. Gabriel and the now-homeless Jeff move in together as all the work Gabriel did as an angel is undone. Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh also star.
‘A House of Dynamite’
Starring: Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
On Netflix: Oct. 24
Little has been revealed about Netflix’s upcoming thriller, but the stars and director alone are enough to build hype. Bigelow made history in 2009 when she became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar (for “The Hurt Locker”) and “A House of Dynamite” will be her first feature since 2017’s “Detroit.” And with Elba and Ferguson heading the cast list, it’s a safe bet there’ll be some seriously strong performances in this tale told in real time about a group of White House officials frantically dealing with a missile attack on America.
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Stephen Graham, Jeremy Strong
Director: Scott Cooper
In cinemas: Oct. 24
Timothée Chalamet has already wowed critics with his portrayal of Bob Dylan this year in “A Complete Unknown,” and now “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White takes on Dylan’s closest contender for the title of greatest living US songwriter: Bruce Springsteen. Cooper’s biopic isn’t the tale of how Springsteen became a star — at the time the film begins he’s already a hit. Instead, it’s the story of the making of his stripped-back 1982 masterpiece “Nebraska,” recorded on a four-track in his bedroom at a time when he was struggling with his fame and the demons of his past. White has already received praise from The Boss himself, as has Graham as Springsteen’s domineering father.
My Melbourne: Saudi student Leen Asiri on life in Australia
The Saudi student gives us the lowdown on life in the state capital of Victoria, Australia
Updated 14 August 2025
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: Leen Asiri is a 20-year-old student, currently reading politics at the University of Melbourne as a beneficiary of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.
What’s the best thing about Melbourne?
The lifestyle. You’re busy 24/7, literally. You don’t have time to be bored. It’s a great city to improve yourself and look for a better future, in my opinion. Also, it’s a really walkable city, which I love.
And the worst thing?
As much as it’s a safe city, it’s sometimes not. When I first came here, I was out with my friends — Arab girls — and we were at a stoplight, and this homeless guy just started screaming at us. “Go back to your country!’ It was a very traumatizing experience. So that proved to me that, no matter how safe a country is, it doesn’t compare to how safe Saudi is, in my opinion. I wouldn’t advise being out on the streets here — as a young female — after 10 p.m.
St.Kilda Pier on St. Kilda Beach. (Getty Images)
What’s the general vibe there?
It’s hectic — everyone’s busy with something: their career, uni, whatever… no one’s free for anything. But it’s also laid back during the weekends — everything just calms down. Weekends are really sacred here. Like, you cannot ask someone to email you on a weekend. That’s taboo.
Like all of Australia, really, Melbourne has so many people bringing their culture here. Like, you can see Chinese food places all over the place, Arabic food places, French food. It’s just a lot of different cultures mixed in a blender — that’s basically Melbourne.
Would you say it’s a good place to travel to with kids?
I’d say it’s family-friendly, but I don’t think there’s a lot of entertainment. I don’t think kids would have that much fun here. Melbourne is really just a university area. I think Sydney would be more suitable for family fun.
Would you describe Melbourne as ethnically diverse?
Yes, very. The locals are very welcoming of every ethnicity, every culture. As soon as they hear you’re Saudi, they’re like, “Oh my god, we hear about it all over the news, but we never actually see people from there.” It’s very welcoming. There are a lot of Islamic societies, Saudi societies, and also the Saudi Cultural Bureau really helps out. They often have events, which is really helpful with homesickness and loneliness.
The La Trobe Reading Room at State Library Victoria. (Getty Images)
Are the residents as friendly in general?
They’re friendly if you approach them, but they don’t usually approach international students. I do feel like there’s some kind of discrimination, but I don’t want to be judge-y. It’s like, “We hang out with each other. You’re international students. You’re chill, but we wouldn’t vibe with you.” It’s kind of an unwritten rule. But not all of them are like that.
Is it an easy place for Muslims to practice their religion?
I wouldn’t really say it’s “easy.” I have to go a long way to find halal food. Otherwise, I’m just stuck with Indomie (instant noodles), basically. Or cheese sandwiches. There are mosques, but they’re not widely publicized — just word of mouth. But they have a mosque in the university, which is really great. And in some of the buildings, they have small areas they call quiet rooms, where you can go and pray.
What’s the best time of year to visit, in terms of the weather?
Winters are super-cold, summers are super-hot. I wouldn’t say as hot as Saudi, but it’s close. So, I’d say the best time of year would be the end of May into June. That’s basically autumn. The vibes are amazing. It’s so enjoyable. It starts to get cold at the end of June. Then it’s basically winter from August until just before December.
What would you do on your ideal weekend in your city?
I’d go to the local farmers’ market — the Queen Victoria Market. The vibes there are amazing. It’s so nice. You find food, fresh veggies, fresh fruits and some clothing stands and accessories and gifts… stuff like that. It’s not a tourist area; you go there for calm vibes, eating, drinking coffee, and sightseeing. That’s basically what I might do during my weekend.
Queen Victoria Market. (Getty Images)
Where would you go sightseeing?
I’d go to the parks: the local parks are so beautiful. Other than that, I’d go 30 minutes away from the city to the nearest beach, St. Kilda. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The beaches here are the best. When I want to get away from all the chaos and noise, I just run away to whatever beach, and it calms me down.
Which famous tourist attraction would you recommend people visit?
Apart from St. Kilda, I’d say the Queen Victoria Library (State Library Victoria), which is a famous old library with so much about Australian history and literature. It’s so big. And Melbourne Central, which is the most famous mall in Melbourne. I’d also recommend some outlets for saving money, which are really nice, like Spencer Outlet and DFO.
What’s your city’s best hidden gem?
There are two streets. One is called Flinders Street. It’s near the biggest train station. It has a lot of good cafés and good food places. The other is Little Bourke Street. It’s the same idea. Again, a lot of good cafés, and some really beautiful street art.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Zambrero. I could eat there every day. It’s a healthy Mexican fast food place. It’s really difficult to find healthy food as a student, because you just want something fast and cheap. Zambrero is literally that — fast, healthy and cheap. I love it so much.
What’s your favorite store in the city?
I go to Kmart. It’s like Abu Khamsa (in Saudi. It’s cheap, in Australian terms. It has everything and anything. I love it.
Any other places you’d recommend to visitors?
Yo-Chi. It’s this really popular self-serve frozen-yogurt place. It’s so good. I love it so much. The vibe is amazing. They’re really welcoming.
What’s the best hotel in the city?
People are really big on Airbnbs. To be honest, I’m not built for Airbnbs, but I’ve been in the Hilton DoubleTree over here, and it’s really nice. I would recommend it.
Which neighborhood would you recommend people look for accommodation in?
Carlton. It’s a very Italian-oriented neighborhood with a lot of good food places. And it’s really safe compared to other areas. It’s on the outskirts of the city, but not far. And it’s really close to most of the universities.
Where do you go when you’re feeling homesick or nostalgic for Saudi Arabia?
To be honest, nothing gives off the vibe of home. Nothing is similar to Saudi in Australia. It’s like the polar opposite. So, this is kind of a weird answer, but I’d say this coffee shop called Brunetti. It’s basically an Arab hot spot, and I think you’d find Saudis there. So maybe, if you’re an extrovert, you can socialize with people from back home over there.
US actress Lana Parrilla shines in Jacquie Aiche jewelry
US actress at premiere of ‘The Rainmaker’ in which she stars
Egyptian US designer Jacquie Aiche has top celebrity clients
Updated 13 August 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: American actress Lana Parrilla attended the premiere of “The Rainmaker” this week in New York, turning heads in a black ensemble paired with jewelry by US-Egyptian brand Jacquie Aiche.
Parrilla accessorized her look with gold bracelets, rings and drop earrings from the Los Angeles-based label, known for its fusion of bohemian and Middle Eastern-inspired fine jewelry.
Her high-neck, sleeveless black gown featured a belted waist and sheer pleated skirt.
The actress, who is best known for her role as Regina Mills, also known as the Evil Queen, in the long-running ABC series “Once Upon a Time,” stars in the new legal drama series “The Rainmaker,” a television adaptation of John Grisham’s 1995 novel.
Parrilla plays Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone, a seasoned and unconventional lawyer who guides a young attorney through the complexities of the legal world.
The series focuses on Rudy Baylor, played by Milo Callaghan, a newly graduated law student who teams up with Bruiser and her paralegal Deck Shifflet (P. J. Byrne) after being dismissed from his firm.
Together, they pursue a high-stakes case against a powerful insurance company, led by attorney Leo F. Drummond, played by “Mad Men” actor John Slattery.
The series also features performances by Madison Iseman, Dan Fogler, Robyn Cara, and Wade Briggs.
During the premiere Cara wore a black gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. The British actress’ dress featured a sheer flowing train and a plunging neckline. The dress combined a delicate lace bodice with a fitted waist and a semi-sheer skirt.
The 10-episode drama will premiere on USA Network on Aug. 15 and will also be available to stream on Peacock starting Aug.16.
Aiche launched her eponymous label from her garage in 2008. She now has an impressive celebrity client list that includes Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry and Shanina Shaik.
The stylists of these celebrities flock to Aiche’s Beverly Hills showroom to adorn their clients in her signature delicate earrings, finger bracelets and chokers ahead of red-carpet events.
The jeweler is also the brainchild behind Chrissy Teigen’s bespoke engagement ring from John Legend.
Her pieces often feature Arab influences such as hammered gold, amulets and the evil eye talisman. And natural elements including turquoise, fossils and precious gemstones, which are a nod to her indigenous American ancestors.
Maya Waked on music, identity, and her upcoming Dubai show
Updated 13 August 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Lebanese-Canadian singer, songwriter, and genre-defying performer Maya Waked is celebrated for her evocative reinterpretations of classic songs and emotionally rich originals, blending nostalgia with modernity in a voice shaped by her multicultural heritage. Ahead of her anticipated performance at Dubai’s Zabeel Theatre this November, she spoke to Arab News about her creative journey and cultural identity.
“I take pride in taking the road less travelled by. I’ve always taken an unconventional approach within my art and like to challenge social boundaries,” Waked said, noting that genre-defying music allows her to explore sounds and themes without limits.
Her songs capture the joie de vivre — the joy of life — even when tinged with nostalgia. “I express love, longing, and hope, especially from the perspective of someone living in a multicultural city like Dubai.” She envisions her upcoming show as “a warm, emotional celebration,” adding: “I hope the audience laughs, cries, sings, and dances, just like we do at any Lebanese gathering.”
Being trilingual shapes her music deeply. “Arabic adds depth and poetry, French lends romance, and English gives a modern edge.”
She began her career by reinterpreting 1980s Lebanese songs she loved, aiming to give them fresh life. “I’m also drawn to timeless melodies — anything that people hum as soon as the first note plays.”
Her audience is primarily aged 30 to 50, often Lebanese and Middle Eastern expats, although her music also resonates with non-Arabic speakers. “Despite the challenges of balancing my personal and artistic life, I’ve learned that adversity often fuels meaningful art.”
Looking ahead, Waked hopes to keep performing and producing, and dreams of singing in Beirut — the heart of her song “Helmi Ghanilak Bi Beirut.”
