The Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Visual Arts Commission is excited to share the results of the Kingdom Photography Award’s second edition, a contest where both new and experienced photographers were invited to submit images on the theme “We Tell Stories.”

The winning photos will be exhibited at ‘AlHasa Hassana,’ an event at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah from February 11 to March 2. This exhibition, free for everyone, celebrates visual storytelling, displaying various stories captured by Saudi photographers.

Five entries were selected by a group of local and international experts, including Ghada AlMuhanna, Hussain AlMoosawi, Mick Moore, Mohammed AlFaraj, and Tanvi Mishra. Each winning artist will receive a cash prize and SAR 40,000 in vouchers.

Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and the Visual Arts Commission to host Kingdom Photography at Hayy Jameel, and to have the opportunity to feature and work with such dynamic photographers and curators. As Jeddah’s home for the arts, Hayy Jameel nurtures the broadest community of creatives. We have long had a special mandate to support the active photography community in Saudi Arabia, and look forward to opening our space for makers and image-makers, including a specialist darkroom, at Hayy Jameel this year. We thank the Commission and our collaborators and wider community for their constant support and spirit of collaboration.

The winners and their work include:

• Abdullah Alshaikh:
  • Series Title: I’m from this Land
  • Location: Al-Ahsa Oasis
  • Artist Statement: In the heart of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Abdullah Hussain Alshaikh’s series traces the intimate journey of farmers and the 2.5 million date palms that define Al-Ahsa.

• Amnah Alhaik:
  • Series Title: The Women from Al-Qatif
  • Location: Qatif
  • Artist Statement: Amnah Ibrahim Alhaik’s lens captures the urban landscape of Al-Qatif, focusing on the daily rituals of women, both young and elderly.

• Nather Alsyf:
  • Series Title: Ibrahim Almilad – Life in Colors
  • Location: Qatif
  • Artist Statement: In the heart of Qatif, Nather Abd Rab Alrasool Alsyf introduces us to Ibrahim Almilad, a 65-year-old artist living on a small farm adjacent to a graveyard.

• Mohammed Al Jerabi:
  • Series Title: Saudi Symphony
  • Location: Riyadh
  • Artist Statement: Time and the art machines together created the ultimate sound of war and its most powerful language, merging with time to become the language of battle and a joyful canvas.

• Zuhair Altraifi:
  • Series Title: Ain Al-Jawhariya (Al-Jawhariya Spring)
  • Location: Al-Ahsa
  • Artist Statement: Zuhair Ahmad Altraifi’s series captures the essence of Ain Al-Jawhariya, a once vibrant underground spring in Al-Ahsa.

Celebrating the winners, Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said, “We’re excited to share the amazing stories captured by the Kingdom Photography Award winners. These visual storytellers skillfully show the beauty of Saudi Arabia, each series narrating a special tale. The outstanding artworks from the Award highlight the importance of such projects in giving a unique platform to discover new talent and boost the visual arts sector in KSA.”

The exhibition will include various activities, such as engaging panel talks and hands-on workshops. All of this will happen alongside the many diverse and captivating works on display. For more details about the exhibition and its events, check out: engage.moc.gov.sa