Jeddah, April 30, 2025 (2 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1446H):

The Visual Arts Commission today launched the exhibitions "See With Your Eye" and "When the Fog Whispers" in Jeddah's Jameel District, part of the third edition of the "Saudi Arabia Photography Award," which has become one of the Kingdom's leading national platforms for discovering and nurturing photographic talent.

A visual experience mirroring the Kingdom's natural and human diversity

Both exhibitions run through May 25, 2025, forming a major stop on the Saudi visual arts scene, presenting innovative photographic narratives documenting the Kingdom's natural and cultural diversity, from the fog of Asir to the bustle of cities and the stillness of the desert.

At a Glance

  • "See With Your Eye": Showcases winning and shortlisted works from over 1,300 entries by professional and amateur photographers.
  • Total prize value: SAR 400,000.
  • Judging: An international jury focused on technical excellence, narrative and emotional impact.

"When the Fog Whispers": a visual journey through the heart of Asir

This exhibition takes visitors on a sensory journey through the lenses of five artists from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco, including Abdulmajeed Al-Rowdhan with "Road Stops"; Elham Al-Dosari's "Passersby in Asir," a visual narrative combining archival and contemporary imagery; Mohammed Mahdi, whose lens documents the emotional bond between Asir's people and their land; Lina Jiyoushi's "Daughters of Al-Qatt," celebrating Asiri Al-Qatt art; and Hisham Gharadaf, offering a Moroccan perspective through "The Road to Arar."

An accompanying cultural program supporting skills development

The exhibitions are accompanied by a rich program of interactive workshops, open discussion sessions led by photography experts, and learning and development opportunities for all levels, from amateurs to professionals.

Leadership statements underscore the cultural dimension

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said the award seeks to document the Kingdom's heritage through a contemporary lens and boost photographers' presence locally and internationally. Curator Mohammed Somji said Saudi photography is no longer merely a documentation tool but has become a means of visual storytelling reflecting the social and cultural transformations of Saudi society.

Turning the image into a national narrative language

Through this creative initiative, the Visual Arts Commission continues to redefine the role of the image in contemporary cultural discourse, empowering photographic talent to help build a thriving, ever-renewing Saudi art scene.