Wadi AlFann – Saudi Arabia’s Valley of the Arts – hints at the scale of its ambition with an event in the desert for curators, artists and cultural leaders ahead of the completion of its site and first five artworks
Wadi AlFann, a 65 sq km ‘Valley of the Arts’ in the desert of AlUla, north-west Saudi Arabia, is set to be a major new cultural destination for art, design and performance. The project will set grand-scale art commissions against the dramatic natural backdrop of AlUla’s dunes and heritage sites.
Rosemary, moringa and kapok bush were placed between rocks to create a dialogue with the natural elements of the Wadi AlFann valley. Handmade local pottery vases referenced the darker colours of the sky. Artisans of AlUla’s crafts centre Madrasat Addeera embroidered rock art animals and floral motifs on the napkins, nodding to the legacy of local artists past and present. Fresh oranges and lemons were placed as ornaments on the table, to highlight the local abundance of citrus.
Paying homage to the region's gastronomic and agricultural heritage, the dinner’s three-course menu – Saudi cuisine with a contemporary twist – was created using ingredients sourced from local farmers and growers. Saudi chef Naessah Al Otaishan designed the menu, which was conceptualised by Deema Alsehli, co-founder of OKTO, part of the Contemporary Food Company which also owns oasis-to-table restaurant Tawlet Fayza in AlUla’s AlJadidah Village.
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