Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Visual Arts Commission has launched two parallel photography exhibitions in Jeddah “Hay Ainek – In a New Light” and “When the Fog Whispers” as part of the third edition of the Kingdom Photography Award. Hosted at Hayy Jameel and running until May 25, the exhibitions offer powerful visual narratives that explore Saudi Arabia’s landscapes, heritage, and evolving cultural identity.
“Hay Ainek” showcases over 1,300 entries from professional and amateur photographers, with themes ranging from natural beauty to daily life across the Kingdom. With a prize pool of SAR 400,000 ($106,000), the award fosters local talent and creativity, judged by a diverse international panel.
Meanwhile, “When the Fog Whispers” presents intimate works from five artists exploring the Aseer region, blending archival and contemporary imagery to reflect personal and cultural ties to the land. Notable projects include visual tributes to vintage architecture, traditional women’s art, and the region’s juniper forests.
Accompanied by workshops and talks, the exhibitions reflect the Commission’s mission to support Saudi artists and highlight photography as a modern storytelling medium. CEO Dina Amin described the initiative as key to preserving and reimagining the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
