Lights, Camera, Saudi Arabia: Independent Filmmakers Making Their Mark

With major investments in the entertainment industry, Saudi Arabia’s freelance filmmakers are seizing new opportunities. From documentaries to cinematic storytelling, they bring Saudi narratives to life, working on local productions and collaborating internationally. Digital platforms and film festivals provide them with a growing space to showcase their creative talent.

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Haifaa al-Mansour

Haifaa al-Mansour is Saudi Arabia's first female filmmaker. She gained international acclaim with her feature debut, "Wadjda" (2012), the first full-length film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia. Al-Mansour's work often explores women's issues within Saudi society, and she continues to direct films and television projects globally.

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Tawfik Alzaidi

Tawfik Alzaidi is a film director, producer, and screenwriter. His feature film "Norah" was selected for the Un Certain Regard competition at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Saudi Feature Film award at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival. Alzaidi's work often delves into the human experience, reflecting the cultural nuances of Saudi society. 

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Ali Kalthami

Ali Kalthami is a director and screenwriter known for his contributions to Saudi Arabia's evolving cinema landscape. His debut feature, "Mandoob" (Night Courier), released in 2023, became the highest-grossing Saudi film. The thriller explores the rapid societal changes in the kingdom through the eyes of a food-delivery driver entangled in illegal activities. 

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Afnan Bawyan

Afnan Bawyan is an emerging Saudi filmmaker who transitioned from a career in chemistry to filmmaking. Her animated movie "Saleeg" was selected for screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, showcasing her talent in weaving compelling family dramas using puppetry and authentic Saudi dialects. 

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Saudi Arabia's Digital Journey: Freelance ICT Innovators Powering the Future

As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with Vision 2030, the demand for ICT professionals has skyrocketed. Freelancers specializing in cybersecurity, AI, web development, and digital marketing are helping businesses transition into the digital age. From building e-commerce platforms to securing networks, Saudi ICT freelancers are key players in the nation’s technological transformation.

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Abdullah Asiri

Co-founder and CEO of Lucidya, an AI-powered customer experience management platform established in 2016. Under his leadership, Lucidya has developed tools like the Lucidya CXM platform and the AI virtual analyst 'Luci,' enhancing how businesses engage with customers.

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Hatem Kameli

As a co-founder of Lucidya, Kameli has been instrumental in shaping the company's strategic direction, focusing on integrating advanced AI solutions to meet the evolving needs of the Saudi market.

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Mohamed Milyani

Another co-founder of Lucidya, Milyani has played a crucial role in the technical development of the company's products, ensuring they align with global standards and effectively serve local businesses. 

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Zuhair Khayyat

As a co-founder of Lucidya, Khayyat has contributed significantly to the company's growth, focusing on leveraging AI to provide actionable insights for businesses aiming to enhance their customer engagement strategies.

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The Sound of a Nation: Music Producers and Sound Engineers

Saudi Arabia’s music scene is undergoing a revolution, with freelance musicians and producers at the helm. Blending traditional Arabic sounds with hip-hop, electronic, and pop influences, they are composing for films, mixing tracks for artists, and producing live performances. With the rise of music festivals and streaming, Saudi artists are making a global impact.

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Omar Basaad

Omar Basaad is a prominent DJ, record producer, and record label owner. Recognized as the first official Saudi Electronic Dance Music (EDM) producer, he was honored as the best Saudi DJ and EDM Producer in 2012 by Saudi Gazette.

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Mamdouh Saif

A celebrated composer, pianist, and music producer, Mamdouh Saif has significantly influenced Arabic music. He gained prominence in 1990 through his collaboration with singer Abdulmajeed Abdullah, serving as his keyboard player. 

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Qusai Kheder

Qusai Kheder, also known as Don Legend or The Kamelion, is a pioneering Saudi rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and television personality. He is recognized as the first professional Saudi hip-hop artist and has co-hosted shows like "Hip Hop Na" on MTV Arabia and "Arabs Got Talent" on MBC1.

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Rashed Al-Majed

Rashed Al-Majed is a renowned Saudi singer, actor, musician, and record producer. With a career spanning several decades, he has released nearly 40 records and is known for his emotional and romantic songs. Al-Majed also owns the Art Jazeera channel and holds a 50% stake in Platinum Records.

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The Voices of Saudi Arabia: Writers & Storytellers Shaping Modern Narratives

Saudi Arabia’s rich oral storytelling tradition is evolving with a new wave of freelance writers, poets, and screenwriters. Whether crafting novels, writing for films, or publishing investigative journalism, these storytellers amplify Saudi perspectives, blending history, culture, and contemporary themes that are reaching wider audiences through books, online media, and streaming platforms.

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Raja'a Alem

Raja'a Alem is a distinguished Saudi novelist and playwright. She gained international acclaim by co-winning the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2011 for her novel "The Doves' Necklace," making her the first woman to receive this honor. Alem's works often explore themes of identity, spirituality, and the rich tapestry of Meccan heritage.

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Rajaa al-Sanea

Rajaa al-Sanea is best known for her debut novel "Girls of Riyadh," published in 2005. The novel offers a candid portrayal of the lives of young Saudi women, sparking widespread discussion upon its release. Al-Sanea's work provides a window into the complexities of contemporary Saudi society.

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Badriah Albeshr

A prominent Saudi author and journalist, Badriah Albeshr has penned several novels and short stories. Her works often delve into the nuances of Saudi society, particularly focusing on women's experiences and societal transformations. Albeshr's storytelling is celebrated for its depth and cultural authenticity. 

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Monther Al Kabbani

Dr. Monther Al Kabbani is a Saudi novelist and surgeon. He is renowned for his best-selling novels, including "The Shadow Government" and the "Warriors and Warlocks" trilogy. Al Kabbani's works are characterized by their intricate plots and blend of historical fiction with thrilling narratives. 

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Saudi Arabia Through the Lens: Freelance Photographers Capturing tradition & Transformation

From the futuristic skyline of Riyadh to the vast deserts of AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s freelance photographers document the nation’s evolving identity. Specializing in fashion, commercial, and event photography, they play a key role in showcasing Saudi culture, tourism, and businesses, gaining international recognition through digital platforms and social media.

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Tasneem Alsultan

Tasneem Alsultan is a Saudi-American photographer known for her work on social issues in the Arab Gulf region. She contributes to publications like The New York Times and National Geographic, focusing on themes such as gender and social dynamics. Alsultan is also the first Arab woman to become a Canon ambassador. 

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Lina Mo

Lina Mohammad, professionally known as Lina Mo, is a Saudi Arabian fashion photographer and cover artist. Her art style combines elements of Saudi culture with experimental modern art, and her work has been featured in international publications such as Elle and Harper's Bazaar. 

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Reem Al Faisal

Reem bint Mohammed Al Saud, also known as Reem Al Faisal, is a Saudi Arabian photographer and gallery owner. Specializing in black and white photography, her work often explores themes of spirituality and daily life in Saudi Arabia. She has exhibited internationally and runs The Empty Quarter, a photography gallery in Dubai and Jeddah. 

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Abdulrahman Saleh

A Somali visual artist based in Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Saleh was born as a refugee in Kenya and resettled with his family in Riyadh. He began his photography journey in 2012, focusing on documenting the lives of expatriate laborers and daily scenes in Saudi Arabia, offering a unique perspective shaped by his diverse background. 

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