How ATHR Gallery and AlUIa Enable Personal Experiences with Art

Founded in Jeddah in 2009, ATHR Gallery has been instrumental in shaping Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene

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Art and creativity are driving forces in AlUla, with one of the centrepieces of the city’s ever-growing scene being ATHR Gallery, a pioneering force in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art movement. Through its innovative exhibitions and artist-centred initiatives, ATHR Gallery is playing a role in shaping AlUla into a global hub for artistic dialogue and cultural exchange. At the same time, it also stands as an accessible, human platform that showcases the wonders of art.

One unforgettable moment during ATHR Gallery’s first solo exhibition in AlUla perfectly captured the essence of this mission. While installing the artworks, a local family of three wandered in, curious about what was being built.

The centrepiece of the exhibition was a work by Ayman Yossri Daydban, composed of 15 canvases. The artist invited the family’s young daughter, who was around six or seven years old, to rearrange the canvases however she wished. In that moment, the artwork transformed into a dynamic jigsaw puzzle, reshaped through a child’s perspective. Her intuitive interaction with the work underscored the power of art to engage, inspire, and create new narratives - regardless of age or background - reinforcing exactly why ATHR Gallery is an exciting part of AlUla’s evolution as a global hub for art and cultural exchange.

Pioneers in Saudi Arabia

Founded in Jeddah in 2009, ATHR Gallery has been instrumental in shaping Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene. ATHR Gallery’s presence in AlUla’s AlJadidah District aligns with the city’s ambition to celebrate its past while fostering contemporary innovation in the arts and culture space. By situating exhibitions within AlUla’s natural and historical contexts, hosting immersive artist residencies, and organising workshops that explore the area’s diverse environments, the gallery creates opportunities for artists and audiences alike to connect with the land and its stories.

At its core, ATHR Gallery believes in breaking down barriers to entry in the art world, empowering Saudi and regional artists to thrive on an international stage. By providing professional networks, curatorial expertise, and collaborative opportunities, ATHR fosters a sustainable ecosystem for creativity. In AlUla, this vision comes to life, inviting diverse audiences to experience art in ways that are both profound and personal.