The workshop, known as Salam, was founded by 25-year-old Hend Al-Mousa, who envisioned a calm environment where participants could explore creativity while finding a sense of belonging.

The sessions take place every weekend at a small studio that welcomes women of all ages from different backgrounds.

The initiative is open to the public, with registration managed through Instagram and a modest participation fee that covers materials, tools and refreshments for the gathering.

Al-Mousa created Salam as a space rooted in the idea of peace, aiming to build an environment that feels open and comforting to anyone who walks in.

She describes the project as an invitation for women to express themselves freely, away from daily pressures and expectations, and to reconnect with simple moments of calm.

Choosing a new theme for each month has become a core part of the initiative’s identity, reflecting Al-Mousa’s interest in seasonal changes and personal milestones.

She keeps the theme undisclosed until the start of the month to encourage participants to immerse themselves fully in the present before exploring what comes next.

Since launching in September 2025, Salam has steadily evolved from a simple art workshop into a community that many women return to week after week.

Participants say the environment helps them form friendships and share conversations that feel supportive and uplifting during the creative process.

For some women, the sessions offer a quiet retreat where they can focus on themselves, while for others, they provide a chance to reconnect with artistic hobbies once set aside.

Al-Mousa notes that many first-time visitors arrive shy or unsure but gradually open up, finding comfort in the relaxed atmosphere and shared artistic experience.

The initiative has attracted a diverse group, including students, artists, and working professionals who appreciate the opportunity to slow down and express themselves.

As the monthly themes change, the energy and rhythm of the sessions shift as well, introducing new colors, concepts and emotional tones to explore.

Women who have joined the sessions describe the experience as calming, inspiring and refreshingly different from their daily routines.

They highlight the welcoming environment, the attention to detail and the thoughtful curation of each workshop as reasons they continue to return.

Participants have praised the initiative for its focus on creating a peaceful space filled with warmth and creativity.

The artistic activities often help them reconnect with their inner voice, offering mental clarity and a break from the fast pace of everyday life.

Some describe Salam as a brief escape, where the outside world fades and the focus shifts entirely to the canvas in front of them.

Others say it offers a sense of community, as the shared experience of painting encourages conversations and connections that develop naturally.

The workshops also showcase various artistic elements, blending color, movement and reflection into each session.

The setting is designed to be visually inviting, from the arrangement of tools to the choice of seasonal details that match each month’s theme.

For Al-Mousa, Salam represents an ongoing journey of growth, both personally and for the women who join her sessions.

She believes that creativity flourishes when people feel safe and supported, and she hopes the initiative continues to inspire new participants.

Registration details, themes and monthly updates are shared through the project’s Instagram page at @salamm.sa.

The initiative aims to remain accessible while continuing to foster a creative community built on peace, expression and meaningful human connection.

Rising from the heart of historic Diriyah, the Royal Diriyah Opera House is set to become one of Saudi Arabia’s most inspiring cultural landmarks. Designed by Norwegian firm Snohetta in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Syn Architects, it reflects the harmony between desert-inspired tradition and modern creativity.

Set to open in 2028, the 46,000-square-meter venue will feature world-class performance spaces for more than 3,500 people. A 2,000-seat main theatre will host operas and global productions, while two smaller halls and a 450-seat rooftop amphitheater will support diverse cultural events in both indoor and open-air settings.

The project, led by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, is part of the larger Diriyah master plan. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, transforming the historic birthplace of the Kingdom into a vibrant cultural and global arts destination. Construction began before summer 2025 and continues to progress steadily.

Snohetta’s winning design was chosen in a 2022 international competition for its deep connection to the local environment. Inspired by Najdi architecture, the structure uses natural textures, shaded walkways, and open courtyards that mirror the desert landscape while ensuring sustainability and comfort.

The opera house’s interior will celebrate Saudi creativity. Installations by renowned local artists like Maha Malluh will pay tribute to the country’s visual heritage, blending tradition with modern expression and giving a platform to homegrown talent.

Architect Eli Synnevag emphasized that the project symbolizes how culture can unite communities and inspire the future. It represents a bridge between Saudi traditions and international art, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing influence in global culture and design.

Beyond architecture, the project’s purpose is deeply human — to create a space where people gather to experience music, theatre, and art in harmony with the landscape. Open gardens and connected spaces will welcome both residents and visitors, encouraging exploration and dialogue.

As the Royal Diriyah Opera House rises from the desert, it stands as a beacon of Saudi Arabia’s transformation. It embodies a new era where heritage and innovation coexist, illuminating the path toward a creative, confident, and globally connected cultural future.