In a landmark art event, the painting “Café on City Road” by pioneering Saudi artist Safia Binzagr sold for an exceptional sum of US$2,063,000, equivalent to SAR 7.736 million. This historic sale took place during the Origins II auction held by Sotheby’s in the heart of historic Diriyah, setting a new record for the late artist’s work and underscoring the growing global significance of modern Saudi art.

A window into Jeddah's rich past

Safia Binzagr's 1968 painting, "A Café on a City Road," is more than just a work of art; it's a rare visual document of social life in Jeddah during the mid-20th century. Through her brushstrokes, she captured the intricate details of daily life during that era, from men gathering in traditional cafés to the features of traditional Hijazi architecture, offering a vivid glimpse into a rapidly changing social and cultural fabric. The work authentically reflects the spirit of that transitional period in the Kingdom's history, as modernity began to blend with the rich traditions of the past.

Safia Binzagr: A pioneer in documenting heritage

Safia Binzagr was more than just an artist; she was a visual historian who dedicated her illustrious career to preserving Saudi heritage, particularly that of the Hijaz region. At a time when the Kingdom was experiencing tremendous development, Binzagr recognized the importance of documenting customs, traditions, fashions, and everyday life that were threatened with extinction. This pioneering artist passed away, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that has become an integral part of the Kingdom's cultural memory and a shining creative mark on the local and Arab art scene.

The importance of the event and its impact on the art scene

This auction transcends a mere commercial transaction, representing international recognition of the importance and stature of Saudi art. Holding an auction by the prestigious Sotheby's in Diriyah, a city of historical significance to the Kingdom, reflects the cultural openness the country is experiencing under Vision 2030, which aims to bolster the culture and arts sector. The high price achieved by the painting places the works of pioneering Saudi artists on the global art map, encouraging increased interest from international museums and collectors, and raising the overall market value of Saudi art, thus benefiting a new generation of artists.

A lasting legacy: Safia Binzagr House

As a culmination of her decades-long career, the late artist established the Safia Binzagr Foundation in 1995, a unique cultural institution that serves as a permanent museum for her artwork and collection, in addition to housing her studio and private library. In 2000, she published her book, "A Journey of Three Decades with Saudi Heritage," in which she outlined the Foundation's objectives and its mission to preserve heritage in an aesthetically pleasing and constructive manner for future generations, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire artists and researchers even after her passing.

Musician Hani Mehanna sparked controversy after recent television remarks in which he discussed aspects of the life of the legendary singer Umm Kulthum, prompting the General Union of Artistic Syndicates in Egypt to refer him for immediate investigation. The union described Mehanna's statements as "an affront and an insult to the icons of Egyptian art," emphasizing the need to preserve the legacy of artistic figures who have shaped the nation's conscience.

The crisis began when Hani Mehanna stated in an interview that Umm Kulthum was "bankrupt" in the period following the 1967 defeat, and that the Egyptian state, under the direction of the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, was organizing her famous concerts abroad to raise funds for the war effort. Mehanna indicated that these concerts were not her personal initiative but rather an official commission, which many considered a belittling of the great national role that the "Star of the East" played voluntarily.

The historical context of Umm Kulthum's national role

Umm Kulthum, nicknamed "The Star of the East" and "The Lady of Arab Song," is a cultural and national icon whose stature extends far beyond her exceptional singing talent. Following the defeat of June 1967, Umm Kulthum undertook a historic initiative, touring Arab and Western capitals, from Paris to Khartoum and from Beirut to Tripoli, to perform massive concerts, all proceeds of which were dedicated to supporting the Egyptian treasury and the war effort. She succeeded in raising millions of Egyptian pounds in a patriotic gesture that remains etched in the memory of Egyptians and Arabs alike, as her concerts transformed into artistic and political demonstrations of support for Egypt. Therefore, portraying this role as merely a response to an official directive misses the essence of this historic initiative.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

The significance of this incident lies in its reopening of the debate surrounding the portrayal of national and historical figures. The decision by the Federation of Artistic Syndicates to investigate Hani Mehanna is not merely aimed at holding him accountable, but also sends a clear message that tampering with the legacy of major artistic figures is a red line. Figures like Umm Kulthum, Abdel Wahab, and Abdel Halim Hafez are considered part of the national heritage, and any attempt to distort their image or diminish their achievements provokes widespread public and union outrage. This investigation is expected to lead to stricter regulations governing statements made by artists about their deceased colleagues, especially those who represent pivotal moments in the history of Egyptian and Arab art.

In a surprising move that sparked widespread interest in artistic and public circles, Egyptian star Amr Saad announced his decision to retire from television drama, confirming that his anticipated series “Efrag”, scheduled to be shown in the Ramadan 2026 season, will be his final farewell on the small screen.

Statement of retirement: A huge effort to create work worthy of Egypt

On his official Facebook page, Amr Saad shared this important decision with his followers, revealing the immense effort he put into his latest project. He wrote, "From the series 'Efrag,' I'm putting in a tremendous amount of work every day so that I can leave television next year feeling that I've created something worthy of Egypt." He added, expressing his hope that the series will be well-received by the audience, "I hope to make you happy and that you'll be proud of a series that represents Egyptian drama throughout the Arab world and is worthy of our great history, which has given great stars to the Arab people, not just grand lies.".

A remarkable artistic career: from challenging roles to A-list stardom

Amr Saad's decision to retire comes after a long and distinguished career in television drama, during which he cemented his place as one of the leading stars in Egypt and the Arab world. Saad was known for his boldness in choosing his roles and his ability to portray complex and realistic characters, especially those representing the working class. His true fame began with iconic roles in films such as "When Maysara Was Born" and "Shehata's Shop" by director Khaled Youssef, before he reigned supreme in Ramadan dramas with successful series like "Younis, Son of Fadda," "Kings of Bravery," and "Repentance," which achieved high viewership ratings and widespread acclaim.

"Release": An epic conclusion to a dramatic journey

The series "Efrag" marks the end of Amr Saad's television career, raising expectations for the show. Saad portrays the character "Abbas El-Reis" in a popular social drama inspired by a true story, promising a heavy dose of mystery and suspense. The cast includes a number of stars, most notably Abdel Aziz Makhyoun, Sama Ibrahim, Tara Emad, Hatem Salah, Alaa Morsi, Sarah Baraka, Sherif El-Desouky, Safwat, Basant Shawky, Jihad Hossam El-Din, Ahmed Abdel Hamid, Donia Maher, Reda Idris, and Omar El-Saeed. Written by Ahmed Halaba, Mohamed Fawzy, and Ahmed Bakr, produced by Sadek El-Sabah, and directed by Ahmed Khaled Moussa, the series is a combination that guarantees a strong and well-rounded production.

The impact of the decision on the art scene

The retirement of a star of Amr Saad's stature from television drama is a significant event for the industry. His absence will leave a void in the type of roles he was known for, roles that resonated with a large segment of society. His decision also raises questions about the future of Egyptian drama and its ability to produce new stars with the same charisma and impact. Arab audiences eagerly await the premiere of "Efrag," hoping to witness the final chapter in the career of an artist who has long entertained them with works that combined artistic merit with popular success.