Inside Red Sea Global’s newly opened Desert Rock Resort 

DUBAI: Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig took to the runway for Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco on day four of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW). 

Theilvig closed the show wearing a red gown – with a strapless, sweetheart neckline – that featured intricate sequin embellishments. 

The dress included a dramatic, structured peplum detail at the waist over a fitted silhouette. The look was completed with a floor-length, flowing train. 

Cinco’s collection showcased detailed craftsmanship and dramatic silhouettes, reinforcing his signature aesthetic that has been touted by celebrities including Mariah Carey, Sofia Vergara and Aishwarya Rai, among others.

Tuesday showcased a diverse lineup of brands, including Viva Vox, Lama Jouni, CHOICE, and Riva, which all brought bold styles, modern femininity and refined elegance to the runway.

Russian brand Viva Vox’s creative director Oleg Ovsiyov unveiled an Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection characterized by striking silhouettes, vibrant colors, and experimental fabric choices, reflecting the brand’s avant-garde identity.

Lebanese designer Jouni blended luxury and streetwear in a collection featuring muted tones, waist-enhancing separates, and structured dresses. The designs emphasized versatility and practicality, offering a balance of comfort and sophistication.

Dubai-based brand CHOICE channelled the 1970s for its Spring/Summer 2025 line, incorporating linen, cotton, tweeds, chiffons and silks. The collection featured feminine silhouettes with dramatic draping, bold accessories and a palette of caramel, bronze and desert sand-like hues. Metallic fringes, sequins and textured details added depth, while structured trench coats and waist-cinching designs completed the lineup.

Riva presented a collection of flowing kaftans, flattering silhouettes, and intricate embroidery. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton, paired with a soft color palette, offered versatile designs suited for formal and relaxed settings.

Theilvig won the Miss Universe crown in November. The dancer, entrepreneur and animal rights activist beat out more than 120 contestants in the pageant’s 73rd edition held in Mexico City. 

“I have been waiting for my whole life for this moment,” she said during the swimsuit round of the pageant.

“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths,” she also said on the Miss Universe stage at the time. 

RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival brings together literary enthusiasts, publishers, and celebrated authors and provides a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s rich storytelling traditions and evolving literary landscape.

The event, which lasts until Feb. 8, features panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and interactive experiences.

The festival is attracting a diverse audience, including international visitors who engage with Saudi authors to explore locally published books.

One of the standout sessions, “The Roots of the Tale,” featured renowned Saudi novelist and journalist Badryah Al-Bishr, who spoke about the transformation of storytelling into modern literature.

Al-Bishr said: “My participation was all about tracing the wisdom of storytelling to the structure of novels. Since I studied folk tales in my master’s degree while also writing novels, I explored how traditional narratives evolved before written literature.

“Societies have always needed this literary and cultural influence — it serves deep and indirect functions, whether in raising children, comforting sorrowful hearts, or inspiring values and ideals.

“This is what we now call ‘soft power.’ Storytelling has always shaped minds, transferring across cultures like the tale of ‘Cinderella,’ which exists in Russia, Europe, and even Najd.”

A key aspect of the festival is its focus on showcasing Saudi literature to international visitors, offering translations and accessible editions of local works.

Modi Al-Dossari, from the Tashkeel Publishing House, noted the growing interest from foreign attendees, and added: “We’re working on something big here at the festival.

“The visitors are quite diverse, including many foreigners eager to learn about our culture.

“At Tashkeel we have Saudi books and stories translated into English, and they are among our bestsellers. It’s amazing to see our culture being shared in such a smooth and accessible way.”

The availability of translated Saudi literature has helped bridge the gap between local storytelling and a global readership, highlighting the richness of Saudi narratives and their universal appeal.

Beyond book discussions, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival provides visitors with a fully immersive cultural experience, allowing them to explore the historic and artistic depth of Diriyah.

Entry to the festival costs SR40 ($10.66) per person, which includes access to all three locations — Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel, and Al-Zuhayra — as well as shuttle transportation between the venues and parking areas.

The festival also features restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, making it an ideal destination for both literary and cultural exploration.

Hind Mohammed, who was attending, said: “I loved visiting Diriyah, especially Bujairi Terrace. It’s such a beautiful and enriching experience, with a vibrant atmosphere, and fantastic cafes, restaurants, and children’s play areas.”

Visitors can witness the breathtaking sunset over Diriyah’s landscape — and see a combination of golden light, traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings creating a spectacular and serene experience.

Saudi Arabia’s literary scene has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing global recognition for local authors and their works. Events like the Diriyah Storytelling Festival contribute to this transformation by providing a platform for dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange.