The head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, received an elite group of Syrian artists in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in a move aimed at launching a new phase of joint Arab cooperation and production, on Saturday evening, October 8.
Al-Sheikh explained on the “X” platform, today, Sunday, November 9, that he held a meeting that lasted three hours, which resulted in preparations for future artistic surprises, noting that during it he met a number of artists whom he had not met in more than 15 years.
Syrian artists capture Turki Al-Sheikh in Riyadh – November 8, 2025 (Turki Al-Sheikh)
Joint artistic projects
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The “Fuchsia” website, which specializes in art, explained that the meeting included a presentation of a number of major dramatic projects planned to be implemented during the years 2025 and 2026, which aim to renew the spirit of Arab drama through qualitative content that combines the quality of production and the depth of the story.
He also discussed preparations for expanded Arab participation in the upcoming “Joy Awards,” in addition to theatrical performances within the Riyadh season.
The meeting, which was hosted by “The Groves” area as part of the activities of the Riyadh Season 2025, during which the participants discussed joint artistic projects between Syria and Saudi Arabia, in addition to announcing future surprises aimed at strengthening Arab artistic cooperation and reviving Syrian drama.
The meeting comes within the vision of the Saudi Entertainment Authority to unify creative energies in the region and enhance cooperation between Arab artists and producers through huge production initiatives with Saudi funding and a joint Arab vision, to bring Syrian and Lebanese drama back to the forefront after years of decline.
Artists convey the messages of the meeting
In turn, Syrian artists expressed their appreciation for this meeting and its importance for Syrian drama and Syrian art, noting that it is a starting point for major Syrian artistic projects.
Syrian artist Yasser Al-Azma said that the meeting was very wonderful and rare, and he thanked the advisor and the General Entertainment Authority for the hospitality and care for Syrian art.
Syrian artist Jihad Saad considered the meeting a sign of love, interaction, and an opportunity to meet colleagues. He explained that the meeting looked forward to translating the ideas presented into practical works in the future, adding, “We are all ready to cooperate and raise new generations in workshops, theater, and drama.”
“The meeting was frank and direct, and opened horizons for great cooperation and a qualitative shift in the Syrian and Arab drama industry,” according to what Syrian artist Jamal Suleiman said, expressing his happiness because the meeting brought together a large number of artists after a long absence.
Syrian artist Mona Wassef confirmed that the meeting presented ambitions and ideas, and this could help Syrian drama produce more within this trend.
As for the artist Basil Khayyat, he said that the meeting was very transparent and frank about new future projects, so that Syrian drama would be closer to the audience.
Who attended the meeting?
Among the Syrian artists whom Al-Sheikh met in Riyadh were Duraid Lahham, Yasser Al-Azma, Mona Wassef, Sabah Al-Jazairi, Nadine Khoury, Jamal Suleiman, Ghassan Masoud, Salloum Haddad, Abbas Al-Nouri, Rashid Assaf, and Ayman Zidane.
The meeting also included Amal Arafa, Tim Hassan, Basil Khayyat, Qusay Khouli, Abdel Moneim Amairi, Suzan Najm Al-Din, Shukran Murtaja, Karis Bashar, Yara Sabry, Mustafa Al-Khani, Wael Sharaf, Dima Kandalaft, Dima Al-Jundi, Maxim Khalil, Samer Ismail, Emarat Rizk, Milad Youssef, Wafa Al-Mousali, and many other representatives.
The head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia also shared a video recording of a gift he received during his meeting with Syrian artists.
He said that he received “a precious gift from the people of Damascus from the only remaining Damascene sword maker, Fayyad Al-Siyoufi, whose family inherits the Damascene sword industry.”
Syrian theater in Riyadh season
Syrian theater is witnessing a remarkable presence in the Riyadh 2025 season, which has become part of the Arab cultural scene and is embraced by Saudi Arabia, after the head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, announced the inclusion of Syrian plays in the season’s activities, for the first time in its history.
He revealed three main Syrian theatrical performances during the season: “A Pretty Wedding,” “Premature Birth,” and “Ghee on Honey,” in addition to other events that will attract Syrian art audiences.
“A Pretty Wedding” brings together Qusay Khouli and Nour Ali
The play “A Huge Wedding” is one of the most prominent theatrical performances that the Riyadh season will witness, as it brings together an elite group of Syrian artists, including Qusay Khouli, Nour Ali, Nadine Tahseen Bey, and Jamal Al-Ali.
The play is written and directed by Orwa Al-Arabi, and its events take place in the atmosphere of the Levantine environment. The work deals with an inspiring social story in a comedic form. The date of its presentation has been set for next December 19 at the “Mohammed Al-Ali” theatre.
“Premature birth” brings back Zidane and Najm Al-Din
Ayman Zidane returns to the stage with his play “Premature Birth,” which he will perform next December 24 at the “Bakr Al Shadi” Theater in Riyadh.
The play, written and directed by Zidane, presents a mixture of satirical social comedy, and reviews contemporary humanitarian issues in a humorous style and a critical spirit, with the participation of an elite group of Syrian artists, including Suzan Najm al-Din, Muhammad Haddaki, Hazem Zidane, and Lama Baddour.
“Ghee with honey”
On February 3, 2026, Ayman Reda will present a comedy show entitled “Ghee on Honey,” which will bring him together with Shukran Murtaja, Haya Maraachli, Jumana Murad, and Jamal Al-Ali.
The play deals with a comic adventure that begins with the character “Hulk” escaping to a police officer’s apartment, in a context full of surprises and funny situations.
Three performances by Syrian theater in the Riyadh season
