Jeddah Municipality launches "Bride of the Red Sea" photography exhibition in April 2026
Jeddah Municipality announced the "Bride of the Red Sea" photography exhibition in April 2026, featuring 25 photographs of the city’s public sculptures. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Jeddah’s urban art and will be available online and through a physical display.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Launch of a new photography exhibition highlighting Jeddah’s public sculptures
- Timing
- Announced in April 2026 with the first phase now open
- Who is affected
- Residents and visitors interested in Jeddah’s urban art scene
The details
- Announced by
- Jeddah Municipality
Background and purpose
Jeddah’s public squares have displayed a variety of sculptural works for decades, ranging from everyday‑life motifs to abstract compositions. The city’s visual landscape reflects contributions from artists and architects worldwide, creating an open‑air museum that enriches daily life for locals and tourists.
The "Bride of the Red Sea" initiative
In April 2026 the Jeddah Municipality announced the "Bride of the Red Sea" project, a photography exhibition that documents the city’s most iconic sculptures. The first phase presents 25 photographs selected from a pool of 100 submissions, contributed by five professional photographers.
- The exhibition is displayed both physically in a municipal venue and online through a dedicated web page.
- The web page lists each sculpture’s name, artistic meaning, designer, year of installation and exact location.
Implementation and future plans
The initiative aligns with recent urban‑development projects, such as the April 2026 upgrade of the Prince Sultan Road and Hara Street intersection, which preserved the historic sculpture on site. By documenting these works, the municipality seeks to integrate cultural heritage into future traffic‑improvement plans.
Future phases will expand the photo collection and may include interactive tours, though no specific timeline has been announced.
- No additional fees are required to view the exhibition.
- The online portal will remain accessible after the physical display ends.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers can include visits to Jeddah’s public sculptures in their itineraries, using the online guide for exact locations.
- The exhibition provides a ready‑made cultural route for day‑trippers and art‑focused tours.
Cost and documents
- There are no new costs associated with viewing the exhibition.
- No additional documentation is required to access the online photo collection.
What you need to do
- Check the municipal website for the exhibition’s opening hours and location before visiting.
- Download the online guide to plan a walking tour of the highlighted sculptures.
Who this affects
-
Domestic tourists
The exhibition highlights sculptures located throughout Jeddah’s public spaces.
What to do Can use the online guide to locate and visit the artworks.
-
International visitors
Jeddah’s public art forms part of the city’s cultural attractions.
What to do May incorporate the exhibition into their travel itinerary.
-
Local residents
The project raises awareness of artworks in neighbourhoods and squares.
What to do Can explore the online portal to learn about nearby sculptures.
Frequently asked questions
What is the "Bride of the Red Sea" exhibition in Jeddah?
The "Bride of the Red Sea" exhibition is a photography project launched by Jeddah Municipality in April 2026 that showcases 25 images of the city’s public sculptures, both online and in a physical venue.
When did the exhibition open?
The exhibition was announced in April 2026 and the first phase is currently open to the public.
How many photographs are displayed in the first phase?
The initial phase features 25 photographs selected from a total of 100 submissions submitted by five photographers.
Is there a fee to view the exhibition?
No, the exhibition is free of charge; visitors can view the photographs in the municipal venue or online without paying.
Where can I find information about the locations of the sculptures?
The exhibition’s dedicated website lists each sculpture’s name, meaning, designer, year of installation and exact location, allowing visitors to plan their own tours.
