Abdul Halim Radwi Exhibition Opens in Cairo Gallery

An exhibition celebrating the late Saudi artist Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi opened at Zai Gallery in Cairo’s Zamalek district on Sunday evening. The Abdul Halim Radwi exhibition Cairo event features works by 30 Saudi artists and will run until December 28, 2025.

Egyptian Artists Syndicate President Tariq Al-Koumi, Saudi artist Shalimar Sharbatly, and art critic Hisham Qandil inaugurated the exhibition. The opening drew Egyptian and Saudi artists, critics, and media representatives, including Fouad Al-Gharabli, Sami Al-Balshi, Walid Obeid, and Atef Suleiman.

Key Takeaways

Exhibition honors Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi alongside 30 contemporary Saudi artists at Cairo’s Zai Gallery
Event strengthens cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Egypt through December 28, 2025
Radwi’s legacy emphasized blending Arab-Islamic heritage with contemporary artistic vision
Exhibition aligns with Vision 2030’s cultural exchange and international cooperation goals

Exhibition Features First-Generation Saudi Art Pioneer

Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi was among the first generation of artists who helped establish Saudi Arabia’s art movement. His work drew from Arab-Islamic heritage while incorporating global artistic influences. The Abdul Halim Radwi exhibition Cairo showcase includes pieces spanning his artistic evolution from equestrian symbolism to depictions of homes, people, and daily life.

Radwi passed away in Jeddah after an illness. His career focused on fine art’s role in enriching Saudi culture and expressing identity through contemporary vision.

Cultural Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Egypt

Saudi artist Shalimar Sharbatly stated the exhibition represents a significant cultural milestone. “Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi was not only an exceptional artist through his works, but also contributed to consolidating the status of Saudi fine art,” she said during the opening.

Sharbatly emphasized Cairo’s historical role as a hub for Arab art. “This exhibition forms a cultural bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, enhancing the presence of joint artistic dialogue,” she added. The event contributes to cultural exchange between artists and institutions in both countries.

Featured Saudi Artists Represent Diverse Artistic Styles

The exhibition includes works by Bakr Sheikhoun, Ahmed Felmban, Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiman, Taha Al-Sabban, and Abdullah Hamas. Additionally, pieces by Samir Al-Dahham, Fahd Al-Hajilan, Abdullah Idrees, Ayman Yousri, and Ola Hijazi are displayed.

Other participating artists include Mohamed Al-Ribat, Fahd Khalif, Mohamed Al-Ghamdi, Abdulrahman Al-Maghrabi, and Riyadh Hamdoun. The showcase also features Mohamed Al-Shahri, Ihsan Burhan, Mohamed Al-Ablaan, Mohamed Al-Khubti, Saeed Al-Alawi, Abu Haris, Nahar Marzouk, Khalid Al-Amir, Ahmed Al-Khazmari, and Abdullah Al-Zahrani.

Vision 2030 Cultural Exchange Goals

The exhibition supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for cultural development and international cooperation. According to Sharbatly, such initiatives are essential for supporting Arab art and showcasing its presence regionally and internationally.

The event offers a platform bridging historical legacy with contemporary artistic practices. It reflects the Kingdom’s growing cultural momentum in the Arab and international art scene.

What’s Next

The exhibition remains open to visitors at Zai Gallery in Zamalek through December 28, 2025. The venue provides access to both Radwi’s historical works and contemporary pieces from current Saudi artists, offering insight into the evolution of Saudi fine art over several generations.