Join us for a breathtaking evening that will celebrate Marriott International's luxurious and incomparable hotel portfolio. Bringing together traditional and contemporary elements to create a unique dinning space and overall sensory experience. This setting aims to bring forth key senses of luxury and opulence through an innovative take on iconic Saudi Arabian cultural elements that will be a delight for guests.
The general look and feel of the event will take on quite a simplistic, contemporary air that still brings through a sense of refinement and sophistication. A sort of quiet luxury is exuded through the use of warm neutrals and muted earthy tones. Minimalistic floral arrangements and golden hues emitted by candlelight bring through some richness and depth to the overall space.
LOOK ONE
The first visual concept draws direct inspiration from the historic and architectural artform of the Saudi Mashrabiya or Rawashin windows. Specifically looking at those vibrant and eye-catching features found in the Al-Balad region of Jeddah, now recognized as a world heritage site, this craft is characterized by its precise and intricate wood lattice carvings, which aimed to provide insulation, lighting, privacy but also beauty.
The aim was to recreate the unique light patterns created by the Rawashin surrounding the dinner scape and to bring in subtle details celebrating the intricacy of the artform such as table runners and candleholders while still maintaining an overall upscale sophisticated look.
THE INSPIRATION
THE VISION
LOOK TWO
The second concept serves as a celebration of one of the country's oldest and most significant crafts, the traditional Al Sadu weaving practice. Al Sadu is traditionally practiced by Bedouin women and involves the use of materials like wool and camel hair weaved through very specific hand movements in order to produce pieces such as rugs and tents characterized by their vibrant and highly detailed geometric patterns.
The artform is a part of UNESCO's intangible heritage list and continues to be modernized and innovated by local designers and artists, preserving its tribal heritage and cultural significance.
We wanted to re-imagine the traditional craft in a slightly deconstructed and contemporary manner, still featuring the iconic geometric lines and shapes but presented in slightly more muted or neutral tones for a more contemporary look.
THE INSPIRATION
THE VISION
LOOK THREE
The final concept explores the significance of the color green in Saudi culture in its various shades, applications and symbolic meanings. A representation of the precious greenery found in Oases, palm tree fields and agricultural lands that flourish in contrast to the harsh deserts, symbolizing prosperity, resilience, and renewal. A rich green shade also serves as the backdrop for the iconic Saudi flag used for its deep religious significance associate with peace and Paradise, and synonymous of the local culture.
Inspired by the contrast of local greenery against the vast warm-toned desert landscapes we aimed to recreate those visuals in a simplified and abstracted form and infuse a sense of cultural signficance in a very subtle manner that maintained an upscale refined feel. A combination or raw textures, rich fabrics and local natural elements add depth and life to the dining space.
THE INSPIRATION
THE VISION
DETAILS - DINNERSCAPE
The chosen tableware breaks through the general warmth of the setting with a cool textured grey tone which is adopted by a raw, minimalist set of stone plates. These are paired with simple yet elegant covers in a brushed metal.
Chairs have been chosen to combine comfort and visual appeal, maintaining the overall simplicity of the setting while still boasting a intricate visual design.
DETAILS - FLORALS
Flowers hold a strong cultural significance in Saudi Arabia more specifically in the Hejaz and Asir regions, often featured in a number of traditions they are seen as symbols of beauty, hospitality and prosperity.
Some of the most significant local flowers include the Royal Jasmine and the Dessert Rose both often used in traditional fragrances and celebrations such as weddings. Some other visually stunning florals native of the region include the blood lilly, the apple of Sodom, and the arjaf.
A well-curated combination of these local flowers will add some life and richness to the tablescapes used in simple, contemporary centrepieces.
DETAILS - SCENT
Adding the overall sensory experience of the dinner, the Saudi art of incense blends or Bukhoor brings in yet another significant layer of culture. Originating in the country's Ahsa region this craft is traditionally practiced by women and involves the use of ingredients such as oud, amber, sandalwood, and musk to create unique and timeless blends that are preserved through generations, with some recipes even being kept as family secrets.
Traditional Saudi incense is burned at special Occasions including weddings, Eid and other religious ceremonies, but is also used day to day in local households.
