Everyone Knows Everyone
When the artist was growing up, she would often visit Al Ahsa and listen to her parents recount stories from their early years spent there. While these memories remain etched in her mind, she never had the chance to experience the places from their anecdotes. In an attempt to forge a connection with her past, she returned to Al Ahsa and began her exploration through the eyes of the youth.
In Al Ahsa, it felt as if stepping into an unending concept of family, where it seemed that everyone knew everyone, and the spirit of community brought people together in both joy and struggle. This stood in stark contrast to the larger cities, where development and modern life kept people at a distance from one another.
As more and more Saudi youth moved to bigger cities for opportunities, Latifa was intrigued by the young people she met in Al Ahsa who chose to stay. Through their daily lives, she attempted to trace their aspirations and the hold that Al Ahsa had over their minds and hearts.
These series were commissioned by the Ministry of Culture as part of their National Photography Award ‘24, exhibited in Hayy Jameel “Alhasa Hasana” exhibition curated but Mohammed Somji. (Jeddah) ‘24, exhibited in Venice in the “In a New Light: Contemporary Photography from Saudi Arabia,” exhibition ‘25
Nasser, 21
Nasser and I met in Riyadh, where he visits friends and attends music events. Months later, I learned he was born and raised in Al-Ahsa. I asked him to show me his favorite spots from his childhood, only to discover they were the same places my dad grew up visiting. A few weeks later, we met again in Riyadh, where he often returns to organize music events with friends. Of everyone I photographed, he was the only one who left Al-Ahsa willingly to pursue his dream.
Ace, 24
Whenever I mention in Riyadh that I’m Hassawi, people ask if I’ve met Ace and joke that he’s a “Hassawi legend.” When I finally connected with him, we discovered that both our families are from the historic Al Kout neighborhood. We met there to walk, talk about our families’ upbringing, and reflect on the changes in the area. Ace kept saying that he would never move out of AlAhsaa, and that there isn't anything like it in the world.
Sara and Sawsan, 25
In my first conversation with Sara, she mentioned her twin sister and how, despite having completely different interests, they are incredibly close and always spend time together with their family. When I met them, we talked about their deep connection to the city and how growing up there shaped their unique passions. Sara is a painter, while Sawsan has a strong interest in science. Neither of them can imagine living away from AlAhasaa where their family or their beloved birds are.
Youth in Villages
Al-Ahsa, the largest governorate in the Eastern Province, is renowned for its diverse natural landscape, featuring a vast agricultural oasis with over four million palm trees that yield some of the world’s finest dates. The region's fertile land, abundant springs, fresh water, and rich archaeological sites steeped in history further enhance its allure. For Hassawis, the connection to nature begins in their youth, deeply ingrained in their daily lives. During my time there for the project, I was captivated by how everyone seamlessly coexists with and connects to nature every day. My own connection to Al-Ahsa runs deep as well; growing up, my parents often took my siblings and me there, where we spent most of our time immersed in the region's natural beauty.
