Interview: Saudi Producer Farah Al-Ibrahim Says Pearl Diving is a Window into the Soul of Gulf’s Past
After the ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ show made history at the Theater of Digital Art (TODA) in Dubai, Saudi producer Farah Al-Ibrahim speaks to Leaders MENA to unveil more about her new stunning digital show.
Through her promising production company Artellosa, Al-Ibrahim has captured the attention of global audience and satisfied their curiosity about the history of pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf.
From the untapped emotional depth of the story to the traditional melodies and AI technologies, Al-Ibrahim has offered an unparalleled blend between heritage and innovation.
“When we combined authentic sea shanties with modern immersive visuals, it was as if we were giving life to the stories of our ancestors, letting them resonate in the hearts of everyone who watched,” Al-Ibrahim said.
In an exclusive interview with Leaders MENA, Farah Al-Ibrahim reveals more details about ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ show and her artistic perspectives.
Leaders MENA: Why did you pick up pearl diving to reflect the Gulf’s heritage?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: Pearl diving is a window into the soul of the Gulf’s past, a past that shaped not only the region’s economy but also its values and dreams. Growing up, I heard stories of divers who would spend months at sea; each dive represents a test of their courage, and each pearl stands as a testament to their resilience.
Through ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ I wanted audiences to feel the essence of that profound heritage and to experience this unbreakable connection to the sea.
Leaders MENA: You have excelled in the dynamic storytelling of the show, on what things did you depend to create such a masterpiece?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: Creating ‘Pearls of Emotions’ was like weaving together pieces of a dream—one where history, sound, and visuals all had to work in harmony.
Therefore, we spent countless hours on research and talking to historians and cultural experts, to ensure that every single detail reflects the true pearl diving legacy.
However, it wasn’t just about facts; it was about capturing the essence of these journeys. When we combined authentic sea shanties with modern immersive visuals, it was as if we were giving life to the stories of our ancestors, letting them resonate in the hearts of everyone who watched.
Leaders MENA: Could you please mention further details about the new emotional depth in the ‘Pearls of Emotions’?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: The emotional core of ‘Pearls of Emotions’ lies basically in the relationships and sacrifices made by those involved in pearl diving.
Pearl diving was not just a job. Instead, it was a labor of love.
That is why the show does not neglect the intensity of such an experience—families torn between pride and worry, waiting for news of their loved ones.
We wanted audiences to feel the weight of those sacrifices and to connect on a deeply personal level with the courage it took to chase a dream as precious as a pearl.
Leaders MENA: What is the significance of having a bride who leaves her husband for the sake of a pearl diving journey?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: The bride’s journey is a symbol of the choices and sacrifices people made for the sake of a distinctive future.
To me, this character represents the women who were equally a part of this story, enduring their own hardships back onshore. She serves as a reminder that every pearl, every bit of wealth from the sea, was achieved through the strength of entire families and communities. Moreover, her bold choice brings depth to the story, showing that courage took many forms, even in those who stayed behind.
Leaders MENA: What are the obstacles you faced during producing the art show?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: Bringing ‘Pearls of Emotions’ to life was a journey in itself!
One of the biggest challenges was balancing respect for tradition with the innovation that makes the show unique.
Accordingly, we employed AI technologies to produce several visuals, which was both exciting and challenging.
Working with AI to generate accurate and culturally sensitive Arabic visuals took a lot of fine-tuning, and we quickly learned that achieving the right balance was no easy feat.
Because AI technology evolves so rapidly, every time we felt we had perfected a scene, new updates would offer even better tools—tempting us to go back and refine the visuals again.
Consequently, the process turned into a constant cycle of creation and improvement.
Leaders MENA: How did you leverage from your family’s history in ships and trade?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: My family’s history in ships and trade gave me an understanding of the Gulf’s deep connection to the sea. I grew up hearing stories of sailors and merchants who risked everything for their families, tales of resilience and adventure that stayed with me.
This heritage was not just in books or photos; it was part of my family’s identity.
When we created ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ I drew on that sense of connection, the pride in our past, and the dream of honoring those journeys.
Leaders MENA: Why do you enrich your shows with custom-composed music?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: Music has this incredible ability to evoke feelings.
For ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ I wanted the sound to be as much a part of the story as the visuals.
Therefore, we blended orchestral compositions with Khaleeji rhythms, creating a soundtrack that speaks directly to the audience’s emotions.
There’s a moment in the show when you hear the traditional sea shanties, and it takes you back to those endless, silent nights on the ocean.
It also serves as a reminder of the strength and spirit these divers had, and through the music, we try to let the audience feel that strength, too.
Leaders MENA: How did you start Artellosa?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: Artellosa was born out of a desire to preserve and share cultural stories in a way that feels alive and relevant today. I wanted to create a space where heritage could meet imagination.
It started as a small dream, with a few of us passionate about storytelling and heritage, and grew as we saw how deeply these stories could resonate with modern audiences.
Each show, including ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ is like a bridge, connecting generations through the language of art, music, and innovation.
Leaders MENA: How could you blend between innovation and cultural heritage?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: To me, innovation and heritage are not opposites, but partners. Heritage gives us the foundation, the stories and symbols that hold meaning, while innovation lets us reimagine and reconnect.
When we began ‘Pearls of Emotions,’ we approached it with respect for the past, using technology only to boost what was already powerful in those stories.
By bringing in immersive projections, custom music, and digital artistry, we were able to make the experience more vivid and relatable.
Leaders MENA: What do you think about the AI-driven art market in Saudi Arabia?
Farah Al-Ibrahim: Saudi Arabia is embracing AI in ways that are shaping a new era for art and culture, and it’s thrilling to see.
AI provides artists with a valuable tool to explore and reimagine heritage, blending tradition with the latest technology.
It is inspiring to watch how young artists are using AI to reinterpret traditional forms, whether through digital landscapes or modern calligraphy, while still deeply rooted in Saudi identity.
I believe that this movement builds a bridge between the past and future, allowing Saudi artists to tell their stories in ways that resonate globally.
Related Topics:
Saudi Producer Offers Magnificent Digital Show for Pearl Diving
‘Dreams Unveiled’: Saudi Artist Nada Halabi Combines Renaissance Art with Contemporary Flair
