RIYADH: Dina Alduraibi has established herself as a prominent figure in the field of interior design, drawing inspiration from Thamudic inscriptions.
The “Inner Circle” coffee shop in Riyadh showcases Alduraibi’s work, which has garnered attention and showcased her artistic talents and vision.
In 2016, Alduraibi graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh. Her work can be found in various locations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as internationally.
Alduraibi’s passion for design and art emerged long before her graduation. As a young child, she would create black and white portraits and digital drawings.
“I used to explore different artistic styles depending on my mood, whether it was abstract, portraits, or any other form of art. I also have a fondness for sculpture,” Alduraibi told Arab News.
While still a student in 2015, Alduraibi began honing her skills in interior design by participating in small projects, providing consultations on interior designs for restaurants.
“Studying interior design is very different from the actual practice. Initially, dealing with clients was challenging,” she said.
Alduraibi’s experience involved organizing and managing the entire project team, meeting clients’ expectations, and overseeing the design process.
“During my first project, I encountered numerous obstacles and even shed some tears,” she said. Reflecting on her early experiences as a designer, Alduraibi can now smile.
Alduraibi spoke about her visit to AlUla, where she worked on three projects. It was during this time that she became captivated by the Thamudian inscriptions and found inspiration in the archaeology of the site.
She incorporated these archaeological inscriptions into her artwork, adding an extra dimension to her distinctive style. Alduraibi relied on the data from the “Thamudian inscriptions,” seamlessly merging the past with the present to create an oasis-like escape.
“When we first discovered AlUla, it was truly fascinating – the Thamudian inscriptions and the drawings. I am more drawn to things with historical significance rather than modern designs,” Alduraibi said.
Alduraibi aimed to embody the essence of AlUla while working on the Inner Circle coffee shop project. “We incorporated stones and I added a sculpture to represent AlUla,” she said.
Inner Circle served as a springboard for three additional projects in AlUla. These projects share a similar concept to Inner Circle but are situated in AlUla. After completing the design for Inner Circle, the Royal Commission for AlUla enlisted Alduraibi’s expertise to showcase the beauty of the ancient site in three other ventures, including a Thamudian-themed restaurant.
While Alduraibi’s designs have been recognized in Europe, such as her work on a hotel project in Romania, she believes there is still much more of Saudi Arabia that she aspires to explore and showcase to the world.