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Dr. Saad AL HOWEDE

Lost in My Memories…

Riyadh, 17th Apr, 2026

Dr Saad takes us back to the nostalgia of our childhood…The smell of books, VHS tapes, Lego sets under construction, colors and countless toys… The Wasm Studio is a playground, a place of discovery and a realm of coded art. Where memory is not merely personal or historical but a complex system : one that shapes identity, culturally rooted, dynamic and sometimes unstable.

Feeling home_

At ALofA, we came up with a brilliant idea : the Artist of the Month gets to choose his successor !

During our « Jax on Foot » outing with Moath ALOFI, we visited Dr. Saad AL HOWEDE’s studio. Moath shared with us his daily routine of stopping by for dinner and spending time there. So, it was only natural that the « Explorer » would recommend Dr. Saad to succeed him in May…

As we wander through the studio, we are overcome by a whole range of emotions : from wonder to fascination. We are surprised to learn, through past events, that most of his works – with their distinctive style – have been exhibited at Riyadh Art Week, Coollect and Noor Riyadh.

Doctor Saad_


« Without memory or emotions, we cannot live or have any sense of direction (..) Memory gives us a vision, a hope, and a future ! »

Dr Saad AL HOWEDE

As you get to know Dr. Saad, and his fascinating story, you learn that his career began in the 1990’s as a journalist and cartoonist in Al Riyadh newspaper. We enter his world by discovering his earliest caricatures, dating back to 1997.

We quickly realize that the issue of memory – whatever individual or collective – lies at the heart of his work. The theme intersects with other key elements of his life : religion and heritage !

Reflection on the Memory_

With a PhD in Art Philosophy, when Dr. Saad thinks about human beings, he views them through the lens of their beliefs, their clothing, their thoughts, their culture… For him, religion is expressed through faith, and culture, through language, cuisine and heritage.

It is only natural that his art reflects his inspiration, his memories and the sociocultural changes he has witnessed over the decades.

Behind every work of art lies a powerful message : architectural materials hold a legacy – fabrics conceal social codes – interwoven building iron reveals sociological insights – and a single color can capture the essence of a place that seems insignificant to us !

Wasm Studio_

As soon as you step inside the Wasm Studio, you immediately feel at home : a living area, a small open-concept kitchen, and a warm atmosphere that makes you forget how vast the space is.

In Wasm Studio, Dr. Saad AL HOWEDE and Hmoud AL ATTAWI have created that safe place to support young artists and help them develop their level.

They open opportunities for them to connect with people, the art scene, as well as collectors and curators. They stay with them continuously, encouraging them to explore art, and experiment.

Make sure to follow his upcoming projects on his social medias (@saadhowede / @studiowasm) and by visiting his creative studio in JAX.

ALofA’s insights_

You will find fragments of « souvenirs« that all weave a narrative around memory, heritage and religion. Like a puzzle to be pieced together to unlock a hidden meaning, this clever blend helps us better to understand the person behind the artist.

Step in a moment out of time, into an immersive and sensory experience, or simply a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Saad. Go in search of your Madeleine de Proust by getting lost in your own memories…

Discover Dr. Saad’s map here

Sources (pictures) : Saad Howede Instagram – personal pictures