When the French Riviera Becomes the Global Stage for Art, Cultural Diplomacy and Dialogue Between Civilizations

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera  Over two exceptional days, on 24 and 25 July 2026, the prestigious Théâtre sur la Mer and Salon Les Néréides hosted the third edition of Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat, an event that has become an unmissable international gathering where artistic excellence, cultural heritage and diplomacy between peoples come together in one of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking settings.

Conceived and directed by Raouf Meftah, Artistic Director of Royal Arts Visions, alongside Monica Mergiu, author, publisher and founder of the magazine, Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat pursues a unique ambition: to make art an instrument of dialogue, peace and rapprochement between cultures.

Far more than a festival, this event has become a genuine international forum where artists, institutions, diplomats, creators, intellectuals and leading figures from the cultural world come together to celebrate the universal values of creativity.

An Opening Under the Sign of Cinema and Intercultural Dialogue

The third edition opened with a particularly symbolic moment: the exclusive screening of the Saudi feature film HIJRA (French-subtitled), directed by Shahad Ameen, offering French audiences an immersion into the new generation of cinema from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The screening was followed by a highly appreciated discussion with Charles Scibetta and Monica Mergiu, whose analyses of the ancient and contemporary history of the Middle East enriched the dialogue between cultures, perfectly illustrating the festival's intellectual and humanistic vocation.

Following this discussion, the traditional inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the presence of the local authorities.

Gathered alongside Mr. Jean-François Dieterich, Mayor of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, were Mr. Benjamin BUNGER, First Deputy Mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Mrs. Simone Dibo Cohen, representing the Mayor of Nice, Mr. Eric Ciotti, Municipal Councillor of the City of Nice and Deputy Delegate for Contemporary Art and Exhibitions, as well as Mr. Philippe Mari, Delegate for Events and Festivities for the Municipality of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, together with numerous artists and partners from several countries.

The ceremony officially marked the opening of the major international exhibition of Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat.

An Exhibition Where Every Work Tells the Story of a Civilization

For two days, visitors explored an exhibition bringing together contemporary painting, sculpture, literature, calligraphy, jewellery, fine craftsmanship, luxury objects, creative workshops and an outstanding presentation of the Art of Bonsai of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Every exhibition space became an invitation to travel.

The Parisian elegance of Aramis Joaillerie Paris, the exceptional collection presented by Ambre Luxury, together with the artistic worlds of Franck Brizzi, Manuel Dampeyroux, Benoît Lamouche, Michel Antony, Fanny Chabrier, and Sylvana Aymard, revealed the richness of contemporary artistic creation.

Literature also held a prominent place through the works of Monica Mergiu, while Raouf Meftah presented his monumental artwork LOVE, from his contemporary Arabic calligraphy collection, which has become one of the defining artistic signatures of his international career.

Nature itself contributed to this celebration of beauty through the remarkable presentation by the Bonsaï Club Cap Ferrat, a true tribute to patience, Japanese philosophy, and the dialogue between humanity and nature.

Visitors also discovered the refinement of haute couture during the fashion show presented by Maison Chantal, adding another dimension to this celebration of elegance.

Gastronomy as a Cultural Ambassador

Among the festival's most celebrated moments was the gastronomic presentation by renowned Mr. Takushi Yoneda, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the prestigious international brand ISSEKI SANCHO.

Accompanied by his team and Mrs. Aika Sakagami, Director of the Japanese Delegation, the Chef presented a genuine culinary spectacle in which every gesture reflected the precision, discipline and poetry of Japanese haute cuisine.

Before the guests, gastronomy became a living work of art, reminding everyone that culinary traditions remain among the most powerful vehicles of cultural transmission.

The evening continued with an official cocktail reception accompanied by musical performances from Alan Landry, Jansowah, Smail, and Mifasol, creating a warm atmosphere where artists, elected officials, partners and visitors were able to continue their exchanges.

Saudi Arabia in the Spotlight

On 25 July, the festival experienced one of its most historic moments with the arrival of renowned Saudi actress, screenwriter and producer Nouf Saad, Guest of Honour of this edition.

Her presence symbolized the festival's commitment to strengthening cultural bridges between France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Alongside Mr. Jean-François Dieterich, Mayor of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Mrs. Chantal Rossi, Nouf Saad officially inaugurated the cultural encounter between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

This highly symbolic gesture opened a sequence dedicated to cultural diplomacy, artistic exchange and future prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

Distinguished Personalities with Exceptional Careers

The official awards ceremony became one of the festival's most emotional highlights.

Nouf Saad received the Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat Trophy in recognition of her contribution to promoting Saudi cinema on the international stage.

In a heartfelt speech, she expressed her profound gratitude to her family, her collaborators and the MBC media group, whose unwavering support has accompanied her throughout her artistic career. She also thanked the Town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the organisers and the French public for the warm welcome she received.

Mr. Takushi Yoneda was likewise honoured for his exceptional commitment to promoting Japanese culture.

His particularly inspiring speech deeply moved the audience. Describing his profession as a true mission of transmission, he recalled that cooking is above all about preserving memory, telling a story and passing on values. His love for Japan, his profound respect for ancestral traditions and his determination to promote his country through gastronomy perfectly illustrate the philosophy that guides his career.

Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat also had the honour of presenting a distinction to Mr. Charles Scibetta, President of the CINÉALMA Festival, in recognition of his commitment and dedication to promoting cinema and culture on the French Riviera.

A Ceremony Where Elegance Becomes a Universal Language

The awards ceremony took place in a setting of rare elegance, where the refinement of Japanese aesthetics met the nobility of a MAJILIS, creating a unique scenography celebrating the harmonious encounter between two great civilizations.

Within this exceptional Mediterranean setting, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat once again demonstrated its ability to host major international events where culture, heritage, the art of living and diplomacy come together.

During the official ceremony, Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat had the honour of welcoming linguist Mr. Éric Moreau, a leading figure in international linguistics, whose presence greatly honoured this third edition of the festival. And Mr. Christian Giordan, Vice-President of the AIAP UNESCO Monaco Committee.

Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat: A Vision for the Future

In only three editions, Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat has established itself as an international cultural reference.

Under the leadership of Raouf Meftah and Monica Mergiu, the festival continues to pursue an ambitious vision: to create a space where artists become ambassadors of their cultures, where institutions engage in dialogue through artistic creation, and where differences become a source of mutual enrichment.

In an ever-changing world, this event powerfully reminds us that art remains one of the most effective instruments for fostering understanding between peoples.

More than a festival, Le Diamant de Cap Ferrat has become a symbol of peace, excellence, cultural diplomacy and international friendship, extending the influence of the French Riviera far beyond its borders and affirming its place among the Mediterranean's foremost cultural events.

Photos ;

 Fernand LUCAS, DAY 1 Fernand LUCAS DAY 2

Yevgeniya Korniyenko  1 Yevgeniya Korniyenkot 2 Pascale Digeaux

Fabrice Fiorucci