Born in 1945 in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Khalid Khidr found himself in a very traditional society steeped in ancient glories, but facing the challenge of rapid development to come.
Photography was an art form newly liberated from restraint and Khalid instantly was drawn to it. In the mountain city of Taif, his interest was rewarded by being allowed to ‘help’ in a small photo studio. Soon he learned the trade, yet needed more gainful employment. In 1967 he joined Saudi Arabian Airlines as a trainee, later becoming a cabin attendant. But his interest in photography was recognized by Saudi Airlines and he was offered an opportunity to study photographic arts in the United Kingdom and the United States, Khalid was promoted as the Manager of the airline’s Photography and Exhibitions Department in Public Affairs on his return. He was soon promoted further as Acting General Manager, Public Relations. Encouraged to exhibit abroad, Khalid has held exhibitions reflecting Kingdom’s heritage in France, Belgium, Britain, Italy, Morocco, the United States, etc., with permanent exhibitions at the Royal Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington, D.C. His work is in constant demand both at home and abroad. With over a hundred exhibitions so far Khalid enjoys the patronage of the Royal Household. Many of his photographs are displayed in principal palaces and embassies.
Over the years Khalid’s work has been recognized and was rewarded with prestigious awards.
Among them are Calendar Award, British National Exhibition Society (1976); Gold Hasselblad Award from Sweden (1986); Gold Medal From the Prince of Makkah (1986); Saudi Arabian Airlines “Man of the Year” Award (1986); Founder of Photography Award from H.E. Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz (2012); Awarded by Jeddah Foreign Affairs (2013)
His published books include, Jeddah – Old and New, Jeddah – The Bridge of the Red Sea, The Kingdom’s Guide Book, Jeddah – Museum Under the Sun, The Heart of Makkah. The books in print include “Makkah a Newer profile”, “The Mystic Madinah Munawwarah”, and “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.