Where to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day for an authentic experience

Where to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day for an authentic experience
Al-Balad also known as Historic Jeddah is one of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to shop at the Al-Balad Bazaar, held in a special location in the heart of Historic Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 February 2024
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Where to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day for an authentic experience

Where to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day for an authentic experience
  • From the historic avenues of Diriyah to the fare of Riyadh’s Najd Villages, visitors can celebrate local heritage
  • Discover Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, showcasing the history and traditions of the Kingdom’s cities and regions

RIYADH: Every year on Feb. 22, Saudi Arabia celebrates the historical and cultural roots of the Kingdom through Founding Day, commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State. What better way to celebrate Founding Day than by exploring the hidden gems that showcase the history and traditions of each city.

Bujairi Terrace and At-Turaif in Diriyah

Known as “The Jewel of the Kingdom,” Diriyah, the capital of the First Saudi State, dates back to the mid-ninth century.

Situated in Diriyah, Bujairi Terrace provides exceptional views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.

Inspired by Najdi architecture to evoke images of the past, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah is the ideal spot for celebrations, offering visitors a curated Michelin-star gastronomic experience and a variety of interactive activities and events.

Surrounded by mud-brick Najdi architecture, guests are treated to over 20 fine-dining restaurants featuring Saudi and international cuisine.




The prominent citadel of Salwa Palace, made from handmade mud bricks three centuries in the historic At-Turaif district, the first capital of the Saudi dynasty, was illuminated on Dec. 4 with a spectacular light display in celebration of its opening to the public. (Supplied)

Layali Diriyah

Returning for its second year and running until March 10, Layali Diriyah is an open-air heritage farm bridging local and contemporary dining experiences, making it an ideal location for celebrating Founding Day.

Surrounded by palm trees and twinkling lights, Layali Diriyah takes a modern twist on a traditional Najdi farm, transforming it into an entertainment hub featuring live musical performances and poetry shows.

Guests can also enjoy the beauty of the palm trees surrounding the farm while dining and experiencing a range of contemporary art by local and global artists.




Azeema, one of the restaurants at Layali Diriyah, offers traditional Saudi cuisine. (Supplied)

Najd Village, Riyadh

For those craving the authentic Saudi flavor in honor of Founding Day, Najd Village specializes in regional cuisine, with each dish highlighting the heritage of a specific region.

There are two Najd Villages operating in Riyadh: one is situated on Takhassoussi Road, and the other is on Abu Bakr Road. The restaurant serves a family-style menu of traditional dishes like jareesh or kasbah, accompanied by fish, chicken, lamb, and camel meat.

For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers a range of traditional desserts and snacks, including hininy, mrahif, and kleija.




Najd Village specializes in regional cuisine, with each dish highlighting the heritage of a specific region. (Supplied)

 

Ithra, Dhahran

A celebration of history through musical performances, educational exhibitions, and hands-on labs, Ithra, known as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, offers a range of festivities to celebrate Founding Day.

The Ithra Museum is home to five galleries, featuring artworks and installations by local and international artists covering Middle Eastern Art, Saudi culture, Islamic art, the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula, and the Archive gallery.

Ithra also offers interactive classes and workshops in the Children’s Museum.

The state-of-the-art building includes a library, theater, cinema, ideas lab, and a variety of restaurants for dining.




The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Also known as Ithra) is a symbol of change and diversity in modern Saudi Arabia.  (Supplied) 

Al-Balad, Jeddah

Al-Balad, also known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeddah, is an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to explore the customs of the historical city.

Located in the heart of Historic Jeddah, Al-Balad Bazaar celebrates the traditions and culture of Jeddah by showcasing homemade products, traditional clothing, and handicrafts in over 30 commercial outlets.

The Bazaar is part of significant efforts made by the Historic Jeddah Program to revive Saudi cultural heritage and promote the city’s status as a premier tourist destination.

The year-long Al-Balad Bazaar supports the community by providing them with retail pop-up outlets to showcase their products to visitors.

Another not-to-be-missed event taking place in Jeddah is the “Balad Al-Fann” initiative, launched by the Historic Jeddah Program.

Running until March 9, the initiative includes four art exhibitions, music programs, theatrical performances, and many interactive events for children.




Al-Balad also known as Historic Jeddah is one of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to shop at the Al-Balad Bazaar, held in a special location in the heart of Historic Jeddah. (Supplied)

Tayebat Museum, Jeddah

Al-Tayebat International City of Science and Knowledge, located in Jeddah’s Al-Faisaliyah district, offers visitors a curated representation of Jeddah’s 2,500-year-old history through detailed walking tours showcasing the city’s architecture, Islamic heritage, and culture.

Highlighting an extraordinary range of exhibits, including museums and houses, Al-Tayebat is billed as a must-see location in Jeddah.

Bringing pre-Islamic and Islamic history to life across 300 rooms in 12 buildings, the museum includes the House of Saudi Arabian Heritage, the House of Islamic Heritage, the House of International Heritage, and the public heritage exhibition.


Saudi leadership offer condolences to Bahrain king after death of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi leadership offer condolences to Bahrain king after death of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to Bahrain’s King Hamad on Saturday after the passing of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.

In separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed that God have mercy on the deceased. 


Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art

Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art
Updated 33 min 13 sec ago
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Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art

Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art
  • Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition is a visual journey of Kingdom’s past, present and future

RIYADH: To mark the 94th Saudi National Day, Naila Gallery in Riyadh is inviting visitors on a visual and sensory journey that intertwines the past, present and future of the Kingdom.

Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists, a reflection not just of Saudi Arabia’s artistic growth but also a symbol of its global reach and influence.

As you step into the gallery, the atmosphere immediately immerses you in a world where colors blend with history, and every brushstroke tells a compelling story of the Kingdom.

The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity. (Supplied)

The space is decorated with paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of Saudi heritage. The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity.

Ameera Al-Zaben, the gallery manager, told Arab News: “This is more than an art display — it is a celebration of the nation’s soul. Every piece in this exhibition reflects the landscapes, traditions and dreams that make Saudi Arabia what it is today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The featured works at Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life.

• Saudi artists featured include Abdullah Al-Almaai and Alia Al-Harbi, all contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses.

“Art becomes a bridge connecting hearts, transcending borders and fostering unity through shared history.”

Whether it is the towering palm trees symbolizing Saudi resilience or depictions of the traditional mud houses that whisper the stories of Saudi ancestors, every artwork tells a tale.

Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition at Naila Gallery in the Kingdom’s capital features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists reflecting Saudi Arabia’s global reach and influence. (Supplied)

As visitors move through the gallery, they are not just spectators but participants in a journey of reflection, nostalgia and pride for their homeland.

One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibition is Jackie Leger’s screen print “King with Philby — Gold Sandstorm,” which depicts the intersection of heritage and modern artistic innovation. This fusion of the past and present is a recurring theme in Leger’s work.

Leger, who has been photographing and documenting Saudi Arabia since 1999, reflected on the impact of historical photography on her art in an interview with Arab News.

“In the beginning, I was photographing and documenting mostly scenes going to the souq, finding joy, finding imagery ... then I started traveling to all the sites of battles and other historical notes that might be interesting for us ... and that’s where it all started,” she said.

In her pieces, Leger draws inspiration from iconic images of early explorers and photographers such as Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a British officer who documented key moments in Saudi Arabia’s early formation.

One of Shakespear’s most famous photographs of King Abdulaziz remains a powerful symbol of Saudi history. Leger said: “The first two most important pictures of the country remain today iconic. This brought me into the story ... and I thought it should be written about.”

The gallery is also presenting various Saudi artists contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses. From Abdullah Al-Almaai’s striking use of colors to express the vibrancy of Saudi landscapes to Alia Al-Harbi’s intricate designs that explore the intersection of modernity and tradition, these artists are at the forefront of the exhibition’s narrative.

International contributions come from artists such as Belgian painter Eva Claessens and Indian artist Vinny Venugopal, who provide a global perspective on Saudi culture, emphasizing the Kingdom’s growing influence in the international art scene. Their artworks also explore themes of cross-cultural exchange and global unity.

The featured works range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life, reminding viewers of the powerful role art plays in shaping and preserving culture. Each artist, with their distinct style and vision, plays a pivotal role in celebrating the richness of Saudi culture.

One of the standout elements of the exhibition is the introduction of jareesh chocolate — a culinary creation by renowned Middle Eastern food artist Omar Sartawi.

Sartawi, known for his molecular gastronomic innovations, partnered with Diplomat Sweets to create a fusion of jareesh, a traditional Saudi dish made with cracked wheat and white chocolate.

By combining jareesh with locally handcrafted chocolate, Sartawi breathes new life into this age-old recipe, blending tradition with modern culinary techniques.

“Jareesh is kind of a 2,000-year-old ingredient, so how do you turn it into something modern?” Sartawi said. “It’s mild and mellow, and creating the perfect balance with chocolate was a challenge. But this creation allows people to take a piece of Saudi heritage with them anywhere in the world — it’s a cultural product, a celebration of who we are.”

Sartawi’s innovation perfectly embodies the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s modern vision, which embraces cultural preservation alongside bold steps into the future.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the cookbook “Cooking Heritage: Saudi Arabia,” a work that explores the Kingdom’s culture through its culinary traditions. Authored by five experts, the book captures the richness of Saudi cuisine, featuring authentic dishes from across the Kingdom, many of which have been passed down through generations.

Jacquline Jackman, one of the co-authors, told Arab News: “The idea behind participating in this exhibition at Naila Gallery is to celebrate Saudi National Day by honoring Saudi cuisine as an integral part of that celebration.

“This cookbook is a testament to the power of food in uniting people, and it allows readers to take home a piece of Saudi culture to cherish and share.”

The cookbook, much like the artwork in the gallery, reflects a deep connection to the Kingdom’s roots, but also its openness to evolution and exchange. Visitors are invited to browse the beautifully crafted pages, which include traditional recipes such as kabsa, jareesh and other regional specialties, offering a culinary journey through Saudi Arabia’s diverse provinces.

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey of growth and modernization, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the culture that has shaped its people.

 


Azerbaijan’s minister receives Saudi fund chief

Azerbaijan’s minister receives Saudi fund chief
Updated 31 min 54 sec ago
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Azerbaijan’s minister receives Saudi fund chief

Azerbaijan’s minister receives Saudi fund chief
  • Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Essam Al-Jutaili was present during the meeting

BAKU: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad was received by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov in Baku recently.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various avenues to enhance development cooperation in vital sectors in Azerbaijan, the Saudi fund reported on X.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Essam Al-Jutaili was present during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Tanzania Yahya Okeish met with the country’s Minister of State for Union and Environmental Affairs, Ashatu Kijaji, to discuss ways of enhancing joint cooperation, the embassy reported on Saturday.

 


Riyadh to host conference on Arabic language computing

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is set to host its third international conference on Oct. 6-7 in Riyadh.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is set to host its third international conference on Oct. 6-7 in Riyadh.
Updated 21 September 2024
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Riyadh to host conference on Arabic language computing

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is set to host its third international conference on Oct. 6-7 in Riyadh.
  • Experts from 22 countries to discuss AI, linguistic data innovations

JEDDAH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is set to host its third international conference on Oct. 6-7 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The conference, themed “Arabic Language Computing and Enriching Linguistic Data,” will bring together experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments and innovations in Arabic language computing.
Attendees will include university professors and 40 researchers from 22 countries, representing institutions specializing in computational linguistics, computer science and Arabic language studies.
The conference seeks to improve and develop artificial intelligence models, support Arabic language computing and address the need for improved academic practices in the Arab world.
Specialists will delve into issues related to linguistic data in an effort to improve its quality, availability and scale.
This aligns with the Human Capability Development Program that is part of Saudi Vision 2030.
The conference will cover a range of topics including machine learning, speech-to-text conversion, optical character recognition, the role of computational linguistics in Arabic language education, digital lexicography and modern techniques in dictionary computing.
The first conference, held in December 2022, focused on “Arabic in International Organizations,” while the second, held in December 2023, explored “Language Testing: Theories, Experiences and Aspirations.”
By organizing this annual conference, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language reaffirms its mission to serve and preserve the Arabic language, support its usage in speech and writing, and enhance its global standing.


2,000 people celebrate Saudi National Day with historic run through Jeddah

Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday.
Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday.
Updated 21 September 2024
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2,000 people celebrate Saudi National Day with historic run through Jeddah

Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday.
  • ‘It’s a great patriotic community event,’ organizer Khalid Yamani says
  • 6th annual Green Spirit Run comprised 5 km and 2 km races

JEDDAH: About 2,000 men, women and children took part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District.

Organized by Masafat Club, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Sports for All Federation and Jeddah Historic District, the 5 km and 2 km races were held to mark Saudi National Day.

“This event is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of our nation’s unity, diversity and shared spirit,” said Khalid Yamani, president of Masafat.

“It’s a great patriotic community event and open to all family members of all age categories and all nationalities. It is a great occasion for showing our spirit, enthusiasm and patriotism for this beloved country.”

Yamani said he was delighted at how many people had taken part.

“The whole idea of Green Spirit Run was to rally residents of Jeddah to come and celebrate National Day together through sports. Around 2,000 responded to the call, which exceeded the target that we thought would be achievable.”

Now in its sixth year, the annual event combines the runs with displays of cultural traditions and lots of family entertainment.

Both races started at Bab Jadid and took in the Historical Hajj Pilgrimage Route, Bab Al Bunt, Beit Nassif, Al Falah School and other significant landmarks.

Abdul Mohsen Al-Najjar took part in the 5 km race alongside his son, Adel. He said he had been a regular walker for 20 years but this was the first time he had entered a fun run.

“Celebrating our National Day along with all these runners is really something … I brought my son with me … to make him enjoy the run with pride as a Saudi.”

One of the oldest competitors was 70-year-old Hassan Al-Twairqi.

“I have been running for many years and I will never stop doing what I love,” he said. “I walk and run every day and it is becoming a lifestyle for me. Today, we celebrate our National Day … and I am very proud to be part of this run.”

Louis Tanjani, a Filipino who works for a private company in Jeddah, said he never missed an opportunity to celebrate Saudi National Day.

“It is a special day for this great country and it is our duty to celebrate with our fellow Saudis. Running today is a way to express our love to this country,” he said.

The winner of the 5 km race was Abdullah Al-Hasoli in a time of 14:59, while Mohammed Nabil was first home in the 2 km event in a time of 9:58.