Young Saudi storytellers recount pivotal moments in Kingdom’s history

RIYADH: Young Saudi storytellers have taken audiences on a trip down memory lane to highlight the Kingdom’s most pivotal moments as part of the Rawi Diriyah competition.
The annual contest, hosted in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and the Ministry of Education, encourages students to learn about the history of the Kingdom and its ancient tradition of storytelling.
“This initiative offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural and social heritage of Diriyah and the Kingdom,” Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said.
“It sheds light on significant historical events and the remarkable achievements of the imams and kings who helped to solidify the legacy of Saudi Arabia in the hearts and minds of people around the world, providing invaluable insights into the history of the Saudi state over the centuries,” he added.
More than 13,000 students took part in this year’s event, with the final held on Friday.
The 12 winners were each presented with an Exceed vehicle by Sanibel Modern Motors, the official sponsor of the competition this year.
Following months of intensive competition, 100 students had qualified for the final phases of the contest.
The 12 winners of the final each took to the stage in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif in a storytelling performance highlighting key moments in the Kingdom’s history.
Tamim Turki Al-Harthi, one of the youngest winners, spoke about his experience taking part in the closing ceremony.
“Honestly, I would like to thank the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and the Ministry of Education for the effort they put in. I am very happy,” he said.
“Frankly, there are many stories, but what made me choose the story of Faisal Tower, is that it’s a wonderful topic, first, and secondly, I liked to link the past and the present and how we used to build towers, but for protection, while now we build them for the economy and development of the country,” he told Arab News.
The stories told during the competition covered the era of the first Saudi State in 1727.
The Ministry of Education and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority worked closely with the students to offer accurate information about the Kingdom’s history.
“We targeted almost 2.5 million students from public education — middle and high school. About 190,000 participants shared about 30 stories,” Dr. Badran Al-Honaihen, the cultural and historical validation senior director at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, told Arab News.
He added that the three most shared stories were “I am Nora’s brother,” “As-Saif Al-Ajrab” and “The Story of the Prince.”
Al-Honaihen said: “These stories were shared by male and female students. The stories are great. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership with the Education Ministry.
“The ministry gave us access to students and the full control of the operation, so we thank it and all the participants who supported this initiative.”
Some of the stories told during the competition emphasized the significance of the Year of Mercy, Thumamah bin Athal, Zarqa Al-Yamama, the Ardah dance and the Salwa Palace.