From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life

From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
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The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)
From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
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The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)
From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
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The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)
From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
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The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)
From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
5 / 6
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)
From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
6 / 6
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)
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Updated 11 April 2024
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From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life

From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi culture to life
  • Festivities are set to take place across various locations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the premium culinary destination of Bujairi Terrace, and Diriyah mosques
  • Festivities will feature a series of events, including captivating performances of the Saudi Ardah, the traditional celebratory dance, and the lively Samri folklore dance

RIYADH: The historic town of Diriyah has been transformed into a festive wonderland as the Diriyah Gate Development Authority has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, festivities are set to take place across various locations, including the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the premium culinary destination of Bujairi Terrace, and Diriyah mosques.

The Eid Al-Fitr celebrations at At-Turaif will embody traditional Saudi hospitality. Visitors will be greeted with the rich aroma of Saudi coffee and dokhon, promising an unforgettable experience.

The festivities will feature a series of events, including captivating performances of the Saudi Ardah, the traditional celebratory dance, and the lively Samri folklore dance, the SPA reported.

In addition to activating the Nuzul experience, it transports visitors back in time to immerse them in the daily life of At-Turaif during the First Saudi State.

Through a series of theatrical performances, guests get a glimpse of life as it was 300 years ago. Each mudbrick house along Nuzul Street represents a different aspect of that era, inviting visitors to step inside and experience history like never before.

From shopping in the souq to schooling and visiting the doctor, the Nuzul experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with the past in a truly immersive way.

Visitors can partake in activities such as the purebred Arabian horse show, the Diriyah coffee workshop, and calligraphy stalls offering beautifully written Arabic names.

The DGDA decorated five mosques across the city to elevate the festive spirit for the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. These mosques hosted special breakfast tables on the first day of Eid, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.

The Huwamah event also featured several buses touring Diriyah’s neighborhoods in the evening, allowing families and visitors to partake in the Eid activities.

Nearly 25,000 gifts, including chocolate boxes, were distributed at various sites, adding to the festivities, the SPA stated.

Souq Al-Mawsim also welcomed visitors for the first time during Eid Al-Fitr, offering a range of exciting activities.

Visitors to Bujairi Terrace were able to indulge in a variety of activities, including live music performances, engaging storytelling sessions, curated workshops for children, and a range of traditional games and activities.

The authority remains committed to fostering strong connections with the local Diriyah community, extending a heartfelt welcome to residents and visitors on all occasions throughout the year.


Sixth Saudi aid plane heads to Syria

Sixth Saudi aid plane heads to Syria
Updated 05 January 2025
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Sixth Saudi aid plane heads to Syria

Sixth Saudi aid plane heads to Syria

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has sent a sixth relief plane carrying food, medical and shelter to Damascus to provide aid for the Syrian people.
A plane operated by Saudi aid agency KSrelief departed early Sunday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to Damascus International Airport. 
The plane carrying relief supplies aims to help Syrians undergoing a political transition since the ouster of president Bashar Assad last month.


Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen

Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
Updated 13 min 22 sec ago
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Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen

Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
  • Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom

RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.

Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.

Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.

The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.

Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.

Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions. 

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.

One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.

The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.

Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.

“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?

“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”

In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.

“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”

Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.

“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”

This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.

“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”

The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.

In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.

This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.


Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa
Updated 05 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed construction of a road using recycled construction and demolition waste for the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The project, a collaboration with Al-Ahsa municipality and the National Center for Waste Management, incorporated waste material into the asphalt layers of a road in the Al-Ahsa governorate, following research by the authority to assess the performance of asphalt and gravel layers made from aggregates sourced from the municipality’s environmental landfill.

Using recycled material in infrastructure projects supports the Kingdom’s goal of transitioning to a circular economy. The target is a 60 percent recycling rate for such waste by 2035, which “highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient infrastructure development,” the SPA said.

This initiative “reduces the environmental impact of waste accumulation, decreases reliance on raw materials, and promotes cost-effective road construction and maintenance,” the SPA added.


Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh
Updated 05 January 2025
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Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif presented the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup to the winner of the race held as part of the Kings and Princes Cups events organized by the Riyadh Equestrian Club in Riyadh.

The cup was won by the horse Ajwady, owned by Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Hamoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah. He received the cup from Prince Saud in the presence of jockey Mohammed Al-Daham.


Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve

Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve
Updated 04 January 2025
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Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve

Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve
  • Documented nesting activity noteworthy due to rarity of occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has reported significant nesting activity of the endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) within the reserve’s natural habitats, it was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Globally classified as endangered, the Egyptian Vulture belongs to the family of diurnal birds of prey and is known for its ecological importance.

Within the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR), the Egyptian Vulture holds multiple roles — as a resident breeding species, a migratory passerby, and a rare winter visitor.

The documented nesting activity is noteworthy due to the rarity of such occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia.

Renowned for its extraordinary ability to detect prey from great distances, the Egyptian Vulture can travel up to 80 kilometers daily in search of food.

It thrives in open habitats, arid regions, and rocky cliffs, primarily feeding on carrion or weakened animals. The reserve also serves as a critical stopover for the species during autumn and spring migrations, with over 25 individuals recorded during these seasons.

Measuring approximately 62cm in length with a wingspan of up to 155cm, the Egyptian Vulture prefers dry, remote areas featuring cliffs and rocky outcrops for breeding.

While carrion remains its primary food source, it is also known to forage at landfills, markets, animal enclosures, slaughterhouses, and farms.

The species has suffered a dramatic decline, with its population in the Arabian Peninsula decreasing by an estimated 90 percent over the past 50 years. The authority attributes this alarming drop to factors including poisoning, collisions with power lines, habitat loss, and human disturbances.

By identifying and protecting these nesting sites, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority underscores its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the preservation of endangered species.