Qormuz bringing traditional Saudi culture to future generations, says founder

Special Qormuz bringing traditional Saudi culture to future generations, says founder
Short Url
Updated 11 July 2024
Follow

Qormuz bringing traditional Saudi culture to future generations, says founder

Qormuz bringing traditional Saudi culture to future generations, says founder
  • Fashion brand behind actor’s viral jubba is developing designs for modern Saudi Arabia
  • Founder Abdulrahman Al-Abed is this week’s guest on Arab News’ ‘The Mayman Show’

Riyadh: Fashion brand Qormuz is blending traditional Saudi identity with contemporary styles in a bid to develop designs for modern Saudi Arabia, its founder has told Arab News’ “The Mayman Show.”

Abdulrahman Al-Abed, who is this week’s guest on the podcast, said that Qormuz is more than a Saudi fashion house — it is a lifestyle brand.

In blending Saudi culture with modernity, Qormuz creates everything from cups to jackets, forging a new identity for its customers.

0 seconds of 1 minute, 16 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
01:16
01:16
 

 

"Qormuz, it’s like, not a fashion house. I would only be more specific about how we design our lifestyle. So, we mainly do fashion — it’s a part of our status. But we also do lifestyle design,” Al-Abed said.

The brand, by merging old and new, aims to develop designs for the modern Kingdom, he added.

“We love to bring and relive the culture again — to take this culture to the future with the next generation. We do our design, sometimes a cup, a T-shirt, a prayer bead, a jacket. Usually, we use our touch that the tradition touches.”

0 seconds of 1 minute, 37 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
01:37
01:37
 

 

Al-Abed, a history buff — designed and made an embroidered jubba for Saudi actor Mohamed Al-Shehri that went viral; it was the first time an actor has worn customary Arab attire on the red carpet of the Venice International Film Festival.

The Qormuz founder told “The Mayman Show” that he was proud to see the traditional Saudi garment recognized worldwide in a blend of heritage and style. The jubba, which was mistaken by some as a fashion statement, gave Al-Abed an opportunity to educate the public on cultural attire.

0 seconds of 1 minute, 4 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
01:04
01:04
 

 

“It’s good to sometimes get recognized for your work in this situation — you know, that went viral. More than 40 million views worldwide. Russian magazines, Yemen magazines and Indian magazines. The funny thing is that most of them talk about the jubba like it’s an avant-garde piece,” Al-Abed said.

Even some Saudis commented on the bisht with an assumption that it was modified by the designer. The Qormuz founder said: “The Jubba is one of our most successful stories that I feel proud of and feel proud to bring this piece to life again, you know?” 

0 seconds of 2 minutes, 7 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
02:07
02:07
 

 

Fashion is all about influence, said Al-Abed, adding that taking the jubba to Venice showcased Saudi heritage on the global stage.

“The Kingdom can influence other cultures through its a distinct cultural look,” he said.

0 seconds of 2 minutes, 5 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
02:05
02:05
 

 

“That’s one of the moments that I’m totally proud of. Why? Because we influenced — the Saudi people influenced the local and international community. We showed others our culture.”

Among other international fashion accolades, Al-Abed also designed DJ Khaled’s apparel during the American producer’s appearance at MDLBEAST Soundstorm in AlUla.

 


Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan
  • Makkah’s Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night

RIYADH: Millions of Muslims from around the world flocked to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah for the 27th night of Ramadan, where they performed Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.

In a new record, the Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Worshipers were seeking Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Power), one of the most important nights in Islam and is, as stated in the Qur’an, better than a thousand months.

Laylat Al-Qadr falls within the final 10 days of Ramadan but its exact date remains unknown, however it’s widely regarded as falling on the 27th of Ramadan. Mislims are also encouraged to seek this night during the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days.

Operational plans on Wednesday included preparing the Mataf (Area of Circumambulation) to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims per hour, ensuring a smooth movement inside the Grand Mosque.

Authorities have also equipped 428 escalators and 28 elevators and modern audio systems including 1,300 speakers, in addition to providing power sources with a capacity of up to 90,000 tons to cool the Grand Mosque.

The Makkah region Health Affairs Department has boosted its services through medical centers located within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards to provide medical services to pilgrims. 


New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project to enhance environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth.

The project assesses agroforestry conditions, applies global best practices and promotes investment for sustainable forest management, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it supports environmental sustainability and combats desertification, the SPA added.

As part of the project, the center will activate its December 2024 memorandum with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry to enhance research collaboration and implement advanced agroforestry techniques.

The initiative aims to restore land, expand vegetation, protect habitats and reduce carbon emissions. It also fosters resilient forest ecosystems and improves forest areas across the Kingdom.

Additionally, the center is advancing sustainable forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees, rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030.


Ithra to host three-day Eid Al-Fitr festivities

Ithra to host three-day Eid Al-Fitr festivities
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Ithra to host three-day Eid Al-Fitr festivities

Ithra to host three-day Eid Al-Fitr festivities

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran will host more than 25 Eid Al-Fitr events from March 31 to April 2, featuring exhibitions, performances, and interactive activities.

The program includes an exhibition showcasing eight master artisans in papermaking, calligraphy, and ornamentation. Visitors can explore an installation inspired by mudbrick architecture and traditional palm-based crafts.

At the Children’s Museum, activities include an immersive Eid celebration and workshops such as “Balloon Art,” “Eid in a Bag,” and “The Scent of Eid.”

Families can enjoy the “Eid Wheel” game and storytelling sessions where children create their own cloud keepsake.

Other experiences include “Eid Echoes,” a 360-degree audio journey capturing the festive sounds of Eid, set in the plaza. The library will host Eid-themed storytime.

The “Eid on the Big Screen” program will feature global cinema and Japanese anime, including “The Wind Rises,” “Chibi Maruko-chan,” and “A Mosquito.”

Visitors can also explore an AI-powered interactive display and a vitual reality journey through historical Eid celebrations. Live oud performances will take place in Ithra’s gardens, creating a festive open-air concert.

Lush Garden will offer a vibrant space with games and challenges for families and children to enjoy Eid’s joyful atmosphere. The “Energy Exhibit” will also feature special Eid programming for kids of all ages.


Chad president arrives in Jeddah

Chad president arrives in Jeddah
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Chad president arrives in Jeddah

Chad president arrives in Jeddah

The President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was recently received by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of the Makkah Region, on his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The Mayor of Jeddah Saleh Al-Turki, and Ambassador of Chad to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Al-Qadam Al-Junaidi were among the officials present, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Smart solutions make life easier for growing pilgrim numbers at Grand Mosque

Smart solutions make life easier for growing pilgrim numbers at Grand Mosque
Updated 26 March 2025
Follow

Smart solutions make life easier for growing pilgrim numbers at Grand Mosque

Smart solutions make life easier for growing pilgrim numbers at Grand Mosque
  • The system enables seamless crowd control during peak periods, facilitating smooth entry and exit processes

MAKKAH: The safety, comfort and experience of millions of pilgrims at the Grand Mosque will be better than ever, thanks to the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques harnessing advanced technology and improving its strategic oversight.

At the heart of the transformation is a command center which gives the authority a comprehensive overview of operations. Advanced sensors at key entrances track pilgrim numbers in real time, enabling precise crowd monitoring and management in collaboration with relevant authorities.

A camera system captures real-time entry movements, providing instantaneous insights into pilgrim flows and pinpointing potential congestion risks. This dual-system approach has transformed crowd control within the mosque and is particularly effective in critical areas such as the Tawaf and Sa’i routes.

The system enables seamless crowd control during peak periods, facilitating smooth entry and exit processes. By leveraging precise and historical data, it ensures decision-makers can make swift, informed choices.

Over 200 digital panels have also been installed to improve spatial navigation, helping pilgrims move more efficiently through the mosque complex.

The number of electric golf carts has been expanded to 400, as well as custom-designed manual carts being available. This meets the diverse needs of pilgrims during the season, ensuring comfortable and seamless transportation that simplifies the performance of religious rituals.

A huge cooling infrastructure spans the sacred space, utilizing 155,000 tonnes of refrigeration to maintain perfect ambient temperatures across the Grand Mosque. Balanced lighting illuminates every corner, while a precision audio system ensures that calls to prayer and religious services resonate with clarity. A new luggage storage service also offers secure, QR-coded smart tags for easy tracking and retrieval of belongings.

The authority maintains rigorous standards and conducts periodic updates as part of efforts to maintain service efficiency and accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.