RIYADH: The Bedouin tent, known locally as Bayt Al-Sha’ar, has long been an authentic symbol of heritage in the Northern Borders region.
In winter, these tents reappear across the plains, hillsides and outskirts of the city, bringing back the spirit of the past and the warmth of the Bedouin life, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Despite the evolution of modern housing and the variety of lifestyle options available today, the Bedouin tent still holds a special place in the hearts of the region’s people.
As temperatures drop, residents set them up to serve as warm gathering spaces for family and social occasions.
These tents are traditionally woven from goat hair and are renowned for their exceptional ability to insulate against cold and wind, making them an ideal refuge in the harsh northern climate.
The construction of the Bedouin tent is a traditional craft practiced by women in the region. Artisan Umm Ahmad said one tent can take several days, depending on size and the number of women involved in the process.
She said the tents vary in shape and number of poles, including al-mathlouth (triangular), al-marbou’ (square), and al-musawdas (hexagonal).
Umm Ahmad said she learned the craft from her mother and is now passing it on to her granddaughter.
Artisan Umm Sultan from the local market said the tools used include al-matraq, a stick for cleaning the goat hair, an iron needle for sewing, and ropes for securing the sides, in addition to cords and spinning threads.
She said prices vary depending on size and quality, starting at around $400 and going up to $1,600.
In recent years, traditional Bedouin tents have become popular in the Northern Borders province, drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf countries.
They come to experience the authentic Bedouin lifestyle, including heritage activities, Arabic coffee brewed over firewood, and night-time storytelling on cold evenings.
The Northern Borders is also rich in diverse natural sites that have become popular destinations for camping and desert-tourism enthusiasts.
Among the most prominent are Al-Habka, Luqa, Al-Rak’a, Zahwah, Al-Qurayyah and Al-Gharabah, stretching from the center of Al-Shu’bah in the east to the governorate of Turaif in the west.
