Hail festival honors Saudi craft, culture
The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offered a mix of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, running daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The event celebrated cultural heritage through handicrafts, traditional dishes, and Thamudic inscriptions, the SPA added.
It featured an art pavilion showcasing notable artists, a resin art exhibit, folk theater, heritage-inspired residential models, and performances reflecting the culture of Asir province.
Exhibits gave younger generations insight into how ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, highlighting the ingenuity of Saudi heritage.
More than 40 activities allowed visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and Najdi and Hail-style door making.
Other highlights included traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making. The festival also served as a platform for local artisans to present their work directly to the public.
Several government leaders visited the event, praising its efforts to revive memories of traditional life and showcase historical methods of meeting daily needs.
Mauritanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mokhtar Ould Dahi also toured the festival, exploring stands and pavilions featuring local craftsmanship.
He expressed admiration for the crafts on display, including wickerwork, sadu weaving, hand-woven textiles, and fiber arts, and commended the cultural performances for reflecting Saudi heritage.
Separately, EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud visited the festival, praising the displays of palm frond weaving, sadu weaving, handmade textiles, traditional wooden doors, resin art, crochet, Thamudic embroidery, woodcraft, and leatherwork.
Both ambassadors attended traditional folk performances, including the Saudi Ardah (sword dance), the Hail Samri (drum-accompanied poetry), and various artistic presentations from Asir region.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Dates carnival to boost business in Buraidah
BURAIDAH: The Buraidah Dates Carnival launched on Friday in the heart of Date City, Buraidah. Organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and held under the supervision of the Qassim governorate, the carnival will run until Oct. 9. Farmers and traders are showcasing more than 100 varieties of Qassim dates, including renowned types such as Sukkari, Barhi, and Saqi. The carnival offers a rich lineup of activities and events, including displays of manufacturing industries, contributions from productive families, palm-themed handicrafts, heritage and poetry evenings, and performances by traditional folk groups. A dedicated children's area with drawing activities is also featured, along with a wide array of programs tailored to engage and entertain all segments of society. Notably, the previous edition of the Buraidah Dates Carnival generated sales of nearly SR3.2 billion ($85 million), with an average of 2,000 vehicles transporting dates daily. The event also attracted over 800,000 visitors, reflecting its growing popularity and economic impact.
Arab News
9 hours ago
- Arab News
Bargain hunters galore at Madinah International Book Fair
MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission has introduced a dedicated section for discounted books at the Madinah International Book Fair, offering a broad array of publications at prices appealing to all sections of society. The initiative reflects the fair's commitment to broadening access to knowledge while reinforcing the value of printed books in an age of rapid digital change. The discounted section offers readers the chance to explore a diverse collection spanning literature, history, self-development, science and children's books, including titles in both Arabic and English. The initiative intends to enrich visitors' choices and underscore the fair's inclusive approach to meeting the varied interests of its audience. Visitor Salma Rashid said: 'I love the concept of this section — it makes books accessible to everyone. I picked up this book for just SR30 ($8), which is a great deal. 'While the space isn't lavishly decorated, the real draw is the chance to discover hidden gems at the book fair without breaking the bank.' Recognized as one of the fair's most popular attractions, the section aligns with the commission's objectives to promote reading and encourage book ownership among families and young readers. The Madinah International Book Fair is offering a cultural experience until Aug. 4, featuring a rich program of intellectual seminars, interactive workshops and poetry and literary evenings. Notable local and international writers and thinkers are participating, while the book-signing corner gives readers the opportunity to engage directly with authors and discover their creative journeys. The lively atmosphere further elevates the status of books and inspires a culture of reading and meaningful dialogue.
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi eLeagues MVPs shine at Major 2 tournaments
RIYADH: While the Esports World Cup action takes place in Riyadh, the Saudi eLeagues' Major 2 tournaments have this week showcased competition across various titles, with over 40 clubs competing at SEF Arena. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The event featured both elite and women's divisions, including Saudi and international players in games such as Rocket League, PUBG Mobile, EAFC25, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege, and Overwatch 2. Rocket League saw Team Falcons clinch the title with a 4-1 victory over Twisted Minds in the final. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, known as Trk511, earned MVP honors for his crucial plays and control during critical moments. PUBG Mobile was dominated by R8 Esports, which finished with 127 points. Abdullah, aka Marth, stood out with 24 kills, earning the MVP award for his tactical skill and accuracy. In the Women's EAFC25 division, Team Bright Future defeated Al-Dahab Club 2-0. Reva, who secured her third Saudi eLeagues title, was recognized as the tournament's top player for her strategic gameplay. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 saw Team Falcons take the championship after a 4-2 win against Team The Vicious. Khaled Al-Madhi, known as Khhx, was named MVP for his precise shooting and leadership. Valorant featured a close final where Twisted Minds edged out The Ultimates in a 3-2 series. Nikolay, or Sickrey, earned MVP honors for his aim and clutch plays that carried his team to victory. Rainbow Six Siege concluded with Geekay Esports defeating Twisted Minds 3-2. Osama Al-Zahrani, known as Tr1ixd, was named MVP for his tactical adaptability and performance under pressure. In Women's Overwatch 2, Twisted Minds defeated Al-Qadsiah 4-1 in the final, with Liz van der Meet standing out as MVP. The Dutch player demonstrated versatility and consistency throughout the tournament. The Overwatch 2 Elite division saw Twisted Minds beat Al-Qadsiah 4-3, with Ziyad from Al-Qadsiah earning MVP honors for his impressive gameplay despite the loss.
