Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa
Born in 1873, Isa was one of the sons of Irqah. His grandson, Bader Al-Mugayel, spoke to Arab News about the deep connection to his ancestors' legacy that led him to renovate the building in 2022.
'Three years ago, I saw the area. Of course, what made me interested was my grandfather,' he said.
After 16 months of hard work, the historic house is now open to visitors free of charge.
'We wanted this project to be Saudi-made and with local products,' explained Al-Mugayel. 'The goal isn't investment; the goal is that this place doesn't die.'
Highlighting the architectural techniques used in the traditional houses, he added: 'Any house has something in it. It has engineering. It's impossible to build a house that lasts for a long time without a solid foundation.'
Some of the houses in the area date back 200 years. The distinctive Najdi architecture plays a crucial role in the heritage of Irqah and is characterized by flat roofs, thick walls and intricate geometric patterns.
The restoration of Bayt Isa adhered to these architectural principles, ensuring it reflected the traditional building techniques of the Najd region.
'When we came to restore, we found that they actually followed certain measurements. they didn't exceed 3.5 meters,' said Al-Mugayel.
The resilience of the materials used, especially wood that can bear heavy loads, underlines the ingenuity of generations past.
Al-Mugayel's commitment to preserving the integrity of the structures is clear in his approach — very little has been changed.
Future plans include a motel, to allow guests to experience a taste of life in another time. He also hopes to include local cafes and markets, prioritizing the involvement of local producers and families. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote tourism and cultural heritage.
'Our strategy is to ensure that local families benefit from this project,' said Al-Mugayel, who has engaged with those producing traditional Najdi food.
'We want everyone to come and witness how people lived in the old days,' he told Arab News.
'We opened it for free. You come, walk around, have coffee, tea, and see the house.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi crown prince chairs cabinet of ministers session in NEOM
Saudi Arabia's caves could be next tourism wonder MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is home to a vast network of caves and geological cavities formed over millions of years. The sites provide dramatic natural formations and rich stories about the region's history. With their adventure appeal, scientific value, and environmental diversity, these underground wonders are emerging as a promising tourism frontier, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In an interview with Arab News, cave researcher and adventurer Hassan Al-Rashidi shared his experiences exploring these hidden landscapes, describing how his passion began in childhood. Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied) He said: 'The real starting point came in 2018 when I began filming and uploading videos for some friends, which received great interaction from the public. This encouraged me even more, especially after people from across the Kingdom reached out (by) asking to explore unknown sites.' Among the many sites he has visited, Al-Rashidi enthuses over Abu Al-Waul Cave in Madinah's Khaybar Governorate, east of Al-Thamad village, as the most remarkable for depth and natural formations. It lies in the middle of Harrat Khaybar and is surrounded by other notable caves such as Maker Al-Shaiheen, Umm Jersan, Abu Jamajem, and Al-Sibaa Cave. HIGH LIGHTS • With their adventure appeal, scientific value, and environmental diversity, caves are emerging as a promising tourism frontier, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. • Cave exploration carries risks such as possible collapses, which may be avoided by steering clear of unstable zones and exiting immediately if danger is detected. • Some caves in the Kingdom remain closed to the public for safety, or to protect their archeological value. Abu Al-Waul is the longest cave discovered in the Kingdom so far, stretching 5 km, and is still being studied, Al-Rashidi said. According to researcher Hassan Al-Rashidi caves are 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' (Supplied) The interiors of caves vary, with stalactites and stalagmites creating unique and stunning visuals. Wildlife sightings are common, and Al-Rashidi said: 'We have observed animals such as foxes, hyenas, and wolves, which use caves as a safe shelter during the day, coming out at night to hunt and bring food for their young.' He added that cave exploration required careful preparation, from modern distance-measuring devices, and ropes and supports for slippery areas, to food, water, first aid kits, sturdy footwear, helmets, and lighting with spare batteries. Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied) Al-Rashidi added that volcanic caves form when the outer layer of lava cools while the inner part remains molten and flows onward, while calcareous sandstone caves date back millions of years and are formed from compacted sand layers shaped by rainfall and other climatic factors. Cave exploration carries risks such as possible collapses, which may be avoided by steering clear of unstable zones and exiting immediately if danger is detected. Some caves in the Kingdom remain closed to the public for safety, or to protect their archaeological value. Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied) Highlighting their cultural and economic potential, Al-Rashidi called caves 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' He believes Saudi Vision 2030 — supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — offers the Kingdom a real chance to develop cave tourism as a sustainable economic resource. He said: 'Caves can be an economic resource through tourism and scientific research, as well as by opening employment and educational opportunities, in addition to (being the basis of) national research for the benefit of the nation's citizens.' According to researcher Hassan Al-Rashidi caves are 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' (Supplied) Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. Al-Rashidi said that developing the sector will require improved infrastructure and the imposition of strict safety measures, in addition to providing engaging visitor experiences while encouraging strong public awareness of preserving the natural sites.
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's caves could be next tourism wonder
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is home to a vast network of caves and geological cavities formed over millions of years. The sites provide dramatic natural formations and rich stories about the region's history. With their adventure appeal, scientific value, and environmental diversity, these underground wonders are emerging as a promising tourism frontier, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In an interview with Arab News, cave researcher and adventurer Hassan Al-Rashidi shared his experiences exploring these hidden landscapes, describing how his passion began in childhood. Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied) He said: 'The real starting point came in 2018 when I began filming and uploading videos for some friends, which received great interaction from the public. This encouraged me even more, especially after people from across the Kingdom reached out (by) asking to explore unknown sites.' Among the many sites he has visited, Al-Rashidi enthuses over Abu Al-Waul Cave in Madinah's Khaybar Governorate, east of Al-Thamad village, as the most remarkable for depth and natural formations. It lies in the middle of Harrat Khaybar and is surrounded by other notable caves such as Maker Al-Shaiheen, Umm Jersan, Abu Jamajem, and Al-Sibaa Cave. • With their adventure appeal, scientific value, and environmental diversity, caves are emerging as a promising tourism frontier, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. • Cave exploration carries risks such as possible collapses, which may be avoided by steering clear of unstable zones and exiting immediately if danger is detected. • Some caves in the Kingdom remain closed to the public for safety, or to protect their archeological value. Abu Al-Waul is the longest cave discovered in the Kingdom so far, stretching 5 km, and is still being studied, Al-Rashidi said. According to researcher Hassan Al-Rashidi caves are 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' (Supplied) The interiors of caves vary, with stalactites and stalagmites creating unique and stunning visuals. Wildlife sightings are common, and Al-Rashidi said: 'We have observed animals such as foxes, hyenas, and wolves, which use caves as a safe shelter during the day, coming out at night to hunt and bring food for their young.' He added that cave exploration required careful preparation, from modern distance-measuring devices, and ropes and supports for slippery areas, to food, water, first aid kits, sturdy footwear, helmets, and lighting with spare batteries. Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied) Al-Rashidi added that volcanic caves form when the outer layer of lava cools while the inner part remains molten and flows onward, while calcareous sandstone caves date back millions of years and are formed from compacted sand layers shaped by rainfall and other climatic factors. Cave exploration carries risks such as possible collapses, which may be avoided by steering clear of unstable zones and exiting immediately if danger is detected. Some caves in the Kingdom remain closed to the public for safety, or to protect their archaeological value. Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied) Highlighting their cultural and economic potential, Al-Rashidi called caves 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' He believes Saudi Vision 2030 — supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — offers the Kingdom a real chance to develop cave tourism as a sustainable economic resource. He said: 'Caves can be an economic resource through tourism and scientific research, as well as by opening employment and educational opportunities, in addition to (being the basis of) national research for the benefit of the nation's citizens.' According to researcher Hassan Al-Rashidi caves are 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' (Supplied) Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. Al-Rashidi said that developing the sector will require improved infrastructure and the imposition of strict safety measures, in addition to providing engaging visitor experiences while encouraging strong public awareness of preserving the natural sites.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Mado restaurant in Makkah
With a central location across from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Mado is one of the only full-service restaurants in the area, in addition to nearby hotels. Arab News visited the restaurant and tried a variety of their items, including their fresh salads, grilled meats, desserts, and fresh juices. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu, offer great recommendations, and are accommodating of any allergies. Mado's juice options, like mango, orange, and pineapple, are all refreshing, especially after a day in the mosque. We tried the highly recommended penne arrabiata; while the pasta was cooked well, the sauce was too sour due to the tart tomatoes used. As for the salads, we tried the tabbouleh, Ahirdag, and crispy chicken salads. While the tabbouleh was standard and nothing to write home about, the Ahirdag and crispy chicken salads were among the best starters on the menu. The Turkish mixed grill was delicious, offering a variety of meat, including shish tawouk, beef skewers, and kebabs. We ordered the mixed grill for one, but it was enough for two people. The doner, which is advertised prominently, was unavailable when we tried to order it. For desserts, two options stand out: the kunafa and the layered Turkish ice cream (chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and strawberry). The restaurant is quite spacious and offers many seating areas, but the best seats by far are those near the window overlooking the Grand Mosque. The service can be improved; while staff members are numerous, the restaurant's reception area remains unmanned at times, leaving guests waiting to be seated. Mado also has locations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Hail.
