Latest news with #SaudiHeritage
Arab News
05-08-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque
MAKKAH: Craftsman Adel Al-Shehri has created a unique decorative plaque inspired by Saudi heritage and embossed with Braille writing. His creation honors Saudi culture and embraces the concept of inclusivity, driven by a conviction that the decorative piece should be accessible to all, including the visually impaired. The plaque, titled 'My Heritage in Braille,' is designed in a traditional style that reflects the deep-rooted culture of Saudi Arabia. It features a globe in its center surrounded by artistic motifs reflecting the concepts of universality. In an interview with Arab News, Al-Shehri spoke about the inspiration behind his selected materials and design choices. He crafted the plaque from luxurious walnut and mahogany woods, prized for their durability and rich, elegant grain. It wasn't easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance. Adel Al-Shehri, Saudi craftsman He added subtle metal inlays to complement the aesthetics and highlight the geometric details with contemporary flair. The plaque's base features a stepped circular design, inspired by the shape of ancient terraces found in historical buildings in the Kingdom. Incorporating Braille into the design proved to be a challenge for the craftsman. The reading system, which features raised dots that are read by touch, is not easy to recreate on materials like wood and metal. Braille is usually printed on paper, but adding it to a solid surface requires extreme precision. Al-Shehri devised a special method to achieve this, using engraving tools that enabled him to shape the Braille dots to the appropriate height (between 0.9 mm and 1.4 mm), while maintaining precise geometric spacing between the dots. This allowed them to be read by touch without losing their meaning or interfering with the other decorative elements on the plaque. 'This step presented both a technical and aesthetic challenge. How could I create a language that is read by touch and integrate it into a plaque meant to be admired visually? 'It wasn't easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance,' he said. Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. He hopes that his pioneering approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work.
Arab News
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Terhal' play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture
RIYADH: A celebration of Saudi Arabia heritage is underway in Diriyah with the return of the play 'Terhal,' which offers a visually rich and emotionally resonant expression of the Kingdom's cultural tapestry. Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the production of the Ministry of Culture combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling to narrate the evolving story of the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. At the heart of 'Terhal' is the story of Saad, a young Saudi who travels across the country's diverse regions in search of his roots and future. His personal journey becomes a symbolic reflection of the nation's broader transformation and is grounded in heritage, driven by ambition, and inspired by generations past. • Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the Ministry of Culture's production of 'Terhal' combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling. • The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom's landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase. • Tickets can be booked via The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom's landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase. Audiences are treated to dazzling acrobatics, immersive soundscapes, live music, equestrian performances, and cultural displays, including references to traditional crafts, attire and cuisine. Building on the artistic and public success of its 2023 debut, 'Terhal' continues to push the creative boundaries of local theater production. Tickets can be booked via
Asharq Al-Awsat
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ministry of Culture to Host Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka
The Ministry of Culture will host Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka, Japan, from July 12 to 15, 2025, at Expo Gallery EAST. The event highlights the "Year of Handicrafts 2025" as a key aspect of Saudi cultural heritage, showcasing the quality and creativity of Saudi handmade products to the Japanese and international communities. It also coincides with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Japan, SPA reported. Taking part in the event are the Heritage Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, each presenting a series of interactive activities that celebrate Saudi heritage and reflect its rich cultural depth and historical roots. The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) will showcase photographic content that highlights the historical and cultural ties between the Kingdom and Japan. The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 will feature over 700 cultural activities, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Kingdom's rich heritage. It will also showcase Saudi Arabia's efforts in sustainability and national transformation through creative, informative presentations that reflect its traditions, progress, and future vision. The Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka is part of a series of cultural weeks regularly organized by the Ministry of Culture to promote international cultural exchange. The event aims to deepen cultural ties between the Kingdom and Japan, foster connections between their peoples, and open new avenues for international collaboration in creative fields, contributing to the global presence and influence of Saudi culture.
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Nearly 6,000 New Sites Registered in Saudi National Register of Architectural Heritage
The Saudi Heritage Commission announced on Sunday the registration of 5,969 new architectural heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total number of registered sites to 34,171. These sites collectively reflect the richness and diversity of architectural heritage across the Kingdom. The newly registered sites include 258 in Riyadh Region, 483 in Makkah Region, 761 in Qassim Region, three in Eastern Region, 3,893 in Aseer Region, 60 in Hail Region, eight in Jazan Region, 499 in Al-Baha Region, and four in Al-Jouf Region. The registration process is based on regulations related to antiquities and architectural heritage, following a decision by the Board of Directors of the Heritage Commission to delegate authority to the commission's CEO to register heritage sites. The initiative aims to protect these sites from encroachment or neglect and to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Arab News
22-06-2025
- Arab News
Alqan Heritage Village: A window into Saudi Arabia's past
JEDDAH: Near Haql city, located northwest of Tabuk, sits Alqan Heritage Village — one of Saudi Arabia's most scenic and historic heritage sites. Also known as 'The Snow City,' it is a popular destination during winter when the whole area can become covered in snow. During warmer months, Alqan offers visitors a chance to explore the village's traditional homes, which are built on raised areas using local sandstone. These structures reflect the region's unique architectural style and building techniques, according to the Saudi Press Agency report. The village is located about 170 km from Tabuk city in northern Saudi Arabia, and is surrounded by a stunning landscape of tall mountains and red dunes. Alqan was built in 1934 by order of King Abdulaziz. It includes 20 houses made from red stone and mud, with palm trunks and fronds used for the roofs. These buildings were once used by the region's first government employees and public offices. Today, the village is officially listed in the National Register of Architectural Heritage. The Heritage Commission continues its efforts to document, protect and digitize such historic sites across the Kingdom. Near the village is the Alqan customs checkpoint, built in 1965. The area is also home to several historical wells that were used to provide water to local communities. Among them is the well of 'Abu Al-Alq,' believed to have inspired the village's name. Others say the name comes from small particles that sometimes appear in the well water. Perched on a rocky hill, the village was carefully planned by early settlers, who chose the location based on natural features like wind direction, rainfall and privacy. Their thoughtful urban planning shows how well they understood the desert environment. Alqan is best known for its snowfall, a rare feature in most of Saudi Arabia. Heavy snowstorms were recorded in 1945 and again in 1965, with snow lasting for several days. These events helped shape Alqan's reputation as a winter retreat.
