Latest news with #SaudiNationalMuseum
Arab News
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia highlights museums' growing role in heritage preservation
JEDDAH: The Saudi National Museum hosted International Museum Day celebrations in Riyadh on Saturday under the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.' The event brought together cultural and heritage experts, artists, and enthusiasts for a day of dialogue, workshops, and interactive sessions, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It opened with a panel titled 'Living Heritage in Rapidly Changing Communities,' followed by a thought-provoking session on 'Museums and Change.' Speakers discussed how museums can evolve to reflect and respond to the fast-paced transformations shaping modern society. A highlight was an interactive session on 'Saudi Storytelling and Performing Arts in Museums,' emphasizing the power of narrative in preserving cultural identity and passing values to younger generations. The session illustrated how museums can serve as dynamic platforms to showcase intangible heritage through immersive experiences. Another panel, 'Technological Challenges in Cultural Heritage,' explored innovative ways to safeguard and share heritage using digital tools. This theme was further explored in the workshop 'Craft and Technology: The Art of Digital Weaving,' where participants examined the intersection of traditional crafts and modern digital techniques. Throughout the sessions, participants stressed the importance of community engagement, reinforcing museums' role as inclusive spaces for education, creativity, and cultural innovation in a rapidly changing world. The event also featured additional panels and workshops on museums' evolving role in preserving identity and addressing contemporary challenges.
The Star
16-05-2025
- The Star
An oasis of hidden gems awaits
SAUDI ARABIA isn't just a place of pilgrimage for Muslims; it is a melting pot of cultural transformation and enduring heritage. Visitors will discover a land rich in remarkably well-preserved historical relics – thanks in large part to the fact that the country only opened its doors to the world in 2019. If you're eager to uncover the country's timeless charms beyond the buzz of its modern capital, Apple Vacations' 10D7N tour to this Middle Eastern gem offers a chance to explore its hidden treasures. Where the past meets the future Standing proudly at the heart of the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh is the Al Masmak Fortress, a 160 year-old citadel. Made of clay and mud bricks, its towering walls and formidable structure make it one of Saudi Arabia's best-preserved historic landmarks. First built as a palace, it now functions as a museum and a symbol of the country's power and rule. Just a 10-minute drive from the fortress is the Saudi National Museum. The eight-gallery museum traces the journey of the universe's origins through the eras of the Arab Kingdoms and pre-Islamic times, culminating in the unification of Saudi Arabia. With more than 3,700 artifacts on display, it gives visitors an in-depth look into the country's rich history and cultural heritage spanning several millennia. For a shopping experience filled with old-world charm, you'll find a treasure trove of items at Souq Al Zal, one of Saudi Arabia's oldest flea markets. Wander through rows of antiques, trinkets, traditional handicrafts and other interesting finds as chatter echoes through its century-old alleyways. Top off the Riyadh experience with panoramic views of the capital at Kingdom Centre Tower. From 300m above, the city's skyline is breathtaking. Ushaiger Heritage Village Ushaiger Village is one of the best-preserved ancient villages in central Arabia. Just north of Riyadh sits one of the oldest towns in the Saudi region. Once a pitstop for pilgrims of ages past, Ushaiger Village continues to be a destination that captures the heart of travellers for its innate charms. Glimpses of the old way of life of the village's past inhabitants surface as you stroll through its winding streets and rugged terrains. Along the way, you'll notice unique triangular roofs and white-rimmed windows that decorate the red mud-brick houses, a relic of Saudi Arabia's architectural traditions. AlUla Unesco World Heritage Site From ancient tombs to geological formations, AlUla is packed with age-old wonders. Take your first step back in time with the AlUla Old Town. Sitting in the narrowest part of the AlUla Valley stands more than 900 mud-brick houses built over 2,000 years ago. Through the mazes of its historic alleyways, feel the place teeming with life from the olden days amongst its historic walls, standing against the test of time. Immerse yourself in the language of the civilisation that once thrived there with the open library of Jabal Ikmah, situated just 20 minutes up north of AlUla Old Town. More than 300 stone inscriptions are carved into the rock faces on the cliffs, each with a story of its own from the Dadanite and Lihyanite periods. The exterior of the Elephant Rock is shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Amongst the sand dunes of Northeast AlUla stands the majestic Elephant Rock in Harat Auwyrith. Rising to a height of 52m, this geological wonder, which resembles an elephant with a ground-bound trunk, is fringed by hundreds of other rock monoliths formed from ancient times. End the day with a star-gazing experience in the desert with a local astronomer, coupled with a traditional dining experience. You might catch a glimpse of the Orion constellation, if you're lucky. Medina, Islam's second holiest city In the heart of Medina stands Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet's Mosque – Islam's second holiest site and the second largest mosque in the world. Known for its iconic green dome, it uniquely retains much of the traditional and contemporary elements of Islamic architecture, from intricate mosaics that decorate its halls to the sliding domes of the mosque. The mosque is not the only one to have evolved with time. Witness the transformation of Medina with the exhibits at Al-Madinah Museum. Just a 15-minute drive from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, dive deep into Medina's rich history with archaeological collections, visual galleries and rare images of the city found nowhere else. Jeddah, Saudi's second largest city Sitting along the coasts of Jeddah, is the Al Rahma Floating Mosque. Inspired by the city's seafaring heritage, the iconic mosque was erected on water in 1985 and is renowned for its turquoise-coloured dome and white-coloured exterior. South of the Al Rahma Floating Mosque is Al-Balad, the historic centre of Jeddah and one of the most Instagram-worthy sites in Saudi Arabia. The Hijazi houses that line the sides of this Unesco World Heritage Site are known for their coral stone structure and intricately-carved wooden balconies, while its cozy alleyways offer a snapshot-worthy backdrop. The last to add to your list of must-visits is the King Fahd's Fountain, touted as the world's tallest fountain, standing at 312m. The local landmark is a sight to behold from afar, especially when it's illuminated at night. Five-star experiences Apple Vacations has now rolled out their tour packages to Saudi Arabia for 2025. The packages include tickets to the attractions and a treat to Arabian delicacies, as well as five-star accommodation throughout the trip. Additionally, it includes one domestic flight to spare travellers from an 11-hour flight. Tour package is priced from RM31,999 (including flight tickets). Book your adventure on either Nov 19 or Dec 17 to experience Saudi Arabia's past, present– and future. Ready to immerse yourself in the Arabian experience? Click here to kickstart your adventure.
CairoScene
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
National Museum Marks International Museum Day With 3-Day Programme
Saudi National Museum will host a three-day programme of panel discussions, workshops, and musical performances. In celebration of International Museum Day 2025, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is set to host a three-day cultural programme from May 15th to the 17th, titled 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities'. The event will spotlight how museums are evolving beyond static repositories of history to become dynamic engines of local economic growth, education, and innovation. Among the key highlights is a panel discussion in collaboration with the Museums Commission featuring Princess Haifa bint Mansour bin Bandar, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saudi National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), and Rola Al-Ghrair, Director General of the National Museum. Together, they will explore the evolving function of museums in shaping society and bridging generations. An interactive talk with the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts (WRTH) will examine how Saudi folk tales and performing arts can be woven into museum experiences that are both educational and entertaining—particularly appealing to younger audiences. Another session titled 'Living Heritage in Rapidly Changing Communities', hosted in partnership with the Heritage Commission, will tackle the challenges of preserving intangible cultural heritage. The discussion will explore strategies to adapt traditional practices to modern lifestyles while ensuring their continuity. The programme will conclude with a series of hands-on workshops, live craft demonstrations, and musical performances celebrating the richness of Saudi Arabia's traditional arts.
Arab News
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi National Museum celebrates Founding Day with a cultural journey
RIYADH: The Saudi National Museum in Riyadh celebrated Founding Day with a three-day cultural extravaganza that offered visitors a journey through the Kingdom's rich history and identity. The event, taking place from Feb. 21-23, featured immersive programs including shadow theater performances chronicling the story of the legendary Prince Mani Al-Muraydi, founder of Diriyah, whose vision laid the groundwork for the first Saudi state under Imam Muhammad bin Saud. One of the key attractions traced the evolution of Saudi currency, from using foreign coins to introducing a national currency embodying sovereignty and economic unity. Interactive displays allowed guests to handle replicas of historic coins and learn about the Saudi riyal's role in shaping the nation's identity. Artisans showed off traditional crafts, bridging past and present by demonstrating skills passed down through generations. Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was prominently featured for its centuries-old mastery of bisht-making, a craft synonymous with Saudi identity. Habib Bukheder, a third-generation bisht tailor from Al-Ahsa, told Arab News: 'We inherit this craft from our fathers and pass it to our sons. The bisht is not just a garment — it is our identity.' This traditional cloak worn by men in the Arabian Peninsula symbolizes prestige, elegance and heritage. It is often worn for special occasions such as weddings, religious celebrations and official ceremonies. 'During National Day and Founding Day, you will see Saudis wearing bishts in the streets out of love for their country. We even crafted a green bisht to reflect the national flag's colors,' said Bukheder, who preserves historical pieces. He also shared his royal connections: 'The Daggat Al-Tabooq — a bisht with golden frond embroidery — was first worn by Prince Faisal bin Fahd in 1986. I was honored to design it for him and later for his son, Prince Nawaf.' In the Ornate Heritage exhibit, visitors explore the symbolism of the founding emblem, reflecting the Kingdom's cultural legacy and modern ambitions. Meanwhile, the Weaving Story program delves into the history of textile craftsmanship, illustrating how intertwined threads symbolize societal unity and resilience. For international visitors like Yuko, a tourist from Japan, the event serves as a gateway to Saudi culture. 'We wanted to see Saudi Arabia, especially Riyadh, and we learned a lot about the culture here,' she told Arab News. Yuko, visiting with her family, said they had not realized their trip would coincide with Founding Day. 'The city is amazing and beautiful, and the people are so friendly and hardworking — it makes me want to live here too,' she said. Another visitor, Oguz from Turkiye, who visited Diriyah before heading to the Saudi National Museum, said: 'This is my first time in Riyadh, and we are experiencing the new developments. People here are very energetic, so it is a really good experience.'
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Visitors to Riyadh Season hit record number of 20mln
RIYADH — Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Al-Sheikh announced that the number of visitors to the fifth edition of Riyadh Season has reached 20 million. The season witnesses this record number of visitors for the first time in its history since its launch in 2019. This reflects the unprecedented turnout for the season's events and the unique diversity it offers. The season's crossing of the 20 million visitor mark confirms its position as one of the largest entertainment events in the world, while continuing to provide new and innovative experiences that enhance Riyadh's position as a global entertainment destination. The season enjoys a distinctive reputation that makes its zones a major stop for visitors to Riyadh from within and outside the Kingdom, as it continues to attract visitors in huge numbers. The season's various zones witness the presence of huge number of visitors, especially in "Boulevard World", "Boulevard City", and "Boulevard Runway." These zones provide exceptional entertainment experiences that include artistic and musical performances, the latest international games, in addition to restaurants and cafes that offer the finest food experience, representing diverse cultures. The mild winter weather and public holidays have contributed to the tremendous turnout of the public to various zones of the season, where 'Dunes of Arabia' attracted adventure and camping enthusiasts. 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' exhibition, being held at the Saudi National Museum, also drew wide interest from fashion and art lovers, while 'The Groves' zone attracted visitors with its unique atmosphere, international restaurants and live music performances, reflecting the diversity of options offered by the season. Major events, such as boxing matches, martial arts, and padel competitions are also witnessing tremendous turnout, in addition to artistic concerts that host a selection of distinguished stars and fans. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
