Indian Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to Makkah

JEDDAH: Homes and businesses in Jeddah will capture the festive spirit of Ramadan as part of a decoration competition launched by the city’s municipality.

The scheme to decorate the facades of homes and shops was launched in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority.

It invites the public to create a memorable Ramadan experience, sparking creativity with diverse decorations — from colorful lanterns and Islamic designs to twinkling lights — and adding unique charm to the festive atmosphere.

Mohammed Al-Bugami, the spokesperson of Jeddah Municipality, told Arab News that the competition will recognize the efforts that residents, restaurants, cafes and shops put into their festive lights and ornaments.

“The Ramadan Home and Shop Decoration Competition is a great opportunity to showcase the spirit of the holy month and bring joy and happiness to the community,” he said.

“Ramadan has a special place in the hearts of Muslims and is a time for reflection, worship and social interaction,” he added. “By decorating homes and shops, everyone can participate in creating a festive environment that expresses the values ​​of generosity and hospitality.”

The scheme is a celebration of the holy month and reflects Jeddah’s commitment to its society, Al-Bugami said.

The competition invites Jeddah residents to decorate their homes and highlight the Ramadan atmosphere through creative designs that reflect the spirit of the holy month.

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, the use of heritage elements, lighting and environmental sustainability.

Winners of the competition will be announced after Ramadan.

RIYADH: The natural environment profoundly shapes the architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia’s Baha region, where the traditional craft of stone building has thrived for generations, with local artisans skillfully utilizing the region’s abundant stones and trees.

Building using stone, a cornerstone of the region’s heritage, remains integral to Baha’s cultural fabric, with locals working to adapt the practice to meet contemporary demands, a Saudi Press Agency report highlighted.

Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, a seasoned builder in Baha, highlighted the labor-intensive nature of the building process, which lasts several months and involves using various types of stones, including cornerstones, long stones and the supporting Al-Mateen or Al-Dahr stones, which are essential for erecting a room.

Saleh Al-Zahrani, another local builder, highlighted the process of finishing a building with mud plastering, using juniper trees for doors and windows, and embellishing them with decorative carvings. The houses are further adorned with white quartz stones, creating a distinct look.

The architectural similarities among buildings in Baha are notable. Dwellings are closely arranged, and villages feature narrow streets and a central square for social activities.