Diriyah offers rich cultural experiences during Ramadan

1 / 7
Souq Al-Mawsim is back for a second season in Diryah from March 11 to April 11. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Short Url
Updated 19 March 2024
Follow

Diriyah offers rich cultural experiences during Ramadan

  • Array of eating choices close to UNESCO world heritage site
  • Najdi-style architecture evokes images of country’s rich past

RIYADH: During Ramadan at Bujairi Terrace, starry nights with exceptional views of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif ensure unforgettable experiences for the whole family. 

Bujairi Terrace is inspired by Najdi architecture to evoke images of the past. There are over 20 eateries, including several fine dining choices such as Chez Bruno, Tatel, Hakkasan and Long Chim.

Khaled Abdelazim Hassan, head of trade finance at Finance House, told Arab News that his visit was “nothing short of enchanting, offering a delightful fusion of tradition, flavor, and hospitality.”

He added that he was “greeted by an atmosphere buzzing with life. The terrace seemed to come alive with the laughter of families and friends, mingling with the gentle melodies of traditional music. It was a scene straight out of a cultural tapestry, where tradition met modernity in perfect harmony.” 

“Nestled in the heart of Diriyah, this cultural hub beckoned with promises of culinary adventures and immersive experiences,” said Hassan.

Hassan and his family dined at Maiz, a contemporary fine dining restaurant, because the authentic Saudi Arabia cuisine “stole the show.”

He added: “The mandi was a mixture of flavors and textures. The tender, succulent meat, marinated to perfection and slow-cooked until it practically melted in my mouth, was a revelation. Paired with fragrant saffron rice and traditional Saudi sauces, it was a culinary experience like no other.” 

“As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but marvel at the richness of Saudi culture and cuisine. Maiz not only satisfied my hunger but also fed my soul, offering a glimpse into the traditions and flavors of a distant land.” 

Hassan said that the venue provides a haven for those seeking to break their fast in a welcoming and culturally rich environment.

“From the vibrant ambiance to the tantalizing flavors, it was a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community. Whether you’re craving a culinary adventure or seeking a place to gather with loved ones during Ramadan, Bujairi Terrace offers an experience that will leave a lasting impression,” he said.

Visitors can walk over a bridge after dining at the Bujairi Terrace to visit the recently restored ruins of the original seat of the Al-Saud dynasty, taking the same steps as the country’s rulers did centuries ago.

Meanwhile, Souq Al-Mawsim is back for a second season at Diriyah. It began in the historic district of At-Turaif on March 11 and will end on April 11. It is open from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. throughout Ramadan. 

Organized by the Diriyah Gate ‍Development Authority, the event showcases traditional markets, workshops and arts and crafts.

Abdulrahman Alsaigh, a storyteller at the souq, said: “I lived during the time of King Faisal. We lived in mud houses and life was great. We used to know all of our neighbors.”

Local brands are on sale including traditional Saudi Arabia dishes, clothes, essential oils and oud.


Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

  • The new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has implemented an advanced interventional technique to diagnose breast tumors that conventional imaging cannot detect.

It enables physicians to obtain precise biopsy samples during the same visit, accelerating diagnosis and allowing earlier treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The shift addresses recent cases where certain breast abnormalities were only visible through contrast-enhanced imaging, leading the hospital to adopt contrast-enhanced mammography as a precise clinical tool.

Previously, the standard protocol required a separate MRI-guided biopsy after initial imaging, often resulting in redundant procedures, greater patient burden, higher costs and treatment delays.

In contrast, the new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments.


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 56 min 7 sec ago
Follow

Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.

During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported. 


Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

Updated 06 May 2025
Follow

Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a letter on Tuesday from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus.

The Bangladeshi ambassador to the Kingdom, Delwar Hossain, presented the letter, which addressed relations between Riyadh and Dhaka, to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.

During their meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, the envoy and the deputy minister discussed ways to strengthen ties between their countries in various sectors.


Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo

Updated 06 May 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo

  • Exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality
  • Visitors received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah

RIYADH: The sixth Jusoor exhibition, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs at Skanderbeg Square in Pristina, Kosovo, is attracting a large number of visitors daily.

The exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality.

The technology pavilion at the 10-day event has attracted significant interest for its modern digital innovations highlighting the Kingdom’s technical progress, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It includes several ministry-developed applications, notably the Correct Citation app, which features a smart keyboard that accurately integrates Qur’anic verses and Prophetic hadiths, and allows them to be shared as text or images.

The 3D Hajj and Umrah app offers a virtual experience simulating pilgrimage rituals in multiple languages, while the Rushd app provides a comprehensive digital library with books and Islamic content in 51 languages.

Attendees praised the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and promoting moderation, the SPA reported.

Visitors also received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, and its role in serving pilgrims.

Additionally, VR technology allows visitors to explore rare photos of Makkah and historic mosques, offering an engaging interactive experience of the Kingdom’s history and holy sites.

The ministry recently concluded the fifth Jusoor exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors from diverse backgrounds.

The 10-day exhibition at Istiqlal Mosque was one of the largest cultural and advocacy events organized by the ministry outside the Kingdom.

Saudi officials also distributed more than 150,000 copies of Qur’an, printed and translated into Indonesian by the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

Indonesian visitors praised the exhibition for its blend of spiritual and cultural themes, strong organization, and diverse, informative content.


Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments

Updated 06 May 2025
Follow

Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments

  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed authorities to ensure top-level Hajj preparations and pilgrim services
  • The cabinet highlighted record non-oil exports and praised Saudi Arabia’s global rise in digital governance and open data transparency

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting in Jeddah that reviewd Hajj preperations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The crown prince welcomed Muslim pilgrims who began flocking to the Kingdom from various countries to perform Hajj this year.

He also directed relevant authorities to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in implementing security, preventive and organizational plans to serve the pilgrim guests.

The crown prince also observed the record performance reports of the kingdom’s non-oil exports in 2024 and their continued upward trajectory. The reports reflect the accelerating steps towards diversifying sources of income and investment in the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030.  

Ministers also noted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital governance, including its top regional ranking for the third year in the UN’s e-government services index, and its leap of 92 places in the global Open Data Inventory.

On regional issues, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call for de-escalation across conflict zones, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria, urged an end to the war in Sudan through a local political solution, and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution as a path to lasting peace in Palestine.