RIYADH: The Diriyah Season, themed “Ezek we Malfak” (Your Glory and Refuge), launched on Thursday on the banks of Wadi Safar, situated in the west of Diriyah.

The theme draws inspiration from Diriyah’s authenticity and symbolism as the cradle of the first Saudi state and a center of cultural and historical influence.

The ceremony, organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, was held in the presence of Governor of Diriyah Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Turki and other local and international cultural and media figures. It featured artistic performances that evoked the symbolism of “Al-Awja,” a place deeply connected to Diriyah’s history and its position in the Saudi consciousness.

Visual displays, enhanced by lighting techniques and drones, told the story of Wadi Hanifa from its founding to the present day, in a show titled “I Am Al-Awja,” which captivated the audience.

The winners of the “Rawi Al-Diriyah” (Narrator of Diriyah) program, Tamim Al-Harthi and Bader Al-Harbi, also participated in the event, presenting an interactive performance that expressed the Saudis’ connection to Diriyah’s history and national heritage.

The program presented a theatrical and musical performance that combined national songs with traditional performing arts such as the Ardah and Samri, featuring young male and female performance groups, in a celebratory scene reflecting the diversity of folk arts in the Najd.

The term “Al-Awja” is associated with Diriyah, which was built on the bend of Wadi Hanifa. The word has become a symbol of pride and belonging for the Saudi royal family and the people of Diriyah in general, as it embodies the meanings of heroism, generosity and loyalty.

Ahlam Al-Thunayan, director of the Diriyah Season, confirmed that the new season aims to “celebrate Diriyah’s history, values and culture in a creative way that reflects the pride Saudis have in their roots.”

She added that the symbolism of Al-Awja in the current season expresses the historical continuity of Diriyah’s identity and renews the Saudis’ connection to their national heritage.

Al-Thunayan said that the season’s programs were designed to offer a comprehensive cultural and tourism experience that highlights the depth and diversity of the area.

The season offers more than 10 diverse programs spanning 120 days, including cultural, artistic and historical events in the historic districts of Diriyah.

Among the most prominent are the “Hal Al-Qusour” (castles owners) program in the Al-Turaif district, which opens the doors of several historic palaces to visitors for the first time, and the “Teen” program, which showcases authentic Najdi architecture.

Other events include the “Diriyah Novel Festival” in the Al-Bujairi district, and the “Diriyah Nights” event, which brings together culinary arts and international restaurants in the Al-Muraih district.

The Al-Tawali area hosts the “Season Market,” which recreates the atmosphere of historical markets. The events includes arts, music and crafts programs and workshops, as well as interactive family activities in the Al-Dhuwairah district, and luxurious hospitality experiences overlooking Wadi Safar.

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority affirmed its commitment to implementing the principles of cultural sustainability across all events of the season.

This will be achieved through integration with the local community, empowering Saudi talents and artisans, and attracting international partnerships that bolster cultural and tourism activity in the Kingdom.

The Diriyah Season is part of the DGDA’s efforts to solidify Diriyah’s position as the cradle of the Saudi state and a permanent platform for cultural activity, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make culture and tourism pillars of sustainable development and the national creative economy.

Nasser Al-Gharbi, chairman of the board of directors of the Economic Families Association, emphasized that the Diriyah Season represents an inspiring model for the integration of culture and the community economy, embodying the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in empowering the nonprofit sector and local communities by leveraging cultural heritage to create sustainable economic opportunities.

“What distinguishes this year’s season is its profound focus on showcasing the authentic Najdi identity through events that blend tradition and innovation, providing a platform for productive families and artisans to display their products in a sophisticated and interactive investment environment,” he added.

Al-Gharbi said that the diversity of programs and venues during the season reflects a progressive understanding of the role of culture in development. This role extends beyond mere entertainment to empowering and funding local creativity and fostering community engagement.

These initiatives create a dynamic economic and cultural movement that strengthens Diriyah’s position as a global center for Saudi culture and empowers families to contribute to building a sustainable future based on the values of heritage, innovation, creativity and authentic Saudi culture, he said.

Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Economic Association, pointed out that local economies in the Kingdom’s regions form the solid foundation on which the overall economy is built. He explained that these economies contribute to the development of productive and service sectors and strengthen local value chains.

Al-Sheikh said that these local economies support job creation and sustainable income for families, and also enhance government revenues through increased investment and tax activity.

He said that developing specialized economic cities and zones helps to achieve a balanced distribution of economic growth, reduces regional disparities and strengthens the national economy, in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development across all regions of the Kingdom.

The Diriyah Season represents a vibrant extension of Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted heritage, a testament to the rich history of Diriyah, and a cultural spectacle that blends tradition with modern innovation, according to Talal Al-Sharhan, chairman of the board of directors of the Heritage Ambassadors Association.

“At the Heritage Ambassadors Association, we affirm that our goals align with this approach of preserving heritage and strengthening national identity, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030, which has made culture and heritage a fundamental pillar for building a national society proud of its identity and contributing to sustainable cultural and tourism development,” he said.

“Evoking the symbolism of ‘Al-Awja’ during this season expresses a profound sense of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the ancestors who established the glory of this nation. It also motivates new generations to participate in preserving national heritage and enhancing its presence both locally and globally,” he said.