Riyadh event explores Bedouin history of weaving

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The unique exhibition features a variety of activities that emphasize Sadu and its ties to the Kingdom’s history. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 21 March 2022
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Riyadh event explores Bedouin history of weaving

  • The exhibition also features a corner for children, who can take part in “The Legacy of Generations,” an interactive educational game

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture is hosting an event to let the Kingdom’s youth interact with the customs and traditions of the Bedouin across the Arabian Peninsula.

“The Sadu Tale” is running from March 16-20 at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.

Sadu, a traditional embroidered Bedouin fabric weaved from camel hair, goat hair, or sheep’s wool, is a common feature in traditional clothing across the Arabian Peninsula.

It is also used in the construction of the Bait Al-Sha’ir, the Bedouin tent which protects those inside from the heat of the sun and the cold of the desert.

Raef Bukhari took part in the exhibition with his family business, Desert Designs, bringing along home pieces like couches and chairs made in the Al-Sadu style.

“All the Sadu that we use is natural from camels hair and sheep wool. We implement them in the pieces in a modern way. Before Sadu became a trend, it was always our style in Desert Design to mix different kinds of Sadu together in one piece.”

The unique exhibition features a variety of activities that emphasize Sadu and its ties to the Kingdom’s history — from its beginnings to its UNESCO designation as containing intangible cultural heritage.

When entering the event, visitors will find hologram arts explaining that Sadu is known in countries as wide-ranging as Mali, India, UAE, Romania and Mexico.

There are five main sections in the exhibition: Sadu Across Continents, Sadu Weaving Exhibition, Art Exhibitions, Sadu Fashion Exhibition and Saudi Sadu in the Eye of the World.

There are also accompanying events from Saudi designers, with craftsmen and musicians taking part to create a culturally enriching experience for visitors.

Lujain Al-Zuaby, a fashion designer who took part in the event, said: “This event tells everything about our business. We make leather pieces mixed with Sadu art and what is amazing is that you are carrying a piece of art that was there for 300 years.”

Umm Fahad, a Sadu craftswoman at the exhibition who makes handbags, belts and wall pieces, also took part in Dubai Expo 2020, and said that the Ministry of Culture supported her “financially and morally.”

She said: “I started knitting when I was 13 years old with my mother, and in our time it was a necessity because we needed this craft to make tents and Bait Al-Sha’ir. We bring sheep wool and we color it to make amazing shapes.”

The exhibition also features a corner for children, who can take part in “The Legacy of Generations,” an interactive educational game.

The Kingdom is hosting cultural events to preserve heritage and customs. Recent efforts include Founding Day, Diriyah events, the Made in Saudi Expo and the AlUla Design Award.


Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Updated 18 March 2025
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Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

  • Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.

The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.


Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
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Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

  • Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.

In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.


Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia are awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. SPA
Updated 17 March 2025
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Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

  • Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. 

Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added. 


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

  • Several senior ministry officials attended

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministry hosted an iftar reception at its headquarters in Riyadh, and those attending, which included several senior ministry officials, exchanged Ramadan greetings and engaged in cordial discussions, enhancing communication with diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.