Salam - Diriyah Season Celebrates Our Roots and Heritage
Assalamu alaikum - Diriyah Season, under the theme “Ezek we Malfak” (Your Glory and Refuge), began on Thursday along the banks of Wadi Safar in western Diriyah. The theme honors Diriyah’s authentic role as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a centre of cultural and historical significance.
The opening ceremony, arranged by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and attended by Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Turki and many cultural and media guests, included artistic performances that highlighted the meaning of “Al-Awja,” a place closely tied to Diriyah’s history and national memory.
Through lighting, drones and visuals, a show called “I Am Al-Awja” traced the story of Wadi Hanifa from its origins to today, captivating those present. Winners of the “Rawi Al-Diriyah” program, Tamim Al-Harthi and Bader Al-Harbi, joined with an interactive piece that showed Saudis’ deep connection to Diriyah’s heritage.
The programme mixed theatrical and musical segments with national songs and traditional arts like the Ardah and Samri, featuring young men and women performers in celebrations that reflect the variety of Najdi folkloric arts.
“Al-Awja,” associated with the bend of Wadi Hanifa where Diriyah grew, has become a symbol of pride, generosity and loyalty for the royal family and local people. Ahlam Al-Thunayan, director of Diriyah Season, said this season aims to celebrate Diriyah’s history, values and culture in creative ways that reflect Saudis’ pride in their roots and renew the bond with national heritage.
The season offers over 10 different programmes across 120 days, combining cultural, artistic and historical events in Diriyah’s historic districts. Highlights include “Hal Al-Qusour” in Al-Turaif, opening several historic palaces to visitors for the first time; the “Teen” programme showcasing authentic Najdi architecture; the Diriyah Novel Festival in Al-Bujairi; and “Diriyah Nights,” which brings culinary traditions and international restaurants together in Al-Muraih.
Al-Tawali hosts the Season Market recreating the feel of historical souks, with arts, music, crafts, workshops and family activities in Al-Dhuwairah, plus hospitality experiences overlooking Wadi Safar.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority says it will apply cultural sustainability across the season by engaging the local community, empowering Saudi talents and artisans, and forming international partnerships that support cultural tourism.
This season is part of efforts to strengthen Diriyah’s role as the cradle of the Saudi state and a lasting centre for cultural life, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to make culture and tourism pillars of sustainable development and the creative economy.
Nasser Al-Gharbi noted that the season is a positive example of culture linking with the community economy, helping families and artisans showcase their products in ways that create sustainable opportunities. Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh highlighted that local regional economies are the foundation of the national economy, supporting jobs, incomes and balanced development across the Kingdom.
Talal Al-Sharhan of the Heritage Ambassadors Association said the season blends tradition and modern innovation while encouraging new generations to preserve and promote our heritage.
May Allah bless efforts to honour our history and strengthen our community. Ramadan kareem to all who are observing.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/