AL-AHSA: Traditional woodcrafts ingrained in a Saudi region’s heritage were showcased at a major festival event.
Wood-carving has played an important part in Al-Ahsa’s history, and experts in the art demonstrated their skills at one of the latest Sharqiah Season attractions taking place in the Eastern Province.
Male and female artists from Al-Ahas are aiming to breathe new life into the ancient craft which has been passed down through generations.
The wood carvings from the region take on many shapes and forms, with triangles being the most popular, and often incorporate calligraphy.
The cultural event titled Al-Ahsa Creative highlighted some of the many traditions of the area including music and handicrafts.
Abdullah Al-Shabaan, 70, has been producing wood carvings since he was 10 years old and is the last person in his family carrying on the tradition.
“I started practicing this craft with my grandfather and uncle, and I would create items after school and on vacations with both of them. The craft brings me peace and I cannot let go of it,” Al-Shabaan told Arab News.
Although his children have not followed in his footsteps, Al-Shabaan has held tutorials for those wishing to learn the craft.
“In 2016 I held a workshop for four females and a male, and one of the women really excelled. Then in 2017 I taught a group of five women and two men, and last year I was teaching 17 young men. Young people remain interested in this craft and are still holding on to it,” he added.
Fatimah Al-Hmoudi, 39, is a visual artist who started carving wood two years ago.
“Women are a minority in this field, and so I’m happy to be among those women who practice this art. I like to merge the past with the present, and as someone from Al-Ahsa I want to hold onto our heritage,” she said. “I am interested in all of Al-Ahsa’s history and want to showcase its identity.”
Al-Hmoudi pointed to one of her artworks shaped as a palm tree and with the word “Al-Ahsa” engraved on it in Arabic. “The palm tree symbolizes Al-Ahsa, and I added patterns that are specific to Al-Ahsa,” she added.
One visitor to the event, Shahad Al-Ghamdi, told Arab News: “Al-Ahsa has developed in so many ways. Culture is being showcased all the time, and we are provided with great entertainment events.”
Saudi heritage event aims to carve out future for traditional woodcrafts
Saudi heritage event aims to carve out future for traditional woodcrafts
- Wood-carving has played an important part in Al-Ahsa’s history
Saudi minister holds talks with Chinese, EU officials on climate, global issues
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir received China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed strengthening cooperation in climate action and environmental conservation, along with other topics of mutual interest.
Both officials also reviewed the Kingdom’s ongoing initiatives and achievements in this field, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a separate meeting, Al-Jubeir received the deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog, and his accompanying delegation.
The meeting reviewed international developments and the efforts being made to address them, in addition to discussing topics of mutual interest.
Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid to deliver Arafah sermon during Hajj 2025
- The day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is widely considered the pinnacle of Hajj, marking the most important day for pilgrims
- The sermon is delivered from Masjid Al-Nimra on Mount Arafat before Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed together on Dhul Hijjah 9
RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid will deliver the Arafah sermon during this year’s Hajj, the Presidency of Religious Affairs announced on Sunday.
The day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is widely considered the pinnacle of Hajj, marking the most important day for pilgrims. Muslims around the world who are not performing the pilgrimage mark the day by fasting and engaging in worship.
The sermon is delivered from Masjid Al-Nimra on Mount Arafat before Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed together on Dhul Hijjah 9.
Head of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the appointment.
The appointment underscores the Kingdom’s global religious leadership, reflects its continued support for religious institutions, and exemplifies the leadership’s care for the two holy mosques, the presidency said.
Saudi deputy FM receives EU official in Riyadh
- A meeting was also held as part of the third round of political consultations between Saudi Arabia and the EEAS
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, and his accompanying delegation, in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the EU and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
A meeting was also held as part of the third round of political consultations between the Kingdom and the EEAS. Senior officials from both sides participated in the session, chaired by Raed bin Khalid Qarmli, director-general of the general directorate of policy planning at the Saudi Foreign Ministry, with Skoog representing the European side.
Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia meets with CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority
- The meeting focused on strengthening Saudi-Pakistani ties in the field of heritage and culture
RIYADH: Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, met with Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority in Riyadh.
The meeting focused on strengthening Saudi-Pakistani ties in the field of heritage and culture, the Pakistani Embassy wrote in a post on X on Sunday.
The ambassador presented Inzerillo with a painting from his own Diriyah-themed series, created to celebrate the Kingdom’s history and heritage.
He also presented him with a made-in-Pakistan FIFA-standard football “symbolizing Pakistan’s craftsmanship and the mutual spirit of friendship.”
Saudi reserve engages pilgrims on biodiversity
- Pilgrims were welcomed at Al-Shuqaiq in the Jouf region, where more than 4,000 gifts reflecting the reserve’s history and conservation efforts were distributed
RIYADH: Hajj pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom by land were introduced to projects and initiatives of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.
The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, restore vegetation and breed endangered species to create a more sustainable natural environment.
The authority also distributed educational brochures to raise awareness about environmental preservation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Pilgrims were welcomed at Al-Shuqaiq in the Jouf region, where more than 4,000 gifts reflecting the reserve’s history and conservation efforts were distributed.
Visitors were informed about the reserve’s environmental heritage, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainable ecological stewardship, the SPA added.
The authority works to preserve biodiversity by protecting habitats and creating safe environments for wildlife and plants to thrive.
Its achievements include planting more than 2.4 million trees, scattering four tonnes of native seeds and rehabilitating 250,000 hectares of degraded land.
The reserve hosts more than 290 documented bird species — about 58 percent of those recorded in the Kingdom — and includes five internationally recognized important bird areas.
Covering 130,700 sq. kilometers, the King Salman Reserve is the largest natural terrestrial reserve in the Middle East, spanning four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk.
