Saudi Arabia’s ‘cultural rebirth’ in spotlight on Saudi National Day

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Talal Maddah, known as “The Earth’s Voice” and one of Saudi Arabia’s most beloved singers, was the first to perform on Saudi television and the first Saudi to broadcast his songs to the world. (Supplied)
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According to this old newspaper clipping, country music star Kenny Rogers performed at the Aramco communities of Ras Tanura on June 30, 1977, followed by Abqaiq on July 6 and Dhahran on July 7.
Updated 23 September 2019
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Saudi Arabia’s ‘cultural rebirth’ in spotlight on Saudi National Day

  • Saudis benefit from ‘second Awakening’ decades after religious hard-liners targeted artistic expression in the Kingdom
  • 1979 Makkah Grand Mosque attack ushered in 'an era of extremism,' Saudi author Abdo Khal says

JEDDAH: A conservative brand of Islam has always existed in Saudi Arabia, one of the many strands of Saudi society. However, in the wake of the 1979 Grand Mosque siege, this school of thought gained increasing prominence, spreading into official institutions including the legal system and education.
Saudi society began to lose its artistic and cultural moorings under the influence of religious hard-liners who attacked music, sculpture, painting and photography, along with a host of other artistic activities. Regressive social ideas were widely propagated via schools, universities and mosques.
Conservative preachers argued that new entertainment devices — the record player, radio, cassettes, videotapes or television — were forbidden in Islam as they encouraged moral corruption and symbolized the technological domination of the West.
In 1965, shortly after the launch of the official Saudi TV channel, a group of extremists attacked the Saudi Broadcasting Authority building, claiming that the development was a threat to the Muslim nation.
This reactionary movement, which later morphed into the “Islamic Awakening” or “Sahwa,” succeeded in eliminating most forms of entertainment, including those with a religious theme.
Abdo Khal, a Saudi author, said that the 1979 attack on the Grand Mosque in Makkah by a group of militants ushered in “an era full of extremism.”
Musical instruments were smashed by the Muhtasibin — volunteers in the religious police — in acts that appeared to have public approval, Khal said.
Although the leader of the Grand Mosque assault, Juhayman Al-Otaibi, and his followers were eliminated, their ideology spread like poison.
“Darkness reigned everywhere,” said Khal. “Television was the first to be affected. People woke up to a raft of prohibitions that turned society into an arid place where all life-affirming activities were prohibited.”
Before 1979, Saudi TV broadcast songs and concerts by Saudi folk bands and artists, including female singers such as Toha, Etab and Ibtisam Lutfi, as well as concert performances by Um Kalthoum, Fayza Ahmad, Samira Tawfik, Najat Al-Saghira and Farid Al-Atrach.
However, after the war on entertainment and the arts was launched, generations of Saudis grew up deprived of their rich cultural and artistic heritage, unaware of their country’s important role in regional art, music and culture.
According to researcher and critic Yahya Yzuriqan, the first Saudi radio station was established in 1948 in Makkah. It was later moved to Jeddah, where it flourished, recording and producing musical plays, and becoming the first building block of the modern Saudi music sector.
In Riyadh, there was no music on an official level until Riyadh Radio was founded in 1964. However, singers from other Gulf countries often visited the city, and Saudi folk music was a staple of official and private occasions.
The real renaissance of Saudi musical arts began in the 1960s when the Saudi army band was established. It was later transformed into an orchestra, featuring Arab musicians from Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, and is credited with sparking a musical revival across the Kingdom.
Private musical production and marketing companies soon emerged in Al-Ahsa, Riyadh and Jeddah, in addition to talents in poetry, and music composition and performance.
Saudi society was introduced to local voices such as Ghazi Ali, Talal Maddah and Jamil Mahmoud. Some singers — Mahmoud Halawani, Mohammed Ali Sindi, Abdullah Mohammed and Fawzi Mahson — gained fame as wedding performers. The list of contributors to that era is long, but two people — composer Omar Kadars and poet Taher Zamakhshari — deserve special mention. Private companies that appeared included Riyadh Phone, a recording studio established in 1964 by Talal Maddah and Lutfi Zaini.
The studio shut down after a few years when cassette tapes began to replace vinyl records in Saudi Arabia.
Talal Maddah, a Saudi composer and singer who became hugely popular across the Middle East, was known as “The Earth’s Voice” to his admirers in the Kingdom.
Maddah’s career took off in the late 1950s with the release of his first album, “Wardak Ya Zaree Al-Ward” (“Grower of Roses”).
Another prominent figure in that era, Saudi composer Tareq Abdul-Hakim, was a key player in the Kingdom’s musical renaissance.
Abdul-Hakim, who composed the Kingdom’s national anthem, was among the first Saudi students to be granted a music scholarship. He was twice elected president of the Arab Music Academy and received the IMC-UNESCO International Music Prize in 1981.
Saudi music and singing can be divided broadly into two schools. Ibtisam Lutfi represented the Hijazi school, which was headed by her teacher, Talal Maddah. Well-known singers who belonged to this school included Toha, Lutfi Zaini, Fawzi Mahsoun, Siraj Omar and Abadi Al-Jawhar.
The Najdi school was represented by Abdullah Al-Sreikh, along with Abu Saud Al-Hammadi, Abdullah bin Salloum, Fahd bin Saeed, Bashir Hamad Shannan and Hamad Al-Tayyar.
Singers of both schools were anything but purists, and collaborated with artists from around the Middle East.
Although most of the famous names were male, the few female voices proved hugely influential. The most popular female singer was Ibtisam Lutfi.
Lutfi, whose real name was Khayriya Qurban, was blind from a young age. Like so many others, her musical career began singing at weddings feasts in Jeddah. At the age of 16, Lutfi’s melodious voice gained her an invitation to perform at King Faisal’s council.
King Faisal was impressed by Lutfi’s performance. She said in one of her interviews that he asked her: “What do you wish?” Her response came as a surprise. “I want to be the first Saudi woman to sing on radio,” she said.
Two months later, her wish came true when she received an invitation to sing for a radio station. In 1986, she became the first female voice on a Saudi TV broadcast.
Music was freely available at the time. Poet Ahmad Abdul-Haqq, a witness to the period before the “Awakening” movement, said that people could listen to music on radio and, later, on TV.
“We used to look forward to the Saudi TV theater program, which introduced us to the local Saudi stars,” Abdul-Haqq told Arab News.
Saudi music and arts proved resilient in the face of the prevailing religious orthodoxies, he said.
Despite the obstacles placed in their path, Saudis continued to represent their “heritage and the authentic arts and show them to the world,” Abdul-Haqq said.
But when official support began to dry up, some artists focused on the private sector and individual initiatives, while others moved abroad to continue their careers.
With the advent of the “Sahwa” movement, society’s need for music began to be satisfied in other, less visible, ways.
Many Saudis, especially women, took to singing at private gatherings and special occasions such as weddings.
“Awakening” activists tried to fill the vacuum with Islamic Nasheed, a form of religious-themed devotional singing involving minimal use of musical instruments and avoiding romantic themes.
However, those who continued to believe that music was forbidden in Islam created a new kind of music, Shailat, that relied on human sounds and the keyboard.
Muteb Al-Hallaj, a Saudi musician, said Shailat “came at a time when musical concerts were no longer performed in Saudi Arabia.”
“But now we can see that Saudis are thirsty for music. The success of recent concerts organized by the General Entertainment Authority is proof,” Al-Hallaj said.
Saudi Arabia’s first major concert in almost seven years was held in Jeddah in February 2017 when an 8,000-strong crowd sang along to love songs by Rabih Saqr, Mohamad Abdo and Majed Al-Muhandes for more than six hours.
In view of the social changes taking place across the Kingdom, many young Saudis see the current period as a second “Awakening.”
In 2018, the General Culture Authority in Riyadh announced the formation of the Saudi National Music Band, led by Abdel Rab Idris, a prominent Saudi singer and musician who contributed to the Kingdom’s cultural flowering before and after 1979.
With the creation of the General Entertainment Authority in 2016, Saudi Arabia is striving to build a world-class entertainment industry.
The Kingdom’s doors are now open for local, regional and international stars to start tapping into the Kingdom’s potential as a key regional cultural hub.


Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

Updated 02 November 2024
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Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

RIYADH: Thrift shopping, long associated with affordable and unique finds, has taken Saudi Arabia by storm.

But what is catching the attention of fashion-conscious Saudis is not just the idea of sustainable fashion, but also the rising price tags attached to these second-hand gems.

While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive.

As sustainable fashion becomes more mainstream, the appeal of thrift shopping has transcended its traditional boundaries. Saudis now seek out vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, even if it means paying a premium.

One of the key players in this evolving market is Darah, a textile recycling startup founded by Rawan Al-Deraibi.

Al-Deraibi explained how Darah differentiates itself from traditional recycling methods: “At Darah, we’re redefining textile recycling by transforming discarded clothes into new, exciting creations.

“Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on material recovery, we give textiles a second life as ‘flipped’ fashion items, unique home decor pieces and much more. Our approach emphasizes creativity and sustainability, turning waste into functional and stylish products that tell a story.”

While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive. (Source: @thriftanthrivee)

Winning a prestigious innovation award has propelled Darah to the forefront of sustainable fashion in Saudi Arabia, but for Al-Deraibi it is clear that this is only the beginning: “Our vision is to expand our presence in the fashion scene by deepening our collaborations with like-minded designers, sustainable brands and forward-thinking businesses. We’re excited to explore partnerships that push boundaries — whether through joint collections, upcycling workshops, or innovative fashion events that bring attention to the importance of circular fashion.”

For more information, follow Darah on Instagram: @darah.thrift.

On the other side of the spectrum is Thrift and Thrive, a small thrift store started by two friends, Norah and her partner, Alanoud Khaled, who share a passion for sustainable shopping. What makes their store unique is the personal touch they add to each item they sell.

“We’re two girls. We have different personalities and tastes, so, because of that, we had a variety of items — some vintage and some new,” said Norah.

Thrift and Thrive carefully curates its collection to maintain a balance between vintage treasures and modern trends, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of its business. “We listen to what our customers want and try to source what they want.”

Despite the growing trend of thrift shopping in Saudi Arabia, Norah was initially uncertain about how it would be received. “We decided to open a thrift shop knowing there’s almost no thrift site in Saudi: That’s what made us so excited to open one. We saw how people in Saudi felt open and comfortable about the thrifting concept.”

Thrift and Thrive’s popularity has continued to grow, fueled by the increasing interest in sustainable fashion and Norah’s commitment to expanding its impact. “With the rise of sustainability, we focus to grow Thrift and Thrive by inspiring people to embrace eco-friendly fashion. We want to reach more people who love this style and help the community thrive.”

Follow Thrift and Thrive on Instagram: @thriftanthrivee.

The public’s response to thrift shopping in Saudi Arabia reflects this growing trend, but not all experiences have been positive. While some shoppers are thrilled by the unique items they find, others have expressed concerns about the pricing.

Mohanned Saqar found that the prices he encountered in Saudi Arabia were much higher compared to his experiences abroad: “Thrifting is supposed to be cheap, but the prices here are very high, especially considering these are used items. Outside of Saudi Arabia, I’ve found great thrifted pieces at much lower prices. It just doesn’t make sense to pay so much for something that’s pre-owned.”

Nadia Yassin, another passionate thrift shopper, sees thrift shopping as both a creative and economic choice: “The idea that you find a unique piece with a story shared by the person who owned it before is fascinating. Then, matching it with a whole outfit adds to the experience.

“On the other hand, it helps reduce consumption by re-wearing items that are already made. The creative part in restyling the piece is what I find most exciting. Economically, I think it’s a more suitable option than buying new.

“Half of my wardrobe is thrifted, and when people ask about my outfit, I tell them I bought it for a certain amount and that it’s thrifted. A few people around me have been influenced and joined me, making it one of the most enjoyable experiences.”

For Sara Al-Ansari, thrifting is a chance to save money while finding one-of-a-kind items.

“Personally, thrift stores do really offer a unique experience,” she said. “Each piece of clothing carries a story, a history of the person who owned it before.

“When I thrift, I’m not just getting a low price, I’m connecting with those past lives and experiences. It’s like a tangible link to different times and places, allowing me to appreciate the individuality of each item. Plus, there’s something special about giving these clothes a new life, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.”

For those looking for more budget-friendly thrift options, Haraj remains a popular choice. Haraj markets sell everything you could ever think of, mostly used items ranging from furniture to clothing and electronics, often at prices significantly lower than in formal stores. Haraj Bin Qasim in Riyadh operates on a similar model, offering used goods at affordable prices, making it a haven for bargain hunters.

As more Saudis begin to appreciate the environmental and personal value of thrift shopping, the trend is expected to continue growing.

For those eager to explore this growing trend, @saudi.thrift is hosting an event in November 2024, where thrifting enthusiasts can gather and share in this sustainable fashion movement.

For now, thrift stores like Darah and Thrift and Thrive are not only thriving, but also helping to shape a new retail landscape — one where sustainability meets style, and where every item has a story waiting to be rediscovered.


Saudi Arabia condemns flare-up of violence in Sudan

Updated 02 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns flare-up of violence in Sudan

  • Continued escalation of fighting in Sudan has impacted women and children

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned on Saturday the recent flare-up of violence in the eastern side of Sudan’s Al Jazeera State, which caused deaths among civilians.

The foreign ministry, in a statement, expressed the Kingdom’s concern over the continued escalation of fighting in Sudan that has impacted women and children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia “condemns the recent [violence] in the eastern part of Al-Jazeera State, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries among civilians, as this constitutes a violation of international law and the principle of protecting civilians.”

The Kingdom has also “urged the warring parties to ceasefire, end the conflict and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected. The Kingdom reaffirms its position in supporting the stability and unity of Sudan.”

Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital Khartoum and spread to other regions including western Darfur.

The war has killed more than 24,000 people so far, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a group monitoring the conflict since it started.

Britain, which assumed the presidency on Friday of the Security Council for November, said the 15-member body would meet in Sudan on Nov. 12 to discuss “scaling up aid delivery and ensuring greater protection of civilians by all sides.”

“We will be shortly introducing a draft Security Council resolution ... to drive forward progress on this,” Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward told a press conference.

She said the draft would focus on “developing a compliance mechanism for the warring parties’ commitments they made on the protection of civilians in Jeddah over a year ago in 2023 and ways to support mediation efforts to deliver a ceasefire, even if we start local ceasefires before moving to a national one.”

A resolution needs at least 9 votes in favor and no vetoes by the US, France, Britain, Russia or China to be adopted.

The move comes as a three-month approval given by Sudanese authorities for the UN and aid groups to use the Adre border crossing with Chad to reach Darfur with humanitarian assistance is due to expire in mid-November.

With agencies


Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

Updated 02 November 2024
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Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

RIYADH: The Sports Boulevard Foundation has received best-in-class recognition from active travel accreditation ActiveScore — awarded Platinum Communities Certification for the Sports Boulevard Masterplan and Platinum Certification for the Global Sports Tower.

The Sports Boulevard project will help revolutionize urban planning in Riyadh. 

It features more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces, along with up to 50 multi-disciplinary sports facilities and integrated infrastructure. This project is dedicated to enhancing the city’s quality of life for residents and visitors, with features such as pathways, cycling tracks, and horse-riding trails.

The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world, is a key landmark of the project. It will feature more than 30 sports facilities, including the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, at 98 meters.
 


Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction

Updated 02 November 2024
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Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction

  • Evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” selling for SR79,000
  • Auction runs until Nov. 15, showcasing the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club’s 2024 auction saw four prestigious birds change hands for a combined SR277,000 ($73,756) during its 13th night at the Malham headquarters north of Riyadh.

The evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” owned by falconers Younis and Abdulrahman Al-Jahni, selling for SR79,000. Close behind was another Shaheen fledgling, “Trah Farasan,” from owners Ali Suhail and Ahmad Al-Aqili, which fetched SR77,000.

A third Shaheen, “Trah Dhulm,” owned by falconers Nader, Saud, and Fahad Al-Otaibi, commanded SR71,000, while “Trah Al-Sawarima,” a fledgling from Jazan region, rounded out the night’s sales at SR50,000.

The auction, which runs until Nov. 15, showcases the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community. Regional teams across the Kingdom facilitate participation by providing accommodation and transportation for falcon owners, known as tawarih, to the auction venue.

Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media platforms, allowing enthusiasts nationwide to witness these historic transactions, featuring competitive bidding in a fast-paced environment.
 

 

 


80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours

Updated 02 November 2024
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80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours

  • Europeans are drawn to the region because of its cultural significance, he says

MAKKAH: Clips of 80-year-old Saudi citizen Saeed bin Saleh have gone viral on social media, showing him fluently conversing in English with European tourists in the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia.

Bin Saleh’s life has been a remarkable journey. Early on, he moved to the Eastern Province in search of work, driven by the need to support his mother after losing his father at a young age.

In Dhahran, he worked alongside Americans and Europeans, which marked a turning point in his life. This experience not only improved his living conditions but also allowed him to master English.

He told Arab News that he has developed a strong and enduring connection with Western tourists who regularly visit Najran. They praise the area for its rich history, abundant with ancient artifacts and remnants of past civilizations, including the renowned Al-Okhdood site and relics from the Paleolithic era, which date back thousands of years.

He noted that the tourists he speaks with are often impressed by his fluent English, particularly considering that he is over 80 years old, and admire the detailed answers they receive to their historical inquiries.

Their questions often center around significant sites like the Al-Okhdood ruins, the Hima wells, the unique rock formations, and the region’s wealth of archaeological inscriptions, Bin Saleh said.

Reflecting on his early experience with the English language, Bin Saleh explained that he left Najran as a young man in search of work in the Eastern Province, particularly in Dhahran.

After losing his father, he took on the responsibility of supporting his mother, determined to improve their situation. Bin Saleh eventually crossed paths with an American who offered him a job assisting with preparations on the golf courses that were popular in Dhahran at that time.

His close interaction with the American gave him the opportunity to learn English at a young age, which led to a 30-year career in the Eastern Province.

During this time, he worked with several companies, including Aramco and American Airlines, before transitioning to Indian Airlines, which further helped him refine his language skills.

After many years, he decided to return to Najran, where he continued his career with the Ministry of Health as an ambulance driver. Upon retiring, he chose to dedicate his time to being close to his children and grandchildren.

Bin Saleh explained that Europeans are drawn to Najran because of its deep historical and cultural significance. They are particularly captivated by the Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script from the early Islamic period and the ancient South Arabian Musnad script.

Najran is also renowned for its bustling heritage markets, where traditional crafts such as daggers, or jambiyas, and historically significant mosques built from stone and clay can be found. In addition to its rich Islamic history, the region is home to numerous monuments from the ancient civilizations of southern Arabia.

He said that, at his age, he is no longer a full-time tour guide but is always eager to help visitors and those interested in the heritage of the region.

Najran, a key stop on the ancient caravan routes connecting the southern and northern Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its remarkable rock carvings, including depictions of hunting and grazing scenes and human figures, alongside inscriptions in Thamudic, Musnad, and Kufic scripts — some dating to 7,000 B.C.

Bin Saleh said that Najran has gained significant attention in the eyes of visitors, particularly following the inclusion of the Hima Cultural Area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ongoing archaeological discoveries, led by Saudi and international teams, continue to unveil the region’s rich historical legacy.

Bin Saleh urges Saudi youth interested in becoming tour guides to immerse themselves in the region’s history, while also mastering English.

He stressed the importance of representing the true beauty of Saudi Arabia and showcasing the country’s cultural and archaeological treasures, which make it a unique and historically vibrant destination.