Expats and locals welcome cheerful spirit of Christmas in Saudi Arabia in new era of tolerance and openness

Arabic father and son decorating Christmas tree. (Getty Images)
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Updated 26 December 2022
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Expats and locals welcome cheerful spirit of Christmas in Saudi Arabia in new era of tolerance and openness

  • Festive period is marked and enjoyed openly as Vision 2030 transforms Kingdom’s social landscape
  • Decorations, trees, clothing, and treats can now be found in Saudi homes, stores and restaurants

JEDDAH: Just a few short years ago, Christmas was a low-key affair in Saudi Arabia, celebrated by expatriates behind closed doors. Nowadays, thanks to an environment and culture of religious tolerance, the festive period is marked openly and enjoyed by expatriates and citizens alike.
In one of Jeddah’s busiest neighborhoods, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” wafts from a local bakery, where patrons snack on snowflake-shaped sugar cookies and gingerbread men, and sip hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.




People walk past Christmas decorations displayed for sale at a gift shop in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh on Dec. 7, 2020. (AFP)


Less than a decade ago, scenes like these were unlikely to be found anywhere in Saudi Arabia, a country where public celebration of Christmas was unthinkable. Now its symbols, songs and traditions have been absorbed into the commercial and social life of Saudi cities.
To be sure, non-Islamic religious occasions such as Christmas were observed in Saudi Arabia but largely in secret or behind the high walls of compounds occupied only by expats and operated by private firms.




Expats living in Saudi Arabia choose Christmas decorations at a gift shop in the capital Riyadh on Dec. 7, 2020. (AFP)


A 1971 article, titled “Christmas in Dhahran,” published in the Texas-based Saudi Aramco magazine, told the story of how the holiday was celebrated in the “heart of the Muslim Middle East,” with one big difference — they used real camels for their Christmas pageants.
The article notes how the oil worker compounds of Dhahran were once referred to in the US press as “a typical southern California suburb, transplanted 8,500 miles east of New York.”
It went on to describe how, in 1970, a Christmas pageant was held at the local softball field and “drew an audience of 2,000 persons, most wrapped in blankets against the desert chill.”
The pageant featured men, women and children, a chorus of angels, and three stately ships of the desert, one for each of the three wise men.
One of the wise men, apprehensive about riding a camel, expressed his concern to Nasser Fahad Dossary, a Saudi camel master and veteran of many pageants. “Not to worry,” Nasser replied soothingly. “I haven’t lost a wise man yet.”




A woman takes pictures of a man dressed as Santa Claus during a bazaar inside a compound in Riyadh on Dec. 1, 2005. (AFP)


The windows and rooftops in these Aramco communities were decorated with wreaths, lights, reindeer, sleighs and snowmen. Residents were known to hold competitions to determine who had the best Christmas decorations.
Retired Aramco executive Ali M. Baluchi told Arab News in an interview in 2020 how he used to help his foreign colleagues prepare for their Christmas celebrations.
“Those days were nice and beautiful, and it reminds me of the good days we all shared and enjoyed together immensely,” he said.




Celebrating Christmas in Dhahran and Ras Tanura is a tradition that goes back to the late 1940s, when the first American families arrived in Saudi Arabia after the Second World War. (Supplied)


Families in gated residential communities often had to get creative, seeking alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree — such as small palms decorated with ornaments — as Saudi customs long banned the import of evergreen conifers.
The traditional Christmas dinner was usually prepared for a small group of guests so as not to attract unwanted attention — even if the holiday staple of a roast turkey had to be supplemented with a more readily available alternative, like lamb.
Even though thousands of foreign workers and their families of various faith backgrounds have resided in Saudi Arabia for years, it was only very recently that the public practice of religions other than Islam was permitted.
In 2016, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled Saudi Vision 2030. With it came a raft of reforms that would unlock the Kingdom’s potential and create an ambitious, robust, and vibrant society with a diversified economy, prioritizing quality of life.




Retired Aramco staff recall Christmas festivities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. (Supplied)


Over the past six years, Vision 2030 has created a culture of tolerance and openness. The Kingdom’s religious institutions are being restructured and its system of government, based on the teachings of the Qur’an, is being carefully re-examined.
The crown prince is charting a new and more modern course for the country, vowing to return to a “moderate Islam.” Saudi Arabia is “a tolerant country with Islam as its constitution and moderation as its method,” he said in an interview last year.
“We are simply reverting to what we followed — a moderate Islam open to the world and all religions.”
At no other time is this unprecedented transformation in Saudi Arabia more obvious, perhaps, than at Christmas.
Today, cafes, restaurants, party supply stores and malls across the Kingdom are decked out with twinkling lights and decorations. Shoppers can find trees, reindeer headbands, Santa hats, colorful baubles of various shapes and sizes, Christmas-themed treats and gift wrap.




Retired Aramco staff recall Christmas festivities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. (Supplied)


Christmas is not the only holiday being openly embraced. The symbols and paraphernalia of Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve are also now widely available, again in a significant break with the past.
The growing acceptance of Christmas in the Kingdom has been a welcome development for the hospitality industry. Several five-star hotels and private catering companies now offer special Christmas dinners. Sometimes even Santa Claus makes an appearance.
Many embassies and consulates arrange Christmas parties for their staff and hold feasts of their respective nations’ favorite foods.
Speaking openly about Christmas remains uncomfortable for many in the Kingdom, wary of past restrictions. Some expats and visitors, aware of religious sensitivities, still believe it is best to be discreet.




Santa used to come by helicopter from Dhahran, and then ride a camel down Surf Avenue with the entire camp lining the street. Dhahran was a melting pot of different cultures and religions. (Supplied)


Nevertheless, although Christmas is not an Islamic tradition, many Muslims believe it is a time to share the joy of those who love to gather with friends, family, and neighbors.
“As Muslims, we understand that the holidays are not part of our religion, but because we are a nation with many nationalities, we celebrate our holidays with everyone and we celebrate theirs,” one Saudi woman told Arab News.
Another Saudi said: “It’s all about the gift of giving. It’s a common message, and doesn’t the Bible say ‘love thy neighbor?’ It’s the same in Islam. It’s a point of connection between faiths as Islam stresses to respect our neighbors and love them like family.
“It’s a common religious value shared by people of all religions. And Christmas is colorful. It’s fun, and celebrating it here (in Saudi Arabia) with Muslims and Christians alike is a sign of both piety and religious tolerance.”


Saudi and British defense ministers hold talks on cooperation and Middle East security

During their meeting in Riyadh, Prince Khalid bin Salman and John Healey discussed the “Saudi-British strategic partnership. (SP
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Saudi and British defense ministers hold talks on cooperation and Middle East security

  • Prince Khalid bin Salman and John Healey discuss ‘joint efforts to address regional challenges’ and ‘shared vision’ for regional and international security and stability

RIYADH: The defense ministers of Saudi Arabia and the UK held talks on Thursday on cooperation between their nations and efforts to bring stability to the Middle East.

During their meeting in Riyadh, Prince Khalid bin Salman and John Healey discussed the “Saudi-British strategic partnership and explored avenues to enhance defense cooperation,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Khalid said: “We also discussed our joint efforts to address regional challenges, as well as our shared vision to promote regional and international security and stability.”

Ahead of the talks, the British Defense Ministry said Healey would “reaffirm the UK’s commitment to a future-facing defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The defense secretary will build on the decades-long defense relationship between the (countries) to enhance cooperation on shared security priorities.”

Healey, making his first visit to Riyadh since becoming defense minister following the Labour Party’s election victory in July, was also expected to discuss with Prince Khalid the ongoing efforts to secure ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon.

Earlier on Thursday, Healey met in Ankara with Yasar Guler, his counterpart in Turkiye, a NATO ally.


Ancient organic farming practices in Taif feed growing industry

Updated 31 min 56 sec ago
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Ancient organic farming practices in Taif feed growing industry

  • Closed-loop farming supports environment
  • Rising Saudi demand for organic products

RIYADH: Organic farming in Taif province’s villages and its serene mountain and valley farms represents a continuation of an ancient tradition.

This approach avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring that farms do not damage their surrounding environment, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Inherited organic farming wisdom from previous generations boosts the health of consumers and the vitality of soil, water, plants, and wildlife.

The farming methods practiced in Taif involve a closed-loop system in which animal and plant waste is recycled into natural fertilizers.

Abdullah Saed Al-Talhi, an 80-year-old Saudi farmer, has been farming in terraced fields in Taif's in the Al-Shafa mountains since he was young. (SPA)

This approach supports crop cultivation and animal husbandry, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030’s food security and sustainability objectives.

Drawing upon his years of experience tending terraced fields in the Al-Shafa mountains, 80-year-old farmer Abdullah Saed Al-Talhi told the SPA that organic agriculture is a fast-growing industry.

“Consumer demand for nutritious organic products is reshaping our industry,” he explained.

“Working these mountain terraces has taught me that organic farming is more than a cultivation method — it is our legacy to future generations, ensuring sustainable food production for years to come.”

“Organic farming operates through two distinct approaches,” Al-Talhi said. “We have protected greenhouse cultivation and open-field farming, but both share the same fundamental principle: producing pure food without chemical interventions.”

He emphasized that this natural approach encompasses every aspect of farming — from soil enhancement and seed selection to pest control methods.

“The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has spearheaded remarkable efforts to advance organic farming in Taif,” he added.

The ministry offers instructional programs to budding organic farmers, supporting the establishment of new farms, increased production from existing farms, and the import and export of organic products.

Other support from the ministry includes securing certification to ensure the credibility of products in Saudi and international markets.

Speaking at a recent organic market event in Taif, Al-Talhi said: “The market for organic products is experiencing remarkable growth.”
 


Light fantastic: Countdown begins to Noor Riyadh 2024

Updated 14 November 2024
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Light fantastic: Countdown begins to Noor Riyadh 2024

  • Event ‘embodies the essence of striving toward new horizons,’ curator says
  • World’s largest light art festival gets underway on Nov. 28

RIYADH: The start of this year’s Noor Riyadh Festival is now just two weeks away and preparations for the annual event are well underway.

Launched in 2021, the festival is a celebration of light and the arts and includes contributions from leading Saudi and international artists. It also features community activities, workshops, discussions and shows.

Billed as the largest light art festival in the world, Noor Riyadh is part of the broader Riyadh Art initiative and aims to support and inspire young artists to drive the Kingdom’s creative economy.

This year’s theme is “Light Years Away” and a host of activities are planned at three key locations — King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa and Diriyah’s JAX District — between Nov. 28 and Dec. 14.

The title is inspired by the Thuraya star cluster, which has long been a guiding light and symbol of aspiration, according to Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, the curator of Noor Riyadh 2024 and board member of the Visual Arts Commission.

“This year’s theme explores our journey from Althara, or Earth, toward Althuraya, or the stars, celebrating how art can bridge the physical and metaphysical,” she told Arab News.

“‘Light Years Away’ is a theme that embodies the essence of striving toward new horizons, where light is used as a metaphor for hope, creativity and resilience.

“We want the audience to feel connected to the stars above and the Earth below, experiencing how art can unite diverse elements such as science, technology, philosophy and spirituality, fostering a shared sense of inspiration and identity.”

Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, an artist and artistic curator, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Visual Arts Commission. (Supplied)

Among the 60 artworks on offer this year are sculptural light installations and laser shows from artists like Ali Alruzaiza and Javier Riera, who use light to reimagine iconic sites like Murabba Palace.

“The works of artists like Saad Al Howede, Kimchi and Chips explore our relationship with the environment, challenging us to reflect on our impact on the Earth,” Fadag said.

“The landscapes of Wadi Hanifa serve as a living canvas, inviting the audience to consider how we can preserve the environment and the beauty of our natural heritage.

“The JAX District is a hub for innovation, experimentation and digital creativity. Originally an industrial area, it has now transformed into a space that bridges art and technology. Here, traditional and modern techniques converge in an environment that supports the creative economy.”

Fadag said she hoped visitors would leave the festival with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.

“The Noor exhibition reminds us that, as individuals, we aspire to connect and engage. Art and light have the power to bring us together, inspire us and illuminate new paths forward.

“I believe these experiences will remain alive long after the festival ends, encouraging visitors to carry the festival’s light with them and continue exploring their own journeys, connecting the Earth to the sky in their unique ways.”
 


How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system

Updated 14 November 2024
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How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system

  • Nasser Al-Khaldi is the mastermind behind a driver-assist system that performs well in congestion and makes roads safer
  • Developed by Comma.ai, the system incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions

JEDDAH: Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher and automotive expert behind the Saudi-made version of an innovative artificial intelligence self-driving system that can be fitted to regular cars.

A native of Taif province, his passion for technology started at a young age through attempts to customize video games — including hacking his Xbox 360.

Since 2015, he has been focusing on autonomous driving technology — self-driving systems powered by AI. In 2023, the results of his efforts became apparent when he launched the first autopilot system in the Kingdom.

Al-Khaldi and his team — in cooperation with their partner, California-based startup Comma.ai — have developed an open-source software that runs the system, allowing motorists to install a driver-assist feature. The software enables the car to drive itself on motorways, staying in one lane and keeping a safe distance from the car in front, and to follow the vehicle immediately in front in traffic without human assistance.

“It took me around five years to develop a device that records vehicle data in order to analyze it and add more advanced safety and smart driving systems to existing vehicles on the market,” Al-Khaldi told Arab News.

“Yes, it is made in collaboration with our partner in the US, but we upgraded our own version and it has more features. So, you can say it is ‘made in Saudi Arabia’ by a very intelligent Saudi team,” he added.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Saudi-made AI driver-assistance system was trained on over 100 million miles.

• It incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions.

• It is compatible with more than 64 car models not supported by Comma.ai’s original tech.

• The Saudi-made device has been exported to the US, Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.

Although the base technology, Open Pilot, was developed by Comma.ai, Al-Khaldi explained that his version has been significantly developed to align with local needs, expanding compatibility to work with more than 64 car models not supported by the original.

The Saudi programmer also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic that is common in the Gulf region.

He explained that the self-driving device “leverages AI and remote sensing technology to continuously analyze and understand the vehicle’s surroundings.”

​Aside from developing Saudi Arabia's first autopilot system, Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic. (Supplied)

The unit has been on the Saudi market for about a year and a half, and approximately 500 have been sold, according to Al-Khaldi.

“In addition to our presence in the Saudi market, we have also exported our device — which can be adapted to almost any modern car — to the US, Europe, Africa and other parts of the Arab world,” he added.

Arab News joined 29-year-old Al-Khaldi to experience the driver-assistance system, which is installed in his Toyota Highlander. We began the ride on the highway north of Jeddah.

The results were impressive. From the driver’s seat, with his hands removed from the steering wheel, Al-Khaldi said: “At this point our (system) can handle all types of curves. On the highway, you can drive for hours without any user intervention. I just drove from Taif to Jeddah on curvy, hilly roads without any user intervention.”

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Al-Khaldi said that the system integrates multiple components to provide “a safe and efficient autonomous driving experience,” controlling steering, acceleration, and braking. It uses open-source AI technology, trained on over 100 million miles and able to adapt to a variety of driving conditions.

“The system relies on high-resolution cameras and radar sensors to detect lanes, track nearby vehicles, and analyze data in real time. This analysis helps prevent collisions and ensures the vehicle stays in its lane,” he explained.

“One of our customers who lives in the US installed our device in his car and recently, while driving down a long stretch of highway heading to another state, he lost consciousness and the car drove itself for two hours until he woke up. He later messaged us and expressed his thanks for our device’s reliability,” he added. “Following this event, the system received an enhanced safety update. Now, if the driver’s eyes remain fixed and unresponsive, signaling potential loss of consciousness, the system prompts the driver to touch the steering wheel, providing an additional layer of safety during medical emergencies like seizures or sudden loss of consciousness.”

Inspired by his team's successes, Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi now envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. (SPA photo)

According to the US website Consumer Reports, Open Pilot is currently the most advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) on the market.

Al-Khaldi and his team are now exploring ways to tailor the system to various levels of driving experience. “I think we’ll find better ways of doing it that will be simpler and allow more users access to the technology,” he said.

Al-Khaldi envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. He said: “Saudi Arabia has an ambitious vision that embraces artificial intelligence technologies. Self-driving has become one of the most important AI tools.”
 

 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments

  • Leaders discussed progress of relations between Kingdom and France
  • Also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The leaders discussed the progress of relations between Saudi Arabia and France, emphasizing their ongoing cooperation across various fields, SPA added.

The conversation also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region.

The discussion underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and collaborate on shared strategic interests.