The dresses that link Saudi Arabia’s present with the past

Short Url
Updated 22 February 2023
Follow

The dresses that link Saudi Arabia’s present with the past

  • Bisht Al-Barqa and Al-Moassamah were two of the most widely worn outfits in Diriyah and the middle region
  • Middle region was free from outside influences, so the traditional dress was unique to the area

RIYADH: When the First Saudi State was established, traditional attire had several distinctive characteristics, some of which have remained over time while others have vanished.

What is certain is that on Feb. 22, also known as Founding Day or the Day of the Beginning, Saudi Arabia’s traditional clothing from that era is returning to popularity.

Every region of the Kingdom has its distinctive traditional clothing, and in the Diriyah region, bisht Al-Barqa and Al-Moassamah were two of the most widely worn outfits.




British Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, wears Al-Moassamah abaya. (Supplied)


Bisht Al-Barqa is one of the most prominent traditional men’s costumes in Diriyah, a hand-woven garment made of goat's wool that is open from the front, the sleeves appearing long and wide, either in black or brown and separated by a thin white line.

It was worn during the time of the First Saudi State and by succeeding generations. Saudi royal family rulers, princes and their sons have worn it and continue to do so.

“Bisht Al-Barqa is one of the types of bishts, or cloaks, and it was used by men in the region. The people of the central region, Al-Aridh and Diriyah used to call the abaya a bisht, whether a man or a woman wore it,” Laila Al-Bassam, a heritage and traditional Arab costumes and textiles expert, told Arab News.




The Al-Moassamah abaya is made of sheep’s wool and decorated with zari (buttons) and ama’iI (braids). (Supplied)

According to Al-Bassam, the central region was free from outside influences so the traditional dress was particular to the area.

“It did not have any outside influence. (Just) look at the outside influence in the coastal areas, the areas where pilgrims, and many came from abroad,” she said. “But, still, in the central region, the Diriyah region and Al-Aridh region, the clothes were localized.”

The primary lines are the same for the abaya or bisht for women and men, but the women’s bisht has embroidery on the shoulders, called “Al-Moassamah.”

The Al-Moassamah abaya is made of sheep’s wool and decorated with zari (buttons) and ama’iI (braids). It surrounds the head and shoulders, hanging from the front two sides, and each side is made of circles and ends with button threads without braids (kshakeesh).




Imam Abdullah bin Saud, the fourth Imam of the first Saudi State wears a bisht Al-Barqa. (Supplied)

The moassamah method embellishes the abaya, and black silk threads are woven or formed into cords or braids. It is made by placing a thin rope around the hand hole, the shoulder line and the front hole line. Gold button threads have also been used.

“The woman differed from the man in that she wore the abaya on the head until it reached the ground and had holes on the sides where the wearer could pass a hand through, the man wore it on the shoulders,” Al-Bassam said.

Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman Al-Saud wore the Al-Moassamah abaya and employed women who were paid for their sewing; most of them were from the Al-Kharj, Wadi Al-Dawasser and Al-Aflaj, and were known for their expertise in decoration.

Princess Noura designed the abayas. Her designs were modest but had dignity and her choice of decorations were highly valued.




Prince Turki Alawwal bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud wears a bisht Al-Barqa. (Supplied)


Al-Bassam said Founding Day activities and learning about the history and heritage of traditional clothes should be taught to future generations.

“Traditional fashion is an identity that binds us to our roots and our land, and we cherish it. When we wear it, we feel this pride and patriotism. When I watch fashion events, I enjoy watching young people who are dressed in traditional attire. They rejoice in it,” she said.

“They can sense these garments’ beauty. Then, when they don their ordinary clothing again, they notice the difference. When it comes to holidays and national days, they search for these items and dress in them. This is a crucial element that links the present with the past and gives us a sense of belonging.

“We need to start educating these generations early. These costumes must be included in the curricula. The next generation should be taught about traditional national clothes early.”


Saudi Arabia affirms high workplace safety standards in response to false reports

Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia affirms high workplace safety standards in response to false reports

  • Kingdom has one of the world’s lowest rates of workplace fatalities, says oversight council

RIYADH: In response to false reports, Saudi Arabia’s government has affirmed that the Kingdom has one of the world’s lowest rates of workplace fatalities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health issued a statement, carried by the SPA, highlighting that work-related fatalities stand at 1.12 per 100,000 workers.

“The International Labour Organization acknowledges this progress, highlighting … that Saudi Arabia has made significant advancements in improving occupational safety and health and reducing workplace accidents at the national level,” the council stated.

“Similar commendations have been offered by other reputable international organizations, including the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management and the British Safety Council.”

The council was created primarily to integrate national policies and global best practices for occupational safety and health in the workplace.

On the legislative side, Saudi Arabia’s labor laws have mandated that employers provide comprehensive health insurance including essential preventive, therapeutic and healthcare services for all employees, the council stated.

The statement added: “Regulations also restrict work under direct sunlight during the summer months and establish working hours in accordance with international standards set forth in relevant ILO agreements.

“We emphasize the importance of verifying information and sourcing it from credible outlets.”


Thousands of volunteers join Madinah’s green future drive

Updated 01 November 2024
Follow

Thousands of volunteers join Madinah’s green future drive

MADINAH: Ayman bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, director general of the environment, water and agriculture branch in Madinah, has launched the “2024 National Planting Season” in the city.

The program extends the ministry’s nationwide campaign “We Plant for Our Future,” supporting sustainable environmental development and vegetation growth as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.

The regional campaign features 36 volunteer programs involving more than 1,800 female and male participants. Plans include planting 50,000 water-efficient and environmentally sustainable seedlings, comprising mesquites, thorn jujube and sweet acacia trees, alongside 20 other wild plant species, aiming to boost environmental and agricultural awareness.

The campaign’s first phase targets education facilities, Prince Sultan Military Medical City and the Saudi Authority for Industrial and Technology Zones, or Modon.

This effort focuses on expanding green spaces, streamlining planting processes, and encouraging community-wide participation in vegetation preservation and planting initiatives.
 


Horror in spotlight at Boulevard World

Updated 01 November 2024
Follow

Horror in spotlight at Boulevard World

RIYADH: Boulevard World is offering an array of thrilling horror experiences, inviting visitors to embark on spine-chilling adventures filled with mystery and surprise.

One of its standout attractions, The Dolls' Trip, takes visitors into an abandoned doll factory hidden within an ancient Mexican pyramid. What starts as a school trip quickly turns into a nightmare as dolls come to life in the shadows, trapping visitors in dark, labyrinthine tunnels.

Along the way they encounter eerie scenes such as the abandoned bus and the doll workshop, in which the lifeless figures seem poised to awaken. This adventure accommodates groups of eight, ensuring an exhilarating experience.

In the Egypt zone, the Mystery of the Nile adventure plunges visitors into the depths of ancient Egyptian history.

Aboard a boat navigating a mystical river, guests face mummies that shake the boat violently. As they journey through narrow bridges and corridors filled with traps, hieroglyphic symbols light up the walls, accompanied by spine-tingling sounds. This experience features stunning visual and sound effects, keeping participants on high alert throughout.

Pyramid Trail, which is also in the Egypt zone, challenges visitors with puzzles and obstacles deep inside an ancient pyramid. The adventure begins in a laser-filled room in which participants must carefully maneuver to avoid detection.

They then board a conveyor belt adorned with hieroglyphic symbols, dodging moving obstacles. The journey concludes with leaps over circular trampolines above a snake-themed pit.

Meanwhile, The Vampire Hotel awaits visitors to the Italy zone, where an Italian-inspired design sets a dark and eerie atmosphere. The journey begins in a haunted elevator that leaves participants with an unsettled feeling.

As they navigate the dim corridors, visitors encounter sticky walls, with curtains and furniture moving mysteriously. The highlight of the experience is the coffin room, where guests are invited to lay inside coffins. The hotel also boasts a dining room resembling a chilling movie scene.

Boulevard World’s horror attractions promise unparalleled thrills during Riyadh Season 2024, offering visitors the chance to explore new levels of fear and excitement at every turn.
 


Saudi humanitarian relief agency signs $10.4 million Ukraine aid deal

Updated 01 November 2024
Follow

Saudi humanitarian relief agency signs $10.4 million Ukraine aid deal

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a cooperation agreement worth more than $10.4 million with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to provide shelter assistance to internally displaced people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The funding will be used to provide 11,000 shelter kits, 2,400 rapid heating kits and a host of essential building materials to insulate homes during the winter. Almost 49,000 people are set to benefit.

The agreement was signed at the agency’s headquarters in Riyadh by Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor for operations and programs, and Kelly Clements, UNHCR’s deputy high commissioner.

Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who heads KSrelief and is an adviser at the Royal Court, was also present.

The deal is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to displaced people and refugees around the world.


Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

Updated 01 November 2024
Follow

Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

MANAMA: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef and his Bahraini counterpart, Lt-Gen. Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, conducted a joint inspection on Thursday of the King Fahd Causeway connecting the two kingdoms.

The officials were welcomed by Eastern Province Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Bandar and Suhail Abanmi, who heads both the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the causeway’s board of directors.

During the tour, Prince Abdulaziz and Sheikh Rashid reviewed ongoing development projects, focusing on expanded processing facilities and increased capacity measures designed to enhance cross-border travel efficiency, in line with Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council guidelines.

The 25-km long King Fahd Causeway is a series of bridges and causeways connecting AlKhobar in eastern Saudi Arabia and Al Jasra island in Bahrain. It was constructed in 1981 and opened to traffic in April 1985.