JEDDAH: Citizens and residents have come together to celebrate Saudi Founding Day with a plethora of exciting events and activities in Jeddah. The festivities are taking place over a long weekend, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in honoring Saudi Arabia’s rich history.

One of the main highlights is being held in Al-Balad — nine activities with a Founding Day theme. Visitors are taken on a journey through Saudi Arabia’s history, and given the opportunity to indulge in street food, participate in various activities, and spend quality time with their family and friends.

Guests are welcome to begin their visit at Bab Jadid, where they can savor Saudi coffee, explore the crafts area, and engage in folk games. Moving on to Thaker Courtyard, visitors can experience a live cooking corner, while Al-Hazzazi Courtyard showcases the mesmerizing traditional dance called Ardah and other folk arts.

For those with children, Al-Eidrous Courtyard features a dedicated children’s corner, a theater area, and art workshops. Meanwhile, Zawiya 97 is brimming with artistic performances, providing a vibrant and immersive experience for all attendees.

Sari Salem Hariri, co-founder and general manager of Al-Mugasap, a Saudi traditional fashion clothing brand, shared his passion for showcasing Saudi traditional attire: “We have meticulously crafted all our Saudi traditional founding designs in alignment with the guidelines of the founding day, catering to both men and women. Each piece embodies the spirit of celebration.”

He further expressed his enthusiasm for promoting awareness of Saudi traditional attire, and said: “I am thrilled to be part of this event and to contribute to the preservation of our deep-rooted customs and traditions. Our booth offers visitors the opportunity to try on these outfits and create lasting memories of our cultural heritage.”

Their stall is not limited to Al-Balad; it can also be found in Thuwwal and at various locations such as the Saudi German Hospital and Red Sea Mall.

Dalia Al-Sahref Al-Abdali, an advisor at the Jeddah Historic District, also played a part in the celebration with a stall showcasing traditional outfits for visitors to wear and have a photo session.

“This is the time when we can proudly participate and celebrate our culture and show the real Saudi culture,” she said.

Hend Al-Gheethi, the owner of a perfume brand bearing her name, crafted exclusive perfumes specifically for the foundation day, capturing the essence of traditional Saudi scents.

She said: “I am proud to have created perfumes that embody the rich and authentic aromas of Saudi tradition, specially designed to commemorate this special occasion.”

The lively streets of Al-Balad are filled with men singing and dancing to traditional songs. Skilled artists can be observed playing ouds, reviving the community’s musical heritage.

Huda Labib, founder of Mansaj Studio located at Zawiya 97, conducts workshops on textiles knitting and weaving. She actively took part in the celebrations, guiding both children and adults in creating special designs through knitting and weaving to celebrate the occasion.

“It is a privilege to empower individuals of all ages to engage in the art of textiles knitting and weaving, fostering creativity and celebrating our heritage on this significant founding day,” she said.

In addition to the festivities in Al-Balad, another experience awaits visitors at the Founding Village, located in Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah district. This event offers guests the opportunity to journey back 300 years into the rich cultural heritage.

Through engaging storytelling, creative showcases of traditional crafts and interactive experiences at the Culture Square, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of Saudi Founding Day. This inclusive and interactive event is tailored for all age groups, especially with amazing entertainment activities organized for children.

The festivities will continue until Feb. 24, and admission is free for all attendees.