RIYADH: The Saudi National Museum in Riyadh celebrated Founding Day with a three-day cultural extravaganza that offered visitors a journey through the Kingdom’s rich history and identity.
The event, taking place from Feb. 21-23, featured immersive programs including shadow theater performances chronicling the story of the legendary Prince Mani Al-Muraydi, founder of Diriyah, whose vision laid the groundwork for the first Saudi state under Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
One of the key attractions traced the evolution of Saudi currency, from using foreign coins to introducing a national currency embodying sovereignty and economic unity. Interactive displays allowed guests to handle replicas of historic coins and learn about the Saudi riyal’s role in shaping the nation’s identity.
Artisans showed off traditional crafts, bridging past and present by demonstrating skills passed down through generations.
Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was prominently featured for its centuries-old mastery of bisht-making, a craft synonymous with Saudi identity.
Habib Bukheder, a third-generation bisht tailor from Al-Ahsa, told Arab News: “We inherit this craft from our fathers and pass it to our sons. The bisht is not just a garment — it is our identity.”
This traditional cloak worn by men in the Arabian Peninsula symbolizes prestige, elegance and heritage. It is often worn for special occasions such as weddings, religious celebrations and official ceremonies.
“During National Day and Founding Day, you will see Saudis wearing bishts in the streets out of love for their country. We even crafted a green bisht to reflect the national flag’s colors,” said Bukheder, who preserves historical pieces.
He also shared his royal connections: “The Daggat Al-Tabooq — a bisht with golden frond embroidery — was first worn by Prince Faisal bin Fahd in 1986. I was honored to design it for him and later for his son, Prince Nawaf.”
In the Ornate Heritage exhibit, visitors explore the symbolism of the founding emblem, reflecting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy and modern ambitions. Meanwhile, the Weaving Story program delves into the history of textile craftsmanship, illustrating how intertwined threads symbolize societal unity and resilience.
For international visitors like Yuko, a tourist from Japan, the event serves as a gateway to Saudi culture.
“We wanted to see Saudi Arabia, especially Riyadh, and we learned a lot about the culture here,” she told Arab News.
Yuko, visiting with her family, said they had not realized their trip would coincide with Founding Day.
“The city is amazing and beautiful, and the people are so friendly and hardworking — it makes me want to live here too,” she said.
Another visitor, Oguz from Turkiye, who visited Diriyah before heading to the Saudi National Museum, said: “This is my first time in Riyadh, and we are experiencing the new developments. People here are very energetic, so it is a really good experience.”
