The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association awarded volunteer teams from different colleges, universities and other organizations for their services to the pilgrims during Haj.
Abduallah Bahattab, director of Students Club Affairs at KAU, said this year the 65 participating students of KAU won the overall first position among all the other volunteers who participated in Haj services in 2012.
“Each year, teams from various regions of the Kingdom participate in the Haj season. Our students performed best,” said Bahattab.
He said the volunteers helped government departments in providing volunteer services to assist the pilgrims, distribution of water, flow of traffic, and first aid among others, to ease the proper performance of the Haj rituals.
“We are proud that our students did their work with dedication and with full responsibility. The university supports all cultural programs, sports and social activities,” he added.
Bahattab said the KAU students won in different competitions during Haj, such as first place in the general programs, first place for pilgrims guidance during Haj, first and second place in the Holy Qur’an Competition and in the survey competition.
They obtained second place in the competition of short films on Islam and it’s message, also second place in providing information about Islamic rituals and providing support and guidance about routes and roads.
KAU student club wins first place for Haj volunteerism
KAU student club wins first place for Haj volunteerism
UNESCO honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as thousands flock to Al-Ahsa festival
RIYADH: The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of local and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in Al-Hofuf.
Running until Feb. 7 at the historic palace, the event features a bisht exhibition, a rare bisht gallery, a handicrafts zone and workshops led by skilled artisans.
The festival showcases a convergence of cultures, with international pavilions highlighting the global appeal of this authentic Saudi heritage.
The bisht’s allure has drawn international visitors eager to explore Al-Ahsa’s rich history and traditional crafts.
Tourists enthusiastically don the traditional robe, admiring its royal designs. Many participate in workshops with master artisans, learning the intricate art of Zari embroidery.
Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.
With UNESCO’s participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.
At the heart of the festival is the story of the “Golden Threads” (Al-Zari), intricate gold-plated silver threads that define the bisht’s character and prestige.
Visitors can discover them in the Golden Threads VIP Area, where they can watch master artisans demonstrate the full bisht-making process at the Host’s Majlis, offering insight into Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old craftsmanship.
