HAIL: Thirteen Bedouin families are recalling the desert heritage and nomadic life of past generations at the 10th Sahara International Festival in Maghwat park in Hail.
The festival began Thursday and lasts for 10 days under the auspices of the emir of Hail, Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdul Aziz.
The families have erected 13 tents on the mountains of Aja to give visitors a glimpse of Bedouin life in the desert.
Families wake up as early as 6 a.m., when the festival gates open to visitors. They prepare food the Bedouin way — using fire, baking on sheets, and using milk, butter and fat from sheep — and serve it to visitors.
The festival also includes camel and horse racing, and hawks and dogs used for hunting.
Events supervisor Khaled Al-Habddan said the festival is reviving a social, economic and sporting culture that has almost disappeared.
Bedouin families recall desert life in Hail festival
Bedouin families recall desert life in Hail festival
Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons
- It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content
TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.
The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.
It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.
Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.
The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.
Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.
