RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), stressed the importance of cooperation in areas of tourism between the Kingdom and South Africa, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
Prince Sultan’s remarks came during his talks with South African Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa in Johannesburg on Wednesday during his official visit to South Africa.
For her part, the minister expressed her thanks to Prince Sultan for responding to an invitation to visit her country. She stressed a desire to activate a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries, and lauded Saudi potentials in areas related to tourism, economic development, cultural and environmental diversity, and heritage.
Later, Prince Sultan met with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mashabane, who appreciated the distinguished relations linking her country with the Kingdom, and expressed hope of seeing further cooperation.
She also lauded the Kingdom’s leading regional and global roles, adding that South Africa views this role with due respect and appreciation.
SCTH chief pushes for greater tourism cooperation with South Africa
SCTH chief pushes for greater tourism cooperation with South Africa
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.
