QATIF: The Eastern Shrimp Festival 2022 was launched on Wednesday in the presence of Qatif Gov. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Khorayef, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Amer Al-Mutairi, director general of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Eastern Region, said the festival aims to support and develop the sector in order to contribute to the economy, achieve food security, and provide high-quality products to consumers at the best prices.
The festival also seeks to provide economic opportunities to fishermen, encourage young people to engage in the fisheries industry, and foster investment opportunities to develop marine tourism in the region.
Al-Khorayef said the festival is an opportunity for visitors to see the rich, marine heritage of the region, and participate in activities and events organized with the support of several government agencies.
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Shrimp Festival launched in Qatif
https://arab.news/c39jp
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Shrimp Festival launched in Qatif
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.
