Art gallery transports Riyadh Season visitors to Saudi Arabia’s rich past

The gallery showcases handicrafts, paintings by Saudi nationals, and a collection of cassette tapes and books that were popular more than 40 years ago. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 01 January 2023
Follow

Art gallery transports Riyadh Season visitors to Saudi Arabia’s rich past

  • Stalls and shops showcasing antiques, handicrafts offer visitors a chance to experience Saudi history

RIYADH: Located in a long corridor inside the Souq Al-Zal zone, an art gallery recreates scenes from Saudi Arabia during the 1970s and 1980s through a display of antiques, carpets, locally manufactured shoes and clothes, swords, tools and utensils.

Part of the third Riyadh Season, the zone offers a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich heritage through events that celebrate its folklore, restaurants and cafes, and displays of unique vintage items.

The stalls and shops have been designed to simulate the past and allow the visitors to enjoy an authentic, traditional experience.

HIGHLIGHT

Souq Al-Zal at Al-Masmak Palace is one of the oldest traditional markets in Saudi Arabia and is famous for selling old collectibles, cloaks, furs, leather, shemaghs and various types of incense.

The gallery showcases handicrafts, paintings by Saudi nationals, and a collection of cassette tapes and books that were popular more than 40 years ago.

Souq Al-Zal at Al-Masmak Palace is one of the oldest traditional markets in Saudi Arabia and is famous for selling old collectibles, cloaks, furs, leather, shemaghs and various types of incense.

The gallery is open until Jan. 3 from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased via the Riyadh Season website.

 


240,000 Qur’an copies distributed to Umrah pilgrims in Ramadan

Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

240,000 Qur’an copies distributed to Umrah pilgrims in Ramadan

  • Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Madinah branch, carried out the distribution in line with its efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors arriving in the city
  • Gift included copies of the Qur’an in various sizes, as well as translations of its meanings into several international languages

JEDDAH: A total of 240,000 copies of the Holy Qur’an were distributed to Umrah pilgrims at Al-Miqat Mosque in Madinah during February as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ gift program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Madinah branch, carried out the distribution in line with its efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors arriving in the city.

The gift included copies of the Qur’an in various sizes, as well as translations of its meanings into several international languages. The editions were produced by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an to meet the needs of beneficiaries from diverse nationalities.

Distribution points witnessed emotional scenes as pilgrims expressed their joy upon receiving the copies. Several recipients voiced their gratitude for the gesture, praying for the Kingdom’s leadership and commending the care and attention provided from their arrival until the completion of their rituals.

The initiative was implemented under a structured operational plan that accounted for the high number of pilgrims at Al-Miqat Mosque, a key site where worshippers enter into ihram. Field teams ensured the handover process was conducted smoothly while providing necessary guidance to beneficiaries.

The effort reflects the ministry’s broader mission to serve the Holy Qur’an through its printing, publication and wide distribution, alongside continued work during the Umrah season to support, educate and guide pilgrims and visitors.