Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month

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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Updated 17 March 2024
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Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month

  • One shop owner in the mall told Arab News: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts as shop owners. We are crafting unique displays and promotions to meet our customers’ needs during this spiritual period

JEDDAH: Each passing year sees Ramadan decorations in Jeddah’s public spaces become more elaborate and enchanting.

The coastal city’s malls, hotels and shops have undergone a remarkable transformation this year, creating an inviting experience for residents and visitors.

Many shops are adorned in special decorations featuring lanterns and golden crescents, setting a warm and comforting tone. Shoppers can encounter enticing deals, discounts, prizes and interactive competitions at every turn.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)

From majestic crescent moons to twinkling fairy lights, and cozy majlises to fabrics with geometric prints called khayamiya, the city has been decked out for the holy month.

Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district offer visitors an enchanting experience, in a celebration of the old town’s rich heritage.

Al-Balad has come alive with vibrant market stalls, shops and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for families to discover traditions while indulging in food for iftar and sahoor.

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Restaurants throughout Jeddah are preparing special iftar menus and dining experiences for customers looking to break their fasts in a communal setting.

Special seating areas are available for people to play traditional games such as dominos, carrom and ballot, enhancing the festive mood. The historic district is also hosting storytelling sessions and Ramadan treasure hunts, as well as poetry readings.

Visitors can also unwind in outdoor seating areas while enjoying popular Ramadan TV shows.

The Red Sea Mall has been adorned with ambient lanterns, fairy lights and golden crescent moons for Ramadan, creating ideal spots for family photos.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)

One shop owner in the mall told Arab News: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts as shop owners. We are crafting unique displays and promotions to meet our customers’ needs during this spiritual period.

“It’s not only the top month for sales, but also an opportunity for us to engage with our community and offer them a memorable shopping experience.”

Al-Hadaya Center in the Al-Safa district is illuminated by shimmering lights that evoke the spirit of the holy month. Mohammed Ali, a staff member at the center, said: “Ramadan signifies a time of generosity and contemplation, and we are thrilled to be part of our customers’ celebrations.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)

“We offer a unique range of Ramadan-themed products including plastic cups, cutlery, tablecloths, home decoration, and particularly the triangular streamers adorned with the distinctive red, white and blue designs.

“We look forward to welcoming shoppers seeking the perfect gifts or decorations to enhance their homes during this sacred month.”

As a part of the Ramadan festivities, the World of Saving store in the Sari district has set up a booth for the Albir Society to facilitate donations.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)

Meanwhile, Mall of Arabia, another prominent shopping destination in Jeddah, has set up a variety of activities and offerings. Shop owners at the mall have transformed their stores to welcome customers seeking special Ramadan gifts and decorations.

Hala Raees, a staff member at a household store, said: “Ramadan symbolizes a period of generosity and reflection, and we are excited to be involved in our customers’ festivities. Our store will showcase a unique selection of Ramadan-themed products, and as it is a month of giving and spreading joy, we look forward to welcoming shoppers in search of the perfect gifts or decorations to enhance their homes during this holy month.”

The city’s culinary scene is also embracing the essence of Ramadan. Restaurants throughout Jeddah are preparing special iftar menus and dining experiences for customers looking to break their fasts in a communal setting.

Salam Khan, the owner of a Pakistani restaurant, said: “Ramadan is a time for families and friends to unite, share meals and forge enduring memories. Our restaurant will serve a blend of traditional iftar dishes with Pakistani cuisine and special Ramadan beverages, creating a welcoming ambiance for our guests to savor their meals in a majlis-style setting.”

Abdel Darwesh, the owner of Al-Shami Restaurant, said: “We have introduced a variety of special Ramadan dishes and designed a stunning ambiance with hanging lights and mirrors for guests to enjoy the view.”

 


Minzal brings Saudi traditions to life in Diriyah

Updated 07 January 2026
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Minzal brings Saudi traditions to life in Diriyah

  • From leather crafts and archery to Saudi coffee, Minzal offers a lesson in ‘Sloum Al-Arab’

RIYADH: This season of Minzal places social norms and traditional etiquette at its center, with tents set up to teach what is locally known as “Sloum Al-Arab” alongside gatherings for coffee, dinner and stargazing around campfires.

“Sloum Al-Arab” refers to the unwritten customers and values that have shaped Arab and Bedouin society for centuries, including generosity, coffee preparation, courage and archery. 

In Saudi Arabia, these traditions are closely ties to cultural identity and religious belief. 

Leather products and the making of leather goods is one of the crafts featured at Minzal this year and is one of the oldest crafts still practiced in the kingdom.

“The most difficult thing I faced to work on was camel leather because it is a little tough,” Nada Samman, a leather trainer and craftsman at Minzal, told Arab News. 

Minzal continues to evolve with each season, offering activities that highlight Bedouin values, traditional skills and sports. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

“The work on leather is wonderful whether it is goat leather, cow leather, Sawakni sheep, and of course, camel leather. At Minzal, we are offering multiple handicraft workshops, most specifically the leather handicrafts. We want visitors to spend time at something useful and fun."

Samman explained the workshops allowed participants to preserve heritage while engaging in meaning, hands on activities. 

Faisal Al-Khaled, a visual artist and craftsman specializing in Saudi designs at Minzal, shared a similar goal: “I want people to have, by the end of this experience, a unique and traditional art piece created by them, and that I know I helped them to preserve this craft.”

Minzal, which has been organized for several years now, continues to evolve with each season, offering activities that highlight Bedouin values, traditional skills and sports. Archery is a key feature, reflecting its deep roots in Arab and Islamic history.

Mohammed Al-Sharif, a certified archery player and coach with the Saudi Archery Federation since 2028, said the sport was closely connected to Saudi culture. It was encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad, which led people to learn and teach it through generations.

“Our traditional bow is considered one of the most important and widely used bows in Arab culture,” Al-Sharif said. “We have several styles, and professional archers specializing in traditional bow shooting … There are various types of archery, such as horseback archery and standing archery, where bow sizes vary according to specific needs, such as types used for hunting and others used during warfare.”

He explained that archery was historically part of daily life, used for protection and hunting. 

Saudi coffee also plays a significant role in the Minzal experience, with live demonstrations. One of the most frequently consumed beverages in the Kingdom, it is a symbol of hospitality and generosity.

Ahmed Al-Shuaibi explained how it was prepared at the Sloum tent, first by roasting the beans and then allowing them to cool. The beans are ground with spices in a Nigr.

“Coffee is passed from our grandparents,” he added. “In significant majlis, you see them offering our local coffee and not other types of coffee. We organized this corner so that young generations can visit and learn this.”