RIYADH: Young Saudi storytellers have taken audiences on a trip down memory lane to highlight the Kingdom’s most pivotal moments as part of the Rawi Diriyah competition.
The annual contest, hosted in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and the Ministry of Education, encourages students to learn about the history of the Kingdom and its ancient tradition of storytelling.
“This initiative offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural and social heritage of Diriyah and the Kingdom,” Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said.
“It sheds light on significant historical events and the remarkable achievements of the imams and kings who helped to solidify the legacy of Saudi Arabia in the hearts and minds of people around the world, providing invaluable insights into the history of the Saudi state over the centuries,” he added.
More than 13,000 students took part in this year’s event, with the final held on Friday.
The 12 winners were each presented with an Exceed vehicle by Sanibel Modern Motors, the official sponsor of the competition this year.
Following months of intensive competition, 100 students had qualified for the final phases of the contest.
The 12 winners of the final each took to the stage in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif in a storytelling performance highlighting key moments in the Kingdom’s history.
Tamim Turki Al-Harthi, one of the youngest winners, spoke about his experience taking part in the closing ceremony.
“Honestly, I would like to thank the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and the Ministry of Education for the effort they put in. I am very happy,” he said.
“Frankly, there are many stories, but what made me choose the story of Faisal Tower, is that it’s a wonderful topic, first, and secondly, I liked to link the past and the present and how we used to build towers, but for protection, while now we build them for the economy and development of the country,” he told Arab News.
The stories told during the competition covered the era of the first Saudi State in 1727.
The Ministry of Education and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority worked closely with the students to offer accurate information about the Kingdom’s history.
“We targeted almost 2.5 million students from public education — middle and high school. About 190,000 participants shared about 30 stories,” Dr. Badran Al-Honaihen, the cultural and historical validation senior director at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, told Arab News.
He added that the three most shared stories were “I am Nora’s brother,” “As-Saif Al-Ajrab” and “The Story of the Prince.”
Al-Honaihen said: “These stories were shared by male and female students. The stories are great. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership with the Education Ministry.
“The ministry gave us access to students and the full control of the operation, so we thank it and all the participants who supported this initiative.”
Some of the stories told during the competition emphasized the significance of the Year of Mercy, Thumamah bin Athal, Zarqa Al-Yamama, the Ardah dance and the Salwa Palace.
Young Saudi storytellers recount pivotal moments in Kingdom’s history
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Young Saudi storytellers recount pivotal moments in Kingdom’s history
- Rawi Diriyah competition sees students compete at UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif
- More than 13,000 students took part in this year’s event, with the final held on Friday
Saudi hospitality boom sparks innovation beyond the plate
- At the Four Seasons Riyadh, Diageo hosted a private tasting at Tonic Bar followed by a 10-course dinner at Julien
- Dinner at Julien paired dishes with drinks made using Tanqueray 0.0, Captain Morgan 0.0, and Guinness 0.0
RIYADH: As restaurants and hotels in Saudi Arabia refine their culinary identities, beverages are increasingly being treated as crafted experiences in their own right, shaped by technique and intention.
At the Four Seasons Riyadh, Diageo hosted a private tasting at Tonic Bar followed by a 10-course dinner at Julien, offering a snapshot of how this evolution is beginning to take shape, as international players and local venues test new approaches to pairing and presentation.
Speaking to Arab News, Nick Rees, marketing director of Diageo MENA, pointed to the rapid growth of the nonalcoholic segment globally and in the region: “There’s a far faster growing percentage of it (the industry) is non-alcohol … There (are) trends globally … A lot of it will be pointed to wellness, mindful drinking.”
Rees said that Saudi Arabia’s fast-developing culinary and hospitality scene calls for beverages that match the level of excellence seen in kitchens across the Kingdom.
“It’s kind of the lack of choices and that’s where we want to be able to provide people the option, and people here absolutely have the same kind of talent and desire as their counterparts behind the kitchen,” he said.
“That’s where our role is to give people the kind of core ingredients for them to be able to work with … we have many more brands that we would love to introduce to the Kingdom.”
The dinner at Julien paired dishes with drinks made using Tanqueray 0.0, Captain Morgan 0.0, and Guinness 0.0, offering a glimpse into the range of styles Diageo is bringing to the market.
Flavor profiles ranged from light and refreshing combinations with cucumber and capers brine to richer, malt-forward blends, each designed to complement the accompanying dishes, from ravioli to black cod.
Rees emphasized that pairing food with thoughtfully crafted beverages is becoming an essential part of the hospitality experience.
“In the Kingdom, we’re looking at giving people the experience that currently is not available to them because I know for sure that the kind of quality and expertise and craftsmanship that can go into creating some of these drinks is absolutely as exciting as the work that the chefs would do with their food,” he said.
Anthony Abou Haider, head of Gulf at Diageo, said the company sees long-term potential in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
“It’s such an opportunity to be a part of this transformation journey,” he told Arab News. “We’re not looking for a short-term gain, we’re looking at a very long-term gain here because whatever we do now is building for the future.”
