Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims

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Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
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Tent setup built in Arafat. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2024
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Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims

  • Initiative to help ‘foster cultural understanding and appreciation’

JEDDAH: Almugasap, a Saudi fashion label, has launched a traditional costume experience in the Arafat and Mina areas, giving pilgrims the chance to wear authentic Saudi attire from all regions of the Kingdom.

The initiative, which includes instant photo printing, was installed prior to the start of the pilgrimage to showcase Saudi heritage to international guests.

Pilgrims could choose from a diverse collection of traditional costumes for both men and women, designed under the supervision of renowned Saudi designers Arief Alsherif and Sari Salem Hariry.  




“Wearing a traditional Saudi thobe with the shemagh and other accessories was a powerful way to experience a new culture,” said Mansour Ali from Malaysia. (Supplied)

“By showcasing the beauty of Saudi traditional clothing, we hope to foster cultural understanding and appreciation,” said Salem Hariry.

Through the intricate craftsmanship of traditional clothing, Almugasap is creating a vibrant mosaic of Saudi heritage that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Kingdom and also serves as a bridge to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Almugasap is creating a vibrant mosaic of Saudi heritage that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Kingdom.

• The designers are exploring new silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant color palettes, and prioritizing sustainable fabrics and production methods.

“Each thread and design element in our traditional costumes tells a story of the past, present, and future, inviting pilgrims and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the beauty and essence of Saudi culture,” Alsherif said.




With new silhouettes, vibrant color palettes, and sustainable fabrics and production methods, the designers bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. (Supplied)

“By offering this unique experience, we hope to ignite a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the traditions that define us, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the cultural identity that unites us all.”

The designers bridge the gap between tradition and modernity by exploring new silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant color palettes, and prioritizing sustainable fabrics and production methods.

Almugasap also partnered with Mashariq, the Southeast Asian pilgrims company, to hold a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of groups from 16 countries. The event was attended by diplomatic figures, officials from Hajj offices in the participating countries, and specialists in Hajj and Umrah affairs.

“Wearing a traditional Saudi thobe with the shemagh and other accessories was a powerful way to experience a new culture,” said Mansour Ali from Malaysia. “It felt like stepping into a symbol of unity and respect for the people of this land.”

 


Riyadh forum to discuss AI impact on education, jobs

The conference aims to redefine work and human capacity building to meet future labor market demands. (SPA)
Updated 12 January 2026
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Riyadh forum to discuss AI impact on education, jobs

  • The exhibition will give young people direct access to educational, training, career, and technological opportunities while enabling them to learn from leading local and international experiences to shape their future careers

RIYADH: Experts from more than 50 international and local organizations in education, employment, and artificial intelligence will gather in Riyadh from Jan. 28-29 for the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building to explore the future of education during rapid AI advances.

Discussions will examine how AI is transforming work, its implications for current and future generations, and the new opportunities it creates, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the conference aims to redefine work and human capacity building to meet future labor market demands.

Participants will present practical solutions for empowering young people with AI skills, integrating AI into education, and aligning learning outcomes with the most in-demand future skills locally and globally.

By addressing AI’s evolving impact on the job market, the conference offers academics, AI and data professionals, policymakers, and students a platform to exchange insights and explore the latest innovations for societal benefit and national development.

An accompanying exhibition will highlight cutting-edge educational and digital transformation solutions from public and private sector organizations.

The exhibition will give young people direct access to educational, training, career, and technological opportunities while enabling them to learn from leading local and international experiences to shape their future careers.