Beit Hail Festival showcases regional heritage, attracts tourists

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The festival showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect Hail’s historical roots and offers interactive activities and performances (SPA)
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The festival showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect Hail’s historical roots and offers interactive activities and performances (SPA)
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The festival showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect Hail’s historical roots and offers interactive activities and performances (SPA)
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The festival showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect Hail’s historical roots and offers interactive activities and performances (SPA)
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Updated 28 June 2025
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Beit Hail Festival showcases regional heritage, attracts tourists

RIYADH: Now in its fourth year, the Beit Hail Festival has established itself as a prominent cultural, tourism, and entertainment event, attracting many visitors to the region.

The festival showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect Hail’s historical roots and offers interactive activities and performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

These elements celebrate the region’s heritage and community identity while blending tradition with modern touches, the SPA reported.

Held under the patronage of the Hail governor and supported by his deputy, the two-week festival aims to highlight local folkloric heritage and strengthen national identity.

It includes artistic performances, traditional crafts, authentic foods, and tourism-focused events aligned with Vision 2030 goals.

Over the past three editions, the festival has drawn steady attendance from local and international visitors, especially during summer holidays.

Visitors appreciate the diverse pavilions, cultural displays, performances, and art exhibitions, according to the report.

The festival also helps promote community participation and support the local economy by offering opportunities and events for productive families and small businesses.

Samia Suleiman Al-Jabri, associate professor of modern history at Hail University, said handicrafts remain a vital part of Hail’s heritage, preserving ancient traditions through crafts such as sadu weaving, pottery, wickerwork, and other arts rooted in Bedouin culture.

Al-Jabri added that over its three editions, the festival has organized events and launched numerous initiatives and workshops to document and safeguard traditional crafts, teach them to younger generations, and connect artisans directly with the public.


Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage

The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. (SPA)
Updated 19 December 2025
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Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage

  • Festival now established as a premier annual event

AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.

The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency. 

Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.

FASTFACT

In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.

In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.

The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.

This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship. 

As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.

The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.

The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.