Woodcarving takes center stage at Makkah festival

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The Global Village in Makkah is drawing large crowds with a variety of attractions, including a woodcarving corner. (SPA)
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The Global Village in Makkah is drawing large crowds with a variety of attractions, including a woodcarving corner. (SPA)
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The Global Village in Makkah is drawing large crowds with a variety of attractions, including a woodcarving corner. (SPA)
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Updated 04 January 2026
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Woodcarving takes center stage at Makkah festival

  • Part of the winter season activities, the village serves as an integrated cultural and tourism platform, highlighting folk heritage and traditional crafts

MAKKAH: The Global Village in Makkah is drawing large crowds with a variety of attractions, including a woodcarving corner, where artisans showcase traditional skills.

Part of the winter season activities, the village serves as an integrated cultural and tourism platform, highlighting folk heritage and traditional crafts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Its pavilions feature handicrafts, heritage products, popular foods, and interactive activities for all ages, the SPA added.

At the woodcarving corner, artisans carve, shape, and decorate wooden pieces using refined traditional techniques.

The village supports tourism and cultural activities, promoting local identity and the Kingdom’s civilizational diversity in a safe, family-friendly environment that blends education, entertainment, and heritage.

Running until the end of April, the Makkah winter season offers heritage crafts, cultural performances, and international pavilions.

The village also empowers families and entrepreneurs in the cottage industry, helping market local products and showcase creativity.


Prince William tours AlUla, visits nature reserve

Updated 50 min 52 sec ago
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Prince William tours AlUla, visits nature reserve

  • Meets with rangers of the Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity Protection at Sharaan Nature Reserve

RIYADH: Britain’s Prince William wrapped up the final day of his official visit to Saudi Arabia with a tour of AlUla, where he visited the Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity Protection at Sharaan Nature Reserve.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of culture, accompanied the 43-year-old heir to the British throne, an avowed environmentalist, during the tour. Prince William also met with rangers working to conserve the area’s wildlife population.

Above, rangers at the Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity Protection at Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla. (Reuters)

AlUla is home to the Hegra archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its ancient Nabataean tombs dotted amid the pristine sandstone mountains and valleys.

Saudi authorities have been vastly working on in recent years to make AlUla a top-tier destination for luxury travelers and art exhibitions.