JEDDAH: As the holy month unfolds, Jeddah’s Hayy Jameel and Art Promenade have transformed into vibrant destinations for families and visitors seeking culture, entertainment and shared experiences.
This year, both venues offer immersive programs that celebrate tradition, storytelling and community spirit in unique ways.
At Hayy Jameel, the third edition of Ramadan Nights: Hakawati Hayy is captivating visitors with puppetry, folk tales and creative workshops. From Feb. 25 until March 15, the program draws inspiration from the Hijaz region’s rich oral traditions, highlighting the art of the hakawati or storytelling.
In collaboration with the Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation, local creatives and community clubs, the event brings together performances, interactive workshops, masterclasses, and children’s activities that celebrate craft of Arab puppetry.
The foundation, established in 2008, works as a touring theatre, training platform and knowledge hub, supporting artists and preserving puppetry as a medium for cultural expression and social dialogue.
Visitors can enjoy a late-night lineup of fusion and traditional food, hands-on storytelling sessions, board games and local pop-ups, creating a festive environment for families and friends.
Eiman Elnaiem, public programs manager at Art Jameel, said: “Now in its third edition, the program offers something for everyone, with interactive workshops at the newly opened Hayy Makers and the Jameel Library to a curated puppet showcase, live performances, board games, children's activities, local pop-ups and diverse F&B (food and beverage) offering across Hayy Jameel.”
Razan Al-Barakati, founder of the Mhmmas food cart, said: “It’s wonderful to see visitors enjoying our food, it really completes the experience.”
Mahmoud Al-Hourani, executive director of the Arab Puppet Theatre, added: “This is our first time performing in Jeddah and the audience has been fantastic — welcoming, engaged and full of knowledge about the tradition.
“Hayy Jameel itself is an impressive, culturally rich space and, as artists, we hope to bring this performance to other cities in Saudi Arabia through schools, cultural centers, and local partners.”
Meanwhile, the Art Promenade at Jeddah Waterfront, now the Ramadaniyat Promenade, continues to offer visitors a mix of entertainment, shopping and gastronomy.
Stretching along the Corniche, the promenade provides a scenic backdrop of the sunset over the Red Sea, creating the perfect setting for families to break their fast and enjoy late-night Ramadan festivities.
This year, over 90 shops, restaurants, and attractions welcome visitors with decorative lights, live music and cultural performances. Families can experience traditional crafts, local flavors, and creative workshops, while children enjoy dedicated play areas and fun rides.
Zoha Al-Gazzaz, a vendor of traditional handmade accessories and kaftans, said: “Each of my creations is designed to reflect Ramadan traditions with a modern touch. Being here at Ramadaniyat Promenade allows me to meet new customers and share our culture in a vibrant community setting.”
Mohammed Waleed, visiting with his family, said the event was “the perfect place for my children to enjoy Ramadan and experience the way people used to socialize in the past. In today’s digital world, gatherings like this help children understand and appreciate our traditions.”
