RIYADH: Al-Nahdah Women’s Association in Riyadh, headed by Princess Sara Al-Faisal, shall celebrate its 50th anniversary in the service of Saudi women. The event will be held in the first quarter of 2013.
Hind Al-Faris, its executive director, said in a statement that "the celebration of the golden jubilee of Al-Nahdah establishment does not only aim to recognize the association’s services during the last 50 years and its achievements in terms of providing services to women in the areas of health and social care, as well as to charity and educational works, but also to highlight its role in the development of consciousness and thought of Saudi women and to help them carry out their duties and responsibilities as a mother and as a productive citizen. This is in addition to showcasing the role of the association and its impact on the decisions and the regulations for women in terms of care, rights and duties, which include the legal, social and economic aspects of life.”
Al-Faris also referred to the importance of the association's work and its impact on the formulation of new concepts for the social and voluntary work and organize it in the local context resulting from the association’s long experience and the experiment which the members of the association gained in doing voluntary service since the establishment of the association.
She added: "Al-Nahdah Women’s Association is the first association established in Riyadh and the second to be registered officially in Saudi Arabia.” Princess Sara Al-Faisal, who has ample experience in social work, has headed the association since its launch in 1962. “She developed the association's work, its objectives and its mission according to the needs of the community in general and the Saudi woman in particular. She opened new horizons for creative projects for Al-Nahdah," the statement from Al-Faris said.
Al-Nahdah is the first association that established women's educational and training centers in the Kingdom. It was also the first to conduct a social survey research in the districts of Riyadh concerning the needs of the population.
Al-Nahdah celebrates 50th anniversary
Al-Nahdah celebrates 50th anniversary
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and community
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
