ARAR: Iraqi authorities executed Saudi prisoner Abdullah Mahmous Sydat last Sunday.
Sydat was being held in Al-Nasiryah Prison, south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, the Iraqi Ministry of Justice pronounced the death sentence for Sydat after convicting him of terrorism.
According to the newspaper, the Iraqi ministry notified the Saudi Embassy in Bagdad of the conviction and actual execution of Sydat a few days ago. Sources confirmed, however, that the execution was carried out on Sunday, March 6 and that the embassy was only notified of the decision after the execution took place.
The sources added that the Saudi prisoner was executed along with a number of other Iraqi prisoners.
The family of the prisoner said they were notified about his execution on Thursday by the Iraqi Ministry of Justice, but were not given any further details.
Sydat left the Kingdom for Iraq in 2007 and was arrested on charges of terrorism during his time there. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, which was later upgraded to the death sentence.
The man, who has two children, had asked that he be buried in Madinah.
Iraq executes Saudi prisoner ‘for terrorism’
Iraq executes Saudi prisoner ‘for terrorism’
UNESCO honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as thousands flock to Al-Ahsa festival
RIYADH: The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of local and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in Al-Hofuf.
Running until Feb. 7 at the historic palace, the event features a bisht exhibition, a rare bisht gallery, a handicrafts zone and workshops led by skilled artisans.
The festival showcases a convergence of cultures, with international pavilions highlighting the global appeal of this authentic Saudi heritage.
The bisht’s allure has drawn international visitors eager to explore Al-Ahsa’s rich history and traditional crafts.
Tourists enthusiastically don the traditional robe, admiring its royal designs. Many participate in workshops with master artisans, learning the intricate art of Zari embroidery.
Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.
With UNESCO’s participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.
At the heart of the festival is the story of the “Golden Threads” (Al-Zari), intricate gold-plated silver threads that define the bisht’s character and prestige.
Visitors can discover them in the Golden Threads VIP Area, where they can watch master artisans demonstrate the full bisht-making process at the Host’s Majlis, offering insight into Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old craftsmanship.
