Embroidery: A Time-Honored Craft Thrives in Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
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Embroidery: A Time-Honored Craft Thrives in Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries, SPA said on Thursday.
This delicate art form, predominantly practiced by women, has become a primary means of creating aesthetically pleasing effects and unique textures on fabric surfaces through the use of decorative stitches, diverse threads, and a heritage passed down from one generation to the next.
Within this region, young girls eagerly learn the art of embroidery from older women, perpetuating a tradition that has become an indispensable part of the women's world. Whether embroidering essential household items, displaying their creations for sale, or offering them as cherished gifts, these skilled artisans bring life and beauty to their handcrafted pieces.
Um Hussein Al-Tarfawi, a seasoned practitioner of this craft for over five decades, attests to its ancient roots and the once-prevalent presence of embroidery in every household. Even in modern times, this timeless art continues to captivate numerous women.
For Um Hussein, devoting her free time to honing her embroidery skills is a testament to her dedication to preserving the rich heritage and protecting this exquisite folk art. She proudly imparts her knowledge to her daughters, recognizing that embroidery embodies the essence of Saudi identity, heritage, and history.
Fatima Khalid, another talented embroiderer, discovered her passion for this art form at a tender age. What began as a hobby soon transformed into a profession and a reliable source of income, thanks to the overwhelming demand for her meticulously crafted products.
Combining traditional embroidery techniques with contemporary approaches, Fatima skillfully wields needles and thread to create a harmonious fusion that appeals to the tastes of modern consumers. She emphasizes the growing trend among mothers who eagerly seek out traditional clothing adorned with intricate embroidery patterns, extending their appreciation to encompass various types of women's apparel and accessories.
In Turaif governorate, embroidery stands as a testament to the enduring allure of ancient crafts, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of women who continue to breathe life into this cherished art form. As these skilled artisans pass down their expertise while simultaneously adapting to contemporary influences, embroidery remains an enduring symbol of Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage.



Qassim Region Principality Illuminated in Green in Celebration of Founding Day

The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
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Qassim Region Principality Illuminated in Green in Celebration of Founding Day

The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA

The Qassim Region Principality building was illuminated in green in celebration of Founding Day.

The scene reflected pride in the historical roots of the Saudi state and embodied feelings of belonging on this cherished national occasion, SPA reported.

The illumination affirms the deep historical significance of Founding Day, marking 299 years since the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

It also reflects the enduring principles upon which it was founded, including unity, stability, and state-building. These foundations culminate in the security, stability, and prosperity that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys today under its wise leadership.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Century-Old Uqlat Al-Suqur Mosque in Qassim

The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)
The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Century-Old Uqlat Al-Suqur Mosque in Qassim

The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)
The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of the Uqlat Al-Suqur Mosque in Qassim Region, revitalizing a heritage landmark dating back to 1922, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Originally the only mosque in the area, it served as a vital religious and social hub for education and community governance.

The renovation, executed by specialized Saudi firms, utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve its authentic Najdi architectural style.

The project increased the mosque's area to 544 square meters, expanding its capacity to 250 worshippers while maintaining its historical identity.

The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 to preserve the Kingdom's urban heritage and boost the cultural and religious significance of its historical mosques for future generations.


Tomb More Than 1,000 Years Old Found in Panama

This handout picture released by Panama’s Ministry of Culture shows an archaeologist working inside a pre-Hispanic tomb approximately 1,200 years old, discovered at the El Cano Archaeological Park in Cocle, Panama, on February 20, 2026. (Handout / Panama’s Ministry of Culture / AFP)
This handout picture released by Panama’s Ministry of Culture shows an archaeologist working inside a pre-Hispanic tomb approximately 1,200 years old, discovered at the El Cano Archaeological Park in Cocle, Panama, on February 20, 2026. (Handout / Panama’s Ministry of Culture / AFP)
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Tomb More Than 1,000 Years Old Found in Panama

This handout picture released by Panama’s Ministry of Culture shows an archaeologist working inside a pre-Hispanic tomb approximately 1,200 years old, discovered at the El Cano Archaeological Park in Cocle, Panama, on February 20, 2026. (Handout / Panama’s Ministry of Culture / AFP)
This handout picture released by Panama’s Ministry of Culture shows an archaeologist working inside a pre-Hispanic tomb approximately 1,200 years old, discovered at the El Cano Archaeological Park in Cocle, Panama, on February 20, 2026. (Handout / Panama’s Ministry of Culture / AFP)

Archaeologists have discovered a tomb more than a thousand years old in Panama containing human remains alongside gold and ceramic artifacts, the lead researcher told AFP on Friday.

The discovery was made at the El Cano site in the Nata district about 200 kilometers (124 miles) southwest of Panama City.

Scientists and archaeologists have already unearthed other remains of pre-Hispanic cultures in the region that has been excavated for two decades.

The skeletal remains were found surrounded by gold objects and pottery decorated with traditional motifs, pointing to these being "high-ranking" individuals, archaeologist Julia Mayo told AFP, adding that the tomb was built between 800 and 1000 AD.

"The individual with the gold was the one with the highest social status in the group," she said.

That body was found with two bracelets, two earrings, and pectoral jewelry that featured bats and crocodiles, she added.

The El Cano archaeological site is linked to the societies that inhabited the central provinces of Panama between the 8th and 11th centuries.

"This is where they buried their dead for 200 years," said Mayo.

Nine other tombs "similar" to the one found on Friday had already been found at the site, she added.

Panama's Ministry of Culture said the discovery was "of great importance for Panamanian archaeology and the study of pre-Hispanic societies of the Central American isthmus," referring to the land that connects North and South America.

According to experts, these excavations demonstrate that death did not represent an end for these societies, but a transition to another phase where social status remained important.