Restoration for Historic Jeddah's Old Buildings Completed Under Crown Prince's Directives

The project came within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. SPA
The project came within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. SPA
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Restoration for Historic Jeddah's Old Buildings Completed Under Crown Prince's Directives

The project came within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. SPA
The project came within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture, represented by the Jeddah Historic District Program, has announced the completion of work in the project to restore buildings in the Historic Jeddah District under the generous donation of SAR50 million from the Crown Prince.

The restoration project was in implementation of directives from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The project came within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 goals, which seek to reflect the Arab and Islamic depth of the Kingdom.

The project aimed to highlight the heritage landmarks that the Historic Jeddah District is abundant in as a location having more than 600 heritage buildings, 36 historical mosques, and five main historical markets, in addition to ancient corridors and squares and sites with important historical connotations, such as the ancient Waterfront, which was a main route for pilgrims, and will be rebuilt to tell visitors the great story of the Hajj since the dawn of Islam.

The Crown Prince has directed the implementation of the project to strengthen and rescue historic Jeddah buildings by five specialized Saudi companies, which carried out the work and conducted studies under the supervision of technicians with experience in historical buildings.

The implementation was carried out according to the unique design and distinctive urban structure of the Historic Jeddah District and its unique architectural elements, as some buildings, which belong to Jeddah families, have archaeological landmarks dating back 500 years.



European Film Festival Returns to Riyadh for Fifth Edition with 16 Films

File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT
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European Film Festival Returns to Riyadh for Fifth Edition with 16 Films

File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT

The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the embassies of its member states and with the support of the Film Commission, has announced the fifth edition of the European Film Festival in Riyadh, featuring 16 films from 16 European countries, SPA reported.

The festival will begin on November 2, with public screenings running from November 3 to 10, building on the success of its four previous editions.

The program includes a diverse selection of cinematic works reflecting the variety of European film schools and traditions. All films will be presented with Arabic and English subtitles.


‘Rashrash’: A Silver Necklace Reflecting Jazan’s Traditional Women’s Jewelry Heritage

Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA
Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA
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‘Rashrash’: A Silver Necklace Reflecting Jazan’s Traditional Women’s Jewelry Heritage

Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA
Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA

Traditional jewelry in Jazan Region preserves part of the memory of women and reflects aspects of their social lives in the past.

Among these ornaments is the Rashrash necklace, a silver piece worn around women’s necks, valued for its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, which are deeply rooted in the community’s customs and heritage.

According to SPA, silver held a prominent place in traditional Jazan women’s adornment, with jewelry ranging from necklaces, earrings and bracelets to decorative pieces worn on the upper arms and feet.

The Rashrash was among the ornaments worn by women in Jazan and was one of the pieces worn by brides as part of traditional wedding customs. Together with other jewelry, it formed the bride’s adornment for the occasion, reflecting the attention women paid to aesthetic details and the variety of silverwork used for personal adornment.

Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products.

Women also used local plants and flowers to adorn their hair on special occasions. These practices were closely linked to the natural environment, which provided the plants and materials women used in their daily lives and social gatherings.


The Black Stone: Sacred Landmark at the Heart of the Holy Kaaba

The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)
The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)
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The Black Stone: Sacred Landmark at the Heart of the Holy Kaaba

The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)
The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)

In the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba stands the Black Stone, the faith-filled landmark from which Tawaf begins and ends, drawing the hearts and eyes of millions of Muslims performing the sacred ritual, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.

The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. It appears black with a reddish tint, surrounded by a pure silver frame, and appears inside in the form of small cohesive parts held together by a binding substance.

During Tawaf, Muslims seek to kiss or touch the Black Stone, if feasible without hardship or crowding, or to point to it while reciting the Takbir, in adherence to the prophetic Sunnah, added the news agency.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gives special care to the Holy Kaaba and its landmarks, driven by its dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque conducts periodic maintenance, cleaning, and perfuming of the Black Stone using specialized personnel and modern technologies, including high-resolution imaging to document its features with precision.