ICESCO Congratulates Saudi Arabia on UNESCO World Heritage Listing of Al-Faw

Archaeological remains uncovered at the site range from prehistoric times to the late pre-Islamic era. SPA
Archaeological remains uncovered at the site range from prehistoric times to the late pre-Islamic era. SPA
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ICESCO Congratulates Saudi Arabia on UNESCO World Heritage Listing of Al-Faw

Archaeological remains uncovered at the site range from prehistoric times to the late pre-Islamic era. SPA
Archaeological remains uncovered at the site range from prehistoric times to the late pre-Islamic era. SPA

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has congratulated Saudi Arabia on the inscription of the Cultural Landscape of the Al-Faw Archaeological Area on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The area in Wadi Al-Dawasir, at the intersection of the Empty Quarter desert and the Tuwaiq mountain range, is home to almost 12,000 archaeological remains and has a history of human habitation stretching back more than 6,000 years.
In a statement on Sunday, ICESCO commended the success of the Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Culture, the Heritage Commission, and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, in achieving the goals of Vision 2030 related to the number of sites registered on the World Heritage List.
ICESCO lauded the distinguished partnership it shares with Saudi Arabia in protecting cultural heritage. The organization also underscored its coordination with the Kingdom in establishing the necessary measures for preserving historical heritage and working on its development.



Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
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Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA

The activities of Handicrafts Festival (HARFA) 2025 in Hail were concluded Saturday, celebrating a highly successful event that drew over 91,000 visitors.

Held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11, the festival marked a milestone as the first of its kind, coinciding with the launch of the "Year of Handicrafts 2025."
According to SPA. the festival attracted tourists from Europe, America, Asia, the Gulf, and visitors from across Saudi Arabia. It highlighted Hail’s rich heritage of handicrafts, including wickerwork, carpentry, weaving, incense burner crafting, pottery, and clay building. Visitors admired displays of wood engraving, embroidery, wool fluffing, leather goods, daggers, swords, and Thamudic inscriptions, alongside artistic carvings on stone and traditional items such as ropes, windows, and decorative abayas.
More than 130 craftsmen and craftswomen participated, offering live demonstrations and training courses to transfer their skills to younger generations. The daily activities featured hands-on learning opportunities, complemented by awareness programs organized by entities such as the Hail Region Development Authority, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These programs emphasized the economic and cultural significance of handicrafts and the role of local authorities in supporting and marketing the craft industry.
The festival also celebrated Hail’s cultural heritage through artistic folklore performances, vintage car displays, and a heritage-inspired environment featuring restaurants and cafes. Over 100 volunteers contributed to the event’s organization, fostering an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all segments of society.
The event offered a unique blend of creativity, tradition, and community spirit, solidifying its status as a premier cultural attraction in Saudi Arabia.