Jeddah's Historic Beit Al Kottab Reopens as Irth Café and Store

The building now houses Irth Café and Store. SPA
The building now houses Irth Café and Store. SPA
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Jeddah's Historic Beit Al Kottab Reopens as Irth Café and Store

The building now houses Irth Café and Store. SPA
The building now houses Irth Café and Store. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture's Historic Jeddah Program has successfully restored and rehabilitated Beit Al Kottab, a historic building in the city's UNESCO World Heritage site.

The beautifully preserved building now houses Irth Café and Store, a new platform showcasing Saudi culinary arts.
Located on Gold Street, Irth Café offers visitors a unique experience reflecting Saudi culture. The café is open daily except for Sundays, from 12 noon to 11 pm.
The Historic Jeddah Program's goal is to revitalize the area, preserve its heritage, and enhance the visitor experience. Through careful restoration and rehabilitation, the program aims to transform historic buildings into vibrant cultural and commercial spaces.



Saudi Culture Ministry to Host Cultural Week in Greece

The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA
The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA
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Saudi Culture Ministry to Host Cultural Week in Greece

The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA
The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom. SPA

The Ministry of Culture is set to launch Saudi Cultural Week in Greece, taking place from September 27 to October 1 at the historic Zappeion Hall in Athens.

The landmark event will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom, showcasing the cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Greece and highlighting the shared values between the two nations.

Various commissions under the Ministry of Culture and Saudi cultural institutions will present multiple elements of Saudi culture. Craftsmen will display traditional arts and handcrafts, including the creation of the Bisht (a traditional men's outer cloak), weaving Al Sadu (traditional textile), and crafting Mibkhara (incense burners). Workshops will be organized to highlight these traditional arts, featuring collaboration between Greek and Saudi artisans. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in conventional weaving and experience these time-honored crafts firsthand.

Attendees will also discover traditional Saudi fashion through collections by local designers, with pieces available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Saudi fashion heritage. The Saudi fashion exhibition will also highlight contemporary designs and display attires from renowned creators in the field.

Throughout the five-day event, visitors can explore an exhibition of replicas of Saudi Arabia's historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the Kingdom's vast heritage. Additionally, another exhibition will feature rare manuscripts that highlight the linguistic legacy of the Arabic language.

The event will include culinary experiences, with Saudi chefs conducting live cooking demonstrations of popular traditional dishes from the Kingdom. Saudi coffee, a cultural symbol of Saudi hospitality, will be served to visitors, and a boutique store will display Saudi food products such as dates and Madinah dried rose.

Moreover, the event will feature live performances of traditional Saudi music, dance, performing arts, and theater, showcasing the Kingdom's rich musical and performance arts heritage. Visitors can also enjoy screenings of popular Saudi short films.

Saudi Cultural Week in Greece aims to celebrate and encourage cultural dialogue and collaboration, featuring a variety of activities and exhibitions that showcase the Kingdom's cultural heritage, contemporary art, and culinary artistry. The event will provide a platform for shared cultural values and ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Greece.