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Jeddah Historic District Marks Decade Since UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation

The district includes more than 650 heritage buildings, five historical main markets, several historical mosques, and one historical school. SPA
The district includes more than 650 heritage buildings, five historical main markets, several historical mosques, and one historical school. SPA
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Jeddah Historic District Marks Decade Since UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation

The district includes more than 650 heritage buildings, five historical main markets, several historical mosques, and one historical school. SPA
The district includes more than 650 heritage buildings, five historical main markets, several historical mosques, and one historical school. SPA

The Jeddah Historic District program, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, celebrates this year the tenth anniversary of its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Monday.
The program continues its efforts to revive the district, preserve its cultural and urban heritage, and transform it into a global heritage destination in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, SPA said.
According to the program, the Jeddah Historic District spans 2.5 square kilometers and is known for its unique architectural features, urban layout, and rich cultural heritage. Positioned on the Red Sea coast, it has been a significant port for pilgrims travelling to Makkah since the seventh century. It has also functioned as a crucial hub for global trade between Asia and Africa, fostering cultural and economic exchange.
The program noted that the district includes more than 650 heritage buildings, five historical main markets, several historical mosques, and one historical school.
The inclusion of the Jeddah Historic District on the UNESCO World Heritage List was based on its fulfilment of three key criteria for classifying historical areas. These criteria highlighted the region's significance in facilitating the exchange of human values over time or within a cultural sphere, its status as a prominent example of a particular architectural style or technology that reflects significant stages in human history, and its association with living traditions, ideas, beliefs, and works of art and literature that hold exceptional global importance.

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Culture

Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

With legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, the university is dedicated to specialized education in culture and the arts, aiming to cultivate national talent across creative disciplines through advanced academic programs aligned with global best practices and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The royal order authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees until it is formally established, ensuring the swift completion of organizational procedures to begin operations.

To enhance its academic mission, the university will seek partnerships with prestigious international institutions to exchange expertise and develop high-level educational programs.

This initiative underscores the leadership's commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s position as a regional cultural hub and fostering the growth of its creative industries.

Culture

Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA

As part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, originally built in 1380 AH (1960) and commissioned by Shaman Al-Fuwaihi, has undergone a comprehensive restoration to preserve its architectural and cultural identity while serving as a vital link to the urban and social history of Al-Jouf Region, SPA reported.

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters, yet maintained its original capacity of 28 worshippers.

Supervised by Saudi engineers and executed by specialized heritage firms, the project successfully balanced traditional standards with modern technology.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by rehabilitating historic sites for prayer, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these religious landmarks.