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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 Showcases Holy Kaaba Kiswah

The display of the Kaaba cladding is part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's initiative to showcase Islamic arts and deepen understanding of its rich history and cultural legacy. (SPA)
The display of the Kaaba cladding is part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's initiative to showcase Islamic arts and deepen understanding of its rich history and cultural legacy. (SPA)
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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 Showcases Holy Kaaba Kiswah

The display of the Kaaba cladding is part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's initiative to showcase Islamic arts and deepen understanding of its rich history and cultural legacy. (SPA)
The display of the Kaaba cladding is part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's initiative to showcase Islamic arts and deepen understanding of its rich history and cultural legacy. (SPA)

The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in AlBidaya (the beginning) section of the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah will feature a unique event highlighting the entire Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba outside of Makkah for the first time.

This remarkable experience allows visitors to intimately engage with and contemplate the beauty of Islamic craftsmanship, reflected in the intricate details of the cladding fabric and its embroidery adorned with gold and silver threads.

The display of the Kaaba cladding is part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's initiative to showcase Islamic arts and deepen understanding of its rich history and cultural legacy. The Biennale offers visitors an immersive experience to delve into the journey of the cladding industry, beginning with the selection of the finest natural silk, progressing through the stages of hand weaving and embroidery with gold and silver threads, and culminating in the final stages of processing.

The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will display a remarkable collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks.

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Culture

Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
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Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA

The Dia Aziz Dia Award for Portrait, hosted by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, is a leading platform for portraiture and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East. It fosters national identity through contemporary art, connecting veteran and emerging artists.

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives, including Saudi women, the Arabian horse, the Saudi Green Initiative, and King Abdulaziz.

These themes highlight art's role in reflecting social transformations and contributing to the cultural goals of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The current ninth edition, with a theme focused on King Salman, invited artists to depict the leadership and humanity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This edition attracted significant participation, with 787 submissions from 42 cities, including international entries.

Of these, 61 works were shortlisted for the final competition, with prizes totaling SAR170,000 awarded to three main winners and seven incentive recipients.

Culture

Jazan Cultural House Explores Symbolism of Saudi Flag

The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values
The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values
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Jazan Cultural House Explores Symbolism of Saudi Flag

The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values
The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values

The Jazan Cultural House hosted a cultural evening on the Saudi flag, in collaboration with the Cultural Café, a literary partner of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission.

The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values. Speakers discussed its historical and cultural significance as a symbol of unity and sovereignty, reflecting themes of faith, strength, and national cohesion.

The reading also explored the flag's role in fostering a sense of belonging and national pride, as well as various interpretations of its significance in cultural and intellectual discourse.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Region

The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA
The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Region

The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA
The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues its mission to preserve the Kingdom’s architectural heritage by restoring Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hawtat Bani Tamim, Riyadh Region. Built in 1250 AH (1834 CE), this historic landmark is situated within the fortress of Second Saudi State founder Imam Turki bin Abdullah.

The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture, featuring stone foundations, mud walls constructed using molded brick techniques, and a roof of tamarisk trunks and palm fronds supported by stone-bead cylindrical columns, SPA reported.

Through the current renovation, the mosque’s area has expanded from 608.68 to 625.78 square meters while maintaining a capacity for 180 worshippers. Executed by specialized Saudi firms under expert engineering supervision, the project balances traditional standards with modern sustainability to ensure the mosque remains a living testament to Islamic and national history.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 objectives to rehabilitate historical sites for worship, highlight cultural heritage, and preserve the Kingdom’s authentic architectural identity for future generations.