Saudi Arabia was on Tuesday holding celebrations of its Founding Day for the first time.
Last month, King Salman announced February 22 as an official holiday, to mark the establishment of the first Saudi state in the Arabian peninsula three centuries ago.
The kingdom's citizens and residents were celebrating with families, as students have been given an extended weekend until Saturday, February 26.
Several events and festivals have been announced to showcase traditional crafts, culture and heritage across the kingdom. Festivities expected to take place over the next three days include a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesday.
The holiday is different from the annual National Day observed on September 22.
Malls adorned with flags are hosting live music and traditional dance performances as part of Nejnaj — a countrywide programme to raise public awareness about the kingdom's development and achievements through presentations in Jeddah, Dammam, Taif, Hail, Tabuk, Riyadh, Abha and Al Baha.
"I am so excited to see the Saudi dance," said Emma Charles, a Filipina visitor at a mall in Jeddah, as she watched a group of men in traditional clothes dancing to an Arabic song while two played traditional drums.
"It is the first time we are being exposed to the Kingdom's history, it helps us learn more about the country we have been living in for seven years," she said.
After the performance ended, guests were welcomed, with Saudi coffee and dates, to a photography exhibition to learn more about the nation's history and see traditional footwear, dresses, ornaments and other crafts being made.
"My kids are having so much fun, it's such a fun way to get to know the country's tradition," said Amnah Syed, a Pakistani living in Jeddah.
Ashwaq Kojah, a Saudi artisan, was showcasing her collection of handmade necklaces, ceramic home decor and personalised gifts featuring traditional art forms and designs.
"I am displaying some of my creative designs. I used to work with necklaces but now design various home decor pieces or personalised gifts for people."
Shops are displaying collections and designs in honour of the country's first Founding Day.
"We have a range of Saudi-inspired products in store, made by local designers and artisans," said Hala Sabbagh, a Saudi brand manager at Homegrown, a retail shop in Jeddah.
"Our most popular item would be Mansoojat foundation’s Traditional Costumes of Saudi Arabia book, which covers traditional wear around all the areas in Saudi," she told The National.
"In the accessories department, there were Mine Bags’ totes made with the Sadu print and a wider variety of Saudi symbols also embroidered on their pouches," she added.
The shop displayed a selection of embroidered kaftans showcasing the details of different areas within the Kingdom, including Rotana Alhashimi’s abayas that "highlights the intricate hand work embraced with colorful fabrics," she said..
Founding Day celebrates the historical and cultural depth of Saudi Arabia and commemorates when Imam Mohammed bin Saud established the first Saudi state in the Hijri year 1139, or February of 1727AD.
"I am planning to take my kids to see their grandfather, so they can have a story-telling session. It's important for us to learn more and teach our kids about our roots," said Yara Aladwani, a Saudi citizen.
"I am glad the country is opening up and everyone, including foreigners, can learn more about our great history.
"The official website is amazing especially for those learning design, to know more about historic art forms and symbols, I absolutely loved it," she said.
Founding Day was trending on social media platforms including Twitter, with people sharing live videos, pictures, memories and other content to celebrate the historic day.
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
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Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
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Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police
Family: Five sons and three daughters
The first female investigator in Hatta.
Role Model: Father
She believes that there is a solution to every problem