Jeddah, 7 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH (24 April 2026)

The "Baqin" (Enduring) exhibition closed today at the Dar Al Funoon Al Islamiyah museums in Jeddah after five days of cultural activities and interactive experiences organized in cooperation with the Heritage Commission and Bait Al Hirafiyeen (House of Artisans), offering a living model for reviving elements of Saudi heritage in a modern way that combines authenticity with direct engagement with visitors.

The exhibition embodied a complete cultural experience that went beyond conventional visual display, letting visitors live the details of daily life tied to Saudi folk heritage through varied corners reflecting the cultural identity of the Kingdom's regions.

Saudi Coffee and Traditional Hospitality at the Heart of the Experience

Saudi coffee featured prominently as one of the most important symbols of national identity, with a presentation of its different preparation methods, roasting levels and the additions particular to each region, reflecting the diversity of local taste and coffee's connection to social customs and authentic Saudi hospitality.

Traditional hospitality was also present through dates and ma'amoul, an inherited part of Saudi social culture, forming an important part of the visitor experience and connecting it to the everyday scene of hospitality in the local community.

Weaving Workshops Revive Traditional Crafts

Among the handicrafts, traditional textiles stood out as one of the exhibition's key elements, with patterns and colors expressing the cultural particularity of each of the Kingdom's regions and embodying a long history of craftsmanship tied to local identity.

The textiles were not only displayed. Interactive weaving workshops gave visitors the chance to learn traditional weaving techniques and try them for themselves, a step aimed at bringing the craft closer to new generations and strengthening its cultural sustainability.

The Simsimiyya Revives the Musical Memory of the Coast

The exhibition also evoked the artistic dimension of heritage through live performances on the simsimiyya, one of the most prominent musical instruments tied to the coastal regions. The performances revived folk musical memory and connected visitors with the aural heritage that has formed an important part of the Saudi cultural scene through history.

This artistic element gave the experience an emotional character, so that visitors did not merely watch but lived an interactive moment connecting them to heritage through sound, feeling and memory.

Traditional Dress and Jewelry Tell of Social Change

Traditional jewelry and Saudi dress made a notable appearance as living witnesses to the social and aesthetic transformations Saudi society has undergone over the decades.

The materials used and the handmade ornamentation reflected the skill of Saudi artisans and highlighted the diversity of visual identity among the Kingdom's regions, making these heritage pieces an important means of understanding the community's social and cultural history.

Through this interactive experience, "Baqin" confirms the importance of investing in culture and heritage and turning folk heritage into a living experience that reaches new generations, supporting the Kingdom's standing in preserving its cultural identity under Saudi Vision 2030.

At a Glance

  • Location: Jeddah
  • Event: "Baqin" exhibition
  • Date: 24 April 2026
  • Organizers: Dar Al Funoon Al Islamiyah museums in cooperation with the Heritage Commission and Bait Al Hirafiyeen
  • Highlights: Saudi coffee, weaving workshops, the simsimiyya, dress and jewelry
  • Goal: reviving Saudi heritage in a modern, interactive way