Al Baha, Saudi Arabia – July 3, 2025 (8 Muharram 1447 AH)

The third edition of Al-Dar Festival opened today in the heritage village of Al-Musa in the Al Baha region, organized by the Al-Musa Heritage Charitable Association, with official attendance including the Deputy Governor of the region for Security Affairs, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairi, and the Assistant Deputy Governor for Development Affairs, Engineer Judai Al-Qahtani, alongside large crowds of residents and visitors from inside and outside the region.

Attendees toured the heritage house's corners, which displayed historic artifacts and authentic handicrafts representing Al Baha's identity and rich heritage, set within an authentic urban environment blending mountain character with local architectural heritage.

Events Inspired by Al Baha's Heritage and Cultural Identity

Al-Dar Festival runs for 25 days, presenting 16 varied events that reflect the region's rich heritage and culture, including:

  • A fine-art exhibition and open studio
  • A photography corner for folk costumes and traditional jewelry
  • A children's theater and entertainment activities for younger visitors
  • Folk performances embodying Al Baha's artistic heritage

The festival also includes the "Al-Dar" museum and its old corner, an open heritage café, and a live kitchen where visitors can watch traditional "muqanna'ah" bread being made, along with special heritage sessions for home-based producers and a women's gathering ("diwaniyah") featuring a traditional bridal procession with its unique customs and rituals.

Support for Craftspeople, Marking the Year of Handicrafts

Coinciding with the Kingdom's celebration of the Year of Handicrafts 2025, the festival dedicated significant space to craftspeople through a specialized exhibition featuring 70 craftspeople from the Al Baha region, who display their handmade products and offer live experiences to visitors, as part of the association's vision to strengthen the standing of local crafts as a sustainable economic and heritage resource.

The festival also hosts a "Storytellers' Corner," four specialized heritage seminars, and a folk poetry evening showcasing local poetic voices.

A Heritage Association with a Development Vision

The Al-Dar Heritage Charitable Association, which oversees the festival, is a non-profit association founded in 2024 to support cultural activity in the Al Baha region, building on the major success of Al-Musa village following its restoration in 2021 through community efforts and support from Sheikh Saeed Al-Anqari.

The association aims to embed the concept of cultural development through quality programs that help preserve local heritage and strengthen its presence in the region's tourism and economic landscape.