Rooted in centuries-old practice, the Tantora is a traditional sundial once used by AlUla’s residents to track seasonal changes and determine the beginning of the agricultural cycle, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of nature’s rhythms.

Its reappearance is more than a ceremonial event, as it represents the preservation of intangible heritage that shaped daily life, social organization, and farming practices across generations in this historic oasis region.

The ceremony highlights the arrival of Al-Marba’aniyah, an important winter period that historically guided planting schedules, water use, and preparation for colder months among farming communities.

By bringing the Tantora back into public life, AlUla reinforces the idea that heritage is not confined to museums but can remain active, shared, and relevant in contemporary society.

The event forms part of broader efforts to safeguard cultural identity while encouraging meaningful engagement between residents, visitors, and the stories embedded in AlUla’s landscape.

A carefully curated program accompanies the ceremony, offering traditional performances, artisan showcases, and immersive demonstrations that recreate scenes from everyday life in AlUla’s past.

These activities allow visitors to experience how earlier generations read shadows, observed the sun’s movement, and aligned their livelihoods with natural cycles rather than mechanical timekeeping.

Educational sessions explore the scientific and cultural dimensions of the Tantora, revealing how simple yet precise tools once played a central role in sustaining agricultural communities.

The celebration also strengthens intergenerational bonds, as elders share knowledge with younger audiences, ensuring that oral traditions and practical wisdom are passed forward.

Community participation lies at the heart of the revival, transforming the ceremony into a shared cultural moment rather than a static historical reenactment.

The event reflects a wider commitment to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development, ensuring that cultural assets contribute to economic vitality and social well-being.

AlUla’s approach demonstrates how protecting heritage can coexist with innovation, tourism development, and global cultural exchange without losing authenticity.

The ceremony aligns with broader national goals that emphasize quality of life, balanced growth, and pride in local identity, positioning culture as a driver of sustainable progress.

As part of the wider Winter at Tantora celebrations, the revival adds depth to a season already rich in artistic, musical, and culinary experiences.

Visitors can explore Old Town Nights, street art tours, handicraft-focused events, and performances that collectively celebrate creativity rooted in history.

These offerings present AlUla as a living cultural landscape where past and present intersect, inviting global audiences to engage with heritage in meaningful ways.

The return of the Tantora Ceremony stands as a powerful reminder that cultural traditions remain relevant when they are lived, shared, and continually reinterpreted.

By honoring seasonal knowledge and community memory, AlUla reinforces its role as a guardian of heritage while confidently shaping a culturally rich future.

For centuries, these remarkable animals have shaped the Kingdom’s identity, becoming treasured companions and valuable assets across generations.

Revered as the ships of the desert, camels have long been admired for their resilience and their deep roots in Arabian history.

Many owners describe caring for camels as a source of peace, a refuge from the demands of modern life and a link to ancestral traditions.

Camel owners across the Kingdom often speak of their emotional attachment to the animals, viewing them not only as investments but as part of their heritage.

Many Saudis find comfort in spending time with their camels, seeing them as symbols of simplicity, patience, and strength.

Religious significance further elevates the status of camels in Saudi culture, with many references to them found in Islamic tradition.

Their mention in sacred texts strengthens their spiritual value and reinforces the belief that camels hold a unique place among animals.

Scientific studies support these beliefs, highlighting the nutritional and medicinal benefits of camel milk.

Research shows its positive effects on the liver, kidneys, and overall health, giving modern validation to historical practices.

Camels also possess remarkable biological traits that allow them to thrive in harsh desert climates.

With no gallbladder and the ability to withstand extreme thirst and heat, they demonstrate unique endurance unmatched by most animals.

Experts note that camels can travel for hours, covering long distances and carrying heavy loads even in high temperatures.

These abilities helped them become indispensable to Bedouin life, supporting trade routes and daily survival across the Arabian Peninsula.

Historically, camel trading was a major economic activity, connecting Saudi traders to markets in Iraq, the Levant, Palestine, and Egypt.

Caravans traveled for months, carrying hundreds of camels to distant regions and returning with fabrics, food, and essential goods.

This rich tradition remains alive today, with camel markets thriving across the Kingdom and attracting buyers from across the region.

Prices vary widely, with top-quality camels selling for more than SR1 million and even young calves fetching impressive sums.

Despite challenges such as drought and desertification, Saudi commitment to preserving camel heritage has remained strong.

Government initiatives and public support have helped maintain breeding practices, festivals, and national markets that honor this legacy.

One of the most celebrated platforms for camel culture is the annual King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, now a major global attraction.

The event blends heritage, sports, beauty competitions, and economic activity, drawing participants and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.

The festival also serves as a cultural bridge, showcasing the deep pride Saudis hold for their camels.

Beauty competitions, racing events, and exhibitions highlight the elegance, strength, and diversity of different camel breeds.

Camel owners often say that their animals are too precious to sell, despite the high prices they command.

Emotional value often outweighs financial offers, reinforcing the belief that camels represent memory, lineage, and honor.

Leaders, enthusiasts, and local communities continue to support and elevate camel culture across Saudi Arabia

Many individuals have devoted their lives and resources to preserving camel traditions, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to this heritage.

Acts of generosity and support have shaped the modern camel industry, helping owners sustain their herds during difficult times.

These efforts reflect a wider national appreciation for camels as symbols of endurance, history, and unity.

Today, camels remain a point of pride, value, and identity for Saudis, carrying stories of ancient journeys and modern achievements.

Their presence continues to shape cultural celebrations, economic practices, and national traditions that define life in the Kingdom.

As Saudi Arabia embraces the future, camels stand as timeless guardians of heritage, bridging old landscapes with new horizons.

Their legacy continues to inspire, reminding the nation of the beauty, resilience, and richness of its roots.

The three-day event, held from Dec. 2 to 4, reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to elevate Arabic as a pillar of international communication and cultural understanding.

The celebration is organized by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, under the sponsorship of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

Through its presence at the UN, the academy aims to reinforce the importance of Arabic as one of the organization’s official languages and showcase the depth of its heritage.

Organized in cooperation with the Kingdom’s permanent mission to the UN, the program features a wide range of cultural, artistic and academic activities centered on the beauty and significance of Arabic.

The event brings together diplomats, UN officials and member state representatives, offering a platform for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Among the highlights are interactive sessions exploring the role of Arabic in international organizations and global diplomacy.

These discussions aim to deepen understanding of how language strengthens cooperation, bridges cultural differences and supports more inclusive communication among nations.

The exhibition area showcases the academy’s projects, including educational initiatives, publications and cultural programs designed to support Arabic learning around the world.

Visitors can also explore displays featuring traditional handicrafts connected to the language, demonstrating how cultural identity is preserved through art, craftsmanship and storytelling.

This year’s celebration reflects the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the role of culture in shaping national identity and encouraging cross-cultural engagement.

By hosting the event at the UN, the Kingdom reaffirms its dedication to fostering global appreciation for Arabic and promoting dialogue built on respect and shared heritage.

The opening ceremony drew notable participation from senior UN officials and delegates, highlighting broad international interest in celebrating Arabic’s historical and linguistic value.

Speakers emphasized the language’s influence across literature, science, diplomacy and global culture, recognizing it as a bridge connecting diverse civilizations.

Last month, the academy released the fifth edition of its digital toolkit, “Proud of It,” as part of its annual World Arabic Language Day campaign.

The toolkit provides updated digital content, educational material and visual resources designed to support institutions, schools and individuals in organizing their own celebrations on Dec. 18.

The initiative plays a key role in ensuring widespread engagement with World Arabic Language Day, offering tools that reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering cultural expression.

Government entities, private institutions and community groups across Saudi Arabia use the toolkit to create programs that highlight Arabic’s importance in modern society.

Through these efforts, the Kingdom continues to strengthen the presence of Arabic globally, ensuring that its linguistic heritage remains dynamic, accessible and celebrated across generations.

The UN event serves as a reminder of the central role language plays in promoting understanding, fostering cooperation and building enduring connections between people and nations.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in organizing this international celebration underscores its broader cultural mission.

By elevating Arabic at the UN, the Kingdom contributes to global efforts that recognize language as a powerful tool for unity, identity and cross-cultural dialogue.

The Kingdom recognizes handicrafts as a vital expression of national culture. These traditional arts are not only symbols of beauty and craftsmanship but also serve as bridges that connect the past with the present, preserving generations of inherited skills and artistry.

In alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its commitment to cultural development. By encouraging artisans and supporting creative industries, the Kingdom aims to diversify its economy and enhance global recognition of Saudi art and heritage.

The Ministry of Culture has taken the lead in promoting handicrafts as a national cultural project. Its mission is to provide platforms that allow traditional crafts to evolve while maintaining their authenticity and historical value.

Handicrafts represent the Kingdom’s creative spirit through a variety of practices such as weaving, pottery, metalwork, wood carving, and embroidery. Each craft tells a story of heritage, skill, and dedication, reflecting the artistry that has been passed down through families for centuries.

In support of this initiative, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts continues to nurture talent and preserve the authenticity of Saudi culture.
The institute provides education, training programs, and artistic workshops designed to equip a new generation of artisans with both traditional knowledge and modern innovation.

These programs focus on sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and artistic expression. They encourage students to explore their creativity while staying rooted in Saudi values and cultural identity.

Moreover, the Heritage Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, has launched numerous training initiatives, competitions, and exhibitions. These efforts aim to promote handicrafts as a living art form, bringing traditional skills into the contemporary marketplace.

The initiative also opens economic opportunities for artisans, especially women and young creators. By supporting small-scale craft businesses and connecting artisans with tourism and retail sectors, Saudi Arabia is transforming handicrafts into a sustainable industry.

Internationally, the Year of Handicrafts will showcase Saudi talent on global platforms. The Kingdom plans to host exhibitions, cultural fairs, and artistic collaborations, offering the world a glimpse into its evolving creative identity.

This renewed focus on handicrafts not only enriches the economy but also enhances cultural diplomacy. Through artistic exchange and innovation, Saudi Arabia continues to share its story of transformation and creativity with the world.

Experts note that the initiative is an inspiring example of how culture can drive national pride and economic growth. By blending traditional artistry with modern innovation, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that its cultural legacy remains vibrant and relevant in a fast-changing world.

As 2025 unfolds, the Year of Handicrafts stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to creativity, education, and cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment ensures that the art of its ancestors continues to inspire, empower, and connect people across generations and borders.

The announcement was made on World Cities Day, reflecting the growing global appreciation of Madinah’s rich and diverse food culture. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by its agricultural roots, spiritual importance, and centuries of cultural exchange through trade and pilgrimage routes that have long connected it to the wider world.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, expressed pride in this achievement, saying that the goal is to build a globally recognized and sustainable brand for Madinah’s cuisine. She explained that the city’s unique ingredients, such as Ajwa dates and traditional herbs, represent not just food items but living symbols of history, tradition, and community.

Badr emphasized that supporting local producers helps preserve these iconic flavors while improving livelihoods. She added that strengthening Madinah’s reputation as a culinary destination can enhance tourism and contribute to economic sustainability.

“Madinah should be seen not just as a spiritual center but also as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub,” she said. “By combining tradition with innovation, we can attract visitors who want to experience the essence of Saudi hospitality through food.”

The Culinary Arts Commission collaborated with multiple local partners to prepare the nomination for UNESCO. The proposal included detailed research, historical data, and cultural insights that highlighted how Madinah’s culinary practices align with UNESCO’s global standards for creativity, sustainability, and community engagement.

The project’s success relied on teamwork between government sectors, private institutions, and local communities. This collaborative model, Badr noted, could serve as a blueprint for other Saudi cities seeking international recognition for their cultural assets.

She also underlined that global recognition should not only celebrate elite chefs or high-end dining but empower small producers, home cooks, and family-owned food ventures. “This achievement belongs to every farmer, vendor, and cook who keeps our culinary traditions alive,” she said.

Authenticity, Badr explained, lies at the heart of Madinah’s cuisine. Yet, innovation ensures its continuity. By blending both, the city can sustain its food heritage while appealing to global tastes.

The recognition will open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the culinary field, encouraging them to expand their operations and contribute to local development. One such example is Al-Tabakha, Madinah’s first culinary market, which connects the public and private sectors to promote local food producers and traditional dishes.

Plans are already underway to replicate the Al-Tabakha model in other parts of the Kingdom. The goal is to empower families to share their food stories, sell their homemade products, and engage directly with tourists and international audiences.

Badr highlighted that this global honor must translate into tangible benefits for citizens — from greater income to stronger representation in local and global markets. “We want every small restaurant owner, every date farmer, and every artisan to feel the impact of this recognition in real terms,” she said.

Through its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Madinah stands as a model of how culinary heritage can fuel innovation, tourism, and community empowerment. The achievement not only celebrates the city’s deep connection to food but also positions it as a global ambassador of Saudi culinary excellence.

As the world’s attention turns to Madinah’s kitchens and markets, the city continues to blend spirituality, culture, and flavor — reminding everyone that food is not just nourishment, but a story of heritage, identity, and connection.