The event brings together artisans, visitors, and cultural enthusiasts in an immersive experience that highlights the authenticity of Jazan’s traditional life, culture, heritage, crafts, artisans, craftsmanship, tradition, creativity, Saudi culture, cultural tourism, community engagement, local identity, cultural revival, cultural pride.

At the heart of the market is an interactive heritage pavilion that showcases traditional lifestyles, folk customs, and community practices that have been passed down through generations.

Visitors can explore displays featuring local games, traditional clothing, women’s adornments, and culinary delights that reflect the charm and warmth of the Jazan community, folk culture, traditions, culinary heritage, local art, cultural experiences, historical preservation, community heritage, cultural diversity, traditional lifestyle, tourism.

The initiative is organized by the Alrowad Youth Association and the Cultural House as part of the Year of Handicrafts, a national effort to promote and preserve Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural legacy.

The event beautifully combines education and entertainment through interactive storytelling and live demonstrations that connect younger generations to their cultural roots, youth engagement, cultural education, handicrafts, heritage conservation, national culture, youth empowerment, education through art, storytelling, heritage awareness, creative expression.

By reviving traditional crafts and showcasing the skill of local artisans, the market serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural continuity.

Visitors have the opportunity to participate in live workshops, learn from expert artisans, and appreciate the craftsmanship that defines the region’s creative spirit, artisan workshops, handmade crafts, traditional art, skill development, artistic heritage, local economy, craft promotion, creativity, empowerment, experiential learning.

The cultural market also contributes significantly to Jazan’s economy by providing artisans and small business owners a platform to showcase and sell their handmade products.

This not only supports local craftsmanship but also strengthens community ties and inspires entrepreneurial spirit among youth and women, entrepreneurship, local economy, creative industries, women empowerment, youth innovation, handmade products, local businesses, sustainability, inclusive growth, creative economy.

Every Friday and Saturday, the Cultural House hosts engaging workshops covering a wide variety of traditional crafts such as pottery, sculpture, embroidery, palm frond weaving, candle and perfume making, leather arts, Arabic calligraphy, seashell crafts, and jewelry design.

These sessions allow participants to engage in cultural learning while creating tangible pieces of art that reflect Saudi Arabia’s rich artistic legacy, pottery, sculpture, embroidery, calligraphy, weaving, craftsmanship, heritage workshops, creative skills, art education, cultural innovation.

Through these weekly events, the market has become a gathering place for families, artists, and visitors to celebrate the beauty of local creativity.

The lively atmosphere, filled with music, colors, and the scent of traditional foods, creates a memorable experience that captures the essence of Jazan’s welcoming spirit, family activities, cultural tourism, entertainment, community gathering, heritage celebration, creative culture, experiential tourism, festive atmosphere, local traditions.

The initiative not only preserves Jazan’s cultural identity but also enhances national awareness about the importance of heritage preservation.

By encouraging participation from schools, youth associations, and local communities, the event ensures that the legacy of traditional crafts continues to inspire future generations, heritage education, youth participation, cultural sustainability, national pride, identity preservation, traditional knowledge, cultural awareness, intergenerational learning, community spirit, heritage protection.

As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its Vision 2030 goals of promoting culture and tourism, the Jazan crafts market stands as a shining example of how tradition and modernity can harmoniously coexist.

It bridges the past and present through creativity and cultural appreciation, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s soul, Vision 2030, cultural tourism, national heritage, sustainability, innovation, culture and creativity, modernization, economic diversification, tourism development, cultural preservation.

The Jazan crafts market symbolizes more than an event—it is a movement toward preserving cultural heritage while embracing progress.

It reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dedication to nurturing creativity, empowering artisans, and connecting communities through shared heritage, unity, creativity, progress, sustainability, heritage revival, cultural development, artistic empowerment, national unity, creative culture, future generations.

This year’s theme, “Winter is Alive,” encapsulates the essence of creativity, community, and cultural exchange that the event aims to promote.

The celebration has gathered families, artists, and media professionals under the enchanting night sky of Dhahran, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and joy.

The opening ceremony was a spectacular affair, featuring a stunning display of lights and drones that illuminated the Ithra structure, captivating the audience.

Attendees were treated to a blend of traditional melodies and modern digital art projections, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

With concerts, immersive installations, workshops, and local food experiences scheduled to run until April 2026, Khobar Season promises to be a year-round cultural destination.

This year’s edition of Khobar Season emphasizes accessibility and family engagement, reflecting Ithra’s commitment to community involvement.

Sarah Al-Abdullah, an English teacher and attendee, remarked on the dynamic nature of this season, highlighting that it inspires exploration and creativity beyond mere entertainment.

The gathering of diverse individuals from various backgrounds fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Ithra has long served as a cultural bridge, connecting art, science, and technology. Its seasonal programs attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and this year’s lineup features exciting new workshops and interactive spaces.

Content creator Haneen Al-Ghamdi expressed her appreciation for Ithra’s unique approach to event curation, where attendees not only enjoy performances but also learn and engage with the cultural narrative.

The event underscores the importance of collaboration with local and regional partners, aiming to nurture homegrown talent and strengthen the creative economy.

Initiatives such as the Family Studio, Youth Studio, and Winter Souq provide platforms for artists and entrepreneurs to connect with the community, fostering innovation and creativity.

Mohammed Al-Otaibi, an attendee from Dammam, noted the significance of such gatherings in promoting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing the importance of creativity and openness.

In addition to celebrating local talent, Khobar Season 2025 serves as an appreciation gesture for journalists and broadcasters, acknowledging their role in promoting Saudi culture.

Ithra’s representatives reiterated the media’s crucial partnership in advancing the Kingdom’s cultural narrative, which aligns with national efforts to enhance creative industries and cultural communication.

Throughout the season, guests will have the opportunity to explore newly opened areas and upcoming attractions, including outdoor installations and cross-disciplinary collaborations that link technology, sustainability, and heritage.

The organizers aim to make the Eastern Province a key fixture on Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of the region’s cultural offerings.

The event beautifully illustrates the harmony between tradition and innovation, as highlighted by attendees.

The juxtaposition of oud players and drone shows exemplifies the evolving cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, where past and future coexist in a vibrant tapestry of creativity.

As the season unfolds, it promises to offer an enriching experience for all who attend, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and culture.

In conclusion, Khobar Season 2025 stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Province, inviting everyone to partake in this celebration of creativity and community.

With a diverse range of activities planned, it not only entertains but also educates and inspires. This season is set to leave a lasting impression, making it an unmissable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Speaking to Arab News, the sources clarified that no official statements have been issued by any Saudi authority on this matter. “These claims lack legitimacy and do not align with the Kingdom’s current laws or cultural values,” they said.

The clarification follows misleading reports that surfaced following Saudi Arabia’s increasing global outreach under Vision 2030, which aims to attract tourists through culturally immersive experiences—not through lifestyle compromises. “We won’t change our culture for someone else,” said a Saudi official, reaffirming that Saudi identity and Islamic values remain non-negotiable.

The Kingdom continues to welcome global visitors, offering an authentic look into its heritage, deserts, and coastline, but without altering religious and legal norms, particularly on sensitive matters like alcohol.

Sources also explained recent regulatory changes regarding non-Muslim diplomats. A new framework has been enacted to stop the unauthorized import of alcohol and other restricted items under diplomatic cover. While embassies can still access such goods under strict control, alcohol remains prohibited for the general public.

Legal experts emphasize that importing, possessing, or selling alcohol in Saudi Arabia remains a criminal offense, punishable by 2 to 5 years’ imprisonment. For Muslims, additional punishments include lashes under Shariah law. Non-Muslim offenders typically face jail time followed by deportation.

Despite reforms in various sectors, Saudi Arabia maintains that its cultural and religious principles are not up for negotiation—a point consistently upheld in both policy and enforcement.

In February this year, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, recently addressed alcohol regulations in the context of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is set to host.

In an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid confirmed unequivocally that no alcohol will be allowed at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. “At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” he said. “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol – it’s not 100% necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”

When asked if fans would be able to drink in hotels during the tournament, as was partially allowed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the ambassador was clear: “No, there is no alcohol at all. Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”

He added, “Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

This strict approach reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader stance on maintaining its cultural and religious values even while engaging with the global community through events like the World Cup.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup, also held in a Muslim country, experienced controversy over alcohol sales, which were initially permitted in stadiums but later reversed days before the event started. However, fans could buy alcohol in designated fan zones and hotel bars. Saudi Arabia, by contrast, is signaling no such concessions.

The ambassador also addressed concerns related to inclusivity, noting that while same-sex relations are illegal in Saudi Arabia and transgender identities are not officially recognized, “We will welcome everyone in Saudi. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia insists that its hosting of the 2034 World Cup will showcase its heritage and culture without compromising its core values — a stance reiterated by officials and reflected in the firm stance on alcohol sales and cultural norms.