In partnership with the Heritage Commission and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, the program has provided an opportunity for 15 Saudi students to actively participate in the restoration of historic mosques across the country.

This initiative not only safeguards valuable heritage sites but also equips young Saudis with traditional craftsmanship skills that are vital to maintaining the nation’s cultural legacy.

The students are taking part in a six-month field training program designed to teach traditional mud-brick construction and woodworking techniques under the guidance of specialized Saudi engineers and restoration experts.

Their hands-on involvement ensures that heritage preservation becomes a living educational experience, connecting students directly with their country’s deep architectural traditions.

Another 15 students are set to join the program in the coming days, extending the training into early 2026, further enriching the pool of skilled artisans capable of contributing to heritage conservation.

The program is organized into two key training tracks. The first focuses on traditional construction methods, allowing students to learn the craft of mud-brick building—a technique used for centuries in Saudi architecture.

Through practical modules, trainees gain experience restoring historic mosques using authentic materials, ensuring that the renovations remain faithful to original designs.

Each project is carried out under expert supervision, guaranteeing both historical accuracy and structural integrity.

The second training track centers on the art of crafting traditional Najdi doors, an important element of Saudi architectural identity.

Students are trained in carpentry, carving, and wood production techniques that have been passed down through generations.

This component of the program aims to preserve and revive the craftsmanship that defines Najdi-style architecture, ensuring that this ancient art continues to flourish in modern times.

The Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has already achieved impressive milestones. During its first phase, 30 mosques were restored across 10 regions, and in the second phase, another 30 mosques were completed in 13 additional regions.

Each restoration reflects the project’s dedication to preserving authenticity while incorporating modern sustainability practices. By reviving historic mosques, the initiative breathes new life into communities and creates spaces where history, faith, and culture coexist harmoniously.

The project’s overarching vision is to revive traditional architectural styles, raise public awareness of their cultural significance, and balance heritage preservation with contemporary building standards.

These efforts align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural sustainability, national identity, and the integration of heritage into modern life.

The initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its architectural authenticity while ensuring that restored mosques remain functional for worship and community gatherings.

Guided by four main objectives, the project aims to prepare historical mosques for worship, restore their original architectural character, highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, and enhance the Kingdom’s religious and cultural stature globally.

These goals reflect the Kingdom’s broader dedication to showcasing the beauty of its historical identity while promoting education, craftsmanship, and innovation among its citizens.

The involvement of Saudi students adds an inspiring educational dimension to the program. It transforms heritage conservation into an interactive learning process that connects young people to their history, fosters national pride, and encourages them to carry forward traditional building knowledge.

This hands-on experience also supports the Kingdom’s strategy of developing local talent capable of leading future restoration and sustainability projects.

Through initiatives like this, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate how heritage preservation can go hand in hand with youth empowerment, cultural innovation, and sustainable development.

The Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques stands as a model of how nations can protect their historical treasures while building skills and opportunities for future generations.

The season, themed “Ezek we Malfak” (Your Glory and Refuge), launched on Thursday along the beautiful banks of Wadi Safar in western Diriyah, marking another significant celebration of heritage, creativity, and unity.

The theme reflects Diriyah’s enduring legacy as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a symbol of the Kingdom’s strength, culture, and history.

Organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), the opening ceremony was attended by Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Turki, Governor of Diriyah, along with several cultural and media figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

The evening was brought to life with artistic performances inspired by the spirit of “Al-Awja,” a term deeply linked to Diriyah’s identity and the pride of the Saudi people.

Through captivating visual displays, advanced lighting, and drone shows, the story of Wadi Hanifa was beautifully told in a performance titled “I Am Al-Awja,” which left the audience inspired and emotional.

Adding to the evening’s charm, the winners of the “Rawi Al-Diriyah” (Narrator of Diriyah) program, Tamim Al-Harthi and Bader Al-Harbi, delivered interactive performances that reflected the profound connection between Saudis and their national heritage.

Their presentations, blending storytelling, music, and tradition, symbolized the deep emotional bond that unites the people of Saudi Arabia with Diriyah — the land where their nation’s story began.

The celebration also featured musical and theatrical performances showcasing Saudi folk traditions, including the Ardah and Samri dances.

These performances highlighted the diversity of Najdi culture and celebrated the artistic spirit of young Saudis, both men and women, who are keeping their heritage alive through creativity and performance.

Ahlam Al-Thunayan, director of Diriyah Season, explained that this year’s theme aims to celebrate Diriyah’s history, values, and culture in innovative ways that reflect the pride Saudis take in their roots.

She emphasized that the symbolism of Al-Awja represents the Kingdom’s continuity — linking the past with the present while inspiring future generations to preserve their cultural identity.

The season features more than 10 diverse programs over 120 days, ranging from cultural and artistic events to historical exhibitions.

Highlights include the “Hal Al-Qusour” program in the Al-Turaif district, where several historical palaces will be opened to the public for the first time, and the “Teen” program, which showcases traditional Najdi architecture.

Other attractions include the “Diriyah Novel Festival” in Al-Bujairi and “Diriyah Nights,” which bring together Saudi culinary art and international dining experiences in a lively and elegant setting.

The “Season Market” in Al-Tawali recreates the charm of old Arabian souqs, while Al-Dhuwairah district will host interactive family activities and craft workshops. Visitors can also enjoy luxury hospitality experiences with scenic views over Wadi Safar, merging modern leisure with historical elegance.

According to the DGDA, all programs are guided by principles of cultural sustainability, empowering local talents and artisans, and fostering partnerships that strengthen cultural tourism in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The goal is to position Diriyah as a living museum — a place where the past and present merge seamlessly to inspire the future.

Nasser Al-Gharbi, chairman of the Economic Families Association, praised the Diriyah Season as a shining example of how culture and community development can work together.

He noted that the season reflects Vision 2030’s objectives by empowering local communities and creating sustainable economic opportunities through cultural engagement.

Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh of the Saudi Economic Association highlighted that initiatives like the Diriyah Season help strengthen local economies, create jobs, and encourage regional investment — all key goals under Vision 2030.

The Diriyah Season ultimately stands as a proud tribute to Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, creativity, and unity. By blending tradition with innovation, the festival transforms Diriyah into a vibrant cultural hub that connects generations.

It serves as a reminder that the Kingdom’s strength lies not only in its progress but also in its deep respect for its history and identity — values that continue to guide its journey toward a bright and sustainable future.

Recently included in the national Saudi Architecture Characters Map, Al-Baha’s architecture highlights the Kingdom’s rich heritage while promoting sustainable and energy-efficient design

Abdullah bin Abdulqader Haridi, associate professor of architecture and building technology at Al-Baha University, explained that the region’s style is influenced by its natural mountainous terrain and features three main categories: traditional, transitional, and contemporary.

Key elements include forts, external staircases, patterned doors and windows, and the unique Zafir column style, all reflecting centuries of cultural and architectural wisdom.

Traditional buildings in Al-Baha are designed with environmental conditions in mind, considering terrain, climate, and social customs that encourage community gathering in designated spaces.

“Adhering to traditional styles allows for real estate development that complements local identity, inspiring investors to adopt these standards,” Haridi noted.

The Saudi Architecture Characters Map, introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier this year, highlights 19 unique regional architectural styles.

Its purpose is to modernize the urban landscape while preserving the character, tradition, and cultural identity of Saudi architecture.

Mohammed bin Salem Al-Ghamdi, a master builder with decades of experience constructing stone houses in Al-Baha, emphasized that local materials such as granite, basalt, juniper wood, and clay are harmoniously used in home construction.

This natural approach makes the region’s architecture energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Al-Baha’s heritage houses. Many residents have restored old homes, while others have incorporated traditional elements into new constructions, blending history with modern comfort.

This resurgence not only preserves cultural identity but also enhances the region’s appeal as a destination for tourists seeking authentic experiences and architectural beauty.

Al-Baha’s architecture stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to honoring its cultural roots while embracing modern innovation.

By combining heritage, sustainability, and aesthetic excellence, the region continues to inspire architects, investors, and visitors alike, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich and diverse architectural landscape.