International Festival of Traditional Games

The International Festival of Traditional Games is a cultural heritage festival organized by the Heritage Commission, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture. It was held at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in the capital, Riyadh, from December 19 to 25, 2024. The festival showcased traditional games that were once prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The International Festival of Traditional Games highlighted the cultural value of traditional games in Saudi Arabia and other countries, aiming to promote cultural exchange and showcase the diverse cultural identities of the participating nations. The festival played a role in emphasizing the cultural significance of traditional games by presenting and introducing them to various segments of society.

The festival serves as a platform for celebrating Saudi heritage by showcasing games invented by Saudis for entertainment, which have become an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. Through the festival, the Heritage Commission seeks to highlight traditional games as part of Saudi Arabia’s intangible heritage, document them visually and intellectually, and support and sustain heritage.

The International Festival of Traditional Games featured various activities, zones, and pavilions, including the Traditional Games Journey, where visitors explored old traditional games, learned about their evolution, and had the opportunity to experience them. Additionally, workshops were held to teach visitors how to craft games and home decorations inspired by traditional games.

The festival included the Neighborhoods Zone, allowing visitors to stroll through building facades representing different regions of Saudi Arabia, discover the diversity of architectural heritage, and witness reenactments of traditional Saudi games. It also featured an interactive adventure to uncover the secrets of the archaeological Qaryat Al-Faw.

The Craftsmen’s Corner showcased products by skilled artisans from various regions of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of several countries. The festival also featured the 2024 Year of the Camel Pavilion, providing visitors with a visual experience highlighting the camel as a symbol of Saudi culture.

Other zones included the Baloot Area, where this traditional card game was played, along with Carrom, the Challenges Zone, and a Food Court. The festival also hosted several pavilions, including those of the Saudi Badminton Federation, the Saudi Traditional Games Committee, and the Wirth Pavilion.