Al-Khutwa is one of the folk dances in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It relies on rhythmic footsteps to form a dance. Al-Khutwa dance is popular in Aseer Province , south of the Kingdom. It is an ancient war dance, varying in speed and performance style from one tribe to another. The dance is also known as al-Khutwa al-Aseeriya or al-Khutwa al-Janubiya. It is performed within popular chants of lyrics reflecting the local narratives in the south of the Kingdom. This performance relies on the harm...
The Music Commission is the entity responsible for supporting musicians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its duties also encompass talent discovery, development, and empowerment. The commission was established in 2020 by a decision of the Council of Ministers . It works to develop the infrastructure of the musical culture in the Kingdom, and then to transform the music industry into a sector that contributes to the local economy through a series of regulations that create job opportunities for b...
The Art of Operetta in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is relatively recent in Arab culture, and the term operetta is an Arabized term for a special artistic type and a literary genre with specific characteristics. Originally popular in Western cultures, it moved to the Arab culture once it had fully developed its artistic framework in the West. The Kingdom is among the Arab states that embrace this term to describe a specific form of art performance. The Kingdom witnessed the debut of this art f...
The Costume Design Program is a training program launched by the Fashion Commission under the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 in the city of Jeddah , in collaboration with Dar al-Hekma University and the Italian fashion academy 'ITS Cosmo'. The program aims to train Saudi fashion designers in the field of costume design and enhance their creative potential. Costume Design Program objectives The Costume Design Program aimed to refine the skills of fifteen Sau...
Yes, there are musical plays in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including one that was performed in the Riyadh Season 2022 titled 'Kan Ya Ma Kan'. It is a Saudi fictional play performed in classical Arabic, interspersed with some comedic interludes. It includes eloquent dialogues rich in both wording and meaning, conveying messages about decision-making, life paths, and the love of family intertwined with concerns for the future of their children. The number of actors in the play exceede...
The Aseeri Step Festival is a festival organized by the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to highlight the Aseeri Step as a cultural heritage element in the Kingdom. The festival was held with the participation of the performing arts, fashion, and music sectors. The Ministry of Culture presented it in the city of Abha in Aseer Province from November 27 to December 1, 2022. The objectives of the Aseeri Step Festival The festival event is one of the activities presented by the Mi...
The Poet and Teacher in the Saudi Ardah play a significant role in the Saudi Ardah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ardah's two rows chant the Ardah war song, verse by verse alternately, relying on the poet who feeds verses to the rows or the teacher who conveys it from the poet to them. The Ardah, originally a 'war dance,' ignites the warriors' spirits and symbolizes the unity between the leader and his people. Performed by the warriors in front of their leader, it demon...
Taasheer , or Hijazi Taasheer, is one of the traditional dances for which the western province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is famous. It is also known as the art of playing with iron and fire using al-Maqma weapon. The first performances of this dance resembled a military parade to instill enthusiasm in the warriors. Over the course of Saudi history, the art of Taasheer has transitioned from battle readiness to national celebration arenas as a cultural heritage. Performance of Taasheer Dance...
The Saudi Ardah Weapons are an essential component of the Saudi Ardah . The Ardah is considered a war dance, and its weapons are used during the performance. They are considered accessories to the costume and include several types, such as the sword, dagger, pistol, and rifle. The sword It is a metal weapon consisting of several parts: the 'blade' (the sword's steel), which is lightweight for ease of carrying and use in combat, and the 'hilt,' known as the 'handle,...
The Saudi Ardah has traditional costumes that are characterized by bright colors and the use of embroidery techniques. Performers of the Ardah in its traditional form wear a variety of traditional garments, which include: Al-Murowdin, 'Abu Rudon' : This is a garment specifically for men and is known by this name in most regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the southwestern part of the Kingdom, it is also known as al-Midhial or al-Mufraj , and some refer to it as ' Shalhat. ...
Saudi Folk Art Tools are a collection of tools used in performing various types of traditional arts, including folk songs, dances, and popular games in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These tools represent national traditions passed down through generations. Their uses and artistic styles vary with the nature of each province in the Kingdom, reflecting the historical and cultural identity. Types of Saudi folk art tools The types of folk art tools vary according to the provinces and the arts for wh...
The Saudi Ardah is a performance art form performed at celebrations, social events, and holidays in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is locally known as al-Ardah al-Najdiyah and is an iconic traditional weapon dance in the Kingdom. The Ardah also serves as an official protocol for occasions and to honor the presence of state heads and tourist delegations from outside the Kingdom. The art of the Saudi Ardah Previously, the Ardah was performed as an announcement and preparation for war, servin...