• The Saudi Ministry of Culture showcases the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage through various performances and exhibitions

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 29^th July 2024: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, is participating in the 38th edition of the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan. The festival, which runs from July 24 to August 3, 2024, is one of the most prominent cultural events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors and performers from around the world. The festival takes place in the historic city of Jerash, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the capital Amman. The Saudi Ministry of Culture is participating in the festival to showcase the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage, as well as fostering cultural exchange and cooperation with other countries.

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission is presenting five traditional genres of Saudi theater: Al-Hijini, Al-Dahha, Al-Samri, Al-Khamari, and Al-Rabsh. These genres are characterized by their musical, poetic, and theatrical elements, and are performed by local artists from different regions of the Kingdom.

The Heritage Commission is participating in the Pavilion of the Year of the Camel, which celebrates the cultural and economic significance of the camel in the Arab world. The Kingdom also contributes with a digital photo exhibition on the World Heritage sites in Saudi Arabia, such as Al-Ahsa Oasis, Hegra Archaeological Site, Historic Jeddah and more. In addition, the commission is presenting an exhibition of handicrafts that demonstrate the skills and creativity of Saudi artisans. The exhibition includes palm weaving, pottery, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, crafting beads, Jewelry and woodworking crafting.

The Music Commission has selected two Saudi musicians to perform at the Ministry’s pavilion. The commission has also organized traditional music performances that merge the musical heritage of Saudi Arabia and Jordan, such as a Simsimiyya instrument showcase with three players from both countries. The showcase will take place at the festival’s sound and light theater, which is located in the ancient Roman amphitheater of Jerash. The Music Commission’s pavilion also highlights the “Saudi Trouq” and “Memory of Saudi Music” initiatives that are designed to preserve and document music and lyrics of Saudi artists and showcase them through interactive screens for an immersive and educational experience.

The Saudi Ministry of Culture invites all visitors to the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts to enjoy the diverse cultural offerings of the Kingdom, and to discover the history, traditions, and creativity of Saudi Arabia.