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Craftsmanship of decorated wooden doors reflects Aseer’s artistic heritage

The doors display the exceptional and unique skills of local artisans that have been passed down through generations. (SPA)
The doors display the exceptional and unique skills of local artisans that have been passed down through generations. (SPA)
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Updated 14 October 2024

Craftsmanship of decorated wooden doors reflects Aseer’s artistic heritage

The doors display the exceptional and unique skills of local artisans that have been passed down through generations. (SPA)
  • Skills have been passed down through the generations

ASEER: Intricately designed wooden doors in the Aseer region are more than a mere means of entry for they provide a reflection of the area’s rich artistic heritage.

The doors display exceptional craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations, showcasing the unique skills and creativity of local artisans.

Researchers in architecture highlight these intricately decorated doors as essential components of the area’s architectural heritage.




The Aseer region boasts a vibrant tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the craft of creating traditional architectural doors and windows. (SPA)

In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Ali Marzouq, a professor of archaeology and Islamic arts at King Khalid University, spoke of the cultural significance of this art form.

He said: “People find psychological comfort in beautifying their possessions. The decorative motifs typical of Islamic architecture, including engravings and inscriptions, have become integral to building design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.”

The artistry involved in carving and engraving wooden doors has elevated them to symbols of social status.

HIGHLIGHTS

• This tradition continues today, with many people updating their door decorations for holidays and special events.

• In the coastal Tihama region, some residents enhance their main entrances by planting aromatic plants, adding a delightful fragrance.

Marzouq said that the main door holds significant importance, serving as a reflection of the owner’s wealth and prestige. Elaborately adorned doors made from high-quality woods are typically found in the homes of the affluent, while simpler designs are more prevalent among average households.




The Aseer region boasts a vibrant tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the craft of creating traditional architectural doors and windows. (SPA)

This tradition continues today, with many people updating their door decorations for holidays and special events. In the coastal Tihama region, some residents enhance their main entrances by planting aromatic plants, adding a delightful fragrance.

Decorative elements on wooden doors and windows have been central to the architectural identity of the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times. These embellishments not only highlight the skill of the artisans but also serve as effective marketing for their craftsmanship.

Dr. Saleh Abu Arad, a researcher in the field, echoed Marzouq’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the “door and window industry” as a skilled trade that utilized local wood and various techniques to create doors and windows of diverse sizes. These architectural elements are often enriched with exquisite engravings and metal accents, such as handles and rings.




The Aseer region boasts a vibrant tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the craft of creating traditional architectural doors and windows. (SPA)

The choice of wood plays a crucial role in the final product’s quality. The talh tree, also known as the red acacia, which is renowned for its dense and cohesive fibers, is favored for crafting high-quality doors and intricate designs.

Carpenters have excelled in engraving beautiful decorations on both exterior and interior doors, utilizing the unique properties of the wood.

Traditionally, the decoration of internal wooden doors and windows is a task undertaken by the housewife, with assistance from female relatives and neighbors. These decorations feature a range of geometric, botanical, and symbolic motifs, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests and visitors.

The Aseer region boasts a vibrant tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the craft of creating traditional architectural doors and windows. Inspired by their natural environment, these artisans incorporate a diverse array of detailed patterns and botanical designs into their work, intentionally avoiding human or animal imagery.

Researcher Maryam Al-Omari says popular designs often feature geometric shapes such as triangles and diamonds, which are intricately combined to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Acknowledging the significance of safeguarding this area of cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture republished the works of the French professor Thierry Mouget in 2021. His comprehensive photographic records of southern Ƶ from the 1980s showcase the region’s architectural styles, historical legacies, social dynamics, and customs, shedding light on the rich cultural fabric of the Aseer region.


Saudis, expatriates throng Jeddah fish auction for a bargain

Saudis, expatriates throng Jeddah fish auction for a bargain
Updated 29 August 2025

Saudis, expatriates throng Jeddah fish auction for a bargain

Saudis, expatriates throng Jeddah fish auction for a bargain
  • One of the most exciting features of the market is the live seafood auction held daily in the afternoon

JEDDAH: Fishing plays a significant role in the history and culture of Jeddah. Today, there are many fishing markets throughout Jeddah, but perhaps the most popular and active of them all is the Jeddah Fish Market.

One of the most exciting features of the market is the live seafood auction held daily in the afternoon.

Arab News visited the fish market located by the Jeddah Islamic Port and spoke to Faisal Al-Jadaani, the market auctioneer, just minutes before the auction started. “It is a fair competition based on market conditions, paying equal attention to various different aspects (quality, freshness, refrigeration and careful handling), all of which ultimately pays off for the fishermen,” he said.

“The fish are sold off in an exciting public auction that takes place daily from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. As soon as fishermen bring in their catch, the auction begins.

“The auction features high-quality seafood, including Hamour, Bayadh, Shaour, Harid and Najel.”

The auction is open all week and the process typically involves the sorting of fish by species, size and quality.

Saudis and expatriates throng daily to the auction for fresh fish, a choice of bargain and fairness in the transaction process.

It is a great atmosphere that draws in professional buyers, chefs, restaurant owners and curious enthusiasts.

An auctioneer chants as bids fly in for the freshest catches, creating a dynamic atmosphere that feels both traditional and thrilling.

The market management oversees the auction. The auctioneer announces a price, which then goes up until it settles on a price considered suitable for the buyers, who are mostly fish traders, residents and owners of seafood restaurants.

The crowd listens to the auctioneer, who shouts loudly while members of the crowd take turns raising their hands. Sellers come and go up the aisles, collecting money from the crowd.

Speaking about the daily quantities of fish auctioned, Al-Jadaani said: “As much as it varies day to day, depending on the fish that come in by fishers, it is a very systematic operation with the sole goal of getting the fish out to the auction as quickly as possible to be sold to consumers.”

According to fishermen, there is no shortage of seafood in the market and the prices are also good as they are catching a sufficient amount of fish from the Red Sea every day.

Abbass Al-Ahmadi, a young fisherman who inherited his occupation from his father, told Arab News: “We try to get as much fresh fish as we can from the sea in Jeddah, and sometimes we go further to the city of Thuwal located on the Red Sea coast, which is known for fishing.

“The auction is the right place for us as small fishers because we need a place to sell our catch as soon as it lands at the right price,” he added. 

For consumers, the auction is an ideal place to buy live and fresh fish for reasonable prices.

Ali Al-Shamrani, who owns a seafood restaurant, said: “The auction allows us to bid and thus compete for the fish on offer. So, our priority is the freshness of the fish, and that’s where we find it.”

For those who were unable to attend the auction, many fish shops are located in the market, offering a wide selection of fresh seafood.


KSrelief provides toolkits and emergency shelter aid to Yemenis in Hadhramaut

KSrelief provides toolkits and emergency shelter aid to Yemenis in Hadhramaut
Updated 29 August 2025

KSrelief provides toolkits and emergency shelter aid to Yemenis in Hadhramaut

KSrelief provides toolkits and emergency shelter aid to Yemenis in Hadhramaut
  • The work was carried out on Wednesday, the SPA report said

DUBAI: Ƶn aid agency KSrelief has carried out two separate aid operations in Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, expanding its humanitarian aid mission in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

In Al-Mukalla district, in southeastern Yemen, KSrelief distributed vocational toolkits to 381 young men and women who recently completed training under a joint initiative with the UN World Food Programme.

The initiative aims to enhance income opportunities for vulnerable families through practical training in fields such as solar and electrical installation, vehicle and boat maintenance, dairy and soap production, fish canning, and perfume and accessory making.

Hadhramaut Governorate Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Amin Barzeq attended the distribution and praised Ƶ’s support.

Separately, KSrelief distributed 200 tents and shelter bags to families affected by recent flooding in the Hadhramaut Valley. The aid marked the first phase of an emergency shelter project launched in response to the disaster.

The work was carried out on Wednesday, the SPA report said.
 


KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria
Updated 29 August 2025

KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria

RIYADH: The Ƶn aid agency KSrelief continues to deliver much-needed support in crisis-hit nations and help alleviate the suffering of their affected populations.

In Lebanon’s Western Beqaa region, the aid agency handed out 469 packages for 2,345 individuals as part of a food aid distribution project for the most vulnerable families there, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In Syria’s Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed 314 boxes of food aid to families affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In Afghanistan, SPA reported that KSrelief had provided 5,500 boxes of food supplies under a program that supported Afghan refugees returning to their country.

About 33,000 individuals from the provinces of Kabul, Kandahar and Nangarhar have benefited from the distribution.

KSrelief also distributed shelter aid, including 4,882 tents and other household supplies, to more than 34,000 displaced individuals across 13 provinces, SPA added.

In July, KSrelief launched a food-security support and emergency response project in Afghanistan, which provided 5,000 food boxes in Nangarhar province for the benefit of 30,000 individuals who have returned from Pakistan.


Ƶ Pavilion at Expo 2025 celebrates 2 million visitors

Ƶ Pavilion at Expo 2025 celebrates 2 million visitors
Updated 29 August 2025

Ƶ Pavilion at Expo 2025 celebrates 2 million visitors

Ƶ Pavilion at Expo 2025 celebrates 2 million visitors
  • The Kingdom’s pavilion offers an immersive experience that showcases Ƶ’s rich heritage and culture

OSAKA: The Ƶ Pavilion, the second largest pavilion after the host country at Expo 2025 Osaka, has celebrated reaching two million visitors since opening on April 13, with June 17 being recorded as the highest number of visitors in a single day. 

The milestone was celebrated by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, minister of tourism, and Ghazi Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Kingdom’s pavilion.

“Welcoming over two million visitors to the Ƶ Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is both a proud milestone and a powerful reminder of the connections Ƶ is building with Japan and the world. Our pavilion is more than an exhibition — it is a living expression of our culture, transformation and global impact for the future,” Binzagr said. 

“It is in that shared future where conversations with national representatives from right across the world have been ignited here in Japan on how we can take the journey forward and reach new heights together at Expo 2030 Riyadh,” he added. 

Designed by Foster + Partners, the award-winning pavilion has hosted more than 1,500 VIP delegates and conducted in excess of 2,000 events. It was recommended by CNN as one of the top 10 pavilions to visit during Expo.

The Kingdom’s pavilion offers an immersive experience that showcases Ƶ’s rich heritage and culture.

Some of the programs that it offers include Ahlan Wa Sahlan, We Are Ƶ, and The Botanist Augmented Reality experience. It also offers musical and artistic performances at the Cultural Studios. 

Visitors are encouraged to visit the pavilion to celebrate the Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 as Osaka Expo prepares to conclude in October. 

Expo 2030 will be held in Riyadh. 


60th Saudi relief plane arrives in Egypt carrying food for Gazans

60th Saudi relief plane arrives in Egypt carrying food for Gazans
Updated 29 August 2025

60th Saudi relief plane arrives in Egypt carrying food for Gazans

60th Saudi relief plane arrives in Egypt carrying food for Gazans
  • The plane arrived at El Arish International Airport on Wednesday

RIYADH: The 60th Saudi relief plane carrying much-needed humanitarian assistance to starving, war-weary Gazans arrived in Egypt, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The plane arrived at El Arish International Airport on Wednesday.

The plane was carrying food for Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is undertaking a campaign to displace the inhabitants of the enclave through military force and starvation.

Many activists, humanitarians and experts are now calling Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide.

The shipment was coordinated by the Saudi ministry of defense and the Kingdom’s mission in Egypt.

Palestinian health authorities said more than 62,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in the Israeli retaliation for the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on settlements close to the border with the Gaza Strip, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians.

US President Donald Trump met advisers in the White House on Wednesday to discuss a postwar future for the territory. US media reported that a top Israeli official was present at the meeting.

Ƶ and Italy on Thursday “unequivocally rejected” the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, as Israel ramped up its bombardment of Gaza City.

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on his government to start annexing parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refused to disarm.

He suggested that Israel should take a section of territory each week for a month until the Strip was under complete Israeli control.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also condemned Israeli attacks in the occupied West Bank and said the Kingdom agreed with Italy on the urgent need to halt the war in Gaza.