Discover Saudi Arabian heritage with the Turaif Cultural Programs
Explore the 850 experience today…
Diriyah Season, an annual celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, has officially returned for its 2024 to 2025 edition, and it’s already making a mark. With amazing events like Minzal, and now the Diriyah Season Turaif Cultural Programs, this season is one you likely don’t want to miss.
The diverse array of activities on offer are designed to help visitors explore the history of the UNESCO World Heritage site, At-Turaif.
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The cultural programs showcase various cultural, artistic, and historical experiences that highlight the historically renowned hospitality and generosity of Diriyah. The program will put a spotlight on the many stories from the region’s heritage. Experiences are completely free and will be happening until Monday March 31 from 10am to 11pm.
It is important to note that the 850 experience refers to the date of founding Diriyah in AH and not the number of experiences.
Historical Quest
Divided into two groups, one for adults, and one for children, the historical quest is an interactive treasure hunt where visitors solve historical puzzles to discover hidden treasures. The experience will be available from Thursday February 6 to Friday February 28.
Majlis At-Turaif
This is a comprehensive cultural program that discusses the history and stories of Diriyah, in addition to facilities that introduce the importance of the concept of Al Majlis and hospitality in Saudi culture. The experience will be available from Thursday February 6 to Friday February 28.
As-Samri
Samri is one of Diriyah’s unique traditional musical arts, deeply tied to the region’s cultural heritage. This immersive performance invites visitors to experience Samri not only as a performance but as a vibrant, community-driven art form that embodies the spirit of Diriyah. The experience will be available from Thursday February 6 to Friday February 28.
Diriyah Remembrance
This is an interactive theatrical show that tells the story of Diriyah. The experience will take the visitor on a journey through time and a tour behind the gates of At-Turaif, telling the history of Diriyah, its imams, its heroes, and how they defended the state with their lives. The experience will be happening until Friday March 28 from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.
At-Turaif Workshops
Happening on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the At-Turaif Workshops will introduce traditional building techniques, ancient Diriyah doors, traditional Najdi interior decoration, ink making, and other arts inspired by At-Turaif district and its rich culture. The experience will be happening until Saturday March 29 from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.
Traditional Games
If you’ve always wanted to experience traditional Saudi game nights, this is the event for you. Here, you can experience the excitement of traditional games in a captivating live demonstration. The experience will be available until Monday March 31.
Arabian Horse Show
Showcasing the beauty and importance of purebred Arabian horses, the Arabian Horse Show will give visitors a chance to learn about the most important and famous breeds that Diriyah has inherited throughout history. The show will be happening every Sunday and Monday until Monday March 31 from 4pm to 11pm.
Ardah
The Ardah performance is traditionally a type of folkloric group dance that offers the visitors a unique engagement experience that features spoken poems, warriors’ attire, and how it is rooted in Diriyah’s past, present, and future. The experience will be happening every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays until Monday March 31.
Living History
As you walk through the gorgeous At-Turaif district, you’ll be greeted by a group of people who will be sharing knowledge about the first Saudi State, and its Imams including all the significant events. The experience will be happening on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 4pm to 11pm until Monday March 31.