Handicrafts and heritage take center stage at 'Our Northern Summer 2026' in Arar

The 'Our Northern Summer 2026' festival, organized by the Northern Borders Municipality, continues to attract visitors of all ages with a diverse array of heritage, cultural, and artistic exhibits. The event, held at the Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan Cultural Center in Arar, highlights the authenticity of Saudi heritage and showcases the region’s cultural identity, offering an experience that blends the spirit of the past with creative innovation.

The traditional heritage corner has seen significant interest, featuring artifacts and traditional tools that reflect the details of life in the Northern Borders region in earlier times. Among the highlights are sadu weaving and the traditional millstone, both of which represent core elements of the region’s cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Sadu weaving, a craft long associated with Bedouin women, is prominently featured. Visitors can view examples of traditional textiles adorned with geometric patterns inspired by the desert environment, learn about the stages of spinning and weaving, and discover how these crafts once met community needs before becoming symbols of national identity and key elements in preserving cultural heritage.

The millstone also draws attention as a household tool once central to family life, used for grinding grains and preparing flour. It evokes memories of daily life for ancestors and the values of self-reliance and simplicity that characterized earlier generations.

Visitors actively engage with the heritage displays, eager to learn about the uses of these traditional tools, listen to explanations from organizers, and capture memorable photos. This experience enriches their understanding of local heritage and helps strengthen the connection of younger generations to their national traditions.

Elsewhere at the festival, the visual arts pavilion is attracting growing numbers of visitors, reflecting the increasing interest in visual arts as a key driver of cultural and creative activity. The pavilion features a collection of paintings representing various artistic schools and styles, as well as a live painting section where visitors can observe the creative process, interact directly with artists, and learn about different painting techniques.

The pavilion supports artistic talent, energizes the local art scene, and highlights the region’s cultural landscape. It also demonstrates the role of visual arts in expressing national identity and drawing inspiration from cultural heritage through contemporary artistic methods.

These exhibits embody the goals of 'Our Northern Summer 2026' in blending heritage with the arts, enriching visitors’ cultural experiences, raising awareness of national heritage, and reinforcing the values of cultural identity. The festival runs for two weeks, offering a variety of cultural, heritage, artistic, and entertainment programs, making it a popular summer destination for residents and visitors alike.