RIYADH: Nestled among the mountainous slopes of Qilwah governorate in Baha, the village of Baran stands as a captivating cultural landmark and boasts over 500 years of history.
It is a draw for tourists and history enthusiasts, particularly in winter when the weather is refreshing and the surrounding landscapes are at their most picturesque, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saeed Al-Zahrani, a 73-year-old resident, said the village was constructed from stone, sidr wood and white quartz. Doors and windows are adorned with intricate architectural engravings, highlighting Baran’s unique heritage.
Atiya Al-Zahrani, another resident, said the village consisted of several multi-story buildings, ranging from three to four floors. At its heart are expansive agricultural terraces, which have long served as residents’ primary livelihoods, providing fertile soil for growing crops.
In a recent effort to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Heritage Commission has added 25 new sites, including Baran village, to the National Register of Architectural Heritage.
This initiative is part of the commission's broader efforts to archive and digitize heritage sites across the country, ensuring conservation of its rich legacy.
The enduring legacy of the Saudi state’s first charitable institution
Sibalat Modhi was a community center that provided free education and accommodation
Its patron, Princess Modhi, wife of the First Saudi State’s founding father, was known for her devotion to teaching and philanthropy
Updated 59 sec ago
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: Princess Modhi bint Sultan bin Abi Wahtan, who touched the lives of many through her charitable acts, was one of the best-known figures of the First Saudi State, renowned for her philanthropy, generosity and commitment to education.
“In the rich tapestry of the Arabian Peninsula’s history, few figures stand as prominently as Princess Modhi bint Sultan, one of the most influential women of Diriyah and Saudi Arabia,” Faisal Al-Amer, research management and validation senior manager at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, told Arab News.
“Princess Modhi’s impact during the formation of the First Saudi State in 1727 was both tangible and transformative.”
As the wife of Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the founding father of the First Saudi State, and mother of Imam Abdulaziz, its second imam, Princess Modhi’s influence extended far beyond her familial roles; her legacy and influence live on in through the history of the community center known as Sibalat Modhi, of which she was patron.
Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock, including camels and horses, and secure storage for their merchandise and trading goods. All classes of society, especially travelers and the needy in Diriyah, benefited from the charity it offered, Al-Amer said.
Princess Modhi also actively contributed to educational initiatives and “was renowned for her exceptional religious knowledge and deep understanding of Islamic law,” he added.
“She played a pivotal role in early education during the First Saudi State, challenging the notion that learning was exclusively male-dominated.”
Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock. (Supplied by DGDA)
Sibalat Modhi evolved into a “center of learning” that provided opportunities even for students from outside the Arabian Peninsula to study in Diriyah.
“A distinctive feature was its southern mosque, which served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for religious education,” Al-Amer said.
The center also provided resources such as books and manuscripts for students, as well as financial assistance and accommodation for the diverse group of scholars who traveled to it. Its location within At-Turaif district, the First Saudi State’s historic seat of governance and royal residence, reflected the important role it played in Saudi society.
Sibalat Modhi exemplified the “enduring values of generous giving, compassion for those in need, social cohesion, and the nurturing of strong community bonds that have characterized Saudi society from its founding to the present day,” Al-Amer said.
In addition to her charitable accomplishments, Princess Modhi was also a close confidante for her husband, Imam Mohammed.
“Her role during the state’s establishment was undeniably significant, as she provided steadfast support and valuable counsel,” Al-Amer said.
“Her position as a special advisor to Imam Mohammed bin Saud proved particularly crucial during the challenging formative period of the Saudi state.”
Her guidance “proved instrumental in molding Abdulaziz’s leadership qualities, leaving an enduring impact on his character as a ruler,” he added.
Ruler of Kuwait congratulates Saudi leadership on Founding Day
Updated 7 min 44 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ruler of Kuwait has congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people in observance of Saudi Founding Day.
Kuwait Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of Saudi Founding Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In the cable, Sheikh Meshal praised the remarkable achievements made by Saudi Arabia in various fields which has solidified its regional and global standing.
Saudi Arabia declared February 22 an official date in observance of Saudi Founding Day. It dates back to three centuries ago, when the first Saudi state was established in 1727 during the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
How to celebrate Founding Day 2025 in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Foundation Day aims to strengthen national pride among the Saudi people, particularly younger generations
Updated 22 February 2025
Rahaf Jambi & Jasmine Bager
Saudi Foundation Day aims to strengthen national pride among the Saudi people, particularly younger generations.
Festivities planned for this year’s Foundation Day will showcase Saudi heritage through music, arts, and performance.
Key events for Founding Day 2025
Foundation Nights will present musical and poetic concerts with prominent Saudi artists at the Mohammed Abdu Theatre in Boulevard Riyadh on Feb. 22.
In Riyadh, celebrations will include fireworks displays, Saudi heritage exhibitions, and music concerts. Jeddah will host marine parades, heritage markets, and boat shows. Madinah will feature art exhibitions and cultural seminars about the Kingdom’s history, while Dammam will offer folklore performances and open-air cinema for visitors.
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Musical performances
Several musical nights will add to the celebratory atmosphere. On Feb. 21, Mohammed Abdu will perform “Suhail Night” at the Mohammed Abdu Arena.
On Feb. 22, Abdul Majeed Abdullah will perform national songs at the Mohammed Abdu Arena.
Additionally, on Feb. 22, an orchestral performance featuring the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir will be complemented by light and sound displays that highlight the Kingdom’s rich history.
In Jeddah, celebrations at the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum from Feb. 20-22 will offer a family-friendly atmosphere filled with heritage, artistic, and cultural activities.
In Diriyah, an “850 Interactive Experience” will allow visitors to explore key events in the Kingdom’s history, complete with immersive indoor and outdoor activities.
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Meanwhile, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran will mark Founding Day with a three-day celebration from Feb. 20-22 featuring interactive workshops, performances and traditional crafts.
The plaza will feature live oud performances, with other activities including a photo booth where visitors can be photographed in traditional attire.
Master artisans will showcase the intricate art of bisht weaving, and there will be educational activities, folk music, and Saudi Ardah sword dancing.
The center welcomes visitors from 4-11 p.m.
The Museums Commission is hosting Founding Day celebrations at the Saudi National Museum from Feb. 21-23. This event features interactive activities, cultural programs, and performances.
Johnson Controls Arabia is hosting a Founding Night celebration on Feb. 21 at the historic Al-Sharbatly House in Al-Balad, Jeddah.
Ibrahim Al-Balawi’s journey rooted in self-learning, dedication
Updated 22 February 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: Despite being deaf and mute, Ibrahim Al-Balawi, a 48-year-old Saudi tour guide who is passionate about AlUla’s rich history and breathtaking sights, has become a pioneer in inclusive tourism.
His journey, rooted in self-learning and dedication, began long before AlUla emerged as a global tourism destination.
Al-Balawi’s tour guide timeline started even before tourism was officially established in AlUla in 2001.
His deep love of history drove him to frequent the locations, study their significance, and independently translate material to educate himself and others.
With an extensive knowledge of archaeological sites, he led visitors through AlUla’s ancient locations, sharing stories and insights he had gathered over the years.
Hind Shabaa, Al-Balawi’s wife, who is also from AlUla, has been a steadfast supporter. Married for 16 years, she learned sign language from her husband.
Saudi tour guide Ibrahim Al-Balawi. (Instagram: @chici.deaf)
Over time Shabaa became fluent in sign language and she formed friendships within the deaf community. She plays a crucial role today in her husband’s work by verbally translating sign language to hearing tourists, enhancing the tour experience for all visitors.
Shabaa told Arab News: “He supported me in learning the language, and I built friendships with deaf individuals.
“Because he had a wide network of friendships — having studied middle and high school in Jeddah — he had formed many connections inside and outside the Kingdom.
“When he brought his friends over, they would be accompanied by their wives, so I also picked up the language. I became so proficient that they were amazed at how well I could communicate verbally and in sign language.”
Silent but fun, sign language became an essential part of the family’s daily life, creating a deeper bond and shaping a unique communication.
Shabaa added: “Even our children learned sign language from their father. They became very skilled at it. I was so dedicated that I took additional courses to improve myself. At one point I became even better than some certified sign language trainers.”
Before the Saudi Tourism Commission was transformed into the Ministry of Tourism in 2020, Al-Balawi’s main mission was to showcase AlUla’s beauty to the world through his eyes and language. He welcomed visitors from the deaf community from across the Kingdom and beyond, including Germany, France, Canada, and China.
Saudi tour guide Ibrahim Al-Balawi. (Instagram: @chici.deaf)
Officials noticed him attracting tourists, most of whom were foreign visitors leveraging his proficiency in general sign language.
Al-Balawi slowly became a familiar face among tourism officials. As the industry grew more structured, he sought official permission to continue guiding, ensuring that foreign tourists could still benefit from his expertise.
Al-Balawi’s official career as a tour guide in AlUla began in 2017. He attended numerous educational courses once he officially joined the Ministry of Tourism, and training materials were provided.
Despite holding only a high-school diploma, Al-Balawi’s relentless pursuit of knowledge set him apart. He enrolled in history and tourism courses, attended specialized training, and memorized educational materials.
Recognizing the global diversity of sign languages, Al-Balawi taught himself multiple variations beyond Arabic sign language, enabling him to communicate with tourists from Western countries. His self-motivation allowed him to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, ensuring that all visitors, especially those from the deaf community, could fully experience AlUla’s wonders.
Shabaa said: “I remember that from the time we got married he had books on Western sign languages and would always read and learn from them. Additionally, he traveled several times to the US and built friendships there, communicating through apps and video calls until he became proficient.
“He has expertise in both colloquial and formal Arabic sign language, as well as international sign languages, including American, Chinese, and Korean, which differ from the Saudi system. He taught himself these through travel, books, and personal research.”
Shabaa added: “For those who could speak, he was able to communicate with them effortlessly. He could read lips, record videos, send them messages, and speak to them in a casual dialect that made sign language easier for them. Learning sign language is often challenging for those around them, so when needed he would write things down to ensure clear communication.”
The couple’s commitment extends beyond guiding as they make sure they understand the unique needs of deaf travelers.
Shabaa said: “My husband established a private guesthouse specifically designed for the deaf, ensuring that visitors feel welcome, comfortable, and can fully enjoy AlUla’s offerings.”
Al-Balawi has conducted more than 800 tours in the past two years, welcoming tourists from nearly every region in Saudi Arabia and countries across the world, including the UK, the US, Syria, Germany, Egypt, Turkiye, Russia, and the UAE.
Al-Balawi is also having to cope with social media and has an Instagram page with over 4,500 followers from around the world. He displays photos and videos of his trips so he can attract more visitors.
Shabaa said: “He invites travelers through social media, guides them, documenting their visits with photos and videos. Many have been impressed by his effort and dedication.”
His ability to connect with people, whether through sign language, written communication, or sheer enthusiasm, has left a mark on those who have explored AlUla with his guidance.
Shabaa added: “The response of tourists has been amazing after every tour. They are always happy, and some even return for a second visit because they enjoyed their experience so much. AlUla fascinated them, and they love the tourism experience here.”
Saudi Crown prince discusses Gaza with leaders from Gulf, Jordan, Egypt
Meeting discussed joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, and developments in Gaza
Updated 22 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted a meeting of leaders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Egypt in Riyadh on Friday.
The meeting discussed joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, and developments in Gaza, along with other regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting was attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
The leaders welcomed the holding of the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4.
