A look into women’s clothing during the First Saudi State

Throughout the First Saudi State, women’s garments were signifiers of cultural identity and regional traditions. (Saudipedia)
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Throughout the First Saudi State, women’s garments were signifiers of cultural identity and regional traditions. (Saudipedia)
Women's Garments in the Central Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
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Women's Garments in the Central Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
Women's Garments in the Eastern Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
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Women's Garments in the Eastern Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
Women's Garments in the Western Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
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Women's Garments in the Western Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
Women's Garments in the Southern Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
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Women's Garments in the Southern Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
Women's Garments in the Northern Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
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Women's Garments in the Northern Region During the First Saudi State. (Saudipedia)
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Updated 23 February 2025
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A look into women’s clothing during the First Saudi State

A look into women’s clothing during the First Saudi State
  • According to Saudipedia, women’s clothing in the First Saudi State varied by region, influenced by local resources, climate and cultural traditions

RIYADH: Throughout the First Saudi State, women’s garments were signifiers of cultural identity and regional traditions.

According to Saudipedia, women’s clothing in the First Saudi State varied by region, influenced by local resources, climate and cultural traditions. Each area developed distinct styles, materials and designs that reflected its social customs and environment.

In the central region, women often wore al-Mukhnaq, a sheer silk covering made of chiffon or tulle, sewn completely except for an opening for the face. Married women typically covered their heads with al-Ghadfah — a light tulle shawl also known as al-Munaykhel — or opted for al-Ghatwah, a black fabric that covered the entire face. Another common garment was the burqa, a face covering that left an opening for the eyes and was sometimes adorned with decorative elements.

For outerwear, the abaya was a staple, made from coarse wool and designed in a rectangular cut that draped over the shoulders. Unlike modern abayas, it had no sleeves but included small hand openings at its ends. The term abaya was sometimes used interchangeably with bisht, a traditional cloak.

“Bisht Al-Barqa is one of the types of bishts used by men in the region. The people of the central region, Al-Aridh and Diriyah used to call the abaya a bisht, whether a man or a woman wore it,” Laila Al-Bassam, a traditional Arab costumes and textiles expert, told Arab News in a 2023 interview.

The abaya had many variations, including the Qilani abaya, Ma’simah abaya, Dufat al-Mahoud abaya, Fisol abaya, and Murshidah abaya. Indoors, women commonly wore al-Maqta’ or al-Daraa, long, wide garments with fitted sleeves that narrowed at the wrist. These dresses were often embroidered with gold and silver zari threads, sequins, or intricate patterns, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.

Saudipedia states that women in the eastern region favored garments made from fine fabrics such as silk and lightweight cotton. One of the most distinctive pieces was the al-Malf’a, a black rectangular fabric that was wrapped around the face and shoulders, sometimes secured with a metal piece known as al-Rubayi. This fabric varied in weight depending on the season, with lighter versions preferred in warmer months. The region was also known for its elaborate embroidery, with clothing often featuring intricate stitching and embellishments that reflected influences from nearby trade routes.

In the western region, according to Saudipedia, women’s attire reflected the area’s connections to international markets, particularly through the Red Sea. Fabrics such as brocade, silk and velvet were popular among wealthier women, while cotton was more commonly worn for everyday use. Many garments were adorned with detailed embroidery, lacework, and zari threading, reflecting the cultural exchange between the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. The layering of garments was common, with women wearing multiple pieces to achieve a distinctive and elegant silhouette.

In the southern region, the influence of the mountainous terrain and tribal traditions played a significant role in clothing styles. Women often wore garments made from thick, durable fabrics to protect against the colder temperatures of higher altitudes. Embroidery was a key feature, with intricate geometric patterns symbolizing tribal identity. The use of bold colors, particularly red and blue, was prevalent, adding vibrancy to the garments.

In the northern region, the climate and Bedouin lifestyle influenced women’s clothing choices. Practicality was emphasized, with garments designed for mobility and protection from harsh weather conditions. Women wore long, flowing robes made from wool or heavy cotton, often adorned with subtle embroidery. Head coverings were essential, with styles varying between tribes. The al-Shilah and al-Sayf were commonly worn as protection from the sun while maintaining modesty.

Clothing not only served practical purposes but also conveyed “social status, marital status and tribal affiliation,” according to Saudipedia. The diversity of styles across the regions reflected the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the time, with many traditional elements still influencing Saudi fashion today.


KSA, South Korea sign deal for film industry growth

KSA, South Korea sign deal for film industry growth
Updated 23 February 2025
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KSA, South Korea sign deal for film industry growth

KSA, South Korea sign deal for film industry growth

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission and the Korean Film Council have signed a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in the film sector, support cultural exchange, and foster the industry’s growth in the Kingdom and South Korea.

The partnership aims to promote knowledge exchange, production collaboration, talent development, and technological innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also highlights both countries’ commitment to supporting filmmakers and expanding international opportunities for creative professionals, the SPA added.

The agreement includes training programs, workshops, master classes and mentorship opportunities led by industry experts. These initiatives will help filmmakers refine their skills in production, animation, screenwriting and directing.

The partnership further strengthens film production collaboration, encouraging Saudi and South Korean filmmakers to develop and produce joint projects, the SPA reported.

Both sides will also facilitate cooperation and networking through major film festivals, including the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia and the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.


KSrelief humanitarian works continue

KSrelief humanitarian works continue
Updated 23 February 2025
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KSrelief humanitarian works continue

KSrelief humanitarian works continue

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its philanthropic activities continue in Yemen, Kosovo, Sudan, Bangladesh and Lebanon through the distribution of food and provision emergency medical services.

In Yemen, the Saudi agency on Friday distributed 98 tonnes of food boxes as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to enhance food security and alleviate suffering in Yemen.

In Kosovo, KSrelief handed out 900 food baskets in several cities, benefiting 4,500 individuals.

In Sudan, 227 food boxes were given to vulnerable displaced families in Gezira State as part of the third phase of KSrelief’s 2025 Food Security Support Project.

In Bangladesh, 500 food parcels were distributed in Dhaka, benefiting 2,500 individuals, as part of KSrelief’s humanitarian gesture to ensure food security in many brotherly and friendly countries around the world.

Meanwhile in Northern Lebanon, the Lebanese Ambulance Service funded by KSrelief carried out 71 emergency missions between Feb. 14 and Feb. 20 included administering first aid, transporting patients to and from hospitals and treating burn victims of Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as members of the host community.

This initiative is part of the project to support emergency services and transportation in refugee areas and host communities in Lebanon.


Shoura Council speaker leads Saudi delegation at Arab Parliament conference

Shoura Council speaker leads Saudi delegation at Arab Parliament conference
Updated 23 February 2025
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Shoura Council speaker leads Saudi delegation at Arab Parliament conference

Shoura Council speaker leads Saudi delegation at Arab Parliament conference
  • The conference focused on strengthening Arab parliamentary unity, with a key agenda item dedicated to supporting the Palestinian people

CAIRO: The speaker of the Shoura Council, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, led Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the 7th Conference of the Arab Parliament and the Presidents of Arab Councils and Parliaments.

The conference, held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo on Saturday, focused on strengthening Arab parliamentary unity.

One agenda item was dedicated to supporting the Palestinian people and rejecting any proposals for their forced displacement. As part of the discussions, participants worked on formulating a unified Arab parliamentary stance to advocate for Palestinian rights. The outcome was the planned issuance of a unified Arab parliamentary action plan outlining concrete steps Arab parliamentarians could take.

Ahead of its official approval, the Presidents of Arab Councils and Parliaments held a closed consultative session to finalize the main aspects of the plan, which will be submitted to the Arab Summit for adoption.

The Kingdom’s conference delegation included the secretary-general of the Shoura Council, Mohammed bin Dakhil Al-Mutairi, along with council members Saad bin Salib Al-Otaibi, Tariq bin Saeed Al-Shammari, Hanan bint Abdullah Al-Sammari, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Aifan and Amal bint Abdulaziz Al-Hazani.


King Salman orders the naming of 15 Riyadh squares after Saudi imams and kings

King Salman orders the naming of 15 Riyadh squares after Saudi imams and kings
Updated 22 February 2025
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King Salman orders the naming of 15 Riyadh squares after Saudi imams and kings

King Salman orders the naming of 15 Riyadh squares after Saudi imams and kings
  • The initiative followed a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and coincides with Saudi Arabia’s celebration of Founding Day

RIYADH: King Salman on Saturday issued a directive to name 15 squares in Riyadh after notable imams and kings of the Saudi State, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative followed a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and coincides with Saudi Arabia’s celebration of Founding Day on Feb. 22, SPA added.

The move reflects the leadership’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the rulers who, for more than three centuries, have played a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s foundation, unification, and development.

These leaders safeguarded Saudi Arabia’s resources, ensured its security, and contributed to the prosperity of its people.

The newly named squares, located along Riyadh’s main roads, will commemorate historical figures from the Saudi State, including Imam Muhammad bin Saud, Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz, Imam Abdullah bin Saud, Imam Turki bin Abdullah, Imam Faisal bin Turki, Imam Abdullah bin Faisal, and Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal.

The list also includes modern Saudi rulers King Abdulaziz, King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman.


Saudi embassy in Syria celebrates Founding Day

Saudi embassy in Syria celebrates Founding Day
Updated 22 February 2025
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Saudi embassy in Syria celebrates Founding Day

Saudi embassy in Syria celebrates Founding Day
  • Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha held high-level meetings with senior executives from major global companies at the Future Investment Initiative in Miami

DAMASCUS: Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in the Syrian Arab Republic held a reception on the occasion of the Kingdom’s Founding Day at its headquarters in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The celebration was attended by the Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Yasser Al-Jundi, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Syria, and a group of businessmen and intellectuals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha held high-level meetings with senior executives from major global companies at the Future Investment Initiative in Miami to bolster partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, investment and the space sector.