This was both entertainment and an oral preservation of history, traditions and social values.When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman dedicated himself to preserving Arab traditions and culture, and his sons and successors have done the same.The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, founded in 1972, sponsors Saudi artists and provides ways for new talents to develop and display their art. The loose, flowing traditional garments are practical for the Kingdom’s hot, windswept climate, and in keeping with the Islamic ideal of modesty.Because its primary subject matter has historically been the Holy Qur’an, calligraphy is considered to be the quintessential Islamic art form.Located at the center of important ancient trade routes, the Arabian people were enriched by many different civilizations. Leather is cut and shaped into sandals, pouches and bags. Basket makers weave palm fronds and straw into hats, baskets and containers decorated with colorful designs. It exemplifies the perfect use of the Arabic language, and is considered to be the ultimate literary model.The music varies from region to region – for example, in the Hijaz, the music of al-sihba combines poetry and songs of Arab Andalusia, while the folk music of Makkah and Madinah reflects these two cities’ influences from throughout the Islamic world.Blacksmiths heat chunks of iron in a furnace and hammer them into gleaming swords and daggers. A wood carver slowly transforms a piece of wood into a saddle frame. Unlike their ancestors, who received large amounts of bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces as part of their dowry, modern Saudi women wear jewelry in traditional and contemporary designs with diamonds and a variety of precious metals. Tiny bells, coins and chains were also used for decoration. SAUDI ARTS & CRAFTS IS UNDER REDESIGN. Inscriptions often adorn the interior walls of mosques, as well as public and private offices and homes.Saudi Arabia’s largest museum is the National Museum in Riyadh, which opened in 1999 to celebrate the centennial of the taking of the Masmak Fortress by the young Abdulaziz, an event that led to the founding of the modern Saudi state. In 2015, Saudi Arabia imported around $167B and exported $182B of goods that resulted in a positive trade deficit of $15.6B approx. And every year for the past 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world travel to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, further enriching the region’s culture. The society has established a library and information center, as well as the Kingdom’s first cultural center, located in Riyadh.King Saud University and the King Khalid International Airport are two striking examples of just how well traditional Islamic design and modern structure can be combined.The Holy Qur’an took the Arab love of language and poetry to new levels. This combination of tradition with the ultra modern strengthens the link between a cherished past and an innovative future.The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the national holidays that follow them. Solid gold bracelets remain a traditional gift for girls.At these exhibits one may watch a metalsmith fashion a traditional brass and copper coffee pot. The pilgrims brought ivory from Africa and carpets from the East, and took local goods back to their homelands.Contemporary Saudi architects are increasingly looking to these traditional building designs and Islamic concepts for inspiration. Jewelers used stones such as turquoise, garnets and amber from the Kingdom’s rich mines, and pearls and coral from the coastal areas. Please note that our shop on Ishbilia is now closed and our online store is suspended until further notice. It also sponsors Saudis to participate in international art and cultural events, including poetry and essay competitions as well as exhibits of calligraphy and artwork.Today, calligraphy is a dominant theme in metalwork, ceramics, glass textiles, painting and sculpture throughout Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world. In the old days, the bisht was also used as a blanket while traveling.Arab traditions also play an important role in Saudi life. Numerous restoration projects have been undertaken to safeguard the Kingdom’s architectural heritage, including restoring historic buildings and neighborhoods.The other highlight is the Hajj season, during which millions of Muslim pilgrims from around the world come to Makkah. In the drama clubs, for example, participants engage in writing competitions and performances as part of a team. Every mosque has at least one minaret, although two are more common, and larger ones have more, with the Holy Mosque in Makkah boasting 12 magnificent ones. It was in 2005 that the Late King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz acknowledged the need to have a Saudi National Day.