ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading national real estate developer and PIF-owned giga project, was the cultural partner of the Al Bisht Al Hasawi Festival, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The 10-day event hosted at Ibrahim Palace in Al Hofuf, was organized by the Heritage Commission and supervised by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the historical and cultural heritage of hand knitting Bishts, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship associated with the traditional Arabian cloak.
ROSHN’s booth at the centre of the Festival welcomed visitors with traditional Arabian hospitality in the form of dates and coffee in a comfortable seating area. Visitors tried on traditional Bishts and posed for photographs, leaving the booth with lasting memories of the Bisht tradition. The booth also used video screens and detailed information to immerse visitors in ROSHN’s ALFULWA community, situated near Al Ahsa Oasis. ROSHN’s sponsorship of the Festival through its YUHYEEK Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program supported the Group’s engagement with the Eastern Province, reflecting ROSHN’s commitment to expand cultural horizons of Saudi Arabia, reinforce ties to heritage, and empower creativity
“This partnership with the Al Bisht Al Hasawi Festival is a reflection of our dedication to cultural preservation and community development in Saudi Arabia. We believe that by joining forces with this remarkable festival, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people in the Kingdom. The festival’s focus on celebrating the artistic legacy, showcasing traditional arts, and promoting Saudi heritage resonates deeply with our values of responsibility, empowerment, and opportunity. We take great pride in working alongside the Heritage Commission to orchestrate this festival,” stated Ghada Alrumayan, ROSHN Group CMO, acknowledging the Commission’s dedicated endeavours in advancing cultural heritage across the regions of the Kingdom. The hosting of unique social events like Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival has garnered remarkable acclaim from the public. Alrumayan added: “This was an excellent opportunity to not only contribute to the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia but also to present ALFULWA Community, our pioneering integrated humanized community located in the Eastern Province. This community is a testament to our commitment to preserving and honouring local heritage through its unique architectural design and cultural integration.”
ALFULWA represents ROSHN’s first foray into Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Located in sight of the iconic Al Dakhna mountain, ALFULWA features ROSHN’s signature blend of heritage inspired design and modern technology in a stylish and sustainable community, rich in green open spaces. The development offers residents and visitors a vibrant, human-centric mix of vital and lifestyle amenities including mosques, hospitality, retail destinations, schools, and public parks.
The 2023 Al Bisht Al Hasawi Festival featured an exhibition documenting the cultural significance of the garment, live workshops, and a celebration of national handicrafts. The event served as a platform to empower local Bisht artisans to showcase their skills and ensure the preservation of the unique tradition. Over the decades, Al Ahsa region has become renowned for crafting some of the finest Bishts in the world. The Hasawi Bisht is distinguished for its intricacy, fine patterns and luxury, contributing to the festival’s allure and cultural richness. The festival was also an opportunity to support skilled workers through an open market showcasing their unique products.
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