Latest news with #Najdi
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
Diriyah's Bab Samhan Named Heritage Conservation Project of the Year
Tucked within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has been awarded Heritage Conservation Project of the Year for its quietly powerful restoration. There's a moment, just as the call to prayer floats over the ochre rooftops of At-Turaif, when Diriyah begins to feel like a memory you've stepped back into. The light softens over the mudbrick walls, the air thickens with the scent of cardamom and dust, and the silence, somehow, starts to speak. It's here, at Bab Samhan — the first hotel to open in this storied district — that I found myself gently unravelled. Diriyah is the birthplace of the Saudi state, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose restored adobe architecture now forms the backdrop of Riyadh's most ambitious cultural renaissance. Once a fortified city on the edge of the Wadi Hanifah valley, its historic At-Turaif district was the stronghold of the Al Saud dynasty in the 18th century. Today, it is being reimagined with almost scholarly reverence: a living, breathing centrepiece of the Kingdom's cultural ambitions. Bab Samhan sits at the very edge of this vision. Built into the bones of a former royal guesthouse, the hotel is made up of a cluster of courtyards and corridors that feel like a rediscovered private home. The kind that belongs to someone who collects stories. There are 134 rooms and suites, including 106 guest rooms and 28 suites, each designed to reflect the rich textures of Najdi heritage. Hand-dyed linens drape low wooden bedframes, ornamental lanterns cast latticework shadows across the walls, and local stone floors hold the day's coolness well into the evening. Carved Najdi motifs appear in subtle, quiet ways - above a doorframe, across a mirror's edge. Some suites open onto shaded terraces. Others frame glimpses of the old wadi, where the land still holds the shape of centuries past. Mornings began with quiet walks through At-Turaif, where curated stillness invites you to notice the small things: the uneven grooves in the plaster, the soft tread of your footsteps against ancient stone. In the afternoons, the hotel's shaded terraces became my anchor. One corner, cooled by a breeze from the valley, seemed made for quiet thinking. Another, closer to the kitchen, always carried a hint of spiced lamb or simmering lentils. The hotel's two dining spaces, Matal and Takya, follow the same philosophy as its design. At Matal, regional ingredients are elevated with subtle precision — date molasses glazed lamb, fresh figs, fragrant rice infused with saffron and rose. Takya, by contrast, leans toward a modern interpretation of traditional Najdi dishes, served in a more intimate, almost home-style setting. Both are led by chefs who understand that memory and not reinvention is the truest luxury. Dishes come without flourish, often served by hosts who will quietly tell you where the za'atar was sourced or which village still pounds the tahini by hand. One evening, I joined a walking tour led by a local guide who'd grown up in the nearby town of Al-Uyaynah. He spoke less someone remembering a childhood spent exploring the ruins before they were restored. 'We used to sneak into At-Turaif through the back,' he laughed. 'Now look at it — the whole world is walking through.' It's no surprise, then, that Bab Samhan has recently been recognised for its role in protecting and celebrating this cultural legacy. The hotel was awarded Heritage Conservation Project of the Year at The Hospitality Awards. That award may sit in a polished frame somewhere near the reception, but its real proof is everywhere, in the worn stone underfoot, in the hand-carved lintels, in the rhythm of storytelling that carries through each space. There is no spectacle. What Bab Samhan offers instead is something increasingly rare: clarity. As I checked out, the concierge handed me a small token — a bundle of frankincense wrapped in cloth, paired with a card inscribed with a line of ancestral poetry. These quiet gestures are threaded throughout a stay at Bab Samhan: subtle, rooted, and unforced. Even the turn-down service includes verses that pay homage to the region's oral traditions, quietly affirming that hospitality here is inherited. I tucked the card into my passport. And for days after, whenever I opened it, I swore I could still smell the wadi air.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- General
- CairoScene
Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah
Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah In the sunbaked heart of Diriyah, where mud-brick silhouettes rise from the desert like echoes of centuries past, a new architectural landmark is taking shape. Zaha Hadid Architects have broken ground on the Asaan Museum, a project that reimagines the relationship between heritage and contemporary design within Saudi Arabia's UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district. Asaan is conceived as a cultural anchor and a testament to architectural innovation. Its name, derived from the Arabic word for 'inheritance passed down through generations,' is reflected in every aspect of the design. Marking Zaha Hadid Architects' first-ever mud-brick construction, the museum is built from locally sourced clay bricks, a deliberate homage to the Najdi building traditions that have defined the region for centuries. The design demonstrates a nuanced sensitivity to context: thick, low-carbon mud-brick walls provide natural insulation, ensuring cool interiors and reduced energy consumption in the desert climate. Central to the museum's spatial experience are three shaded courtyards, dedicated to Education, Arts, and Administration each. These courtyards serve as climatic buffers and vibrant gathering spaces, sheltered beneath a network of canopies that weave together gardens, plazas, and rooftop promenades. This approach blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, forging a seamless connection to Diriyah's historic urban fabric and inviting the public to engage with the museum on multiple levels. Inside, the Asaan Museum offers more than static displays. Visitors will encounter exhibitions, workshops, and conservation laboratories, all designed to safeguard and celebrate Saudi Arabia's archaeological treasures for future generations. Supported by the Misk Foundation and integrated into the ambitious Diriyah Gate masterplan, the museum aspires to be a hub for cultural exchange and education, a place where tradition and innovation meet. While Zaha Hadid Architects' signature fluidity is present, it is thoughtfully grounded by the tactile honesty of mud-brick, the very material that built Diriyah's past - and now, lays the foundation for its future.
ME Construction
20-05-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
The Misk Heritage Museum announces start of construction
The museum, spanning an area of 40,000sqm, moves beyond the traditional museum concept to offer integrated cultural experiences. Visitors will be immersed in the daily life of past generations through interactive spaces, workshops, and activities rooted in local environments. These experiences allow them to explore traditional arts, crafts, stories, customs, and social values, providing a window into Saudi culture. Asaan showcases both tangible and intangible aspects of Saudi culture, said a statement. The Misk Foundation's initiative aims to preserve and promote Saudi heritage and its diversity. Zaha Hadid Architects designed Asaan's contemporary architectural design, which draws inspiration from the traditional Najdi style and embodies Saudi Arabia's rich architectural heritage. Upon opening, the museum will showcase a conservation laboratory dedicated to restoring and preserving heritage artifacts and artworks. It will also serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and a training ground for the next generation of museum professionals. Khaled Al Saqer, CEO of the Misk Heritage Museum Asaan stated, 'Marking International Museum Day by commencement of construction of Asaan is a historic milestone in our mission to safeguard and celebrate Saudi heritage. Asaan's role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world. Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts. These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage.' Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company added, 'Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah's portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a modern way that strengthens its global presence. The museum supports our broader goal of establishing Diriyah as a world-class destination that celebrates history, culture, and national identity. We're excited about the programmes and activities Asaan will bring, as they will offer something truly special for the community and for visitors from around the world.' The launch of Asaan construction signifies a pivotal moment in the development of a cultural landmark that pays homage to Saudi heritage and elevates the nation's global standing. As per a statement from the museum, Asaan embodies Saudi Arabia's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and strengthening its national identity, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. Asaan's mission is to preserve Saudi heritage and celebrate its authenticity and diversity by showcasing extensive collections of cultural artifacts through immersive exhibitions and inspiring spaces.
Saudi Gazette
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
‘The Light Footprint': Diriyah Art Futures opens Venice exhibition with Schiattarella Associati
VENICE — Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) inaugurated its debut international exhibition The Light Footprint today in collaboration with Italian architecture studio Schiattarella Associati. Coinciding with the opening of the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025, the exhibition runs through June 15 at the Querini Stampalia Foundation in Venice and highlights the architectural vision for DAF's upcoming headquarters in Riyadh. Curated by Marta Francocci, The Light Footprint presents a comprehensive selection of architectural models, sketches, videos, drawings, photographs, and archival materials that document the design and development process of the DAF complex. The exhibition celebrates the integration of tradition, technology, and sustainability in the creation of a future-facing cultural institution. The opening was attended by Mona Khazindar, Advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Culture; Haytham Nawar, Director of Diriyah Art Futures; and Amedeo and Andrea Schiattarella, Principal Architects of Schiattarella Associati, who joined a guided tour of the exhibition led by the curator. The event offered an in-depth look at the conceptual and architectural approach behind the by Schiattarella Associati, the DAF headquarters is carved into the escarpment of Diriyah and reflects Najdi architectural traditions, employing local materials and a design philosophy rooted in sustainability and cultural 6,550-square-metre facility will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure to support artistic research, technological exploration, and interdisciplinary education.'We are pleased to present our vision for Diriyah Art Futures alongside the prestigious Venice Biennale,' said Mona Khazindar.'This pioneering project exemplifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to building globally relevant cultural institutions that nurture bold creativity while remaining deeply rooted in our heritage.'Amedeo and Andrea Schiattarella commented: 'Our work begins with the belief that architecture must resist the global flattening of cultural identity. With Diriyah Art Futures, we aimed to create a structure that is not imposed upon the land, but one that emerges from it — a balance of geometry and unpredictability, tradition and innovation.'Elements of The Light Footprint are also featured in the Biennale's main collective exhibition, Intelligens Naturale, Artificiale, curated by Carlo Ratti and hosted at the Arsenale.
CairoScene
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Monochrome Monday: The Diriyah Tan Edition
Diriyah Tan may be the newest hue in town, but she's steeped in history. With raw textures, sweeping silhouettes, and artisanal design, going back to basics doesn't have to be boring. May 05, 2025 Diriyah Tan takes its name from the historic Saudi district of Diriyah, the original seat of power for the House of Saud and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its palette mirrors the region's Najdi architecture - mudbrick walls fired by the sun, layered in straw, sand, and lime. These materials weren't decorative; they were functional, insulating against heat while anchoring structures in the earth. That same ethos is now shaping fashion. Designers are channeling the neutral into dense cottons, raw silks, and sueded leathers - materials that absorb light rather than reflect it. The tone lends itself to silhouettes with weight: abayas cut like trench coats, tunics with architectural drape, accessories that nod to desert geometry. Sabry Marouf | Alabastra Bag Crafted in a palette that echoes the limestone relics of ancient Memphis, the Alabastra Bag draws from Egypt's alabaster vessels - objects once carved to hold perfumes and sacred oils. Sabry Marouf retools that lineage with clean lines and a modern clasp, anchoring the historical reference in sharp, contemporary form. Mashael Al Torath | Embroidered Abaya The embroidery maps out regional craft traditions with fine precision, while the fabric's density and hue speak to the sunbaked terrain of Najd. Worn open or wrapped, it layers effortlessly. Karen Wazen | Bella Gold Sunglasses The Bella frames bring sculptural energy to eyewear. In high-shine gold, they mirror the stark glint of light off sand and stone. Paired with Diriyah Tan, they become more of a provocation - glamour with edge, not gloss. House of THL | Dionysus Skirt Co-ord Airy but anchored, this co-ord plays with proportion and ease. The pleats add kinetic form, while the colour grounds the set in desert-worn elegance. Designed with movement in mind, it feels just as relevant on the Corniche as it does among clay courtyards. Zyne Shoes | Topaz Zyne's Topaz slides feature a textured upper that recalls the granularity of earthen walls. Handcrafted in Morocco, they hold their own in light and shadow, designed to be worn not indoors but out, against the sun. Aqui Beirut | Tate Suede Skirt Precision-cut in brushed suede, the Tate skirt borrows from modernist design - clean, quiet, and tactile. The muted warmth of Diriyah Tan allows the shape to speak clearly: no noise, just structure. Redefined | Scarf Trench Coat The trench coat gets a revision, not a reinvention. With its sculptural drape and off-centre fastenings, this piece uses asymmetry to shift the silhouette forward. It holds form without losing softness - tailoring that moves with intention. Lillian Ismail | 1/2 Beaded Saudi Gold 'Jeneh' Necklace Minted in memory, the Jeneh necklace reinterprets Saudi currency through fine jewellery. One half beaded, one half coin - this duality speaks to heritage in flux. Moroccan Touch | Sonia Matching Set Craft meets comfort in this embroidered set, where flow and form sit side by side. Its cut nods to caftan tradition, while the detailing brings it into sharp contemporary focus. Made for lounging, but styled like ceremony. Gissah Fragrances | Liquid Gold Liquid Gold captures oud at its most refined—smoky, resinous, and deeply regional. The bottle, tinted in Diriyah Tan, feels more apothecary than vanity - an object with scent and story.
