Al-Baha’s folk arts highlight cultural richness and Vision 2030 goals

AL-BAHA, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — In the culturally diverse southern region of Al-Baha, local folk arts reflect a blend of heritage and contemporary expression, appealing to both residents and visitors while maintaining a deep connection to longstanding traditions.

Ali Al-Baydani, director of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts (SASCA) branch in Al-Baha, said the region hosts 12 folklore groups with over 350 participants from multiple governorates. 

The branch organizes dedicated festivals for these groups, showcasing them during national, social, and tourism events and ensuring vibrant representation of regional arts, according to Saudi Press Agency. 

These efforts form part of SASCA’s broader mission to document and revive lost art forms, transforming archival heritage into dynamic cultural products that support Vision 2030’s cultural and national development objectives. 

Al-Baha also complements its folkloric revival with rich historical and architectural heritage. The region’s heritage villages, such as Thee Ain—known for its stone architecture dating to the 8th century—feature prominently in cultural celebrations like the Al-Baha Winter Festival. 

Through festivals, exhibitions, and immersive traditions, Al-Baha is positioning itself as a thriving cultural destination—where vibrant folk arts, historic landscapes, and tourism infrastructure converge to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity.