AlUla initiative Hayaku offers immersive Saudi cultural experiences
New project connects visitors with traditional attire, daily life, and heritage through locally rooted and authentic community-led interactions
ALULA, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — A new cultural initiative in AlUla is offering visitors an immersive way to experience Saudi heritage, focusing on traditional clothing, daily practices, and local identity through firsthand engagement rather than curated displays.
The project, known as Hayaku, was founded by Albandary Ibrahim with the aim of presenting Saudi culture in an authentic and lived manner.
The name, derived from a local AlUla expression meaning “let’s go,” reflects an invitation to explore and engage with the region’s traditions in a natural and accessible way.
Hayaku works closely with local residents to design experiences rooted in everyday life, including food preparation, farming practices, crafts, and storytelling.
One of its central attractions is a traditional attire experience based in AlUla Old Town, where visitors can wear historically inspired garments and gain insight into regional dress practices that date back generations.
Ibrahim said the initiative seeks to address limited awareness about the diversity of traditional Saudi clothing, noting that while garments like the abaya and thobe are widely recognized, historical variations across regions remain largely unknown.
To ensure accuracy, the project involved extensive research, including consultations with heritage experts, official cultural institutions, and local community members familiar with traditional practices.
The clothing presented through Hayaku is based on documented historical references and original designs, with only minimal adjustments made to materials where necessary. The project emphasizes preservation rather than reinterpretation, aiming to make traditional culture more visible without altering its core identity.
The initiative began in a family-owned space in AlUla Old Town during the AlUla Season festival, a location chosen for its personal and historical significance to the founder.
From there, Hayaku has developed into a broader platform that enables local hosts to share cultural experiences within their own homes, farms, and community spaces.
Rather than standardizing these interactions, the project encourages hosts to engage visitors in the same way they would welcome guests in their personal lives. This approach prioritizes spontaneity and authenticity, allowing visitors to experience culture as it is lived rather than presented in a scripted format.
The concept for Hayaku was shaped in part by an informal encounter described by Ibrahim’s co-founder, who once hosted visitors in a family setting without prior planning. That experience highlighted the value of direct human connection over structured explanations, influencing the project’s core philosophy.
Looking ahead, Hayaku plans to expand beyond AlUla to other regions across Saudi Arabia, with the goal of showcasing the distinct cultural identities of different cities and communities.
By focusing on personal interaction and everyday traditions, the initiative aims to create deeper cultural understanding and lasting connections for visitors.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
