The Saudi Culture Pavilion at Al-Tayebat International City of Science and Knowledge Museum in Jeddah offers a living window onto the nation's heritage, capturing the authenticity of Saudi identity and the richness of its many cultures in one space. The pavilion has emerged as one of the Kingdom's most compelling educational and tourist draws, walking visitors through the story of traditional dress and regional costumes that have distinguished different corners of Saudi Arabia across its long history.
Twelve Heritage Buildings and 365 Exhibition Halls
The museum itself is a landmark: twelve heritage buildings raised in the old Hijazi architectural style, holding more than 365 exhibition halls. A large share of that space is given over to the costumes, textiles, and handicrafts of each region, displayed in a way that pairs the scent of the past with the rigor of modern documentation. Touring the museum's corridors, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) took in a striking visual range that runs the length and breadth of the country — north to south, east to west.
Western and Hijazi Region Displays
The western and Hijazi region leads the display with the women's “zaboun”, the “maharem” headscarves, and the “mudawwara”, and the men's “daqla”, sidiriyah waistcoat, and Hijazi turban — all set against the carved wooden rawasheen screens that are the signature of Jeddah's historic houses.
Central and Eastern Regions
Elsewhere in the pavilion, the central and eastern regions assert their legacy through the splendor of the Al-Ahsa “bisht”, hand-spun with gilded “zari” thread, and finely embroidered “jalabiyas.”
Southern and Northern Regions
The southern region follows, seizing the eye with colors borrowed straight from nature — the “mijnab” and shirts stitched with bright cane thread, displayed beside fragrant garlands and traditional silver jewelry. The north, for its part, tells its story through the “mhawthal” and the heavy abayas built for the rigors of desert life.
Garments as Historical Documents
For Youssef Mohammed Kiki, of Al-Tayebat International City of Science and Knowledge, the garments are far more than lengths of cloth. They are historical and social documents, he said — records of how people lived, the trades they practiced, and the climate they endured in each region. Through these rare pieces, safeguarded over decades, he added, the museum hopes to deepen the younger generation's connection to its national heritage and to introduce that heritage to the foreign delegations who pass through its halls.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
Al-Tayebat Museum continues to pursue its cultural mission as a national platform serving the aims of Saudi Vision 2030, namely preserving the country's historical legacy and presenting the depth of its civilization to the wider world.
