Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

‘Night Market’ in Saudi Arabia Reopens after 50 Years | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Media ID: 55366447
Caption:

A Saudi Artisan (wood carver) at work at the Janadriyah Festival.


Yanbu- The historic “Night Market” in Yanbu city, in western Saudi Arabia, resumed its activities after it was inaugurated by Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) in a ceremony attended by Prince Faisal bin Salman of Medina, chairman of Medina Tourism Development Council and a number of citizens who resumed trade businesses in this market, after around 50 years of complete destruction.

Prince Sultan has also launched the second phase to restore buildings in Al-Sour neighborhood in Yanbu in a project aiming to renovate 100 buildings after the conclusion of the renovation of the Night Market, one of the oldest markets in the Kingdom.

The Night Market has offered citizens the chance to sell and exchange all kinds of handicrafts. Among many others, this project has been handled by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cultural Heritage Program implemented by the authority under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The number of renovated buildings reached 100, including commercial, cultural, residential, and administrative buildings. The project, which comprises a space for the cultural zone and a sea port, has been funded by companies like Sabic and Aramco, the Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, along with many partners including Municipality of Yanbu, Urban Heritage Administration Centre, and the Saudi Ports Authority.

The House of King Abdulaziz has also opened an exhibition for historical photos, which includes rare and valuable photographs featuring the city of Yanbu and Saudi kings while visiting it, along with a number of paintings drawn by Saudi artists.

Prince Sultan bin Salman asserted that the revival of the Night Market came under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who believes that the national heritage deeply contributes in growing loyalty and belonging among Saudi citizens. He added that the authority had for a long time been renovating many sites that play important roles in the life of Saudis.

Prince Sultan highlighted the importance of this market, which has provided work opportunities for many citizens; he also noted that the National Program of Handicrafts, which will be launched by the authority aims at providing secured work opportunities for Saudis in their motherland.

Finally, he highlighted the exceptional budget allocated for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cultural Heritage Program and promised to build new museums and revive the old ones.