Samhan Program Launches with Najdi Performances and Poetry

Diriyah, November 14, 2025: As part of Diriyah Season 25/26, Samhan Program was launched yesterday, offering a comprehensive lineup of cultural experiences, live performances, and Najdi storytelling and poetry in the historic Samhan District, one of Diriyah’s largest and most prominent historic districts. Once a thriving urban center during the First Saudi State, Samhan District played a central role in shaping the history of the first Saudi state.

The district features several notable landmarks, including the historic Samhan Mosque; and among Diriyah’s oldest, Samhan Gate, the eastern main entrance to Diriyah, as well as Samhan Tower and the surrounding fortified wall. Its traditional mudbrick homes and farms stand as enduring symbols of the area’s deep-rooted heritage, now transformed into an iconic link between past and present.

The Samhan Program receives visitors every weekend from 4:00 p.m., featuring interactive workshops, theatrical, artistic, and cultural performances, and traditional Samri music, accompanied by light shows specially designed to enrich the visual experience.

In addition, the program includes a dedicated children’s area within one of the historic mudbrick houses, hosting educational and entertainment activities such as a historic storytelling corner (A Gathering with Grandma), simple craft workshops, traditional Najdi costume experiences with photo opportunities, and classic folk games.

Actors dressed in traditional Najdi attire, known as “Ahl Al-Hayy” (People of the District), warmly interact with visitors through greetings and cultural engagement, while street theater showcases heritage-inspired costumes. Informative displays highlight the history and lifestyle of Najdi families, completing the visitor experience in the dining and seating areas, where traditional and international cuisines are served in a heritage-inspired setting that combines enjoyment with learning.

The Samhan Program aims to solidify the historic district’s position as a living extension of Diriyah’s heritage by transforming cultural knowledge and traditional crafts into interactive educational experiences. It seeks to enrich visitors’ cultural engagement, highlight the site’s significance, with creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit that have long defined Diriyah, passing these traditions on to future generations.

It is worth mentioning that Diriyah Season 25/26 is part of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s strategic initiatives to promote Diriyah as a world-class cultural destination and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global tourism map. The season contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing the tourism and cultural sectors as key pillars of sustainable development and quality of life in the Kingdom.

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:
DSmedia@diriyahseason.sa

About Diriyah Season 26/25:
Diriyah Season is one of the most prominent tourist and cultural seasons in the Kingdom. This year, it returns with its new edition 26/25, offering a unique blend of innovative programs inspired by the authenticity and ancient history of Diriyah, including numerous live experiences accompanying visitors throughout the Season.

The Season extends for over 120 days across Diriyah's historical areas, which host more than 10 programs designed according to international standards that respect Saudi authenticity and respond to the aspirations of local and international audiences.

By focusing on hospitality generosity, environmental sustainability, and enabling artisans and creatives, Diriyah Season 25/26 stands as a landmark in the Saudi cultural movement and an annual destination for lovers of history, culture, arts, and renewed events from within the Kingdom and abroad.