DGDA concludes third edition of Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah Initiative
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has successfully completed the third edition of the Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah Initiative in cooperation with the National Center for the Saudi Arda. The closing ceremony was held next to Prince Meshari bin Saud Palace in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, where 10 finalists who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the program's training courses were honored.
The Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah Initiative aims to motivate and train and encourage young Saudis to actively participate in preserving and reviving Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage.
Eighty (80) young Saudis between the ages of 12 and 17 years old took part in the third edition of the Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah initiative, which was divided into two phases: a pre-qualification and training program, followed by a final assessment and closing ceremony.
Ten competitors qualified for the final evaluation in this year’s edition after learning and refining their skills, including instruction and information on the five core elements of Al Ardah performances: the Saudi flag, traditional attire, the sword dance, the drums, and the march. The program is part of a larger project to document the oral history of Diriyah, based on DGDA’s goal of preserving the distinct cultural heritage and forms of expression native to Diriyah.
The closing ceremony was organized to recognize the participants’ efforts in learning the traditional arts of the Kingdom and helping to preserve them. The ten finalists were recognized for their exceptional performance throughout the training courses, celebrating their dedication to the art of Al Ardah and their dedication to learning and embodying this important element of culture, history, and traditional heritage.
Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of DGDA, expressed his pride in concluding the third edition of the program, stating, "The Diriyah Bayt Al Arda Initiative witnessed tremendous interaction from both the participants and their families, who were keen to attend the occasion and celebrate their children’s efforts made over the past few months. Their enthusiasm highlights the importance of preserving and enhancing the cultural and historic identity of the Kingdom, embodied in this instance in the Al Ardah performance, for generations to come”.
With an objective to empower young Saudis to preserve their heritage, DGDA plans to continue organizing the Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah initiative as an extension of its role in preserving the Kingdom’s heritage and culture.
DGDA has paid special attention to the Al Ardah performance, with the initial “Diriyah Bayt Al Ardah” Initiative launching in 2019. During its third edition, nearly 300 youths were trained in the cherished art of the Saudi Ardah.