Saudi annual event ‘Ayam Zaman’ teaches younger generation the customs and traditions of days gone by

By Deputy Chief EditorMay 22, 2018

143 2 minutes read

Tue, 2018-05-22 02:30

RIYADH: Parents always talk about the old days, and how “old is gold.” They start their conversations with the phrase “Back in the old
days …”

Today we get to live these old days in the Ayam Zamans event, held in Al-Faredah Hall in Riyadh from May 19-22. The event started on the third day of Ramadan, and is one of the many events happening during the holy month.
Ayam Zaman is a place where the older generation can retrieve their memories and the younger generation can enjoy the customs and traditions in their original form but in a modern way.
Ayam Zaman, or “Old Days,” is an annual event that is usually held during the holy month, creating the old Ramadan atmosphere through the design of the place, the food, art exhibition and Ramadan products such as clothes, fragrance perfume and accessories. It also holds the classic cinema for the first time in Saudi Arabia. It is a social development entertainment event that brings together heritage and modern innovations to support Saudi sm all enterprises through the booths represented there.

A young participant called Noura Alkhalel, a pharmacy student who is also an artist, told Arab News about her company “Adaptive Pieces” and how she and her sister came up with the concept to serve a younger audience. She said: “The idea of the company is to sell unique art pieces for everyone, especially the younger audience who cannot afford to buy art at their original prices.” Asked how she ended up in Ayam Zaman, she said; “The Ayam Zaman event found us. No matter how many times Ayam Zaman do events, Im pretty sure we will be part of it because its how we launched ourselves and we feel very grateful to it.”
Ibrahim Al-Juwar, an architect at Clear Spectra, one of the “mindmakers” of this event, told Arab news: “The events idea is to tell the story of our lives today by bringing back our old culture and traditions, and that is how it is reflected through the designs of the booths and the outdoor settings.”
He said: “The event will be a great place for the family to chill and entertain themselves, watching live performances and allowing themselves to participate in Ramadan games.”
The event is sponsored by many companies such as STC, PEPSE, and Al-Faridah Hall. STCs booth had a childrens arts section where they can express their artistic talents.
The concept of Gargeaan is strongly emphasized during the event with children roaming around the hall singing songs and collecting sweets and candy.
There is a separate zone for children to play in and have fun. The childrens zone includes bouncing castles, arcade games and entertainment shows.
Ibrahim said: “The kids zone is a little separated from the adults sections so that the parents can enjoy themselves.”
The event is created by a Saudi group, who worked hard on designing and shaping the identity of the event to make it a reality. Many talented female designers also participated in the event. Ibrahim told Arab News that there will be more events, especially during Eid and for the national day.

Main category: Saudi Arabia Art & CultureTags: Ramadan Ramadan 2018 Saudi Arabia Ramadan offers on Jaguar, Land Rover announcedDanish minister says Muslims shouldnt work during RamadanAnadolu Agency: Turkey distributes Ramadan aid across Pakistan

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