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RIYADH: A foreign student delegation under the Kingdom Gateway program, organized by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, recently visited Al-Dakhlah town in the Sudair region, 170 km north of Riyadh.

The visit this weekend was part of an initiative designed to explore the rich history of ��������Ƶ.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna, former advisor at the Ministry of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, accompanied the delegation on the tour that included Al-Dakhlah’s significant historical landmarks.

The delegation began the tour with a visit to the old palace, a reflection of the region’s rich heritage and architectural legacy.

They then proceeded to the historic Al-Dakhlah Mosque, believed to have been built between 1446–1495 AD, making it one of the oldest mosques in the region.

During the tour, the students had the opportunity to explore its features, including the assarhah (the mosque’s outer courtyard), the side corridors, almujabab (a covered courtyard connecting rooms), and alkatateeb, rooms where students would memorize and review their lessons.

The students expressed their admiration for the intricate Islamic decorations and carvings that adorn the walls and ceiling of the mosque, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans from that historical era.

Al-Muhanna delivered a lecture that focused on the pivotal role of oil in national development. He reviewed ��������Ƶ’s experience in leveraging its petroleum resources to drive comprehensive growth across multiple sectors.

He also addressed the Kingdom’s strategic initiatives to maintain stability in global energy markets.

“The discovery of oil and its escalating economic importance brought about profound transformations across all sectors of the Kingdom. However, these changes did not come at the expense of ��������Ƶ’s deep-rooted heritage and culture. On the contrary, oil has been instrumental in both preserving and advancing them,” Al-Muhanna said.

Al-Dakhlah Mosque was restored with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the historic mosque restoration and rehabilitation project.

RIYADH: The slow food movement has a new home in the city of AlUla thanks to the opening of the Dadan Culinary Art Centre, which celebrates sustainable agriculture, local food traditions and mindful dining.

The global movement aims to foster a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources, advocating for the use of seasonal and local ingredients, and supporting all members of the community — values that have guided AlUla’s evolution as a sustainable destination.

The Dadan Culinary Arts Centre serves as a global hub for eco-gastronomy, blending the heritage of AlUla’s verdant oasis with the contemporary values of a fair and sustainable food system.

Located near the historic site of Dadan, the center offers dining, interactive workshops and a chance to meet AlUla’s farmers, all amid stunning natural landscapes.

A highlight is Dadan Farmers Market, which highlights the city’s agricultural riches every weekend with an array of fresh, seasonal produce.

Local families, whose livelihoods are deeply tied to oasis agriculture, show off their goods and invite guests to enjoy AlUla’s authentic flavors. Visitors can savor dishes prepared using traditional methods or select fresh foods to enjoy in the picnic area, embracing the oasis-to-table philosophy that is the heart of the center’s mission. Every purchase directly supports local farmers.

The Diyar Restaurant within the center, named after the Arabic word for “home,” offers an unforgettable dining experience. Overlooking the majestic mountains, it is warm and inviting, serving dishes prepared with sustainably sourced, locally grown ingredients. Under the guidance of award-winning chef Sergio Rama, it redefines hospitality by transforming simple meals into a celebration of community and heritage.

Another way to learn about AlUla and its people is through the center’s workshops, which teach participants about sustainable practices and local traditions. 

Whether learning the fundamentals of farm-to-table cooking, mastering the arts of pickling and fermentation, or exploring the versatile uses of moringa in oils and soaps, guests gain hands-on insights into multiple crafts and food practices.

Through the Dadan Culinary Arts Centre, AlUla invites the world to rediscover the pleasure of wholesome, traditional dining against the backdrop of its timeless oasis.