Jeddah: The Heritage Commission has finalized preparations to launch the 'Shiraa' Wooden Ships Festival at Al-Hamra Beach in Jeddah from January 12 to 16, 2026, aiming to highlight maritime heritage and revive the Kingdom's coastal identity through a cultural and interactive program that retraces humanity's historical relationship with the sea and underscores the role of ports in trade and exploration across the ages.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the festival is part of the commission's efforts to enhance awareness of intangible cultural heritage and shed light on the Saudi people's longstanding connection to the sea through an event that reflects the lives of sailors, traditional wooden boatbuilding, and the pivotal role of historic ports in trade and cultural exchange.
The festival will offer a rich visual and interactive experience, beginning with light displays illuminating wooden boats and extending to activities that re-create historic seafaring adventures. The program also includes cultural and artistic events that evoke ancient maritime tales and highlight traditional sea-related professions such as boatbuilding, fishing, and navigation, connecting younger generations with their ancestors' skills.
The festival features several themed zones, including an exhibition area, a stage area, an arts zone, and a market area, each reflecting symbolic references to maritime heritage and coastal cultural terminology.
The festival will also include dedicated pavilions for the Heritage Commission and artisans, light shows and artistic installations inspired by the sea, and an entertainment area for families and children, offering a comprehensive cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
The Heritage Commission emphasized that the Shiraa Festival contributes to strengthening the presence of maritime heritage within the cultural landscape and supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in preserving national heritage, empowering local communities, and transforming cultural sites into vibrant platforms for interaction and knowledge.