The Hasawi Bisht has stolen the spotlight, attracting visitors from Saudi Arabia and across the world to Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia.
Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival, currently taking place at the historic Qasr Ibrahim, is serving as a vibrant showcase of Saudi Arabia authentic heritage and rich culture.
Taking place from January 28 to February 7, the festival has drawn a huge turnout of tourists eager to explore the ancient history and traditional crafts of Al-Ahsa, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The royal designs and elegant colors of Bisht appeal to the festival’s visitors, who enthusiastically wear the traditional attire and capture memorable photos.
This unique experience is further enhanced with diverse workshops featuring skilled artisans to learn the secrets of Zari – an original Saudi embroidery technique passing down through generations.
Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival features other activities, such as theatrical performances and interactive experiences focused on the Bisht and Al-Ahsa’s heritage, including its authentic cuisine and premium dates.
The Hasawi Bisht is a loose traditional cloth donned by Saudi men on public and private occasions. The traditional attire comes in dark or light fabrics, adorned with silk threads. Its edges are often decorated with Zari embroidery in gold, silver, or various shades of yellow and red.
Some families in Al-Ahsa Governorate are famous for their skill and mastery in Bisht weaving and embroidery, hence the traditional robe is known as Hasawi Bisht.
البشت حضورٌ يكتمل به المشهد
ننتظركم غداً لمواصلة التجربة.احجز تذكرتك الآن:https://t.co/r65U4bzf50#مهرجان_البشت_الحساوي#هيئة_التراث pic.twitter.com/Bvl0M2ZdcC
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) January 31, 2026
The current edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival celebrates the traditional garment following its inclusion on the UNESCO’s on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025. This achievement further solidifies Saudi Arabia’s status as a global cultural destination.
