In a unique gesture blending the world of international sports with the depth of Saudi heritage, global football star Cristiano Ronaldo, a player for Saudi club Al-Nassr, donned a luxurious Al-Ahsa bisht known as the “Al-Muallami bisht.” This was more than just a fleeting celebratory moment; it was a profound cultural message, as one of history’s most famous athletes embraced a craft passed down through generations in the Al-Ahsa region, highlighting the artistry and beauty of traditional Saudi attire.
The bisht: a symbol of prestige and status in Arab culture
The bisht, or cloak, is more than just a traditional garment in the Arabian Peninsula and many Arab countries; it is a symbol of high status, prestige, and authority. Historically, wearing the bisht has been associated with kings, princes, sheikhs, and dignitaries, and it is an indispensable garment for formal occasions and grand celebrations such as holidays and weddings. Bishts are made from luxurious fabrics, often camel hair or wool, and their edges are embroidered with gold or silver zari threads in a meticulous hand-crafting process that requires exceptional skill and patience.
Al-Ahsa: The historical home of luxury bisht making
The bisht industry is closely linked to Al-Ahsa Governorate in eastern Saudi Arabia, which is included in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk arts. The Al-Ahsa bisht has gained renown over the centuries thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Al-Ahsa artisans have excelled in this craft, passing down its secrets and techniques from generation to generation. Creating a luxurious bisht like the "Al-Muallimi Bisht" worn by Ronaldo is a complete artistic process, beginning with the selection of the finest fabrics, continuing with masterful hand-sewing, and culminating in the intricate zari embroidery, which can take weeks of continuous work by a team of skilled craftsmen. This particular bisht, valued at over 8,000 Saudi Riyals, involved seven artisans, reflecting the immense effort and precision invested in each piece.
The global impact of Ronaldo's gesture: Sport as a soft power for promoting culture
The fact that a global figure like Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by hundreds of millions worldwide, wore the Al-Ahsa bisht carries implications far beyond the pitch. This gesture is an exceptional global promotion of Saudi handicrafts and the Kingdom's cultural heritage. It highlights a bright aspect of Saudi identity and opens a window for the global audience to discover its authentic arts and traditions. Such events also contribute to supporting local artisans and preserving these heritage crafts from extinction, while encouraging cultural tourism in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This moment joins previous iconic scenes, such as Lionel Messi wearing the bisht at the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, confirming that the bisht is no longer merely a local garment but has become a global Arab symbol of honor and celebration.
In the end, Ronaldo didn't just put on a robe, he put on a story spanning centuries of craftsmanship, becoming an unofficial ambassador for a work of art that embodies elegance, history, and identity, and affirms that culture and sport can come together to create a memorable spectacle.
