As part of its ongoing efforts to enrich the local cultural scene, the Jeddah Culture and Arts Association organized a special cultural evening entitled “The Song and Its National Message.” This event is part of the association’s endeavors to revitalize cultural activity and highlight the pivotal role that the arts, in all their forms, play in consolidating values of belonging and deepening national identity. The evening was held with the support of the “Madeed” program, launched by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to empower and support cultural initiatives in the Kingdom.
The evening addressed the status of the national song as a cultural vessel and a repository of collective memory, highlighting its evolution and development over time. Participants discussed how the national song has served as an artistic record documenting major events and national occasions, and how it has interacted with the social and political transformations the Kingdom has undergone. The essential role of the poetic verse, which forms the solid foundation that gives the song its intellectual depth and emotional impact, was also emphasized, along with an examination of the criteria for its success and its ability to endure in the memory of generations.
The historical context of the Saudi national song
The national song in Saudi Arabia boasts a rich history closely linked to the founding and unification of the Kingdom. From its earliest days, the sung word served as an effective tool for uniting hearts and minds, with poets and singers using their art to express national pride and loyalty to the leadership. Over the decades, the national song has evolved to keep pace with the Kingdom's progress and development, performed by renowned Saudi artists such as Talal Maddah and Mohammed Abdu, who created timeless works that have become an integral part of the national artistic heritage, sung by young and old alike on various occasions.
The importance of the event and its impact within the framework of Vision 2030
Such cultural evenings are gaining added importance at present, as they align directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture and the arts as one of its fundamental pillars for improving quality of life and strengthening national identity. Highlighting national songs is not merely a celebration of heritage, but an investment in the future by connecting new generations with their history and culture through engaging artistic forms. Locally, these events contribute to creating constructive cultural dialogue, while regionally and internationally, they reflect the Kingdom's civilized and vibrant image, showcasing the depth of its artistic heritage and its capacity for renewal and influence.
The evening also touched on the art of the national “operetta”, as an integrated artistic work that embodies the vitality of the Saudi cultural scene and its ability to present huge works that combine poetry, music and theatrical performance to tell the story of a nation and the aspirations of its people.
