WEEKEND REFLECTIONS - AT THE MALL

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Outdoor Theater at Winter at Tantora in Al Ula

At this year's Winter at Tantora Festival, a cast of about 60 local actors, as well as several camels and goats, performed a live theater production outdoors, in a natural setting in front of the sandstone outcroppings with carved tombs from the ancient Nabataean people.  The festival has provided many opportunities and employment for the citizens of Al Ula, which has a population of a little over 5,000.

The acting, costumes, and script were an enjoyable and interesting reenactment of life in those times, complete with chanting, rivalry, a battle, and loss.  It was actually rather exciting to see this type of live entertainment here in Saudi Arabia. 

Al Ula, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is a city rich in history, culture, breathtaking scenery, and fertile valley of farmlands.  Two thousand years ago, it was an important location for the ancient Nabataean civilization, a thriving oasis with underground springs as well as a burgeoning trade center along the incense caravan route. 

Al Ula was known as Hegra back then.  It was the southern capital of the Nabataean empire, while Petra in Jordan was the main capital in the north. Al Ula is located at the halfway point between Petra and Mecca, the most important city in Islam, making it the perfect stop for the caravan trade route. 

Madein Saleh is the name of the area of Al Ula where the Nabataeans carved hundreds of tombs into the enormous sandstone rocks.  Some Muslims believe that the entire area is cursed because the ancient peoples living there worshiped idols and that Allah punished them with a deadly earthquake and severe lightning.  Indeed still today, there are many Muslims around Saudi Arabia who will not set foot in that region because of their belief that it is cursed, even though most of Al Ula's residents are Muslims. 

Because of its fascinating landscape, rich history, and archaeological importance, Al Ula has been chosen by the government to be a key focus for the development of one of Saudi Arabia's newest industries - tourism. In a few short years, the area anticipates upwards of two million visitors from around the world each year. 

Times are Changin'

Many changes are happening rapidly in Saudi Arabia.  It's a very historic and exciting time in the country.  One recent change that I have noticed is women in pictures!  This huge ad inside a mall in Jeddah has four women prominently featured - and their faces are visible! Not pixilated. Not blurred out. Not marked over with a black marking pen. This is a big change! 

The photo below of another large ad inside a mall also has a woman's face showing. This ad is actually advertising for another big change in the kingdom - the arrival of movie theaters!   

Our World: Jeddah's First Movie Theater!

Last week I went to my first movie in an actual theater in Jeddah.  The brand new VOX Theater recently opened at the Red Sea Mall, and it is the first movie theater in Jeddah!  Tickets are purchased online or at the kiosk machines just outside the theater.

It was fitting and somewhat ironic that the very first movie I saw in a theater here was about women's rights - "On the Basis of Sex" about wonder woman and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. 

I was happy to see several Saudi women employed at the refreshments counter.  One suggestion I would have for the theater management is to provide more than one small seating area for those waiting for their movies. There is definitely not enough seating outside the theater in the lobby waiting area.  The seats inside the theater, however, are cushy and comfortable.  It was a fantastic theater experience.

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