The Good People's Shop at the Dates Festival in Dumat al-Jandal: A Journey Through Time
In an atmosphere steeped in the past and rich with heritage, the "Good Old Days Shop" corner captivated visitors to the Dates Festival in Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Jawf region, becoming a cultural icon that evokes memories of a bygone era. This corner offers an exceptional experience, transporting visitors back decades and vividly portraying the traditional markets that once formed the backbone of social and economic life in the Kingdom.
The corner is distinguished by its meticulously designed replica of old shops, showcasing rare artifacts that were once an integral part of Saudi families' daily lives. Among the exhibits that captivated visitors were vintage instant cameras that captured moments from the past, traditional food tins with their distinctive metal designs and colors, and soft drinks and sweets that evoked memories of the 1970s and 80s, stirring nostalgia among the elderly and sparking curiosity among young people and children to learn about the lifestyle of their parents and grandparents.
The importance of the festival and the agricultural status of Al-Jawf
The Dumat Al-Jandal Date Festival is not merely an entertainment event; it holds significant economic and agricultural importance. The Al-Jawf region is one of the most important food baskets in Saudi Arabia, renowned for producing some of the finest dates, most notably the "Halwat Al-Jawf" variety, which enjoys widespread local and regional acclaim. The festival serves as a vital marketing platform, enabling farmers to showcase their products and establish direct communication channels with consumers and investors, thus boosting the region's economic activity.
Strengthening national identity and connecting generations
The “Good Old Days Shop” initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen national identity and preserve cultural heritage, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on heritage and culture. Such events, held alongside agricultural festivals, play a pivotal role in documenting the social transformations that Saudi society has undergone, highlighting how consumption and shopping patterns have evolved from simplicity and spontaneity to modernity.
The festival provides an opportunity for visitors from within and outside the region to explore the historical landmarks of Dumat al-Jandal, such as the Mard Castle and the Omar Ibn al-Khattab Mosque, thus combining agricultural tourism with heritage tourism, and making a visit to “Dukkan al-Tayyibin” part of an integrated cultural journey that tells the story of man and land in this historical part of the Kingdom.
