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RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Wajh’s historic old town, the rawasheen — ornately carved wooden balconies — are enduring symbols of ��������’s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity.

These elegant, protruding structures once lined the homes of coastal residents, offering more than aesthetic beauty, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

Adorned with intricate arabesque patterns and interlocking geometric designs, the rawasheen served a vital function: cooling homes in the sweltering summer heat.

Their design allows outside air to circulate freely while shielding interiors from direct sunlight, functioning as a natural ventilation system long before modern air conditioning.

During the height of the summer, they transformed into protective barriers that welcomed Red Sea breezes and offered shade and comfort to residents, the SPA report explained.

The old town of Al-Wajh, with its preserved port, ancient walls, castles, and historic buildings, remains a testament to the region’s building techniques and rich heritage.

Once known as the port of Hegra (Madaen Saleh), Al-Wajh’s strategic location on the northern Red Sea coast played a key role in shaping its cultural and architectural legacy.
 

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the Social Development Bank, launched a series of specialized training workshops for members of the local community, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the authority’s community empowerment programs aimed at enhancing economic skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting individuals’ aspirations for financial independence and professional sustainability. 

A series of workshops — titled “Financial Freedom,” “Your First Steps Toward Entrepreneurship,” “Freelancing: Your Future Project,” and “Franchising: Promising Opportunities to Enter the Market” — will be held from Aug.10-13. 

All workshops will be held remotely via the Zoom platform, with registration available through the following links: “Financial Freedom” (https://2u.pw/uPm69), “Your First Steps Toward Entrepreneurship” (https://2u.pw/XFuEk), “Freelancing: Your Future Project” (https://2u.pw/KMEET), and “Franchising: Promising Opportunities to Enter the Market” (https://2u.pw/ky3jz). 

These workshops are part of the authority’s efforts to maximize the social and economic impact of the reserve through effective partnerships with developmental entities, foremost among them the Social Development Bank. 

The goal is to empower local community members with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in freelancing and entrepreneurial fields.