Red Sea Museum announces Ramadan programming celebrating heritage, creativity, and community

• Red Sea Museum presents a rich program of workshops, storytelling sessions, performances, and cultural gatherings throughout the holy month of Ramadan
• Running from February through March 2026 in Historic Jeddah, the Ramadan programming features hands-on workshops in traditional crafts, contemplative creative sessions, and outdoor community gatherings  
• Programming runs alongside the opening of Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea, a major temporary exhibition exploring centuries of cultural exchange across the Red Sea
• Located in the restored Bab Al Bunt building, the Red Sea Museum is a cultural anchor in Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

23 February 2026, Saudi Arabia, JEDDAH: The Red Sea Museum, under the Saudi Museums Commission, one of the eleven sector specific commissions of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, presents a thoughtfully curated program of creative and cultural activities throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Led by local artists, artisans, and cultural practitioners, the museum's Ramadan programming includes contemplative workshops, storytelling sessions, outdoor community gatherings, and musical performances that honor the spirit of reflection, creativity, and connection. The series of engaging sessions creates space for visitors to explore traditional crafts, contemporary storytelling, and cultural heritage through hands-on experiences blending creativity and reflection.

Curated for families, artists, and visitors of all backgrounds, the programming runs alongside Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea, the museum's major temporary exhibition opening 25 February, which explores how archaeological discoveries reveal centuries of trade, navigation, and human connection across the Red Sea.

February Programming

Tuesday 24 February

Radiance in Pieces: Mosaic Lantern 22.00 - 00.00 | Discovery Room

A hands-on workshop exploring the tradition of Islamic mosaic art through the creation of illuminated lanterns inspired by Red Sea heritage. Children and families will learn how small, colorful pieces come together to form meaningful geometric designs, blending creativity, cultural heritage, and reflection. This calm, guided experience allows participants to take home a handcrafted artwork that celebrates the spirit of the holy month.

Wednesday 25 February

Sunken Treasures Exhibition Opening 22.00 - 01.00 | Canopy Exhibition Space & Al Bunt Courtyard

The opening evening of Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea features opening remarks, an exclusive curator-led tour with Eman Zidan (Director, Red Sea Museum) and Dr Solène Marion de Procé (Chief, Saudi - French Archaeological Mission in Farasân Islands), and a panel discussion with archaeologists, scientists, and historians exploring the maritime heritage of the Red Sea. The exhibition presents archaeological discoveries as witnesses to human journeys, cultural exchange, and the enduring relationship between maritime heritage and environmental conservation.

March Programming

Thursday 5 March

One Big Table - Ramadan Gathering 23:00 - 02.00 | Red Sea Museum Outdoor Canopy

One big table brings everyone together, a shared space where families, friends, and neighbors gather to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan. Set outdoors under the evening sky, the experience is complemented by an artisan market featuring handcrafted goods inspired by local traditions and heritage. Live traditional music fill the air, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the values of generosity, connection and togetherness at the heart of the holy month.

Saturday 7 March

From Sand to Porcelain 22.00 - 00.00 | Auditorium

This porcelain painting workshop invites participants to paint calligraphy on fine porcelain using natural sand collected from Jeddah to add subtle texture and depth. While learning basic porcelain painting techniques, participants engage in a reflective, hands-on experience that encourages mindful creation, resulting in a personal keepsake that embodies devotion, place, and the spirit of Ramadan.

Sunday 8 March

Ramadan Spirit: Thread & Needle 22.00 - 00.00 | Auditorium

In the spirit of International Women's Day, Mansaj Studio leads a hands-on punch needling workshop exploring Ramadan iconography through traditional symbols including the crescent, star, and lantern. Participants create textured textile pieces while learning basic punch needle techniques, celebrating both the holy month and the creative contributions of women to traditional textile arts.

Saturday 14 March

The Spirit of Ramadan and the Tale of Jabir Al-Khawatir 22.00 - 23.00 | Discovery Room

This storytelling follows the tale of Jaber Al-Khawatir, a gentle presence who brings comfort, kindness, and emotional healing to those around him. This storytelling session for children and families explores Ramadan as a season of compassion and healing, reminding us that the spirit of the holy month lives in small acts of care and human connection.