Saudi Arabia’s desert communities celebrate Eid with historic traditions
Celebrations demonstrate how ancient customs anchor Saudi Arabia’s modernization in rich soil of its cultural identity
TABUK, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — The vast deserts of northwestern Saudi Arabia came alive with unique Eid al-Fitr celebrations this week as local communities honored centuries-old Bedouin customs that blend cultural heritage with modern festivities.
Against the backdrop of Tabuk’s sweeping sand dunes, camel riders known as “hajjanah” formed majestic processions, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Their decorated mounts carried them across the arid landscape as they chanted “Al-Hijini” poetry—a traditional art form that weaves themes of patriotism, romance, and ancestral wisdom into rhythmic verses.
The desert Eid traditions preserve the region’s nomadic identity while adapting to contemporary life.
The Al-Hijini poetic tradition derives its name from the prized camels bred for riding and racing, with its cadence mirroring the animals’ steady gait.
“These chants are the heartbeat of our desert heritage,” one local participant told SPA.
“When we recite them together during Eid, we feel connected to our ancestors and to each other,” he added.
Originally a solo performance to ease the solitude of desert travel, Al-Hijini has evolved into a communal celebration during holidays and national events.
Its simple yet spirited melodies filled the air as riders exchanged holiday greetings, their voices carrying across the sands in a testament to the enduring Bedouin spirit.
The camels themselves—adorned with traditional finery—stood as living symbols of cultural pride, their importance to desert life reflected in every verse.
As families gathered for festive meals after morning prayers, the rhythmic chanting continued, blending with laughter and conversation to create the distinctive soundscape of a Tabuk Eid.
Local historians note that such traditions have been passed down virtually unchanged for generations, serving both as entertainment and as an oral archive of Bedouin values, proverbs, and collective memory.
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