The Mansoojat Foundation New Website
The Mansoojat Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our new website: www.mansoojat.org The new platform has been created to celebrate, document, and share the rich textile and costume traditions of Saudi Arabia with audiences around the world. Traditional garments are more than clothing — they carry stories of identity, craftsmanship, memory, and community. Through our collections, research, exhibitions, and partnerships, we are committed to preserving this living heritage for future generations. Our new website offers: • Improved access to collection highlights • News and updates on projects and exhibitions • Opportunities to support our work • A growing[...]
Aperture Now Streaming on MBC Shahid
We are delighted to share that Aperture, the new documentary following British heritage photographer and Mansoojat Foundation Trustee Richard Wilding, is now available to watch on MBC Shahid. The film follows Richard as he returns to Saudi Arabia after more than a decade, revisiting the people and places he first documented during his early work in the Kingdom. From Jeddah’s Al Balad to the mountain villages of Aseer and Fayfa, the restored city of Diriyah and the Farasan Islands, Aperture reflects on how Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape has evolved — and what has endured. The Mansoojat Foundation is honoured to[...]
Mick Denton – Governance Support
The Mansoojat Foundation continues to strengthen its organisational development with the support of governance and strategy consultant Mick Denton. Mick brings extensive experience working with charities and social enterprises through periods of growth and transition. His work focuses on helping organisations build clear, effective structures that support long-term sustainability while staying true to their mission. At Mansoojat, Mick has been working closely with the Foundation to support the development of its governance framework, collections strategy, and digital platform. This work is helping to ensure that Mansoojat is well-positioned to grow its reach and impact, while continuing its important work preserving[...]
The Zay Initiative
Traditional Costumes of Saudi Arabia –A book review The book is not only a showcase for The Mansoojat Foundation Collection but a window onto the culture and society of Saudi Arabia. By showcasing the costumes, we get to understand and learn about the different geographical regions, the different tribes and cultures, the layers and intricacies of society, as well as the vibrant and colourful textiles and crafts that are part of Saudi Arabia's heritage. https://thezay.org/mansoojat-book-review/
Hijaz white burqu
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz white burqu (face mask) of fine gauze which is heavily starched. It is embroidered along the front and comes with different floral motifs and in varying lengths. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few miles away, the focus of the annual hajj or Muslim pilgrimage. Makkah and Jeddah for centuries have been the melting-pot of the Muslim world, and this is reflected in dress styles.
Hijaz milayah wrap
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz milayah large rectangular wrap worn to go out. It is made of two panels with decorative bands and tassels along the edge. The silk fabric was either imported from India or Indonesia. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few miles away, the focus of the annual hajj or Muslim pilgrimage. Makkah and Jeddah for centuries have been the melting-pot of the Muslim world, and this is[...]
Hijaz ensemble
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz ensemble with the inner fitted zaboon embroidered in a floral design with gold thread and small sequins. The outer thobe is made of a sheer linen-like fabric. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few miles away, the focus of the annual hajj or Muslim pilgrimage. Makkah and Jeddah for centuries have been the melting-pot of the Muslim world, and this is reflected in dress styles.
Hijaz boys’ fine silk velvet coat
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' fine silk velvet coat embroidered with sequins and gold thread. This type of garment was worn for traditional festivities. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few miles away, the focus of the annual hajj or Muslim pilgrimage. Makkah and Jeddah for centuries have been the melting-pot of the Muslim world, and this is reflected in dress styles.
Hijaz boys’ two piece embroidered velvet suit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' two piece embroidered velvet suit dating to c.1930. This style was restricted for the use of young boys. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few miles away, the focus of the annual hajj or Muslim pilgrimage. Makkah and Jeddah for centuries have been the melting-pot of the Muslim world, and this is reflected in dress styles.
Hijaz outfit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz outfit comprising the inner silk zaboon under the fine organza thobe. Casual day outfits were made in the same way except that the fabric was plain or printed cotton. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few miles away, the focus of the annual hajj or Muslim pilgrimage. Makkah and Jeddah for centuries have been the melting-pot of the Muslim world, and this is reflected in dress[...]
The Mansoojat Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our new website: www.mansoojat.org The new platform has been created to celebrate, document, and share the rich textile and costume traditions of Saudi Arabia with audiences around the world. Traditional garments are more than clothing — they carry stories of[...]
We are delighted to share that Aperture, the new documentary following British heritage photographer and Mansoojat Foundation Trustee Richard Wilding, is now available to watch on MBC Shahid. The film follows Richard as he returns to Saudi Arabia after more than a decade, revisiting the people and places he first[...]
The Mansoojat Foundation continues to strengthen its organisational development with the support of governance and strategy consultant Mick Denton. Mick brings extensive experience working with charities and social enterprises through periods of growth and transition. His work focuses on helping organisations build clear, effective structures that support long-term sustainability while[...]
Traditional Costumes of Saudi Arabia –A book review The book is not only a showcase for The Mansoojat Foundation Collection but a window onto the culture and society of Saudi Arabia. By showcasing the costumes, we get to understand and learn about the different geographical regions, the different tribes and[...]
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz white burqu (face mask) of fine gauze which is heavily starched. It is embroidered along the front and comes with different floral motifs and in varying lengths. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah”[...]
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz milayah large rectangular wrap worn to go out. It is made of two panels with decorative bands and tassels along the edge. The silk fabric was either imported from India or Indonesia. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is[...]
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz ensemble with the inner fitted zaboon embroidered in a floral design with gold thread and small sequins. The outer thobe is made of a sheer linen-like fabric. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah”[...]
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' fine silk velvet coat embroidered with sequins and gold thread. This type of garment was worn for traditional festivities. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the[...]
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' two piece embroidered velvet suit dating to c.1930. This style was restricted for the use of young boys. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most[...]
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz outfit comprising the inner silk zaboon under the fine organza thobe. Casual day outfits were made in the same way except that the fabric was plain or printed cotton. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the[...]
