Riyadh celebrates the rhythms of the tar in an exceptional music festival.

Coverage: Manal Abdulaziz Abu Al-Ela – Managing Editor of SME News Dubai
Riyadh witnessed an exceptional musical evening with the launch of the first edition of the Tar Festival at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater on the Boulevard. The festival, organized by the Saudi Music Authority from August 20 to 23, coincides with the 2025 eSports World Cup.
The festival was not just a concert; it was a comprehensive cultural journey celebrating the tar, one of the most prominent symbols of Saudi musical heritage. The artistic performances blended with a large audience interaction that brought back memories of the past and the beauty of authentic rhythms.
The most beautiful surprise was the musical instrument market, whose design was inspired by the historic Hillah market, offering visitors a unique experience to own and experience a variety of musical instruments. The event did not stop there; the audience had the opportunity to watch craftsmen handcraft the tar and other musical instruments before their eyes, in a scene that combined creativity and skill. This event confirms that the Tar Festival is not just a musical event, but rather an artistic and cultural message that reflects the richness of Saudi identity and strengthens the connection of new generations to an immortal musical heritage that transcends time and space.