As the winter of 2026 unfolds across the Middle East, the region finds itself at a crossroads of tradition, transformation, and turmoil. From the vibrant cultural festivals along the shores of Lake Saihat in Sharqiya to the tense, violence-ridden streets of Idlib, the season has become a tapestry of contrasting experiences—one marked by both celebration and conflict.
In Sharqiya, a region on the eastern edge of Saudi Arabia, the cold months have historically been a time for gathering, reflection, and community. This year, the area sought to amplify that spirit through a series of ambitious cultural initiatives. According to reporting from local news sources, the "Global City" festival emerged as a centerpiece of the winter season, transforming Lake Saihat’s waterfront into a living celebration of multiculturalism. Art, commerce, and entertainment converged in a harmonious blend, inviting visitors to discover the world without ever leaving the city.
The festival’s "Lanterns of the World" event, inspired by global civilizations, illuminated the night with a mesmerizing array of lights. These lanterns didn’t just brighten the evenings—they drew crowds into a shared, almost magical, visual journey. As described by the event organizers, "the evenings become a captivating visual journey," as lanterns inspired by civilizations from across the globe cast their glow over the festival grounds.
But the winter in Sharqiya was more than just spectacle. The Tayebeen Museum opened its doors, offering a nostalgic voyage through Saudi Arabia’s past. The museum, which boasts over 10,000 original artifacts, recreated scenes from decades gone by: a childhood memory library featuring 1970s cartoons, a traditional grocery store stocked with classic products, and an old house that captured the warmth and customs of ancestral gathering spaces. The experience, as visitors noted, "overflowed with warmth and nostalgia," providing a comforting counterpoint to the rapid modernization sweeping the region.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, also played a pivotal role in this season’s "Winter Ithra" program. Running through April 2026, the center became an open space for discovery and inspiration, blending art exhibitions with community engagement. Interactive workshops, musical performances, and live storytelling transformed the center’s halls into a dynamic showcase of creativity. Ithra’s winter campaign wasn’t just about art for art’s sake; it was about fostering connections—between people, between traditions, and between generations.
Adding to the festivities was the comedic performance "Waqf" by Mina Nader, staged on January 10. Specially tailored for the Sharqiya audience, the show mixed laughter with contemplation, infusing the winter scene with a distinctly human warmth. For those seeking more active engagement, "Challenge Night" offered a lively social experiment through January 30, bringing together young people for games, creative contests, and the forging of new friendships. The event’s organizers described it as "a space for making memories, building new friendships, and redefining entertainment as a living connection between people."
For lovers of cultural markets, the "El Mercado" market transported visitors to Spain from January 12 to 31. The market’s vibrant colors, rhythms, and aromas celebrated art, cuisine, and handicrafts, while live performances and authentic Spanish flavors blended seamlessly with the local Saudi spirit. "It’s a unique tableau that simulates travel without leaving the place," remarked one attendee, highlighting the event’s ability to foster a sense of global unity.
All these activities were part of the broader "Saudi Winter" program, launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority under the theme "Winter is Alive." The campaign’s exceptional events calendar spotlighted Sharqiya as a key destination, encouraging locals and tourists alike to explore the region’s rich tapestry of experiences. Details of the program were made easily accessible through the "Spirit of Saudi" platform, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
Yet, even as Sharqiya celebrated its winter festivals, the shadow of violence loomed large. On January 11, 2026, the region was rocked by a sudden eruption of conflict. As reported by local news outlets, a violent confrontation broke out in Sharqiya, resulting in more than 10 casualties—including civilians. The armed group known as "The Global Resistance" claimed responsibility for the attacks, which targeted multiple sites using explosive devices and gunfire.
The violence quickly escalated, with clashes erupting between armed groups and security forces. Authorities responded by imposing a curfew starting January 11 in an attempt to restore order. The situation forced the closure of major roads and caused widespread disruptions to communication and electricity services. The conflict was ongoing at the time of reporting, with government and security forces working tirelessly to regain control. "The authorities imposed a curfew starting January 11, 2026, to control the situation," a government spokesperson confirmed, emphasizing the seriousness of the crisis.
Further north, in the city of Idlib and its surrounding countryside, the winter brought its own set of challenges. Even before the outbreak of violence on January 11, 2026, the area was experiencing a tense atmosphere due to escalating armed clashes. According to a report published the same day, ongoing confrontations between various factions had already led to significant restrictions on movement and disruptions to daily life. The situation in Idlib was described as "tense" and "fraught with uncertainty," as residents grappled with the constant threat of violence and instability.
Against this backdrop of conflict and cultural celebration, the region’s complex social fabric came into sharper focus. The writings of Syrian author Ilfa al-Idlibi, particularly her book "Customs and Traditions of Old Damascene Neighborhoods," offer a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of community, tradition, and mutual support. Al-Idlibi’s work, which documents the intricate social systems of old Damascus, highlights how neighborhoods once functioned as self-regulating units—where disputes were settled internally, and the bonds of family and community provided a safety net for all.
Al-Idlibi’s detailed observations reveal a society where daily interactions—visiting neighbors, sharing food, celebrating and mourning together—created a web of solidarity, but also imposed strict social controls, especially on women and youth. "The neighborhood was both a space of surveillance and solidarity," she wrote, emphasizing the delicate balance between individual freedom and communal responsibility. The old Damascene home, with its careful separation of public and private spaces, reflected a deeply rooted respect for privacy and family values.
Women, in particular, played a central role in maintaining traditions and social cohesion, even as they navigated the constraints of a patriarchal system. Al-Idlibi’s account underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of these women, who managed households, preserved customs, and shaped the rhythm of daily life. Her narrative, far from romanticizing or condemning the past, situates it within its historical and social context, offering a nuanced portrait of a community in transition.
As the winter of 2026 continues, the people of Sharqiya, Idlib, and beyond find themselves negotiating the delicate interplay of heritage and modernity, celebration and crisis. Whether gathered beneath lanterns on the shores of Lake Saihat or seeking shelter from the violence of armed conflict, communities across the region are reminded—sometimes painfully—of the enduring power of tradition, the fragility of peace, and the unbreakable bonds that tie them together.
