Ministry of Culture's guide to Ramadan decorations: Unifying Saudi visual identity
An initiative to promote national identity during the holy month
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the “Ramadan Decorations and Games Guide,” a strategic step aimed at organizing and unifying the visual identity of celebrations and events associated with the holy month. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the cultural and national character of various occasions and ensure a cohesive image that reflects the authenticity of Saudi heritage and its deeply rooted values.
General context: Organizing the visual landscape and linking it to the national vision
Historically, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has been associated with diverse popular celebrations, with streets, homes, and shopping centers adorned with various decorations and lights. While these expressions of joy and anticipation for the arrival of the holy month have often lacked a unified visual identity that accurately reflects local culture. Within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on preserving heritage and strengthening national identity, this guide represents a qualitative leap in managing the public cultural landscape. It goes beyond simply setting aesthetic standards; it seeks to instill profound cultural concepts in the public consciousness through carefully considered visual elements.
Guide details: Colors and lines inspired by authenticity
The ministry emphasized that color is a pivotal element in building any successful visual identity, and therefore the guidelines stressed the need for strict adherence to a specific set of color codes. The approved identity is based on the values of clarity, authenticity, grounding, and determination , and includes a primary color palette and eight secondary colors, in addition to white and beige to ensure contrast and clarity. The ministry clarified that any colors outside this defined range are considered unapproved, in order to maintain the identity's consistency and visual integrity across all printed and digital materials.
The guide also highlighted the importance of typography, adopting a bold Arabic font for headings and a silk font for text, while harmonious English fonts were selected to ensure linguistic and visual consistency. The ministry also unveiled a set of icons designed specifically for the occasion, which can be used individually or combined to create innovative visual patterns that reflect the spirit of the holy month and local heritage.
Importance and Expected Impact: From Local to Global
Locally, this guide is expected to contribute to a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing visual environment in Saudi cities during Ramadan, fostering a sense of belonging and national pride. It also opens new horizons for local designers and artisans to produce artwork and decorations that meet established standards, thus supporting local creative industries. Regionally and internationally, this initiative sends a clear message about the Kingdom's commitment to its cultural heritage and its ability to present it to the world in a modern and organized manner. As the heart of the Islamic world, unifying its visual identity during Ramadan projects a sophisticated and progressive image to millions of visitors, pilgrims, and observers worldwide.
Interactive games to promote culture in an entertaining way
The initiative wasn't limited to visuals; the guide also included a range of interactive and educational games inspired by Saudi heritage. These games featured cultural quiz cards, a version of the traditional Saudi card game "Shadda" with Saudi characters and designs, and language games based on local vocabulary. The aim of these games was to strengthen family and community bonds during the month and connect younger generations with their history and heritage in an engaging and innovative way.
