In the vast expanse of the desert, the Bedouin tent, known locally as "Bayt Aal-Sha'ar" (the house of hair), graces the landscape and is a remarkable symbol of Arabic heritage. Today, these nomadic abodes continue to grace the courtyards of many houses in Saudi Arabia. Sanctuaries for those seeking kinship and connection, these tents have become the favorite choice for outdoor activities and social gatherings. Um Najeh, a specialist in weaving and maintaining Bedouin tents at the King Abdulaziz Women's Society for Social Development in Al-Jouf Region, said there has been growing demand recently for these time-honored dwellings, particularly in the winter season. Prices, she said, vary depending on the type of material used for the interior and exterior, as well as the furnishings, fireplaces, and other accessories. The house of hair, woven from domesticated goat and sheep hair, and using the time-honored Al Sadu weaving technique, inscribed in 2020 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, serves as a shield against cold, rain, sandstorms, and the scorching desert sun. Um Najeh, who delved deeper into the diverse forms that Bedouin tents assume, said that some are closed on four sides, while others have one or more sides open, inviting gentle breezes in for their inhabitants. The roofs, triangular of square, are supported by sturdy wooden poles. Wooden or iron pegs are used to anchor these abodes firmly to the earth. The crafting of these tents lies in the capable hands of Bedouin women who skillfully transform the raw materials present in their surroundings. They use a collection of traditional tools at their disposal: a spindle to spin the strands of hair into thread, a stick to clean the fibers, large-sized sewing needle to stitch the fabric together, and ropes pulled tightly to secure the tent. Supported by a single pole or by six or more, each tent carries with it the rich heritage of the desert's dwellers and their timeless bond with their surroundings. — SPA
