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Explore the magic of puppets, shared traditions and storytelling with Ramadan Nights: Hakawati Hayy. Over eight nights, the programme will draw on, explore and take inspiration from hakawati (the traditional storyteller), folktales from the Hejaz and togetherness across generations, culture, space and time.
In collaboration with the Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation and local creatives, makers and clubs, Ramadan Nights offers a diverse programme celebrating the history of Arab puppetry, rituals and shadow play through collective imagination, play and community.
About:
Founded in 2008, the Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation (APTF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving, revitalizing and advancing puppetry in the Arab world. Working as a touring theatre, training platform and knowledge hub, APTF bridges tradition and contemporary practice through restoration, education and innovative performances. The foundation is committed to supporting artists and using puppetry as a powerful tool for cultural expression, storytelling and social dialogue.
Local participants and contributors include: Dar Waraqa Publishing, Radish House, Tafakkur Club, Jeddah Deaf Club, Al Mohtaraf (Naqsh), Aysh Academy, Sofia’s Bistro, Hakawi Stationery, JED Board Games, Azka Foods, SANS Sandwich Bar, Urban Roastery & Coffee Bar, Ganache, Baeshen Fish Restaurant, Samra & Jamra, Quench me and more!
Join us for new experiences, creativity and connections during Ramadan Nights: Hakawati Hayy.
FULL PROGRAMME
Second & Third Weeks of Ramadan
From 9:30 PM until 2:00 AM
Week 1
Starting from Wednesday 25 February until Sunday 1 March 2026
Puppet display and performances, hands-on workshops, masterclasses, engaging talks, children’s activities, board games and F&B
Week 2
Starting from Thursday 5 March until Saturday 7 March 2026
A continuation of storytelling workshops, talks, board games and F&B
Week 3
Starting from Saturday 7 March until Sunday 15 March 2026
Continuation of games night with JED Board Games, local and fusion eateries and other activations across Hayy Jameel
The programme will offer something for everyone across the following categories:
ENJOY & EXPLORE
Late-night fusion and traditional F&B for gathering
INTERACT & PLAY
Games and participatory activities for all ages
CREATE & LEARN
Hands-on and engaging workshops, masterclasses, talks and tours
WATCH & ENJOY
Live performances, storytelling and creative encounters
Mark your calendars for the full programme – to be announced soon!
To RSVP for the workshops, register below:
Day 6: Thursday, March 5
Workshop: Sand Hakawati: Women & Wisdom in the Quran with Dr. Wejdan Felmban
Project Space I 11pm – 1am
RSVP required here
Day 7: Friday, March 6
Workshop: Night of Giving with Tafakkur Club
Community Garden, Roof I 11pm – 1am
RSVP required here
Day 8: Saturday 7 March
Talk: Deaf Among the City’s Alleyways with Jeddah Deaf Club
Project Space I 11pm – 12:30am
RSVP required here
For children’s activities at Hayy Explorers, please visit HERE
For workshops at Hayy Makers, please visit HERE
For workshops and activities at the Jameel Library, please check the full programme PDF document.
