Darah's Antame Program Chronicles The Evolution Of Air Travel In Saudi Arabia

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has spotlighted the early days of air travel in Saudi Arabia, tracing its evolution from inception to the present. This initiative is part of Darah's cultural program, which aims to educate younger generations about the Kingdom's vibrant history, culture, and geography.

Through this program, Darah narrates how aeroplanes were introduced to the Kingdom in an engaging video. In 1945, during a meeting with US President Franklin Roosevelt in the Suez Canal region, King Abdulaziz received a civilian DC-3 aircraft as a gift. Rather than keeping it, the King donated the aircraft to his people and purchased two more planes that year for passenger and mail transportation within the Kingdom. This action marked the beginning of air travel in Saudi Arabia.

The foundation described the early days of air travel as uncomplicated, with flights arranged based on the needs of the people and prevailing circumstances. As demand for air travel grew, the fleet expanded with ten more aircraft, improving flight operations. In 1963, a royal decree was issued to establish Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Darah emphasized that the Kingdom has made significant progress in operating and maintaining aircraft at high standards. The Antame Program leverages digital tools and entertainment to engage youth with Saudi Arabia's rich history, aligning with Vision 2030. It aims to showcase the Kingdom's profound historical and cultural significance on local, regional, and global scales.

The program encourages interaction with the Kingdom's history, explores its stories and legends, instils pride in ancestors' accomplishments, values, and ethics, and highlights Darah's extensive collection of preserved historical heritage. Darah offers an opportunity to explore the program and its content in the "Discover Our Stories" section.

Additionally, there are dedicated sections for narratives, national beginnings, and markets. An educational section aims to increase knowledge and information on the Kingdom's rich history, culture, and development. This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage younger generations with Saudi Arabia's past and instil a sense of pride in their heritage.

The foundation's efforts align with Vision 2030's goals of promoting cultural awareness and preserving historical heritage. By utilising digital tools and interactive content, Darah aims to make history accessible and engaging for all age groups.

With inputs from SPA