Al Hakawati, the Arabic term for a traditional storyteller, is witnessing a revival in the Saudi capital during the holy month.

For the third consecutive year, Riyadh International Catering Corporation (McDonald’s Saudi Arabia) has set up tents inside a number of shopping centers in Riyadh where children gather around a hakawati to enjoy folkloric tales.

The hakawati experience offers children a creative outlet to listen to adventures and tales filled with moral lessons.

Story-telling is one of the oldest forms of entertainment.

A number of other activities are also available for children, including face drawing and arts and crafts sessions, in which children design Ramadan lanterns and Eid greeting cards.

This year the program included a new addition, featuring kids taking on the role of storytellers.

Abdul Rahman Omran, the youngest storyteller, told Arab News: “My experience as a hakawati has been exciting and fun, as it allowed me the opportunity to meet many children and use my imagination to tell tales.”

Abdullah Al Rashad, a 10-year-old boy who visited the hakawati tent, said: “This is the first time I hear stories from a storyteller; usually I either watch programs on YouTube or the television. I enjoyed listening to his stories because it was a live and interactive performance; we laughed a lot.”

Commenting on the program, a McDonald’s official said: “We were keen on creating activities suitable for the holy month. We chose tales that would emphasize Islamic values and engage children’s imaginations.”