RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has announced that it will change the color of ceremonial carpets from traditional red to lavender in a move that celebrates its national identity. The initiative is a joint partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Royal Protocol and follows other national initiatives including the publication of an art acquisition guide for government agencies and institutions. Lavender in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is associated with blossoming wildflowers that carpet the Kingdom’s desert landscapes in the Spring and is a symbol of Saudi generosity. The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s transformation, driven by Vision 2030, and its aspirations for the future. Through these types of initiatives, the Ministry of Culture seeks to embrace and promote the Kingdom’s national symbols, introducing them to the world. Wild lavender flowers are a celebrated symbol across the Kingdom. They add a hue of color amid the harsh desert landscape, reflecting the flower’s strength, hardiness and inherent beauty, a metaphor for the resilience of the Saudi nation. The lavender carpets will be trimmed with traditional Al Sadu patterns, incorporating the unique Saudi weaving craft that is listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The ceremonial carpets will be a welcoming gesture for visiting dignitaries showing authentic Saudi hospitality and generosity. — SPA