A Tales & Treasures Love Story The story of Qays & Laila immortalized by Bab Samhan and Charmaleena

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

From the earth rises ancient civlisations, where mud brick walls and palm lined pathways hold the memory of generations who left their mark through poetry, craftsmanship, and tradition. History is not confined to the past. It lingers in every courtyard, every doorway, and every story still waiting to be told.

And some stories are too beautiful to belong to history. They linger in the places that first gave them life, in the wind that moves across the desert, in the verses passed from one generation to the next, and in the doorways that have quietly witnessed centuries of arrivals and farewells.

Few have endured like that of Qays and Laila. They travel through time, finding new voices, new places, and new ways to be remembered. Long before they became the Arab world’s most celebrated lovers, they were simply two souls whose story unfolded beneath the open desert skies. 1

Denied a life together, Qays turned to poetry, writing verses that would outlive both him and his beloved. Centuries later, his words continue to echo across our world, not because they tell us how love ends, but because they remind us why some stories never do.

One verse remains as powerful today as when they were first spoken:

وما حُبُّ الديارِ شَغَفْنَ قلبي

ولكن حُبُّ مَن سَكَنَ الديارا

“It is not the dwellings themselves that captured my hear

 but those who dwelled within them”

Long after the verses were first spoken, they remain as timeless as ever. They live within the landscapes they first inspired, in the stories passed down, and in the objects that preserve what words cannot. United by a shared reverence for heritage, Bab Samhan and Charmaleena give those echoes a new form through The Locket of Love inspired by memory, belonging, and the timeless beauty of stories carried close to the heart.

Drawing from the enduring story of Qays and Laila, The Locket of Love is engraved with poetry and reflects the intricate patterns of traditional doors and homes. Crafted in 18k gold and diamonds, it carries the words and spirit of the tale in a piece that can be treasured, worn, and personalised, allowing each wearer to make it a story of their own.

Taking its name from one of ancient Diriyah’s most iconic gates, Bab Samhan stands as a passage between past and present, preserving the stories of Najd while inviting new ones to unearth. Together with Charmaleena, whose contemporary fine jewellery is known for transforming emotions and narrative into heirloom worthy masterpieces, the two unite through profound pride in culture.

It is through this shared commitment that a limited edition collaboration takes shape. As part of Charmaleena’s signature Tales & Treasures collection this meaningful edition pays homage to a land where poetry was born and emotions were immortalised, finding its home at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah.

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection® is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort are a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 125 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah

Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, is the first luxury hotel to open in Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Nestled in the heart of this UNESCO-listed historic district, the hotel seamlessly blends Najdi architecture with modern sophistication, offering guests an immersive cultural experience. Featuring 134 elegantly designed guest rooms, including 23 suites, Bab Samhan reflects the timeless heritage of the region with intricate details and locally inspired art.

Guests can savor authentic Mediterranean and International cuisine at two signature restaurants, Taleed by Chef Michael Mina and Medheef, or unwind at Nafel Alwadi Spa with rejuvenating wellness treatments.

The hotel boasts an exclusive fitness center, five event spaces, and a grand ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests.

As part of The Luxury Collection, Bab Samhan is dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of Diriyah through curated experiences such as guided tours, storytelling sessions, and culinary journeys, offering global explorers a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s storied heritage.

For more information, please visit: www.marriott.com/ruhlc