Red Sea History Center Launches Compass Program

The Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center, affiliated with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), is set to launch the “Compass” program on Muharram 16, 1446 AH, aiming to document the region’s history and offer interactive summer programs. The initiative includes a competition to simplify and produce content using innovative means to enrich the knowledge and cultural content of the Red Sea fields. Targeting university students, graduates, and enthusiasts, the program collaborates with the College of Communication and Media at King Abdulaziz University, the Volunteering and Community Partnership Program “Lenobadir” in Jeddah Governorate, the Jeddah Historic District Program, and the Saudi Committee for Traditional Games.

Context and Background

The Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center, under the umbrella of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Red Sea region and western Saudi Arabia. Darah, established in 1972, serves as a national institution for historical documentation, research, and archival preservation. The launch of the “Compass” program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance cultural heritage and knowledge dissemination, particularly in the Red Sea area, which has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. This initiative is part of a series of programs by the center to engage the community, especially youth, in exploring and documenting the region’s diverse heritage.

Key Details

The “Compass” program will run for five days, with daily activities from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in Jeddah Governorate. Winners will receive financial prizes, and all participants will be awarded certificates of attendance. Experts and specialists will conduct specialized guidance sessions across the program’s tracks. Accompanying activities include a folk games competition and a visit to the historic Jeddah area, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The program comprises three main tracks. The first track focuses on digital production, including short films, photography, infographic design, and motion graphics. The second track centers on culture and arts, covering folk games, artwork, literary works, souvenirs, handicrafts, and performing arts. The third track explores emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, educational technologies, and information technology.

Participants can engage in a wide range of fields, including history, geography, environmental sciences, language and literature, social and human sciences, marine sciences, communication and media, earth sciences, tourism, natural sciences, architecture and planning, architectural engineering, health, energy and industry, logistics and transportation, supply chains, emerging technologies, intangible heritage, submerged heritage, textiles and fashion, interior design, sports, and more. Registration is currently open, and interested candidates will be contacted for further details. More information and registration can be accessed through the center’s website.

Implications and Impact

The “Compass” program is expected to significantly enhance the knowledge and cultural content related to the Red Sea fields, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s history and heritage among participants and the broader public. By involving university students and graduates, the initiative nurtures the next generation of historians, media professionals, and technologists, equipping them with practical skills and innovative tools. The collaboration with multiple entities, including King Abdulaziz University and the Jeddah Historic District Program, underscores a collective commitment to cultural preservation and educational advancement. This program also supports Saudi Arabia’s tourism and cultural sectors by creating engaging content that can attract visitors and promote the Red Sea as a destination rich in history and natural beauty.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The “Compass” program directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its goals to diversify the economy, empower youth, and celebrate national heritage. By leveraging digital production and emerging technologies, the initiative aligns with the vision’s emphasis on innovation and knowledge-based industries. It also contributes to the Quality of Life Program by offering enriching summer activities and promoting cultural tourism. Through such initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its human capital and preserve its cultural identity, reinforcing its position as a global leader in heritage conservation and cultural diplomacy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the “Compass” program?

A1. The “Compass” program is an initiative by the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center to document the region’s history and offer interactive summer programs, including a competition to produce innovative content that enriches knowledge and cultural content in Red Sea fields.

Q2. When will the “Compass” program launch?

A2. The program is set to launch on Muharram 16, 1446 AH, which corresponds to around July 2024, with daily activities from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM over five days.

Q3. Where will the program take place?

A3. The program will be held at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in Jeddah Governorate, with accompanying activities such as a visit to the historic Jeddah area.

Q4. Who is eligible to participate in the “Compass” program?

A4. The program targets university students, graduates, and anyone interested in the fields related to the Red Sea, including history, culture, technology, and more.

Q5. What are the main tracks of the program?

A5. The program comprises three main tracks: digital production (short films, photography, infographics, motion graphics), culture and arts (folk games, artwork, literary works, handicrafts), and emerging technologies (AI, augmented reality, educational technologies).

Q6. What kind of guidance will participants receive?

A6. Experts and specialists will present specialized guidance sessions in the program’s tracks, providing mentorship and insights to help participants develop their projects and skills.

Q7. Are there any prizes or certificates?

A7. Yes, winners will receive financial prizes, and all participants will be awarded certificates of attendance, recognizing their involvement and achievements in the program.

Q8. What accompanying activities are included?

A8. Accompanying activities include a folk games competition and a visit to the historic Jeddah area, offering participants a hands-on experience of the region’s heritage.

Q9. Which organizations are collaborating on the program?

A9. Collaborators include the College of Communication and Media at King Abdulaziz University, the Volunteering and Community Partnership Program “Lenobadir” in Jeddah, the Jeddah Historic District Program, and the Saudi Committee for Traditional Games.

Q10. What fields does the program cover?

A10. The program covers a wide range of fields such as history, geography, environmental sciences, language and literature, social sciences, marine sciences, media, earth sciences, tourism, natural sciences, architecture, health, energy, logistics, emerging technologies, heritage, fashion, interior design, and sports.

Q11. How can interested individuals register?

A11. Registration is currently open, and candidates can sign up through the center’s website. They will be contacted later for more details and confirmation.

Q12. What is the significance of the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center?

A12. The center, affiliated with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), is dedicated to documenting and preserving the history and heritage of the Red Sea region and western Saudi Arabia, making it a vital resource for researchers and the public.

Q13. How does the “Compass” program contribute to Vision 2030?

A13. The program supports Vision 2030 by promoting cultural preservation, empowering youth through skill development, fostering innovation in digital media and technology, and enhancing the quality of life through educational and recreational activities.

Q14. What is the duration of the program?

A14. The program will run for five days, with daily sessions from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, allowing participants to engage in intensive learning and creative activities.

Q15. Will there be opportunities to explore historic Jeddah?

A15. Yes, participants will have the chance to visit the historic Jeddah area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as part of the program’s accompanying activities, enriching their understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.

Q16. What is the role of the Saudi Committee for Traditional Games?

A16. The Saudi Committee for Traditional Games collaborates to organize the folk games competition, promoting traditional sports and games as part of the cultural experience.

Q17. How does the program incorporate emerging technologies?

A17. The program’s third track focuses on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, educational technologies, and information technology, allowing participants to explore cutting-edge tools for content creation and research.

Q18. What types of content will be produced in the digital production track?

A18. Participants in the digital production track will create short films, photography, infographic designs, and motion graphics, using innovative means to simplify and present historical and cultural content.

Q19. Is the program limited to residents of Jeddah?

A19. No, the program is open to all eligible participants, including university students and graduates from across Saudi Arabia, though activities take place in Jeddah.

Q20. Where can I find more information about the “Compass” program?

A20. Further information and registration details can be accessed through the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center’s website, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency.

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