The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) hosted a youth gathering in Riyadh on December 25, 2024, bringing together young people of various nationalities as part of its “Ambassador” program, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event, held under the umbrella of the Kingdom’s leading institution for intercultural and interfaith dialogue, was designed to foster cultural communication, introduce the Saudi identity and heritage, and highlight the authentic traditions and customs of Saudi society. It drew the participation of the Heritage Commission, which mounted a dedicated booth showcasing the craft industry and the experiences of international students studying in the Kingdom, alongside discussions on coexistence and tolerance among civilizations.
How does a single youth gathering in Riyadh connect to the Kingdom’s broader ambitions on the world stage? For Saudi Arabia, the answer lies in the way the event reflects a deliberate, long-term strategy of opening the country’s cultural doors to the world while preserving the traditions that define its identity. The “Ambassador” program, run by KACND, is not an isolated initiative but part of a wider national effort to position the Kingdom as a hub for cross-cultural exchange, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By inviting international students to engage directly with Saudi heritage, the program turns everyday cultural encounters into a form of quiet diplomacy that resonates far beyond the event itself.
Context and Background
Why does an institution dedicated to national dialogue place such emphasis on introducing Saudi heritage to young people from other countries? The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, established in 2003, has long served as a platform for promoting tolerance, coexistence, and mutual understanding within Saudi society and beyond. Its “Ambassador” program extends that mission internationally, using cultural communication as a bridge between the Kingdom and the diverse communities of students who come to study at its universities. The program’s objectives are explicit: to introduce the Saudi identity and heritage, to highlight the authentic traditions and customs of Saudi society, and to enhance coexistence and shared human values such as tolerance and openness to other cultures.
Deputy Secretary-General of KACND Ibrahim bin Zayed Al-Asimi stated that the “Ambassador” program aims to foster cultural communication and to strengthen relationships between the Kingdom and the international students who live and study within it. His remarks underscore a philosophy that treats cultural exchange as a two-way street: international students gain a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia, while Saudi society benefits from exposure to the customs, languages, and perspectives those students bring with them. The initiative is presented as being in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places human capital development, global engagement, and quality of life at the center of the Kingdom’s transformation.
The timing of the gathering is significant. Saudi Arabia is hosting a rapidly growing number of international students, drawn by expanding scholarship programs, new academic institutions, and the Kingdom’s rising profile as a destination for education and research. As these students settle into Saudi cities, the question of how they integrate into local society becomes increasingly important. Programs such as “Ambassador” offer a structured, welcoming framework for that integration, turning what could be a purely academic stay into a formative cultural experience. In doing so, the Kingdom reinforces its reputation as a society that values openness, hospitality, and the exchange of ideas.
Key Details of the Gathering
What actually happened at the KACND youth gathering, and why does the format matter? According to the Saudi Press Agency, the event featured the participation of the Heritage Commission, which set up a booth to showcase the craft industry and to highlight the experiences of international students studying in the Kingdom and their integration into Saudi society. The presence of the Heritage Commission, a body dedicated to preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy, signals that the event was designed to be more than a social occasion. It was an opportunity to present Saudi crafts, traditions, and heritage as living practices that international students can encounter directly, rather than as distant historical artifacts.
Attendees engaged in discussions on coexistence and tolerance among civilizations and explored the shared human values connecting different societies. They also learned about social customs and traditions, including culinary practices and unique linguistic expressions, from various cultures. This element of the program is particularly notable: the exchange was not one-directional. International students were invited to share their own cultural traditions, including food and language, creating a genuinely reciprocal environment. Such exchanges help to build the kind of mutual respect that sustains long-term relationships between nations and communities.
The gathering also served as a practical demonstration of how Saudi institutions coordinate to advance cultural goals. KACND provided the dialogue framework and the convening power, while the Heritage Commission contributed content on crafts and heritage. This division of labor reflects a broader pattern in Saudi cultural policy, in which specialized agencies collaborate to deliver programs that are both educational and engaging. For the international students who attended, the result was a direct, personal encounter with Saudi heritage, mediated by the very institutions responsible for preserving it.
International and Regional Impact
How do small-scale cultural exchanges translate into international goodwill? In an era when global perceptions are shaped by media narratives and political debates, direct personal experiences carry disproportionate weight. International students who participate in programs like “Ambassador” return to their home countries with firsthand knowledge of Saudi society, its hospitality, and its traditions. They become informal ambassadors themselves, capable of offering nuanced perspectives that counter stereotypes. Over time, this network of former students can become a valuable asset for Saudi diplomacy, trade, and academic collaboration, strengthening ties across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
At the regional level, the gathering reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader role as a stabilizing and unifying force in the Middle East. By promoting coexistence and tolerance among civilizations, the Kingdom positions itself as a constructive actor in a region often defined by division. The discussions held at the event, focused on shared human values, echo the themes that Saudi leadership has consistently emphasized in international forums. For neighboring countries and regional partners, the “Ambassador” program offers a model of cultural engagement that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation and inclusion over exclusion, reinforcing the Kingdom’s reputation as a bridge-builder.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What does cultural exchange have to do with economic strategy? A great deal, according to the logic of Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation depends on attracting talent, investment, and partnerships from around the world. International students are part of that talent pipeline; many go on to work in Saudi companies, research institutions, and joint ventures, or to become business leaders in their home countries with strong ties to the Kingdom. By making their time in Saudi Arabia culturally enriching, programs like “Ambassador” increase the likelihood that these students will remain connected to the Kingdom long after they graduate, contributing to trade, investment, and knowledge transfer.
The event also highlights the growing importance of the cultural and creative industries within the Saudi economy. The Heritage Commission’s booth, focused on the craft industry, points to a sector that supports artisans, preserves traditional skills, and creates economic opportunities in rural and urban communities alike. As Saudi Arabia invests in tourism, entertainment, and cultural infrastructure, heritage crafts become both a source of national pride and a driver of sustainable development. International students who learn about these crafts may become consumers, advocates, or even collaborators in the global market for Saudi cultural products.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the “Ambassador” program fit into the larger architecture of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is built on three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Cultural dialogue and heritage promotion sit at the intersection of all three. A vibrant society values its traditions while welcoming others; a thriving economy benefits from global connections and a strong creative sector; an ambitious nation engages confidently with the world. By bringing international students together with Saudi heritage institutions, KACND is advancing each of these pillars in a concrete, measurable way.
The program also supports the Vision’s emphasis on quality of life and social cohesion. International students who feel welcomed and understood are more likely to speak positively about the Kingdom, to recommend it to peers, and to return as tourists or investors. Meanwhile, Saudi youth who participate in such exchanges develop the intercultural skills needed in a globalized economy. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward 2030, initiatives like “Ambassador” will remain essential tools for building the trust and mutual understanding on which lasting international partnerships depend. The Riyadh gathering is a reminder that the Kingdom’s future is being shaped not only in boardrooms and construction sites, but also in the quiet, human moments where cultures meet.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the main purpose of the KACND youth gathering in Riyadh?
A1. The gathering aimed to foster cultural communication, introduce Saudi identity and heritage to young people of various nationalities, and promote coexistence and shared human values, as part of the “Ambassador” program aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Q2. Who hosted the event and where did it take place?
A2. The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) hosted the event in Riyadh on December 25, 2024. It brought together young people of various nationalities under the center’s “Ambassador” program.
Q3. What is the “Ambassador” program?
A3. The “Ambassador” program is a KACND initiative that fosters cultural communication, introduces Saudi identity and heritage, and highlights authentic traditions and customs. It seeks to enhance coexistence and promote shared human values such as tolerance and openness.
Q4. Who is Ibrahim bin Zayed Al-Asimi?
A4. Ibrahim bin Zayed Al-Asimi is the Deputy Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue. He stated that the “Ambassador” program aims to foster cultural communication and strengthen relationships between different cultures.
Q5. Which Saudi entity participated alongside KACND?
A5. The Heritage Commission participated in the event, setting up a booth to showcase the craft industry and highlight the experiences of international students studying in the Kingdom and their integration into Saudi society.
Q6. What did attendees discuss at the gathering?
A6. Attendees engaged in discussions on coexistence and tolerance among civilizations and explored the shared human values connecting different societies. They also learned about social customs, culinary practices, and unique linguistic expressions from various cultures.
Q7. How does the event align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A7. The event aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural dialogue, enhancing coexistence, and supporting the Kingdom’s goals of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation engaged globally while preserving its heritage.
Q8. What role did the Heritage Commission play at the event?
A8. The Heritage Commission set up a booth to showcase the craft industry and highlight the experiences of international students in the Kingdom. Its participation reflected the importance of preserving and promoting Saudi cultural heritage.
Q9. Why are international students important to Saudi Arabia’s cultural strategy?
A9. International students bring diverse perspectives and serve as cultural bridges. By engaging with Saudi heritage, they gain firsthand knowledge that they can share globally, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s international relationships and cultural diplomacy.
Q10. What does KACND stand for and when was it established?
A10. KACND stands for the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue. It was established in 2003 and serves as a platform for promoting tolerance, coexistence, and mutual understanding within Saudi society and internationally.
Q11. How does the “Ambassador” program promote coexistence?
A11. The program brings together young people of various nationalities to discuss shared human values, learn about each other’s customs, and build mutual respect. This direct interaction fosters tolerance and openness to other cultures.
Q12. What types of cultural practices were shared at the event?
A12. Attendees learned about social customs and traditions, including culinary practices and unique linguistic expressions from various cultures. This exchange allowed participants to appreciate both Saudi heritage and the traditions of other societies.
Q13. How does this event reflect Saudi Arabia’s global engagement?
A13. The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international dialogue and cultural exchange. By welcoming students from various nationalities, the Kingdom positions itself as a bridge-builder and a promoter of tolerance on the global stage.
Q14. What is the significance of the craft industry in Saudi heritage?
A14. The craft industry represents traditional skills passed down through generations. It supports artisans, preserves cultural identity, and contributes to the creative economy, making it a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s heritage and Vision 2030 goals.
Q15. How might international students benefit from such programs?
A15. International students gain a deeper understanding of Saudi culture, build relationships with local communities, and develop intercultural skills. These experiences enrich their academic stay and can lead to lasting personal and professional connections.
Q16. What message does this event send to the international community?
A16. The event sends a message of openness, tolerance, and mutual respect. It shows that Saudi Arabia values dialogue and is committed to building bridges between cultures, in line with its Vision 2030 objectives.
Q17. How does KACND cooperate with other Saudi institutions?
A17. KACND collaborates with specialized agencies such as the Heritage Commission to deliver programs that combine dialogue with cultural content. This coordination ensures that events are educational, engaging, and aligned with national priorities.
Q18. What are the long-term goals of the “Ambassador” program?
A18. The long-term goals include enhancing coexistence, strengthening international relationships, and promoting shared human values. By engaging young people, the program aims to build a global network of individuals with positive ties to Saudi Arabia.
Q19. How does this initiative support Saudi Arabia’s tourism and cultural sectors?
A19. By introducing international students to Saudi heritage, the initiative encourages them to become advocates for the Kingdom’s tourism and cultural offerings. Their positive experiences can attract future visitors and support the growth of these sectors.
Q20. What does the future hold for KACND’s cultural exchange efforts?
A20. KACND is expected to continue expanding its “Ambassador” program and similar initiatives, further integrating international students into Saudi society and reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a global hub for dialogue and cultural exchange.
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