Category: Culture

The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival announces winners of the Crown Prince’s Shalfa Camel category on day 28, honoring top breeders and celebrating Saudi heritage.

Riyadh Art announces 30 artists from 23 countries for the 6th Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, running Jan 15-Feb 8, 2025, at ROSHN Waterfront.

The Ministry of Culture concludes the Year of the Camel with a ceremony in Riyadh, honoring partners and celebrating Saudi heritage and UNESCO-recognized Alheda’a.

Discover Ain Zubaidah, Makkah’s historic water canal that has served pilgrims for over 1,200 years. Learn how this ancient system aligns with Saudi Vision 2030.

The ‘Chinese Film Nights’ event in Jeddah concluded after three days of screenings, highlighting growing cultural ties and cinematic collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China.

The ninth King Abdulaziz Camel Festival’s cultural camp in Riyadh offered immersive desert experiences, drawing international visitors and showcasing Saudi heritage.

The Museums Commission has opened applications for its Virtual Reality Competition for Museums, training young Saudi talents in VR design to transform cultural heritage experiences.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts launches the Wrth Community initiative in Riyadh, marking the start of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and promoting cultural heritage.

The Craftsmen’s Corner at Irth Village in the Jazan Winter Festival draws visitors to experience leather tanning, pottery, weaving, and Saudi heritage crafts.

The Visual Arts Commission launches the third Kingdom Photography Award, inviting photographers to capture Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and compete for SAR400,000.

Ithra Winter events in Dhahran have attracted over 57,000 visitors since December 16, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s cultural momentum under Vision 2030.

Discover how handicraft making in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders, including Sadu weaving and embroidery, is preserved by women and celebrated in the Year of Handicrafts 2025.

Saudi Press Agency reports surging demand for handmade traditional fur garments in Arar as near-freezing temperatures grip the Northern Borders region, with Turaif named coldest governorate.

Camels have shaped Arabian civilization for over 120,000 years. Saudi Arabia documents this legacy through Darah and the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.

Diriyah Season extends the Imam Turki bin Abdullah ‘Enduring Resilience’ Exhibition until January 11, celebrating the second Saudi state’s founder and Saudi heritage.

Saudi Arabia designates 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, celebrating traditional crafts like palm weaving and pottery through events, exhibitions, and global outreach.

Saudi Ministry of Culture concludes second Common Ground festival at Boulevard City, celebrating Iraqi-Saudi cultural ties with 100+ artworks, food, and heritage.

Saudi Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon to innovate handicrafts sector as part of 2025 Year of Handicrafts. Registration open until January 31, 2025.

Discover the Shabari dagger, a traditional handicraft from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, celebrated in the 2025 Year of Handicrafts for its heritage and craftsmanship.

Discover how Al-Baha’s wicker craft, a women-led tradition using palm fronds, is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts for its cultural and sustainable value.

Saudi Arabia’s Sadu weaving, inscribed by UNESCO in 2020, remains a cherished cultural treasure as the Kingdom designates 2025 the Year of Handicrafts.

The Heritage Commission concludes its third excavation season at Al-Ma’mala in Al-Baha, uncovering ancient walls, artifacts, and trade route evidence.

The ninth King Abdulaziz Camel Festival concluded with over 320 competitive rounds, celebrating Saudi heritage and Vision 2030 cultural goals.

The sixth International Video Art Forum concluded in Dammam, showcasing 56 artworks from 29 countries and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision.

Hira Cultural District in Makkah launches winter activities for mid-year vacation, featuring the Revelation Exhibition, heritage walks, theater, and marketplace until Jan 10.

The HARFA Festival in Hail, organized by the Hail Region Principality, showcases traditional crafts and heritage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Discover the Janbiya dagger, a cherished symbol of Najran’s heritage. Learn about its craftsmanship, cultural significance, and alignment with Vision 2030.

Hail’s HARFA 2025 handicrafts festival concluded with over 91,000 visitors, celebrating Saudi heritage, artisans, and the Year of Handicrafts 2025.

Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture meets Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister to discuss expanding cultural cooperation in 2025, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Saudi Music Commission and U.S. Embassy in Riyadh announce the first visit of jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Janis Siegel, and the UCLA jazz ensemble to Saudi Arabia.

Kairouan’s historic carpet industry faces rising costs, weak demand, and import competition, threatening a centuries-old Tunisian heritage craft and its artisans.

The Saudi Fashion Commission launches the Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition to preserve heritage and nurture design talent under Vision 2030.

The Heritage Commission registers 3,202 new sites in the National Urban Heritage Register, bringing the total to 28,202 and advancing Saudi Arabia’s heritage preservation.

Saudi Arabia hosts the first Arab showing of ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ at SAMoCA, celebrating 70 years of Saudi-Japan ties and Vision 2030 cultural goals.

Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Al-Touq participates in the 24th Arab Culture Ministers Conference in Morocco, focusing on cultural industries and digital transformation.

The sixth Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium in Riyadh welcomes 30 artists from 23 countries, creating public art from local stone until February 8, 2025.

The 24th Conference of Arab Culture Ministers in Rabat focuses on cultural industries, digital transformation, and AI, with Saudi Arabia playing a leading role.

Discover the najr, the traditional copper mortar and pestle celebrated as a symbol of Arab hospitality, heritage, and generosity across Saudi Arabia and the region.

Museums in Saudi Arabia’s Hail region offer a captivating journey through time, preserving heritage and boosting cultural tourism in line with Vision 2030.

Discover the Mizab and Mishrab, iconic leather crafts from Najran, Saudi Arabia. Learn how these traditional items preserve heritage and align with Vision 2030.

The Culinary Arts Commission organizes the Food Culture Festival across Al-Khobar, Riyadh, and Jeddah, celebrating local and global cuisines under Vision 2030.

The fourth AlUla Arts Festival opens in Saudi Arabia, showcasing Saudi and international artists until February 22, 2025, in a celebration of culture and heritage.

Saudi Fashion Commission and Kering begin screening for the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia, supporting 20 sustainable fashion startups with training and global exposure.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs launches the second edition of Sri Lanka’s Holy Quran memorization finals, with 200 female finalists in Colombo.

Chinese Consul General Wang Qimin visits Al-Serrian Port in Al-Lith to observe joint Saudi-Chinese excavation, highlighting cultural ties and Vision 2030.

KSGAAL and ALECSO will hold a symposium in Tunis on January 20, 2025, to discuss a report on language policies in Arab countries, aiming to unify strategies and preserve Arabic.

More than 84,000 visitors attended the Hira Winter events in Makkah, featuring the Revelation Exhibition, Caravan Experience, and cultural performances aligned with Vision 2030.

Saudi Culture Minister and Riyadh Mayor sign MoU to enhance quality of life, cultural infrastructure, and investment in Riyadh, supporting Vision 2030 goals.

The fifth Joy Awards in Riyadh honored top Arab and international stars, including Morgan Freeman and Andrea Bocelli, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s entertainment growth.

Saudi Film Commission launches art cinema initiative with Korean Film Week in Riyadh, featuring workshops, screenings, and cultural exchange to boost Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia launches “Saudi Tours in Japan” across seven cities ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka, where its pavilion opens April 13 with over 700 events.

Ithra concludes Iqra Marathon across 17 Arab libraries, with participants reading nearly 1.5 million pages. The event promoted reading culture and environmental sustainability.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education launch the third Cultural Skills Competition, featuring nine artistic tracks for general education students.

The Holy Quran Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District displays rare Quranic manuscripts and interactive exhibits, enriching the pilgrimage experience.

Under Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan’s patronage, the Music Commission concluded the Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’s sixth tour in Riyadh with 95 performers.

Saudi Film Nights launches in India from January 31 to February 5, 2025, screening Saudi films in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad to foster cultural exchange.

Turkish Ambassador Dr. Emrullah İşler visited Makkah’s Hira Cultural District, touring the Revelation Exhibition and Holy Quran Museum’s rare manuscripts.

Saudi Arabia will participate in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair from January 23 to February 5, 2025, led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission with 11 government entities.

Saudi Arabia’s Libraries Commission launches a five-year initiative to modernize 153 public libraries, transforming them into digital cultural platforms under Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia hosts CONEXÃO from January 30 to February 1, 2025, celebrating Saudi-Brazilian traditional arts under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

The Museums Commission launched its 2025 vision for Saudi Arabia’s museum sector, highlighting new museums, partnerships, and education programs aligned with Vision 2030.

Discover the Museum of the Holy Quran at Hira Cultural District in Makkah, adorned with Islamic art and rare manuscripts, offering a profound cultural experience.

James Turrell joins AlUla Arts Festival 2025 with a special exhibition at Wadi AlFann, previewing his monumental light installation in Saudi Arabia’s cultural valley.

Traditional Samri dance captivates thousands at Hail Toyota International Rally 2025, showcasing Saudi heritage and Vision 2030 cultural integration.

The Royal Commission for AlUla signs new partnerships with Italian institutions to enhance cultural heritage cooperation, covering archaeology, museums, and sustainable tourism.

The inaugural Taif Falcons Cup concluded near Okaz Market with over 300 falconers, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to heritage sports and Vision 2030.

Tuwaiq Sculpture 2025 in Riyadh hosts panel discussions, workshops, and interactive activities at ROSHN Front, advancing Riyadh Art and Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

AlUla Arts Festival’s Al Khatt event highlights Arabic calligraphy from Jan 16 to Feb 22, 2025, showcasing installations, exhibitions, and cultural products in Saudi Arabia.

The 16th Klija Festival opens in Buraydah, Qassim, celebrating Saudi heritage and empowering small businesses through sustainable marketing and cultural events.

Hail Region Municipality pavilion at SNP Expo 2 in Kuwait showcases traditional Saudi winter dishes Maqshush and Hail Kibbeibh, celebrating national culinary heritage.

Discover Al-Muzfar, the traditional carrying cradle from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Learn how this folk heritage item reflects ingenuity and Vision 2030 cultural preservation.

The Saudi Camel Racing Federation unveils golden trophies for the 2025 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival, blending Al Janadriyah-inspired design with Italian craftsmanship.

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission participates in the 2025 New Delhi World Book Fair, showcasing Tarjem, Arabic language, and Saudi heritage.

Diriyah Art Futures expands February programming with AI art exhibition talks and an audio production workshop, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s cultural innovation under Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s ‘Art of the Kingdom’ exhibition opens at SAMoCA@Jax in Riyadh on February 24, 2025, featuring 17 Saudi contemporary artists before traveling to China.

The King’s Camel Racing Festival 2025 features award swords adorned with traditional arts, marking the Year of Handicrafts and showcasing Saudi heritage.

Saudi cultural bureau participates in 56th Cairo International Book Fair, showcasing publications that highlight Saudi identity and Vision 2030 cultural goals.

Manga Productions wins the Saudi Media Forum Award for the ‘Future’s Folktales 2’ anime campaign, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing global creative industries.

Riyadh Art completes installation of Davide Rivalta sculptures at Al-Nafal Park, showcasing wildlife-inspired public art in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Najrani wheat sees soaring demand ahead of Ramadan, as Saudi Arabia’s heritage grain remains a cherished staple for traditional dishes like Raqsh, embodying Vision 2030’s blend of culture and sustainability.

The Saudi Museums Commission hosted an open talk on museums, sustainability, and environmental awareness, highlighting eco-friendly design and community engagement.

GASTAT’s 2024 Household Culture and Entertainment Survey reveals 81.6% of individuals in Saudi Arabia visited cultural events, with 85.3% attending entertainment activities.

Saudi Ministry of Culture announces Ramadan Season 1446 AH with lights, heritage events, and Iftar experiences in Riyadh and Jeddah under the slogan Our Nights Have Returned.

Saudi Arabia adorns streets with crescents and lanterns to welcome Ramadan, as communities embrace traditions and authorities ensure safety nationwide.

Senegal President Macky Sall inaugurates the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography in Dakar, a Saudi-backed project promoting moderate Islam and cultural tourism.

Heritage utensil markets in Najran see a surge in demand for traditional stone and pottery cookware and wicker crafts as Ramadan begins, SPA reports.

Discover the unique Ramadan traditions of Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands, from painted walls to pebble courtyards, as documented by the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh’s Manfuha neighborhood is being restored under Phase Two of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, preserving Najdi architecture and expanding capacity to 440 worshippers.

Discover how Al-Wadi and Al-Jabal Village in Taif preserves Ramadan traditions through faith, family, and agriculture, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Discover Hilwah Al-Jouf dates, a Ramadan staple from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jouf region. Learn about their cultivation, cultural significance, and role in Vision 2030.

Discover how Riyadh’s popular markets blend heritage and modern life during Ramadan, offering traditional foods, crafts, and community spirit in Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Discover Jazan’s perfumed water tradition, a luxurious mastic-infused beverage that graces iftar tables during Ramadan, symbolizing Saudi hospitality and cultural heritage.

Families in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders apply henna to young girls’ hands to celebrate their first fast, blending cultural heritage with Ramadan joy and Vision 2030 values.

Discover how Jeddah’s Ramadan transforms with lights and the beloved Al-Mirkaz tradition, where families gather outdoors after iftar in historic districts like Al-Balad.

Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission announces the curatorial team for the inaugural Art Week Riyadh, April 6-13, 2025, under the theme ‘At the Edge’.

Demand for Siwak, the traditional chewing stick, rises during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. Learn about its heritage, health benefits, and Vision 2030 alignment.

The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah showcases rare Islamic artifacts, including the Maqam Ibrahim glass dome, with first-time exhibits outside Makkah until May 25.

Riyadh is illuminated with traditional lanterns and festive lights for Ramadan, boosting domestic tourism and showcasing Saudi heritage and Vision 2030 progress.

Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO site, hosts Ramadan Season 2025 with cultural tours, markets, and workshops, organized by the Ministry of Culture to promote Saudi heritage and Vision 2030.

Traditional games in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region revive during Ramadan, strengthening family bonds and cultural heritage, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.