Over 80,000 Attend Founding Day Celebrations at Ithra

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran successfully concluded its Founding Day celebrations, drawing over 80,000 visitors across three days of immersive cultural experiences. The event, held from February 22 to 24, 2025, celebrated three centuries of Saudi history and heritage, offering attendees a deep dive into the Kingdom’s traditions, crafts, and cultural narratives.

Context and Background

Founding Day, celebrated annually on February 22, marks the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. This year’s celebrations at Ithra aimed to highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy while fostering a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s historical journey among both local and international audiences.

Key Details

The event featured a diverse range of activities, including workshops on traditional crafts like Bisht weaving and leather crafting, as well as immersive experiences such as Sadu storytelling and Arabic calligraphy. The Children’s Museum offered tailored activities for younger visitors, ensuring inclusivity across age groups. A special session titled ‘Aljareed Aroma’ explored traditional scents, while documentaries on Saudi cuisine and coffee provided further cultural insights.

Implications and Impact

The overwhelming turnout underscores the growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its traditions. The event also served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, fostering international appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s historical and modern contributions to global culture.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This celebration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of promoting cultural preservation, enhancing national identity, and positioning the Kingdom as a global cultural hub. By engaging both local and international audiences, Ithra continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s cultural and tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Ithra?

A1. Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, is a leading cultural institution in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to promoting art, culture, and innovation.

Q2. When were the Founding Day celebrations held?

A2. The celebrations took place from February 22 to 24, 2025.

Q3. How many visitors attended the event?

A3. Over 80,000 visitors attended the Founding Day celebrations at Ithra.

Q4. What does Founding Day commemorate?

A4. Founding Day marks the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

Q5. What activities were featured at the event?

A5. Activities included workshops on traditional crafts, Sadu storytelling, Arabic calligraphy, and immersive historical exhibits.

Q6. What is Bisht weaving?

A6. Bisht weaving is a traditional Saudi craft involving the creation of the Bisht, a luxurious cloak worn on special occasions.

Q7. What was the ‘Aljareed Aroma’ session about?

A7. The session explored traditional scents and aromas integral to Saudi heritage.

Q8. Were there activities for children?

A8. Yes, the Children’s Museum hosted tailored activities for younger visitors.

Q9. What documentaries were shown?

A9. Documentaries on Saudi cuisine and coffee were featured to provide cultural insights.

Q10. What is Sadu storytelling?

A10. Sadu storytelling is a traditional art form involving the narration of cultural and historical tales.

Q11. How does the event align with Vision 2030?

A11. The event supports Vision 2030’s goals of cultural preservation and promoting Saudi Arabia as a global cultural hub.

Q12. What is the significance of Founding Day?

A12. Founding Day celebrates the establishment of the first Saudi state and highlights the Kingdom’s historical roots.

Q13. What is the role of Ithra in Saudi culture?

A13. Ithra serves as a cultural hub, fostering creativity, innovation, and the preservation of Saudi heritage.

Q14. What is Arabic calligraphy?

A14. Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of writing Arabic script in decorative and stylized forms.

Q15. How did the event foster cultural diplomacy?

A15. By showcasing Saudi heritage to international visitors, the event promoted cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Q16. What traditional crafts were demonstrated?

A16. Traditional crafts included Bisht weaving, leather crafting, and soap making.

Q17. What is the Children’s Museum?

A17. The Children’s Museum at Ithra offers interactive and educational activities designed for younger audiences.

Q18. How does Ithra contribute to tourism?

A18. Ithra attracts visitors by offering cultural experiences, thereby boosting Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.

Q19. What is the historical significance of 1727?

A19. The year 1727 marks the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

Q20. How does the event support national identity?

A20. By celebrating Saudi traditions and history, the event reinforces national pride and cultural identity.

---