RIYADH: The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new complex for the US Consulate General in Dhahran was held in the Eastern Province on Tuesday.
“Today, we begin a new chapter in the longstanding historical relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia,” Consul General Mike Hankey said.
“First established in the Eastern Province over 70 years ago, the US Consulate General in Dhahran has grown side-by-side with this community, forming a lasting partnership based on mutual friendship and respect. The new building is yet another cornerstone in our enduring relationship.”
Participants in the event included Hankey, his predecessor Joey Hood, Eastern Province Secretary-General Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Battal, Eastern Province Mayor Fahad Al-Jubeir, and other senior Saudi officials and local community leaders.
Conveying good wishes on behalf of Eastern Province Gov. Saud bin Naif, Al-Battal reaffirmed the strength and depth of US-Saudi relations.
He added that the new multi-building complex will greatly expand services for Saudis and expatriates traveling to the US, and will better support American citizens living and working in the Kingdom.
It will be situated on a 10.5-acre site in the city of Alkhobar, and will include a consulate office building, the consul general’s residence, support services buildings and facilities for consulate staff. The new complex is expected to open in 2020.
Foundation laid for new US Consulate in Dhahran
Foundation laid for new US Consulate in Dhahran
Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region
- To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
- ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’
BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.
It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.
Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.
“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.
Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.
He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.
“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.
The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.
This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.
