Saudi Arabia’s Ithra announces 2nd edition of Tanween cultural season

Tanween 2019 will feature a new central theme to develop the imagination and introduce new ways of learning. (AN photo by Ziyad Alarfaj)
Updated 01 August 2019
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s Ithra announces 2nd edition of Tanween cultural season

  • Tanween connects visitors with world-class speakers, experts, specialists and innovators across different industries from around the globe

DHAHRAN: The King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced the highly anticipated second edition of its annual Tanween creativity season on Wednesday.

The second edition, set to take place at Ithra during October, will host international speakers and guests who will deliver talks, seminars, workshops and panels to aspiring professionals from the Kingdom and the region.

Similar to the inaugural 2018 edition, Tanween’s second year will feature interactive art installations, exhibitions, activities and special education and entertainment lineups for family visitors of all ages and interests.

FASTFACT

• In its first edition, Tanween drew more than 64,000 visitors and 4,600 students from Saudi Arabia and beyond to engage with 53 international speakers and 36 talks.

With program offerings aimed at professionals of all levels, curious learners, entrepreneurs as well as family audiences, Tanween connects visitors with world-class speakers, experts, specialists and innovators across different industries from around the globe to introduce creative concepts.

Commenting on Tanween 2019, Ithra’s Director Ali Al-Mutairi, said: “Tanween aims to empower the next generation of Saudi creatives and innovators as a catalyst for creative economies and meaningful youth engagement. By bridging Saudi talent with a global community of experts, the initiative provides a global platform introducing new content for new talent and delivers impact to a generation of young learners and creatives.

“In addition to career progression and mentorship, Tanween introduces new ways of learning, wherein our visitors allow their imagination to play, develop and create within engaging creative spaces. As with last year’s overwhelming Tanween success, Ithra is proud to facilitate an inspiration-fueled environment cementing our position as a creative and cultural destination where innovation is constantly encouraged.”


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
Follow

Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”