Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah hosts Classic Car Festival 2020

The festival will run from February 27 to 29. (SPA)
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Updated 25 February 2020
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Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah hosts Classic Car Festival 2020

  • The largest of its kind in the Middle East, the festival will showcase 500 classic and rare cars

RIYADH: The General Supervisor of the Organizing Committee for the Diriyah Festival for Classic Cars 2020, Dr. Nasser bin Abdullah al-Masaari, stressed on the importance of the Classic Car Festival held at the Diriyah Governorate from February 27 to 29, under the direct support of Prince Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman, Governor of Diriyah, and the auspices of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), organized by the Diriyah Archaeological Foundation.

This was announced at a press conference held by the organizing committee in the diplomatic district in Riyadh. The conference was attended by Thamer al-Sudairy, official spokesman of Ad-Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and the spokesperson for the Quality of Life Program, Mazroa al-Mazroo, the executive director of the Diriyah Classic Car Festival, Sattam Al-Khuzami, and a number of Saudi and Gulf media representatives.

Dr. Masaari revealed that the Diriyah Car Festival, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, will witness the participation of about 500 classic and rare cars owned by individuals from Saudi Arabia, GCC countries, Jordan, Lebanon, Italy and other countries, all of whom came from their countries to participate in this festival and show off their passion. The event will be attended by the most prominent owners of classic and collection cars in the world.

On the sidelines of the festival, an auction on classic and collection cars will be organized, in addition to entertainment activities for adults and children, including an exhibition of plastic art, souvenir bazaar, family and children competitions, and various entertainment activities.
 


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.