RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Horse Festival 2022 has kicked off in Riyadh after a curtain raiser at the International Equestrian Resort.
With the support of its strategic partner the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, people from across the region flocked to the opening for the premiere event for purebred Arabian horses.
This is the second edition of the festival, being held under the slogan of “Ubayyah in Diriyah.”
The opening included the holding of the Diriyah Pride Auction, offering an opportunity to acquire a selection of horses whose breeds belong to rare horses, with a display of 40 head of mares and forts.
The horse Bromma Bahmas was sold at auction for SR180,000 ($48,000), a portion of the sum will go to charity. Side events such as a living museum of purebred Arabian horses were organized to reflect the Kingdom’s great equestrian heritage.
The festival will also include art competitions, live music, shops and restaurants, and many other events including the Ubayyah Experience, similar to the dining, wellness and hospitality concept of Sadu Escape in AlUla.
The most prominent event will be the International Championship for Purebred Arabian Horses.
Saudi Arabian Horse Festival gallops into Riyadh
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Saudi Arabian Horse Festival gallops into Riyadh
- The horse Bromma Bahmas was sold at auction for SR180,000 ($48,000), a portion of the sum will go to charity
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
