JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission will hold a Scientific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage in Jeddah on Monday, with the participation of researchers from several countries.
The conference aims to discuss studies on research projects and the importance of preserving the features of underwater heritage. The event will also honor pioneers and researchers in the field.
The commission hopes to preserve underwater cultural heritage, prioritize survey and excavation projects for underwater heritage sites, and promote the exchange of expertise and experiences in the field.
This aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Culture within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The conference will announce the establishment of a specialized center to protect underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Sessions will be broadcast on the Heritage Commission’s YouTube channel.
The conference will feature four panel discussions, each addressing key aspects of underwater cultural heritage.
The first will delve into “Survey Projects for Submerged Heritage in Saudi Arabia,” showcasing ongoing efforts within the Kingdom.
The second will explore “Results of Submerged Heritage Survey Projects Worldwide,” providing a global perspective on underwater cultural heritage.
The third will focus on “Archaeological Research Sources and Modern Techniques in Surveying and Excavating Submerged Heritage,” highlighting innovative approaches employed in the field.
The fourth will address “Capacity Building and Management of Submerged Cultural Heritage,” emphasizing the importance of developing expertise and sustainable management practices.
Participants from various Arab and international countries will be hosted during the event, including the US, Spain, the UK, Argentina, Italy, Slovenia, Mexico, South Korea, Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Bulgaria and Australia.
The commission’s commitment to organizing this conference stems from its belief in the integral role of submerged cultural heritage in shaping national culture and heritage.
Submerged heritage serves as a living testament to the historical relationships between the Kingdom and ancient civilizations.
In addition to the conference sessions, the commission has planned a historical tour and special activities to engage and educate attendees about the significance of submerged cultural heritage.
This interactive approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of the historical narratives embedded in the underwater heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah forum to discuss underwater heritage preservation
https://arab.news/mfuy9
Jeddah forum to discuss underwater heritage preservation
- Saudi commission leads global discussion on protecting underwater cultural heritage
- The conference will announce the establishment of a specialized center to protect underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Ithra celebrates Founding Day with family-friendly Ramadan festivities
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day as part of a multi-night Ramadan cultural experience from Feb. 20-22.
As it has done annually since the launch of Founding Day in 2022, Ithra’s indoor and outdoor spaces weave together history, arts and community engagement, offering a wide range of experiences inspired by the beginnings of the first Saudi state across the center’s facilities.
Visitors are welcomed into a festive, family-friendly Ramadan atmosphere through a rich array of 30 programs, activities and events honoring the Kingdom’s heritage and the achievements of the country’s founders 300 years ago.
Riyadh-based Tiger Lee, who is from China, drove several hours from the capital to Dhahran and was delighted to experience the celebratory energy.
“Today is a holiday and we have three days of vacation (for Founding Day), so we just visited this city — it is our first time,” he told Arab News as his two friends, also Chinese, looked on.
“This city is so beautiful; it has a beautiful beach, different from Riyadh — that’s a beautiful city also,” Lee said.
“I have been in Riyadh for four years, but this is my first time in Dhahran. You know, the Chinese are always working, very busy. And it’s the Chinese New Year and also Ramadan, so it’s a very, very special time,” he said.
Lee was eager to enter the Ithra Cinema and watch one of the films being screened.
“We will enter to watch a film in half an hour, I don’t know what it is about, I still did not watch, but I want to understand how this country is building, what is this history of this country?”
He was also excited to explore the country more broadly.
“Saudi Arabia is a very, very important country in the Middle East. We also have a good friendship between China and this country,” Lee added. “I feel so good. I’m saying thank you, thank you very much, Saudi Arabia — from my heart.”
As always, entry to the center is free, and visitors of all nationalities are welcome.
There are plenty of culinary experiences for snacking and dining within the center’s premises. Nosh, Cantina, Tobby’s, Baking Up, Brunswick, Salil, Origo, Roboresso, Fast 2, and, of course, Pattis, an Ithra staple for years, are among the options available for food and drinks.
Outdoor offerings include the souq, featuring local vendors selling traditional goods; the Henna: From Mothers to Daughters henna station; traditional sadu weaving sessions; and more.
The nearby Energy Exhibit offers activations such as Minted History, which delves into the Kingdom’s old paper currency, the Najdi Majlis Experience, and Heritage of Our Ancestors.
The Plaza will be hosting three main events: Holy Qur’an: The Manuscripts, Katatib Journey, and the Takhleed mini art exhibition titled “Timeless Sacrifices.”
The cinema, which Lee and his friends attended, is showcasing three films. Screenings are free of charge but require tickets, which can be secured at the box office desk.
The Ithra Museum, as well as the library, are holding special storytelling experiences for the young and young at heart.
The only part of Ithra’s Founding Day festivities that requires purchasing tickets is the Children’s Museum. With so many interactive spaces and activities, the admission price of SR20 ($5) may be worth it.
Since the Founding Day celebrations coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, Ithra has also arranged Taraweeh prayers on the premises for those who wish to join.
The center will be open from 8:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. for the duration of the Founding Day celebrations. Visit Ithra’s website or social media channels for exact timings of each activity.
