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.
