From films to traditional dance to historic and cultural activities, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran is the place to be Thursday.
This Founding Day (Thursday, Feb. 22), celebrate the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud through a captivating event that showcases Saudi heritage, culture, and innovation.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where history comes alive. Friends, families and people of all ages can join us with their favorite traditional costumes to capture special moments. Indulge in a diverse array of culinary arts and savor traditional flavors.
Experience the pride and connection to Saudi Arabia's heritage, and leave with lasting memories of this unforgettable celebration.
Programming includes:
Oud Tones: 4-4:30 p.m. in the Plaza, all ages (Arabic)
This is where your journey begins. Walk around the Ithra Plaza, travel through time and experience Saudi from 300 years ago. Through musical performances, interactive programs, different cuisines, and visual artistry.
Decorate Your Costume: 4-10 p.m. in the Lush Garden, all ages (Arabic)
Join us with your children to learn about Saudi costumes in the early days and differentiate between their names, colors, features and which area they are from. Next, make a handicraft, and take a photo to preserve the memory.
Face-o-mat Exhibition: Atelier: 4-9 p.m. in the Plaza, ages 12 and older (Arabic and English)
At the heart of Tobias Gutmann’s artistic practice lies the creation and investigation of encounters — between people, cultures and environments, but also between what we perceive on the outside and what we feel on the inside. Constantly aiming to enter into a flow state of creation, the act of drawing becomes a ritual in which the artist manifests and captures his encounters through his hands.
Founding Day at Energy Exhibit: 4-11 p.m. at the Energy Exhibit, all ages (Arabic and English)
The Energy Exhibit celebrates Founding Day with many experiments and shows for family and friends, through which they learn about the science hidden in the symbols of the founding logo, amongst other interactive experiences.
From Art to Senses: 4-4:20 p.m. at Library- Level 2, Exhibit Area, all ages (Arabic)
In tales from olden times, we will showcase arts through stories. We'll get to know the 'Rababa' instrument, imagine the scent of 'Jareesh', and admire the exquisite dress designs.
Visit us at the Enrichment Library, and let's learn together.
Folk Dances: 4:30-5 p.m. in the Lush Garden, all ages (Arabic)
Walk around the Ithra Lush Gardens and experience different workshops, custom-made games, and interactive art pieces. Or find the perfect spot to lounge and enjoy various cuisines, live cooking stations, and traditional music performances.
Proverbs Challenge: 4:30-5 p.m. at Library - Level 2, Exhibit Area, all ages (Arabic)
How many popular proverbs do you know? What are their stories and the meanings hidden behind them? Join us at Ithra Library to challenge our skills and memory.
Future's Folktales: 4:30-5 p.m. film at the Cinema, PG (Arabic)
Saudi Arabia, a grandmother keeps her Arabic heritage alive through telling folktales to her grandchildren.
Maha lives with her family in the future, in the city of Riyadh. In her daily life, she and her brothers Ryan and Sultan experience many confusing encounters. Hesitant, they need advice and guidance. To ground them, their grandmother tells them interesting and informative tales about the heritage and history of Arabia.
Children’s Oasis: 4:30-5 p.m. at the Children’s Oasis, families (Arabic)
Go to the Children’s Oasis to experience a fun and engaging family show full of pride in our identity and history, where laughter mixes with musical tunes to help us express our joy.
Scientific Treasures of Pottery: 5-10:30 p.m. at the Lush Garden, ages 7 and older, (Arabic, English)
Our visitors are invited to spend an enriching time in the Sustainability Studio at Ithra lush garden, to experience the treasures of scientific ceramics and learn about the heritage patterns used to decorate pottery.
The Roshan Story: 5:30-6 p.m. at the Cinema, PG (Arabic)
The Story of the Roshan
The Roshan – or mashrabiya – represents one of the most characteristic aspects of traditional architecture in Saudi Arabia’s Hijaz region, and is a frequent feature in Jiddah’s heritage buildings. The old city has witnessed continued degradation recently, which has caused the loss of much traditional architecture, including hundreds of these wooden screen windows despite life-long efforts of some to preserve them.
Takhleed
Among certain mountain-bound villages of Saudi Arabia, there once flourished an inspiring form of art. The walls of these secluded abode structures housed the captivating art of al-Qatt al-Asiri, infusing the homes with a vibrant sense of life. This documentary seeks to support the perpetuation of this art form for generations to come.
Najdi Ardah Parade: 6:30-6:45 p.m. at the Lush Garden, all ages (Arabic and English)
Fun times for the entire family and friends. Don’t miss out on Ithra’s engaging and exciting Najdi parade, where you will enjoy different displays, costumes and dances of the traditions of Najd.
Hajjan film: 8-9:40 pm. In the Cinema, PG-12 (Arabic) Matar has to give everything to fight for his racing camel’s life in this timeless coming-of-age drama.
Brothers Matar and Ghanim live in the endless desert of Saudi Arabia. When tragedy strikes, young Matar takes on camel racing. After being hired by ruthless owner Jasser, Matar has to give everything to fight for his camel Hofira's life in this coming-of-age drama.
For more info on these and other offerings at Ithra, please visit https://www.ithra.com.
— The Arabian Sun: February 20, 2024