Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – July 7, 2025

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) launched today the events of the first edition of "Kids Festival," themed "What If?", billed as the largest cultural event dedicated to children, running over three weeks and offering more than 50 educational and interactive activities aimed at strengthening critical and creative thinking among children of all age groups.

The festival brings together play, learning and exploration in an environment brimming with curiosity, designed to nourish children's imagination and broaden their horizons, reinforcing Ithra's position as a comprehensive cultural center that nurtures talent and develops young minds.

Festival Programs: Learning Adventures, Literature and Art Exhibitions

Kids Festival includes a range of activities, most notably:

  • The "Exploratory Adventure Inside the Museum" experience
  • Interactive "water challenges" that encourage scientific thinking
  • A large exhibition turning white models into artworks using foam board
  • Creative art workshops
  • Family challenges combining play with learning

The festival also hosts discussion sessions titled "Curiosity and Its Importance for Children" and "Learning in Museums," in addition to the fifth edition of the "Children's Book Fair," held from July 14 to 19, with the participation of 20 local and international publishing houses, and with Korea as guest of honor this year.

Children's Literature: Book Signings, Workshops and Knowledge Exchange

The accompanying fair focuses on children's and young-adult literature through:

  • Book-signing sessions with specialized authors
  • Interactive workshops
  • Meetings with cultural institutions such as:
    • King Salman Academy for Arabic Language
    • Bait Al Hikma – Sharjah
    • King Abdulaziz Public Library
    • Abu Dhabi Children's Library

It also includes discussion sessions exploring "Innovation in Children's Literature" and "The Role of Cultural Institutions in Shaping Arab Children's Identity," as well as the "Little Bookseller" book-exchange event and the "Bilingual Reading" workshop.