Dammam – September 28, 2025
Programming at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) drew more than 150,000 visitors over six consecutive days as part of Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day celebrations, with a mix of cultural, artistic and knowledge-based programs offering a rich experience that strengthened values of citizenship and national belonging across different segments of society.

At a Glance

  • Interactive cultural and knowledge programs: the center offered a series of workshops and educational programs highlighting the diversity of Saudi industries, alongside a special exhibition on environmental sustainability initiatives, giving visitors the chance to learn about the Kingdom's efforts in supporting sustainable development.
  • Saudi coffee as a national symbol: Saudi coffee had a prominent presence in the programming, presented as a symbol deeply rooted in hospitality and national identity, through a journey from coffee cultivation to the cup, alongside a look at traditional brewing methods across the Kingdom's regions, reflecting the geographic, social and spiritual diversity it carries.
  • The crossed swords and palm tree — reading the national symbols: the programming dedicated a space to reviving the history of the crossed-swords-and-palm-tree emblem through archival photos and documents tracing its evolution from its beginnings to its current form, with the palm tree representing giving and life and the crossed swords representing strength and defense of the nation.
  • An experience linking present and future: among the standout activities, visitors were able to write personal letters to themselves to be kept and sent to them in the year of Vision 2030, a symbolic step linking present and future and opening horizons of hope and aspiration toward a bright tomorrow.

Ithra said the success of these events reflects its standing as a beacon of culture and creativity, and a center that brings together the past, present and future in an integrated experience targeting every member of the family.