Dhahran: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will celebrate the 96th Saudi National Day with a five-day program of cultural events running from September 22 to 26, inviting local and international visitors to explore the Kingdom's origins and future ambitions. This year's National Day program centers on the theme "Glory Through Our People," exploring the evolution of culture and the blend of heritage and modernity. The celebrations kick off with a grand military parade, followed by a full program featuring 36 curated experiences designed to engage visitors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event includes an examination of the unique architectural languages of the Kingdom's various regions in the "Inspired by Our Roots" workshop and also features "Saudi Calligraphy Art" sessions, where guests are invited to engage with the aesthetic power of Arabic script. For those seeking immersive programs, Ithra is integrating technology with "Pride Salute," a motion-sensing experience that translates military ceremonial movements into digital art, and a sonic experiment "Who Leads the Rhythm," blending traditional Saudi instruments with contemporary electronic sounds.
The festival features a curated selection of Saudi films, including "The Destination," a documentary showcasing the Kingdom's transformative progress under Saudi Vision 2030, and new experimental films like Marjouj and Irtizaz. At the Ithra museum, visitors can tour "Bedayat: The Beginning of the Saudi Art Movement," an exhibition tracing the evolution of the national art scene from the 1960s to the 1980s. This exhibition features renowned early Saudi artists, archival materials, and examines the transformation of Saudi art over the decades.
The celebrations also include an open-air concert in Ithra's Lush Garden with musical performances alongside traditional folk ensembles. The program showcases the sounds of rhythmic folk dances of the West and South: the Majrour of Taif, the Khabiti, the Khatwa of the South, and the Rayeh of Bisha, as well as a traditional sword dance, the Ardah, and the Samri, a poetic, melodious performance. Ithra, an initiative by Aramco, is a leading cultural destination in Dhahran, focusing on enriching people's lives by offering impactful cultural and creative programs and initiatives.
