In recent years, Saudi Arabia has undergone a profound cultural transformation, developing into a vibrant and diverse destination. Spearheading this revolution is the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia which has established itself as the Kingdom’s leading creative destination for talent development and cross-cultural experiences. 

Established in 2018 as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Saudi Aramco, and boasting state-of-the-art facilities, Ithra has emerged as a driving force nurturing talent and facilitating transformative cultural encounters. A shining example was the recent standout performance by global superstar pianist Lang Lang who wowed a sold-out audience at Ithra Theatre in December of last year. 

At the core of Ithra’s ethos lies a profound commitment to making a tangible and positive impact on human development. Its year-round, purpose-driven programming enriches, educates, and inspires, encompassing the pillars of art, knowledge, creativity, community, and culture. 

Aside from its impressive theatre, Ithra is home to a four-storey museum, arranged thematically into a quartet of galleries; contemporary art, Saudi heritage, Islamic civilisation, natural history, and human ecology. The prestigious Ithra Art Prize, now in its sixth edition, continues to celebrate contemporary artists from 22 Arab countries with a substantial $100,000 grant awarded each year. 

Ithra is also very active in the film industry, supporting Saudi talent both in front of and behind the camera. Since the launch of Ithra Film Productions, Ithra has participated in more than 72 film festivals and its films have won 24 awards. 

The ‘Beyond Learning’ initiative highlights Ithra’s dedication to educational innovation empowering learners through innovative platforms and practices. Complementing the educational offering is Ithra Library which is one of the largest and most modern in the region featuring more than 500,000 texts and a variety of digital resources.

Ithra also propels the growth of digital immersive technologies, fostering innovation and self-development among aspiring creatives with its Creative Solutions Residency Programme.

Another cutting-edge programme is Tanween, the largest creative platform in the Kingdom. The 2023 edition of the conference introduced its first-ever Mega Challenge, inviting 64 global innovators to design sustainable solutions improving the lives of refugees targeting education, food security, and power generation.

Ithra is supporting the development of the creative and cultural economy in Saudi Arabia serving as both a gateway to the Kingdom and a connection to the world.