Saudi Arabia’s ‘Houses of Culture’ Redefine Libraries, Enrich Local Communities

Libraries Commission CEO Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Asim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Libraries Commission CEO Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Asim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s ‘Houses of Culture’ Redefine Libraries, Enrich Local Communities

Libraries Commission CEO Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Asim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Libraries Commission CEO Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Asim (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Culture Ministry’s Libraries Commission opened another “House of Culture” in one of Asir region’s provinces on Sunday, the second to open this month after one in the Eastern Region.

It’s part of a plan to revamp public libraries into vibrant cultural hubs in the area.

With Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene evolving since the launch of its National Culture Strategy, institutions are keen on embedding culture as a lifestyle.

They're focusing on enhancing the Kingdom’s library sector, with the first two cultural houses opening out of 153 planned across Saudi Arabia. These spaces aim to go beyond book storage, becoming platforms to uplift local communities’ quality of life.

In mid-June 2020, the Culture Ministry launched an initiative to upgrade public libraries nationwide.

The aim is to turn them into modern cultural hubs that cater to all segments of society, offering knowledge, participation, and interaction opportunities.

This move comes after a field study by the ministry on the status of libraries in Saudi Arabia.

Based on the findings, a development plan stretching until 2030 was crafted. The plan aims to establish 153 public libraries across all regions, all following the concept of “House of Culture,” blending library functions with cultural engagement.

On his part, Libraries Commission CEO Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Asim highlighted the need for a fresh approach to libraries.

He emphasized the importance of the new House of Culture concept, which aims to create interactive platforms serving diverse community needs, from education to entertainment and entrepreneurship.

Al-Asim underscored the significance of these cultural houses for Saudi Arabia’s social and cultural sectors, aligning with the goals of “Vision 2030.”

He expressed optimism that these initiatives will bring tangible benefits to society, encouraging investment in hobbies and interests, and fostering a vibrant cultural and social scene.

The cultural houses have diverse sections, including learning areas, a kids’ theater, a main stage, and a library with reading spaces.

Each house also offers innovation and tech spaces, along with essential facilities like prayer rooms, meeting areas, printing and computer services, a café, and a store.

These houses are part of the “Quality of Life” program, a key aspect of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 national transformation plan.

They aim to upgrade cultural infrastructure, establish cultural hubs, and improve public libraries to boost Saudi engagement in arts and culture as part of the Kingdom’s long-term vision.



Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition

The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition

The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA

In the presence of Japan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) at Jax District inaugurated on Wednesday the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, will run until February 8, 2025.
This international exhibition, which has been on tour since 2016, is presented for the first time in an Arab country. Driven by its commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and dialogue, SAMoCA is hosting the exhibition at a significant time, as 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, SPA reported.
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, a key figure in traditional Japanese art. It highlights his collection called Hokusai Manga, first published in 1814. With more than 4,000 sketches across 15 volumes, the collection depicts various aspects of daily life, landscapes, and whimsical creatures, signalling a new era in Japanese illustration art.
Hokusai's works became popular during the Edo period (1603–1868), and his volumes were published until 1834. Even after his passing in 1849, his work continued inspiring artists in Japan and globally, shaping modern manga art.
The exhibition aims to showcase the history and development of manga, highlighting how Hokusai's classical illustrations have impacted modern visual arts. It offers visitors a journey through the evolution of this art form, from its classical origins to its modern and innovative expressions.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is the first contemporary art museum in Saudi Arabia. It plays a significant role in the nation's cultural renaissance under Vision 2030, serving as a platform for local and international artists to exchange, connect, and grow, shaping the future of contemporary art in the Kingdom and beyond.
Tickets for the exhibition are available through WeBook.