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Quality of Life Program Continues to Empower Saudi Cultural Sector

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Quality of Life Program Continues to Empower Saudi Cultural Sector

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Quality of Life Program continues to support the transformation of Saudi Arabia's cultural sector, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for arts and culture, as outlined in Vision 2030. This is evident in the reopening of the King Fahd Cultural Center, the historic Qishlah Palace in Hail, and the launch of the teamLab Jeddah museum, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program also bolstered the production of Saudi films and series like "Threads of the Ma'azib," "Al Sharrar," and "Complex 75," while showcasing international films like "Kandahar" and "Dunki," filmed in the Kingdom.
The initiative to develop public libraries resulted in two new libraries in Dammam and Ahad Rufaidah, with plans for 153 cultural centers by 2030. The Saudi Artisanal Company was also established to support the handicraft sector and preserve Saudi heritage, SPA said.
In 2023, the program's cultural initiatives achieved remarkable success. The Cultural Development Fund, with 180 million riyals in funding, was established for over 45 projects. The Aruq Bani Ma'arid was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The King Abdulaziz Historical Palace and Jerash archaeological site in the south of the Kingdom were restored, and the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in Diriyah opened, hosting the Biennale exhibition with over 16,232 visitors.
The "Nuqush Al Uqair" event in Al-Ahsa attracted over 60,000 visitors and highlighted the region's traditional crafts. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts trained over 1,453 individuals and participated in international cultural events, SPA reported.
The Professional Music Association and the Professional Museums Association were established to foster diversity. The initiative to enhance Saudi contributions to culture and the arts presented over 100 diverse performances, and the Culinary Arts Authority hosted three cultural festivals across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar, the news agency added.

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Egypt’s Step Pyramid of Djoser: World's First Engineered Stone Structure

The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)
The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)
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Egypt’s Step Pyramid of Djoser: World's First Engineered Stone Structure

The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)
The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)

To truly travel back in time, there is no better place than Egypt. Beyond the iconic Great Pyramids, the country is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, including the inspiring Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

This monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. As the pioneering pyramid of its time, it marked a revolutionary leap in ancient Egyptian architecture. Built during the reign of King Horus Netjerikhet (Djoser) in the 3rd Dynasty, around 2667-2648 BC, it is believed to be the brainchild of the visionary architect Imhotep.

A recent study published by PLOS One, a peer-reviewed open access mega journal published by the Public Library of Science since 2006, titled "On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the Step Pyramid of Saqqara" proposes a new theory about the construction of this pyramid, suggesting that hydraulic lifts may have been used.

Led by Xavier Landrieu of the Paleotechnic Institute, a privately owned research institute specializing in archaeology and ancient technologies analysis, the study challenges the traditional beliefs about the building methods of the Egyptians by suggesting that they utilized waterpower to transport the massive stones.

Djoser's pyramid is more than just a tomb. It is a complex of structures that include temples, courtyards, and underground chambers, forming an ancient city of the dead. At its heart is the pyramid itself, a six-tiered limestone masterpiece rising 61 meters high and enclosed by a massive wall.