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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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Madinah’s Historic Islamic Landmarks Open to Visitors

The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)
The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)
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Madinah’s Historic Islamic Landmarks Open to Visitors

The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)
The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)

The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors.

The locations, castles and fortresses that Muslims had long read about in the history books can now be visited and admired up-close.

Authorities have sought to preserve these locations in the hopes of attracting visitors.

Over a hundred historic Islamic landmarks have been preserved and renovated in the Madinah and Makkah regions to consolidate their religious and cultural standing and offer a unique tourist experience to visitors.

Expert on modern history Dr. Abdulrahman al-Waqisi said: “Every corner and every aspect of Madinah is history and tells a story.”

It covers the history that predates Islam, post-Hijra and aspects of the Prophet Mohammed life, he added.

The city still boasts undiscovered historic sites despite the great efforts carried out by Saudi authorities to unearth them, he remarks.

The regions of Saudi Arabia are still rife with heritage treasures, he stressed.

In Madinah, he highlighted the Atban bin Malik Mosque where the Prophet Mohammed once prayed.

New discoveries were recently made at the mosque, demonstrating the city’s rich history, al-Waqisi said.

He acknowledged that some historic ruins had once been neglected and sometimes destroyed due to some conservative views and various other excuses.

Some important landmarks have indeed been razed to the ground for unjustified reasons, he lamented.

Others, however, have been salvaged thanks to the intervention of the authorities.