Jeddah Historic District's 'TeamLab Borderless' Museum Attracts Over 52,000 Visitors

The museum underlines the Ministry of Culture's dedication to preserving the Kingdom's heritage while embracing innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression from around the globe. - SPA
The museum underlines the Ministry of Culture's dedication to preserving the Kingdom's heritage while embracing innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression from around the globe. - SPA
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Jeddah Historic District's 'TeamLab Borderless' Museum Attracts Over 52,000 Visitors

The museum underlines the Ministry of Culture's dedication to preserving the Kingdom's heritage while embracing innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression from around the globe. - SPA
The museum underlines the Ministry of Culture's dedication to preserving the Kingdom's heritage while embracing innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression from around the globe. - SPA

The "teamLab Borderless" museum, a collaboration between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Japanese art collective teamLab, has been a huge success, drawing 52,500 visitors in the first two months since opening on June 10, SPA reported.
The museum underlines the Ministry of Culture's dedication to preserving the Kingdom's heritage while embracing innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression from around the globe.
According to Director General of the Jeddah Historic District Program Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, the interactive global "teamLab Borderless" museum in the heart of Jeddah's historical district is important.
Al-Issa stressed that with the support of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the museum helps strengthen the region's position as a global tourist destination, and offers a one-of-a-kind cultural and tourism experience to visitors.
The "teamLab Borderless" museum offers visitors the chance to experience over 80 interactive digital art installations in a 10,000-square-meter space.
Choosing the Jeddah Historic District for this innovative museum aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Jeddah's strategic development drive to become a leading global cultural and tourism center.
According to the program, since the opening of the museum, tickets have completely sold out online until August 15. The museum's website has received 890,000 visits, and the Jeddah Instagram account for "teamLab Borderless" has rapidly grown to 20,900 followers; it has a total reach of 10.02 million.



Thee Ain Village: Architectural Masterpieces on the Brink of World Heritage Status

Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Thee Ain Village: Architectural Masterpieces on the Brink of World Heritage Status

Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Nestled in the highlands of Tihamah, the Saudi village of Thee Ain captivates with its unique characteristics and meticulously paved streets and alleys.
As visitors wander through, the village’s architectural history unfolds, revealing the legacy of its 49 pyramid-shaped palaces built by skilled artisans centuries ago.
These structures have become a focal point for researchers and heritage enthusiasts intrigued by traditional construction methods.
The village’s rich cultural and natural heritage is now eagerly awaiting its potential inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Saudi Heritage Commission has worked diligently to prepare Thee Ain for this prestigious designation, transforming it into a tourist destination that attracts history enthusiasts and researchers.
The village’s geographical location adds to its historical and cultural significance, enhancing its appeal to visitors.
To fully grasp the beauty of Thee Ain’s structures, it’s essential to know they were built on a rocky hilltop 800 meters above sea level. Ancient builders carefully planned every detail, using early forms of “blueprints” to ensure that the buildings, some reaching up to four stories, fit perfectly with the available space.
Despite centuries of change and harsh weather, these buildings have remained sturdy and resilient. Today, they draw tourists from around the world, showcasing a rich architectural heritage that has evolved from a local gem to a global attraction.
Yahya Aref, a heritage expert and member of the Saudi Urban Heritage Association, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Thee Ain, spanning 15,354 square meters, was once called the “Marble Village” due to its rich marble deposits.
The village, built centuries ago, sits on a white cliff and features colorful, layered marble stones.
Aref explained that the village is designed in a pyramid-like shape with three levels. The top level includes forts for watching over farmland and providing protection. The central area houses the palaces, buildings, pathways, and a mosque.
He added that Thee Ain’s construction style is influential across the Arabian Peninsula.
Heritage buildings in the village start with a broad base that narrows by about 7 inches as it rises.
This design boosts the building’s durability. Additionally, small openings in the walls, which are wide inside, allowed residents to use sunlight to confuse and deter attackers.