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‘Ithra’ Wins King Salman Charter for Architecture, Urbanism Award

Ithra director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to design a building with a distinctive architectural identity - SPA
Ithra director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to design a building with a distinctive architectural identity - SPA
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‘Ithra’ Wins King Salman Charter for Architecture, Urbanism Award

Ithra director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to design a building with a distinctive architectural identity - SPA
Ithra director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to design a building with a distinctive architectural identity - SPA

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has won the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award in the “built projects” category during the award's inaugural ceremony, which was organized by the Architecture and Design Commission in Riyadh.
Ithra director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to design a building with a distinctive architectural identity that contributes to enriching the cultural life in the Kingdom, SPA reported.
He stated that the award-winning building is distinguished by its architectural design, which harmonizes with the local environment, using modern and sustainable construction materials.
The building was designed to be environmentally friendly by incorporating renewable energy technologies and highly efficient water management, Al-Rashid noted.
He also said that the award underscores the status of Ithra as a leading cultural institution, contributing to the enhancement of the Kingdom's architectural and cultural identity as well as continuing to offer an exceptional educational and cultural experience to visitors through this unique architectural building.

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Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
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Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA

The activities of Handicrafts Festival (HARFA) 2025 in Hail were concluded Saturday, celebrating a highly successful event that drew over 91,000 visitors.

Held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11, the festival marked a milestone as the first of its kind, coinciding with the launch of the "Year of Handicrafts 2025."
According to SPA. the festival attracted tourists from Europe, America, Asia, the Gulf, and visitors from across Saudi Arabia. It highlighted Hail’s rich heritage of handicrafts, including wickerwork, carpentry, weaving, incense burner crafting, pottery, and clay building. Visitors admired displays of wood engraving, embroidery, wool fluffing, leather goods, daggers, swords, and Thamudic inscriptions, alongside artistic carvings on stone and traditional items such as ropes, windows, and decorative abayas.
More than 130 craftsmen and craftswomen participated, offering live demonstrations and training courses to transfer their skills to younger generations. The daily activities featured hands-on learning opportunities, complemented by awareness programs organized by entities such as the Hail Region Development Authority, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These programs emphasized the economic and cultural significance of handicrafts and the role of local authorities in supporting and marketing the craft industry.
The festival also celebrated Hail’s cultural heritage through artistic folklore performances, vintage car displays, and a heritage-inspired environment featuring restaurants and cafes. Over 100 volunteers contributed to the event’s organization, fostering an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all segments of society.
The event offered a unique blend of creativity, tradition, and community spirit, solidifying its status as a premier cultural attraction in Saudi Arabia.