‘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.



Hayy Matsuri in Jeddah Celebrates Japanese Culture

A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
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Hayy Matsuri in Jeddah Celebrates Japanese Culture

A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)

The second edition of the Japanese Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, held under the theme "Saudi Celebrates Japan," was inaugurated on Thursday in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah.
The festival, which runs until January 11, aims to enhance cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan, emphasizing the vital role of art in fostering communication and promoting mutual understanding among cultures.
This year's festival provides a cohesive cultural experience that blends tradition with creativity. It features a diverse range of activities, including musical performances by both Saudi and Japanese artists, with highlights such as the Kingdom's premiere of "Electronicos Fantasticos!" and performances by Daisuke Tanabe.

Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops to explore the arts of origami, Japanese calligraphy, and Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement.
In addition to live performances, the festival includes screenings of Japanese manga and films, traditional tea ceremonies, and a variety of anime-related projects. Attendees can also enjoy cosplay competitions, a board games zone, printmaking activations, and traditional live demonstrations celebrating Japanese cultural and artistic practices.
A cultural market showcasing over 30 vendors offers products inspired by Japanese culture and authentic Japanese cuisine, allowing visitors to experience the rich flavors of historical Japanese culinary traditions.
The festival celebrates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflecting the profound cultural ties between the two nations. It fosters mutual understanding and creates connections through cultural and artistic exchange.