AlUla to Host Exhibition with National Archaeological Museum of Naples Masterpieces in November

AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA
AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA
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AlUla to Host Exhibition with National Archaeological Museum of Naples Masterpieces in November

AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA
AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA

The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, hosted in AlUla between November 7 and 30, will showcase a collection of remarkable artifacts from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) in a captivating exhibition: Masterpieces of the MANN.
The exhibition, displaying captivating objects from several Italian archaeological sites, offers a unique glimpse at the rich tapestry of ancient history, SPA reported.
Visitors will be able to explore the legacy of the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD through artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman cities tragically preserved under volcanic ash. They will also have the opportunity to marvel at pieces from the renowned Farnese Collection, a cornerstone of ancient Greek and Roman art.
Masterpieces of the MANN finds its home in AlUla’s cultural venue, Maraya. This breathtaking place, home of the world’s largest mirrored building, is a stunning juxtaposition of antiquity and modern beauty.
The exhibition transcends geographical boundaries, highlighting the historical connection between ancient Rome and the Arabian Peninsula. The Incense Road, a network of trade and cultural exchange, served as a vital link. Roman emperors like Augustus, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining these connections, influencing both Roman and Arabian societies.



Cultural Camp at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Showcases Saudi Heritage

The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
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Cultural Camp at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Showcases Saudi Heritage

The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA

The cultural camp is a key feature of the 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, held in Al-Sayahid desert. The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity, according to SPA.

It offers a range of programs, including live performances and interactive events, that highlight camels' historical significance in Arab culture and illustrate the values of patience, strength, and belonging.

The camp has attracted over 2,000 guests from 71 nationalities, emphasizing its global appeal as a cultural platform for diversity and tradition.

Visitors engage with cultural content through innovative methods that merge authenticity with modern technology, enhancing awareness of the camel's cultural legacy. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by preserving heritage and connecting younger generations with their roots.


Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Announces 25 Participating Artists for Seventh Edition

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
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Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Announces 25 Participating Artists for Seventh Edition

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA

Under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, Tuwaiq Sculpture has announced the selection of 25 artists for the seventh edition of the annual sculpture symposium and exhibition, taking place from January 10 to February 22, 2026.

This year’s edition unfolds under the curatorial theme “Traces of What Will Be,” inviting artists to reflect on how sculptural form can express the physical, cultural and conceptual traces that shape the future of cities and communities, SPA reported.

A total of 25 artists from 18 countries, including Saudi artists, have been selected for the seventh edition. Their proposals reflect a diverse range of artistic approaches, responding to the theme through explorations of transformation, place, and materiality.

Director of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium Sarah Alruwayti said: "The seventh edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture received more than 590 applications, reflecting the cultural diversity and global interest in the symposium. The selection of the 25 participating artists was carried out by a jury of industry experts and specialists. Their proposals show meaningful engagement with the theme and reflect the strength and diversity of contemporary sculptural practice. We look forward to welcoming them to Riyadh for the creation of new works that will become lasting additions to the city.”

Building on the evolving material practice of the symposium, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 introduces two sculpting categories: granite with optional stainless-steel integration and reclaimed metal. Twenty artists will work in granite, while five will create new works in reclaimed metal. Over four weeks, they will produce large-scale sculptures that will later be added to Riyadh Art’s permanent public art collection.

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program, inviting visitors to witness the creation of artworks and take part in panel discussions and workshops. The symposium will conclude with a public exhibition showcasing the completed sculptures from its seventh edition.


ALECSO Celebrates Opening of Arabic Calligraphy Center in Saudi Arabia

Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
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ALECSO Celebrates Opening of Arabic Calligraphy Center in Saudi Arabia

Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA

The Arab League of Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) congratulated Saudi Arabia on the opening of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy in Madinah on December 22, 2025.

In a statement, ALECSO called the center a significant addition to the Arab and Islamic cultural landscape, noting its role in preserving Arabic calligraphy and enhancing its global presence, SPA reported.

This achievement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to culture and heritage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of fostering cultural creativity and reinforcing Arabic identity.

ALECSO emphasized that such institutions serve as global bridges for cultural exchange and ensure the relevance of traditional arts through dedicated research and training facilities.