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Royal Commission for AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate Exhibition at Venice Biennale Architecture 2025

The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA
The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA
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Royal Commission for AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate Exhibition at Venice Biennale Architecture 2025

The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA
The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23. SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla has inaugurated the "Deep Surfaces: Architecture to Enhance the Visitor Experience of UNESCO Sites" exhibition, organized in partnership with UNESCO as part of the Venice Biennale Architecture 2025.

The exhibition is hosted at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice, Italy, and will run through November 23.
The exhibition presents over 50 projects located in UNESCO-designated sites, including World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. These projects range from new architectural developments and rehabilitated historic structures to small-scale interventions and facilities still under construction.
Visitors will explore how architecture contributes to heritage preservation, controls access, supports local economies, and fosters social inclusion. The exhibition also promotes the role of these sites as learning spaces for sustainable development and global citizenship, in response to complex contemporary challenges.
Among the highlights is Hegra, the ancient city in AlUla and the first Saudi site inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The exhibition showcases several initiatives focused on public engagement and safeguarding the site. It also emphasizes the collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla and UNESCO to establish a reference model for best practices as part of a broader partnership for heritage preservation and sustainable development.

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Culture

Saudi Arabia Concludes Guest of Honor Role at Damascus International Book Fair 2026

The Kingdom’s pavilion, led by the commission, attracted strong attendance and active engagement through its cultural activities - SPA
The Kingdom’s pavilion, led by the commission, attracted strong attendance and active engagement through its cultural activities - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Concludes Guest of Honor Role at Damascus International Book Fair 2026

The Kingdom’s pavilion, led by the commission, attracted strong attendance and active engagement through its cultural activities - SPA
The Kingdom’s pavilion, led by the commission, attracted strong attendance and active engagement through its cultural activities - SPA

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission concluded the Kingdom’s Guest of Honor participation at the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, held in the Syrian capital from February 6 to 16, drawing strong attendance and engagement from visitors and cultural enthusiasts.

The Kingdom's pavilion was highly praised for its rich cultural content and high-quality programs, reflecting the vitality and growth of the Kingdom’s literary and cultural scene, SPA reported.

Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission CEO Dr. Abdullatif Abdulaziz Al-Wasel stated that the Kingdom’s role as Guest of Honor at the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, represented by a high-level cultural delegation led by Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, highlights the depth of Saudi-Syrian cultural relations based on partnership and mutual respect.

He noted that the participation demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing cultural exchange, a key objective of the National Culture Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030. Through this strategy, the commission emphasizes fostering constructive dialogue among peoples, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and consolidating the Kingdom’s active role in the Arab and international cultural landscape.

The Kingdom’s pavilion, led by the commission, attracted strong attendance and active engagement through its cultural activities. It showcased the commission’s programs and initiatives in literature, publishing, and translation, and featured a comprehensive cultural program, including literary seminars, cultural discussions, and poetry evenings with prominent Saudi writers and intellectuals.

These efforts enriched cultural dialogue with fair visitors and strengthened the presence of Saudi literature in the Arab cultural scene.

This edition of the Damascus International Book Fair marks a significant cultural milestone, reaffirming the value of books as carriers of meaning, spaces for dialogue, and starting points for a cultural journey that reflects the aspirations of the Arab cultural landscape toward a more open and aware phase.

Culture

Qiddiya City Begins Construction of Landmark Performing Arts Center

The Qiddiya Performing Arts Center supports the city’s positioning as a destination for creativity and cultural expression - SPA
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Qiddiya City Begins Construction of Landmark Performing Arts Center

The Qiddiya Performing Arts Center supports the city’s positioning as a destination for creativity and cultural expression - SPA

Qiddiya Investment Company has announced the commencement of construction works for the Performing Arts Center in Qiddiya City, marking an important milestone in the development of Qiddiya City as a destination for entertainment, sports and culture.

The announcement coincided with the laying of the foundation stone, signaling the start of construction works to be carried out by Nesma and Partners.

During the ceremony, held at the project site perched on the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company Abdullah Aldawood delivered a speech announcing the official start of construction. He highlighted the importance of the project as a transformative addition that strengthens Qiddiya City’s cultural offering.

The Qiddiya Performing Arts Center supports the city’s positioning as a destination for creativity and cultural expression, while contributing to the development of local talent and attracting international artistic experiences.

The Qiddiya Performing Arts Center has been designed by Tom Wiscombe Architecture, in collaboration with BSBG, and features a futuristic architectural style defined by monumental forms. The design comprises interlocking architectural panels and five illuminated blades that blend harmoniously with the desert landscape, forming a prominent cultural landmark within Qiddiya City.

The start of construction follows the launch of the first phase of Qiddiya City in December 2025, which included the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City. It’s part of the company’s broader approach to developing integrated destinations that enhance quality of life and deliver distinctive experiences across entertainment, sports and culture.

Culture

Saudi Arts Commission Engages in Cultural Dialogue at Damascus Book Fair

This seminar is part of the commission's efforts to promote Saudi culture in regional and international forums. SPA
This seminar is part of the commission's efforts to promote Saudi culture in regional and international forums. SPA
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Saudi Arts Commission Engages in Cultural Dialogue at Damascus Book Fair

This seminar is part of the commission's efforts to promote Saudi culture in regional and international forums. SPA
This seminar is part of the commission's efforts to promote Saudi culture in regional and international forums. SPA

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission hosted a panel discussion on symbolism and heritage in traditional Saudi performing arts at the Kingdom's pavilion during the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, which ends Monday.

Participants examined the symbolic meanings of folk arts such as Ardah, Samri, and Al-Khatwa, emphasizing their importance in expressing Saudi values, history, and national identity.

Key topics included the significance of collective movements and rhythms that convey unity and social solidarity. The panel also explored the symbolism of costumes and performance tools, as well as the meanings in lyrics and chants. Strategies for preserving authenticity in contemporary cultural contexts were discussed.

This seminar is part of the commission's efforts to promote Saudi culture in regional and international forums, showcasing the rich heritage of traditional performing arts and fostering cultural dialogue with diverse audiences.