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Greece Takes Legal Action over Drone Show Advertising Adidas near Acropolis

A view of the Parthenon temple as the Acropolis hill archaeological site is closed to visitors due to a heatwave hitting Athens, Greece, June 12, 2024. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis
A view of the Parthenon temple as the Acropolis hill archaeological site is closed to visitors due to a heatwave hitting Athens, Greece, June 12, 2024. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis
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Greece Takes Legal Action over Drone Show Advertising Adidas near Acropolis

A view of the Parthenon temple as the Acropolis hill archaeological site is closed to visitors due to a heatwave hitting Athens, Greece, June 12, 2024. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis
A view of the Parthenon temple as the Acropolis hill archaeological site is closed to visitors due to a heatwave hitting Athens, Greece, June 12, 2024. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Greece has filed a lawsuit over the alleged violation of a law for the protection of antiquities by what appeared to be a drone show advertising sports retailer Adidas near the Acropolis, its culture minister said on Friday.

Images on social media showed illuminated drones forming the logo and a shoe by Adidas with the Acropolis hill, a UNESCO world heritage site, in the background, Reuters reported.

The Acropolis, a rocky outcrop over Athens, houses the Parthenon Temple - a symbol of Athens' Golden age that was built in 432 B.C. to honour the goddess Athena, and is one of the most visited sites worldwide.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in an interview on Friday that the show used the Acropolis for commercial purposes against a national law and took place without prior approval from the Culture Ministry.

"It's like the Adidas shoe kicking the Acropolis," Mendoni told local Skai radio. "A lawsuit has been already filed against anyone responsible."

Adidas declined to comment.

The culture ministry said it was also investigating whether the licensing procedure for the drone overflight had been followed.

The move comes weeks after Greece dismissed a request by director Yorgos Lathimos to film scenes of his upcoming "Bugonia" movies on the Acropolis hill on the grounds they were incompatible with what the ancient Greek monument symbolised.

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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.