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Frankincense House Opens in AlUla, Celebrating Saudi–Omani Partnership

The launch took place in AlUla’s Old Town, where mud-brick alleyways intersect with traces of history in an immersive experience that brings to life the memory of the place and the spirit of fragrance - SPA
The launch took place in AlUla’s Old Town, where mud-brick alleyways intersect with traces of history in an immersive experience that brings to life the memory of the place and the spirit of fragrance - SPA
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Frankincense House Opens in AlUla, Celebrating Saudi–Omani Partnership

The launch took place in AlUla’s Old Town, where mud-brick alleyways intersect with traces of history in an immersive experience that brings to life the memory of the place and the spirit of fragrance - SPA
The launch took place in AlUla’s Old Town, where mud-brick alleyways intersect with traces of history in an immersive experience that brings to life the memory of the place and the spirit of fragrance - SPA

The temporary House of Frankincense was launched as part of the Incense Road experience in AlUla’s Old Town, within a Saudi–Omani cultural partnership aimed at highlighting the significance of frankincense as one of the most prominent historical elements associated with the ancient Incense Road. The initiative also sheds light on the journey of frankincense from its original homeland in Wadi Dawkah in southern Oman, passing through ancient trade routes across the Arabian Peninsula.

The launch took place in AlUla’s Old Town, where mud-brick alleyways intersect with traces of history in an immersive experience that brings to life the memory of the place and the spirit of fragrance. It offers visitors a vivid window into one of the most important elements of human heritage connected to ancient civilizations, SPA reported.

The Incense Road experience is considered one of the most prominent sensory journeys in the Old Town, with lively mud alleys where live performances intertwine with modern technologies to revive the memory of the place and the paths of ancient caravans. The scenes blend history with imagination, granting visitors new dimensions of discovery and reflection.

This collaboration, the first of its kind between Amouage and the Incense Road experience in AlUla, marks a qualitative step that contributes to deepening visitors’ understanding of the role of frankincense in shaping ancient trade routes, through an informative journey beginning from its natural homeland in Oman’s Dhofar and extending to its cultural and historical significance across eras.

The House of Frankincense will welcome visitors for six months until June 26. Experiences will be held from Tuesday to Saturday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in both Arabic and English, with additional devices available for the Chinese language.

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Culture

Iran Says US, Israeli Strikes Damage 120 Museums, Historic Buildings

First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
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Iran Says US, Israeli Strikes Damage 120 Museums, Historic Buildings

First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)

US and Israeli strikes on Iran have damaged at least 120 culturally or historically significant sites across the country since the start of the war, the head of Tehran city council's heritage committee said.

"At least 120 museums, historical buildings and cultural sites across various provinces were directly targeted and sustained serious structural damage," said Ahmad Alavi.

He was quoted by state TV as naming UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace -- sometimes likened to Versailles -- as well as Tehran's Marble Palace, Teymourtash house and Saadabad Palace.

One of the capital's most visited sites, the Saadabad Palace complex includes an extensive park and museums dedicated to Iranian history.

In addition to the cultural institutions, it also houses the residences of the Iranian president and governor of Tehran province, with judicial and Revolutionary Guards facilities located nearby.

The United States and Israel launched their campaign against Iran on February 28, killing its supreme leader and setting off a war that has since embroiled practically all of the Middle East.

Iran, whose history spans several millennia, possesses significant cultural heritage that has largely been spared from mass tourism.

According to the UN, at least four of the country's 29 UNESCO-listed sites have been damaged in the war: Golestan Palace, Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, the Masjed-e Jame mosque in the same city, and the prehistoric sites of the Khorramabad Valley.

Culture

Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Ministry of Culture has launched the UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships in partnership with Effat University and the National Archives of the United Kingdom, to support archival-based research, advance cultural inquiry on the Arabian Peninsula, and strengthen collaboration between researchers and institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

The program includes a 10-week research residency at the National Archives of the United Kingdom, where participants receive hands-on training in archival methods and gain access to a wide range of archival collections and cultural institutions across the UK. It supports diverse areas of cultural research related to the Arabian Peninsula.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s strategic vision for advancing cultural research, reflecting its commitment to fostering both local and international collaboration and promoting meaningful cultural exchange.

The fellowship is open to researchers and cultural heritage specialists capable of conducting independent research in English, regardless of their professional level.

Culture

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts
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Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

The Ministry of Culture signed on Thursday a partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)’s College of Music. The partnership aims to further develop cultural and artistic talent and drive cultural exchange.

Under the terms of the partnership, Guildhall School will work with RUA to co-design undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs spanning music performance, production and education, in addition to training and capability development opportunities for RUA’s faculty body.

The programs will help cultivate and support Saudi talent across a wide range of musical disciplines, as well as provide students with a firm understanding of creative processes, research pathways and professional skills.

Founded in 1880, Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists. Ranked as number one in Arts, Drama and Music by the Complete University Guide 2025, and in the top three in the world for Music by the QS World University Rankings 2025, Guildhall delivers world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles, SPA reported.

The partnership with Guildhall School sits within a series of partnerships for the Riyadh University of Arts and its colleges with leading international institutions to co-design academic programs, collaborate in research, and offer enriching programs in cultural education and development.

In December 2025, RUA announced partnerships between their College of Film and the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (SCA); between SOAS University of London and their College of Heritage and Civilization Studies; AMDA College of the Performing Art and RUA’s College of Theater and Performing Art; and between ESSEC Business School and RUA’s College of Cultural Management. A further agreement was signed with the Royal College of Art (RCA) and RUA’s College of Architecture and Design and College of Visual Arts and Photography in January 2026.

Riyadh University of Arts was established by royal decree and is headquartered in Riyadh. Its Board of Trustees is chaired by Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The university is dedicated to advancing education in the fields of culture and the arts, serving as a cornerstone for creative learning and cultural innovation. It aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s creative economy.

The university will launch its programs in phases, gradually expanding to cover a wide range of fields and specialized disciplines. It will offer a comprehensive academic portfolio that supports continuous education across the arts and culture sectors, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs.