Saudi Arabia: Ithra Unveils Date of Tanween Creativity Conference

The conference will take place October 31 to November 6 - SPA
The conference will take place October 31 to November 6 - SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Ithra Unveils Date of Tanween Creativity Conference

The conference will take place October 31 to November 6 - SPA
The conference will take place October 31 to November 6 - SPA

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced the dates of the seventh annual Tanween creativity conference, which will take place October 31 to November 6 under the theme "Fail Forward." The conference will be held at the Ithra Center in Dhahran and will feature 60 participants from around the world, according to SPA.
Ithra explained that this year's conference will feature workshops, training sessions, exhibitions, and other events aimed at achieving tangible results in the field of design. It added that the conference seeks to change the perception of failure by making setbacks a natural part of the design process.
The conference also aims to embrace failure as part of the creative process, in which each experience offers lessons leading to innovative discoveries and valuable experiences that help the creative community continue to advance and turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success, Ithra said.



Prince of Wales Explores AlUla Arts Festival, Engages with Local Artists

The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA
The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA
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Prince of Wales Explores AlUla Arts Festival, Engages with Local Artists

The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA
The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA

AlUla Arts Festival captured the interest of the Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Prince William during his recent visit to AlUla, SPA reported.

He viewed a selection of standout works by Saudi and international artists, ranging from contemporary installations to immersive open-air experiences inspired by AlUla’s landscapes and rich heritage.

He was also briefed on the festival’s creative programs, which annually transform AlUla into a dynamic platform for art and innovation, attracting artists and visitors from around the world.

During the visit, the prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields.

He listened to their experiences and contributions to the governorate's cultural development, supported by ongoing efforts to strengthen the creative sector and expand its local and international presence.


Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival

Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival
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Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival

Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival

The Film Commission took part in the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, held from February 12 to 22, to showcase its key achievements in advancing the Saudi film sector and highlighting a selection of films that demonstrate the talent of Saudi filmmakers and the Kingdom’s expanding production infrastructure.

It presented the Kingdom’s diverse filming locations and spotlighted major milestones, including Norah, the first Saudi film selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, SPA reported.

The commission signed several cooperation agreements with leading international film institutions, including the French National Center of Cinema. It also launched artistic initiatives in Berlin in collaboration with global partners and cinemas, demonstrating the Kingdom’s expanding cultural and creative network.

CEO of the commission Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: "Saudi cinema goes beyond filmmaking to building cultural bridges and sharing authentic stories with global audiences."

He noted that strengthening strategic partnerships and investing in local talent are central to positioning the Kingdom as a hub for creative industries, adding that continued participation in international festivals broadens exposure to the richness and diversity of Saudi culture.


Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture
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Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport have announced the year 2029 as the official Saudi-UK Year of Culture, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday. The announcement follows an official visit by Britain’s Prince William to Saudi Arabia this week.

For nearly a century, formal relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK and Northern Ireland have evolved into a multifaceted international relationship that has expanded across culture, education, and innovation, reflecting shared values and a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation.

In recent years, cultural exchange has emerged as a cornerstone of Saudi-British relations, driven by joint initiatives in heritage conservation, visual and culinary arts, architecture, and higher education.

This ongoing expansion of cultural exchange lays the foundation for the Saudi-UK Year of Culture 2029, a year-long program celebrating creative dialogue and the shared heritage of Saudi Arabia and the UK, while deepening cultural ties for generations to come. It will also be a great opportunity for young people in both countries to connect in new ways.

Supported by Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Kingdom’s continued promotion of cultural innovation and creativity, the Saudi-UK Year of Culture 2029 will be an important milestone for both countries.