Culture Ithra Winter Events Draw Over 57,000 Visitors in Less than a Month

"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA
"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA
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Culture Ithra Winter Events Draw Over 57,000 Visitors in Less than a Month

"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA
"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA

Since its launch, on December 16, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) "Ithra Winter" events have attracted over 57,000 visitors.
The diverse program, implemented at all Ithra facilities, features artistic and musical performances, workshops, interactive games, and craft exhibitions.
A highlight in the center's grand hall was a sports challenge program featuring advanced technologies.
The grand hall also houses interactive play equipment from Moment Factory studio, offering visitors four body-movement-controlled games using innovative tracking technology and collaborative multimedia platforms, SPA reported.
Ithra's gardens host artistic and handicraft workshops, guiding participants from concept to finished product.
At the Sustainability Studio, agriculture enthusiasts explored aquaponics, made plantable seed paper, and discovered the creative uses of clay.
Starting with January 2, the Energy Exhibition will host "Science Week", blending science with storytelling and humor.
"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés.
Performances and family zones, designed to appeal to all ages and cultural backgrounds, were also part of Ithra Winter.



AlUla Utilizes SHIMM System to Boost Astronomical Research and Tourism

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
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AlUla Utilizes SHIMM System to Boost Astronomical Research and Tourism

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched the astronomical monitoring system SHIMM at AlUla Manara site near Gharameel nature reserve, aiming to assess the site’s readiness for hosting advanced astronomical activities and research, while strengthening AlUla’s position as a premier destination for astronomical tourism and scientific discovery, SPA reported.

The version of SHIMM deployed in AlUla is among the most advanced globally, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, from sandstorms to extreme temperature fluctuations. Enhanced with AI technologies, it provides automated, accurate, and continuous monitoring, including early detection and alerts for any factors that may impact the precision and quality of astronomical observations.

The system will operate for 12 months, during which it will collect and analyze data on weather variations and atmospheric measurements affecting the clarity of astronomical images.

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla.