Saudi Culture Ministry Announces Third Edition of Common Ground Festival

Saudi Culture Ministry Announces Third Edition of Common Ground Festival
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Saudi Culture Ministry Announces Third Edition of Common Ground Festival

Saudi Culture Ministry Announces Third Edition of Common Ground Festival

The Saudi Ministry of Culture announced the third edition of the Common Ground Festival, which will be a celebration of Saudi and Chinese cultures.

The 2025 edition will be held at the Malfa Hall in Misk City, Riyadh from December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026, and will highlight shared artistic traditions and creative expressions between the two countries.

The Common Ground Festival is a multi-sensory cultural event that explores the universal languages of art, cuisine, performance, and design, said the Ministry in a statement on Tuesday.

This year’s edition will celebrate the depth of Saudi and Chinese heritage through art exhibitions, live performances, and collaborative showcases that invite visitors to experience culture through sight, sound, and emotion.

The program will feature activities inspired by historical exchange routes, where artisans and cultural vendors present traditional crafts, handmade goods, tea and coffee offerings, and cultural souvenirs from both countries.

The festival will also include culinary activities that explore shared hospitality traditions, allowing visitors to experience the symbolic role of hospitality in both cultures and more.

Through this event, the Kingdom underlines its commitment to creating platforms that foster artistic dialogue, strengthen cultural understanding, and celebrate creativity as a bridge between people and nations.



20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
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20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

Young women in brightly colored long-sleeved kimonos and young men in formal suits or traditional hakama and haori gathered Monday at Yokohama Arena to mark Coming-of-Age Day, an annual celebration for those who have turned 20.

The ceremonies, which are a widely observed public rite of passage in Japan, lasted less than an hour. Before and after the events, young adults gathered near the arena entrance, sidewalks and nearby train stations, greeting friends they had not seen for a long time. Smartphones were raised repeatedly as participants took pictures of each other and themselves.

Among the many participants wearing black and navy suits, a large number of young men chose traditional hakama trousers and haori jackets.

Legally, adulthood in Japan now begins at 18, following a revision of the Civil Code in April 2022. Even so, most local governments continue to hold Coming-of-Age ceremonies for 20-year-olds.

Inside Yokohama Arena, participants stood for the national anthem, then sang Yokohama’s city song together. Many then switched on the lights of their mobile phones, illuminating the hall.


Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture
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Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

The Saudi pavilion at Global Village in Makkah, part of the Makkah winter season, reflects the richness and uniqueness of the Kingdom's culture and heritage.

It features interactive and engaging sections that introduce visitors to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, including live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and artwork inspired by the local environment, SPA reported.

The pavilion’s presence at Global Village reflects ongoing efforts to highlight the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its civilizational legacy, and strengthen its cultural presence at major events.


Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner
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Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

The Culinary Arts Commission is participating as a strategic partner in the 17th Klija Festival, held in the city of Buraidah and running until January 17, under the patronage of Qassim Region Governor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal.

The commission’s involvement comes as part of its strategy to support events and festivals specializing in Saudi culinary arts by highlighting national and regional dishes and showcasing the Kingdom’s culinary and cultural diversity, SPA reported.

The festival features several zones and interactive activities aimed at supporting families working in the cottage industry and local artisans who produce Klija, while introducing visitors to its history and authenticity as a regional dish of Qassim, in addition to offering live demonstrations and unique interactive experiences.

During the festival, the commission is also presenting a selection of books available for viewing and purchase.