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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.

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Culture

Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque: An Architectural and Cultural Landmark

The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)
The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)
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Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque: An Architectural and Cultural Landmark

The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)
The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Development of Historical Mosques focuses on preserving and restoring historical mosques across Saudi Arabia while enhancing their architectural integrity and highlighting their cultural and religious significance. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate, exemplifies this effort. Closely tied to the governorate's history, it has served as a center for worship and community gatherings for decades, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Built in 1338 AH during the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, the mosque features traditional Najdi architecture, constructed from mud and stone with a roof made of tamarisk wood and palm fronds. Historically, it hosted Quranic classes and religious lessons.

Originally covering 314 square meters and accommodating around 90 worshippers, the mosque has been renovated to expand its area to 371 square meters and increase capacity to 150 worshippers, with the addition of essential facilities.

The project blends traditional building practices with modern techniques to ensure sustainability while preserving each mosque’s architectural identity. It also engages local heritage specialists under the supervision of Saudi engineers to achieve four key objectives: rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, showcasing the Kingdom's civilizational heritage, and enhancing the cultural significance of historical mosques for future generations.

Culture

Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

With legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, the university is dedicated to specialized education in culture and the arts, aiming to cultivate national talent across creative disciplines through advanced academic programs aligned with global best practices and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The royal order authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees until it is formally established, ensuring the swift completion of organizational procedures to begin operations.

To enhance its academic mission, the university will seek partnerships with prestigious international institutions to exchange expertise and develop high-level educational programs.

This initiative underscores the leadership's commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s position as a regional cultural hub and fostering the growth of its creative industries.

Culture

Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.