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Ithra to Host Cross-Cultural Concert with Chinese Chorus

The program features international choral works - SPA
The program features international choral works - SPA
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Ithra to Host Cross-Cultural Concert with Chinese Chorus

The program features international choral works - SPA
The program features international choral works - SPA

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will present “World Famous Songs” by the China National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Chorus on December 11, 2025. This concert marks the ensemble’s debut performance in Saudi Arabia and is part of the "Ithra Winter" initiative under Khobar Season, SPA reported.

According to a press release from Ithra, the event is conducted by Chorus Managing Director and Resident Conductor Jiao Miao and will be attended by NCPA Vice President Wang Cheng. Formed in 2009, the NCPA Chorus is the resident ensemble of the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. The chorus has made notable appearances, such as at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou and the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Aligned with the Saudi-China Cultural Year 2025, World Famous Songs supports cultural dialogue through artistic collaboration and creative exchange. The cooperation between Ithra and the National Center for the Performing Arts reflects a growing cultural exchange between the two institutions. “Our collaboration with the National Center for the Performing Arts is built on mutual respect and a shared belief in culture’s ability to connect and inspire,” said Programs Manager at Ithra Noura AlZamil, adding that hosting the chorus represents “a moment of exchange that deepens understanding through the beauty of performance.”

The concert is open to the public through Ithra’s ticketing platform. The program features international choral works.

For the NCPA Chorus, performing at Ithra represents both an artistic and symbolic occasion, reflecting the broader cultural dialogue fostered by Ithra’s ongoing collaborations with Chinese institutions, including Saudi Film Nights in Beijing 2024, Ithra at the Beijing International Book Fair 2024, and the Bridge to the Chinese Language workshop 2025, reflecting a sustained cultural dialogue.

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Culture

Najran: Saudi Arabia’s Southern Tourist and Cultural Gem

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
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Najran: Saudi Arabia’s Southern Tourist and Cultural Gem

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. Visitors can experience towering mountains, vast plains, and enchanting deserts that leave a lasting impression.

The region has undergone significant development to enhance its urban landscape and quality of life. Approximately 25 projects, valued at over SAR711 million, have been completed or are underway, including stormwater drainage improvements and upgraded infrastructure, said the Saudi Press Agency.

These initiatives are part of a broader plan to strengthen road networks and improve the city’s readiness to meet environmental and service challenges, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Najran is home to numerous archaeological sites that reflect its storied past. The historic city of Al-Ukhdood, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, serves today as a living, open-air museum attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and abroad.

The Hima Cultural Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features over 5,500 rock carvings spanning different historical periods, offering valuable insights into the wildlife and culture of the Arabian Peninsula.

Najran also stands out as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important agricultural areas, with its unique climate allowing year-round cultivation of high-quality fruits and vegetables across more than 5,000 farms covering 27,000 hectares.

Its strategic location, natural resources, and advanced infrastructure make it a prime investment destination in southern Saudi Arabia. The region hosts around 90 factories and is rich in mineral resources, including gold, copper, iron, and copper-zinc reserves spanning over 70 square kilometers.

Foreign tourists have praised Najran for its seamless blend of history and natural beauty, noting that every corner tells the story of this ancient land and reflects a rich cultural heritage, making it a destination truly worth exploring.

Culture

Holy Quran Museum in Makkah Preserves, Showcases Rare Manuscripts

The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA
The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA
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Holy Quran Museum in Makkah Preserves, Showcases Rare Manuscripts

The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA
The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA

The Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah continues to play a leading role in preserving and exhibiting rare copies of the Holy Quran, standing as a cultural landmark that reflects the revered status of the Quran in the conscience of the Islamic nation and documents the care devoted to it across different historical eras, SPA reported.

Through its collections, the museum highlights the value of Quranic endowments, which formed one of the most significant features of Islamic civilization and contributed to safeguarding Quran manuscripts, disseminating them, facilitating their recitation, and supporting their service in mosques and centers of learning.

The museum houses one endowed copy of the Holy Quran printed in 30 pages, endowed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.

This initiative reflects a deep connection to the Holy Quran and embodies the continuity of the charitable endowment tradition dedicated to serving and caring for the Holy Quran.

The display of this manuscript aligns with the museum’s mission to introduce visitors to the history of the Holy Quran, highlight the efforts of individuals and institutions to preserve and serve it, and raise awareness of the cultural and humanitarian significance of Quranic endowments.

The museum offers a comprehensive cultural and knowledge-based experience that connects visitors to the history and stature of the Holy Quran, starting from Makkah, the birthplace of revelation and the direction of prayer for Muslims.

Culture

Saudi Arabia: Craft Exhibition at Kidana Track in Makkah Draws over 32,000 Visitors

As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA
As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Craft Exhibition at Kidana Track in Makkah Draws over 32,000 Visitors

As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA
As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA

Kidana Development Company concluded its craft exhibition, held in cooperation with the Makkah Chamber at Kidana Track in Muzdalifah from December 17 to 20, where traditional crafts highlighting the authenticity of Saudi identity drew 32,362 visitors.

As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans showcasing handmade products such as embroidery, knitting, carving, and pottery.

It aimed to reinforce Saudi identity and promote traditional crafts as vital to cultural heritage, fostering values among community members and future generations.

The Kidana Track serves as a comprehensive destination for Makkah residents and visitors, offering various facilities, walking paths, seating areas, and community events promoting sustainability.