CULTURE & HERITAGE
Ithra: A need-to-know guide
It’s worth venturing beyond the beaten path to visit Ithra, The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, a new site in Saudi that's making waves.
Words by Naima Morelli
Ithra, which means ‘enrichment’ in Arabic, was inaugurated in 2016 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz. It sits in a symbolic location where the Prosperity Well – the first commercial Saudi oil field – was found in 1938.
Driven by a strong community spirit, the centre opened to the public in 2018 and has been offering unique learning and cultural experiences ever since. Designed by Norwegian architectural firm, Snøhetta, and standing in the scorching heat of the desert, the spaceship-like building resembles a collection of stones supporting each other. Symbolising cultural interdependence, the building is made of a 110-metre tower surrounded by pebble-like sculptures.
Ithra’s exhibition programme caters to local as well as international audiences, and contemporary artworks are presented side by side with videos, informative materials, calligraffiti, and antiquities. The museum boasts five galleries hosting permanent collections dedicated to contemporary Middle Eastern Art, Saudi culture, Islamic art, the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula, and an Archive gallery.
Throughout the year the centre runs a rich programme of temporary exhibitions which in 2023 included the inspirational ‘Hijrah: in the Footsteps of the Prophet’, an immersive experience recreating the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina. This moving and inspiring exhibition is currently being shown in the National Museum in Riyadh until 30 December 2023. The centre also created the annual Ithra Art Prize to fund, promote, and help launch Saudi and Saudi-based artists’ careers in the arts.
One of the most spectacular features of Ithra is the large library sprawling across multiple floors and hosting more than 326,000 books for all ages. One of the largest public libraries in the region, it was designed to foster individual and collaborative learning, with the mission of nurturing a love of reading and the pursuit of knowledge among the Saudi population.
Besides the library, Ithra also offers a Literature and Creative Writing programme, exploring all types of writing, from classical, contemporary and experimental poetry projects, to novels and short stories, with specific grants to support poetry, a cornerstone of Arab culture.
Encouraging new ideas is also a core function of the institution and it has developed a hands-on programme called the “Idea Lab” which offers classes to grow the creative community and foster innovation in the Kingdom. With access to the lab, creatives are supported throughout the design process all the way to completion a revolutionary approach that will allow the creation of sustainable projects and truly innovative products ready to be launched on the market.
Another programme offered by the library is Tanween, which focuses on one creative concept per year and aims to jumpstart the local creative scene following closely the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plans.
The centre also hosts a magnificent auditorium where a wide range of events from opera, symphony concerts, musicals and lectures are performed and held, as well as a large exhibition hall.
The programme includes cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary productions, such as The Cuban-Khaleeji Project, an ensemble that explores the music of Afro-Latin and Arabian Gulf traditions, sounds, and rhythms. Past performances have included Japan’s Shizuoka Performing Arts Center and renowned oud player, Naseer Shamma and his orchestra.
The idea here is to develop Saudi’s performing arts industry, reiterating Saudi social and cultural values, but also moving beyond them. This is definitely the go-to place for local actors, directors, and script-writers to learn and hone their craft.
There are an array of activities available beyond Ithra itself, in Dharan, nearby Al Khobar and Dammam. South of Al Khobar lay many spas and hotels, while the city centre offers the choice between many restaurants and cafés with Saudi, Italian and Japanese fare.
Don’t miss the Al Khobar Corniche. Facing the gulf, it is well-visited by joggers and locals out on a stroll. You will also see families visiting the Scitech Technology Center, located on the waterfront, which has entertaining and informative exhibits. When it comes to museums, head to the Taybeen Museum for voyage through the golden era of Saudi – it has more than 10,000 artefacts from the country’s recent past on display. Finally, an array of private companies offer various tours of Dammam and trips to explore the area’s natural and historical heritage, including Al-Ahsa Village, Al-Qara Hill, and the Jawatha Mosque.
Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
