Culture and Art
The Ministry of Culture organizes historical cultural events to celebrate the founding day
The Ministry of Culture is organizing a series of cultural and historical events from February 20 to 23, in celebration of the day
The Ministry of Culture is organizing a series of cultural and historical events from February 20 to 23, in celebration of the founding day, which falls on February 22nd every year. These events will be hosted by the cities of Riyadh and Al-Ula, in addition to other events held in 15 Saudi cities, to evoke the great story of a nation founded three centuries ago.
The Ministry has prepared a range of enriching events in various fields, most notably the “Al-Saraya” Festival, which will be held from February 21 to 23 in Al-Ula. It is a cultural festival that takes the visitor on a journey full of interactive travel experiences, where the stars are the guide for the journey of establishment, the story of the immortal nation, and the promise of an ambitious tomorrow. The visitor will emerge with immersive experiences and a wealth of knowledge and history, from the caravan experience in the Al-Masrah area, to the travel experience in the walk, the interactive activities in the Al-Marabi’ area, and the cultural theater in the Al-Mashraq area. An area for children called Al-Barha has also been allocated, and another for restaurants and cafes represented in the Al-Zad area, in addition to an environmentally friendly artwork by the artist Dan Zogard, made from environmentally friendly materials, and inspired by fireflies and stars, to form an environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks, and to give an amazing visual experience when it is lit. The "Strong Bonds" event, held from February 21st to 23rd at Cool Arena in Boulevard City, Riyadh, is a community art installation that highlights the spirit of unity and cohesion among community members. At its center is an artistic installation that mimics the experience of swings suspended from moving fabric bearing various cultural symbols and elements that sway gracefully to express authentic cultural beauty. The community contributes to this activation by embodying the meaning of solidarity, so that every visitor becomes a living thread in a harmonious artistic tableau, where heritage meets modernity in a captivating artwork that expresses belonging and community cooperation. The "Nights of Foundation" event, also held from February 20th to 23rd in Riyadh, presents four musical evenings celebrating national heritage in an atmosphere inspired by Saudi nature, such as the twinkling stars in the desert nights and the colors of the Najd sands. Here, tradition blends with modernity in an artistic experience that reflects the spirit of the past with a contemporary vision. The event includes accompanying activities such as a photo zone, a handicrafts corner, and the "Strings of Gold" experience, adding an interactive dimension that enriches the visitor experience. The "Memory of the Land" event, held from February 21st to 23rd in several cities across the Kingdom, commemorates the founding of the Kingdom and aims to enhance national awareness of Saudi history. It recreates the First Saudi State, allowing visitors to experience historical periods brought to life through highlights of key events, important historical, cultural, and heritage elements, personalities, and costumes. This is complemented by a range of accompanying activities within a modern framework inspired by the Kingdom's natural and cultural elements. Among the highlights is the "Craftsmen's Zone," a component of the "Year of Handicrafts 2025" initiative, showcasing two crafts from each region of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can explore the finest products of each craft and learn about their diverse applications. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (WIRT) is participating in the Earth Memory Trail with a visual experience of handicrafts through the "Art Corridor" exhibition, which presents visitors with a collection of photographs showcasing diverse Saudi handicrafts. The Founding Day events also include a drone show programmed to perform stunning visual displays in the sky. These shows combine technology and art to create animated designs, 3D shapes, and illuminated graphics using drone lights. These displays will take place in Riyadh on Saturday, February 22. The "Founding Sky" event will feature fireworks illuminating the skies in 15 Saudi cities in an inspiring artistic display. As for the “Founding Orchestra” event, which is hosted by the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh during the period from February 22 to 23, it presents a creative show that narrates the most important stages of the founding, and revives the depth of Saudi history in an attractive artistic style. It is distinguished by its combination of the authenticity of the past and the splendor of contemporary creativity, as historical events are embodied through vibrant visual tableaux that take the visitor on a journey through time to highlight the Kingdom with a charming artistic vision, accompanied by sounds that pulsate with glory and authenticity with melodies that reflect the spirit of the place and time performed by the orchestra and the Saudi National Choir. The event is accompanied by various activities such as “Extending Heritage Exhibition”, “Live Performance”, “Features of a Nation”, “The Decorator”, and a group of restaurants and cafes. The Ministry of Culture’s participation in the Founding Day events, in cooperation with several government agencies, comes within the framework of its efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s international standing, consolidate its historical depth, and highlight its cultural and historical heritage through this national occasion that celebrates the founding of the Saudi state, in a step that strengthens national identity and highlights the depth of the Kingdom’s historical roots. The events also demonstrate the Ministry’s keenness to provide an experience rich in cultural diversity and national heritage, and to highlight the extension of Saudi civilization across different eras.
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Culture and Art
Nasser Al-Khelaifi honored at the JOY AWARDS ceremony in Riyadh in 2026
The JOY AWARDS ceremony witnessed Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh honoring Nasser Al-Khelaifi with the Diamond Entertainment Makers Award, in recognition of his contributions to global media and sports.
On an exceptional evening that brought together the brightest stars of art, sports, and media in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), honored Mr. Nasser bin Ghanem Al-Khelaifi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of beIN Media Group and President of Paris Saint-Germain, with the “Diamond Entertainment Makers Award.” This prestigious recognition came during the sixth edition of the “Joy Awards” ceremony, which has become one of the most prominent entertainment events in the region and the world.
Background of the event and its growing importance
The JOY AWARDS ceremony is an integral part of Riyadh Season, the ambitious initiative under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global tourism and entertainment destination. Since its inception, the ceremony has garnered significant international attention, annually bringing together leading figures in film, drama, music, and sports to celebrate their achievements and honor their inspiring careers. This event reflects the Kingdom's remarkable transformation in the entertainment sector and its pursuit of establishing itself as a regional hub for creative industries.
A well-deserved tribute to an influential figure
The awarding of the Diamond Award to Nasser Al-Khelaifi recognizes his pivotal and influential role in shaping the landscape of the sports entertainment and media industry on the international stage. Al-Khelaifi not only serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of beIN Media Group, one of the world's largest sports media networks, but also chairs the Board of Directors of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), which has transformed Paris Saint-Germain into one of the giants of European football. This honor highlights Al-Khelaifi's significant contributions to the development of global sports content and its successful integration with the modern entertainment industry, making him one of the most prominent leaders in this vital field.
Regional and international implications
This honor carries dimensions that extend far beyond simply celebrating a prominent figure; it symbolizes the growing cooperation and integration among the major players in the entertainment and sports industries in the Gulf region. The presence of a figure of Nasser Al-Khelaifi's stature and his recognition in the heart of Riyadh reinforces JOY AWARDS' position as a unifying international platform and sends a positive message about the future of regional partnerships in the creative and economic sectors. It also underscores that sports have become an integral part of the global entertainment ecosystem, and that investing in them is an investment in a soft power with far-reaching influence.
Words from the heart and a message to the youth
Upon receiving the award, Al-Khelaifi expressed his profound happiness at this honor, extending his deepest gratitude to His Excellency Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh for this generous gesture. He emphasized his pride in being in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among this distinguished group of innovators. Al-Khelaifi also delivered an inspiring message to Arab youth, urging them to hold fast to their ambitions and work hard, noting that persistence and perseverance are the only way to realize their dreams and transform them into tangible achievements.
Culture and Art
Mohamed Ramadan excluded from the Africa Cup of Nations final: The full story
Artist Mohamed Ramadan revealed details of his exclusion from the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, expressing his displeasure with the organizers. Learn the full story and the reasons behind the dispute.
Controversy surrounds the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan sparked widespread controversy after announcing his exclusion from performing at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Ivory Coast. In a video posted to his official Instagram account, Ramadan revealed details of what happened, describing the situation as "disturbing" and humiliating to him as an Arab artist representing Egypt.
Background of participation and general context
This controversy arises from Mohamed Ramadan's participation in the tournament's official song, "Akwaba," which brought him together with prominent African stars such as the Ivorian band Magic System and Nigerian singer Yemi Allied. The song achieved widespread popularity and was considered a symbol of African unity through art and music. It was natural for the public to expect to see the song's stars perform it live at one of the tournament's two main ceremonies, the opening or closing ceremony, given its significant symbolic and media impact.
Details of Mohamed Ramadan's novel
In his account of the events, Ramadan explained that he was delighted to participate in this important continental event and that he had dedicated time and effort to filming the song in Marrakech, Morocco. He noted that he was initially informed his performance would be at the opening ceremony, before being told it had been postponed to the closing ceremony. However, the shock, as he described it, came just one day before the final, when he received no official communication from the organizers to confirm his participation or arrange logistical details. He considered this unprofessional and unbecoming of the event's scale and his artistic stature.
Importance and expected impact
Participating in major sporting events, such as the Africa Cup of Nations, is a golden opportunity for artists to enhance their international presence and reach a global audience. The absence of an artist of Mohamed Ramadan's stature, who enjoys a wide fan base in Africa and the Arab world, from the closing ceremony came as a surprise to many of his followers. This situation raised questions about the organizational efficiency and communication of the tournament's organizing committee, which is affiliated with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Ramadan concluded his remarks by expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the way he was treated, officially announcing his withdrawal from the event and emphasizing that an artist's dignity and respect come first.
Culture and Art
The future of Saudi cinema: Discussions at the Saudi Media Forum 2024
The Saudi Media Forum is hosting 8 of the most prominent art makers to discuss the transformations of cinema and drama, the impact of digital platforms, and ways for Saudi content to reach a global audience.
At the heart of the rapidly evolving cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Media Forum as a vital platform, bringing together leading figures in art, film, and production to discuss the future of content creation. In its current edition, the forum hosts eight prominent figures in intensive dialogue sessions aimed at analyzing the current reality, envisioning the future, and answering the pivotal question: How can Saudi content compete globally amidst the rapid pace of technological transformation?
Background: A cultural and cinematic renaissance
This forum comes at a time of historic transformation in Saudi Arabia. With the launch of Vision 2030, the culture and entertainment sector has witnessed significant leaps forward, most notably the return of cinemas in 2018 after a decades-long absence. This decision not only opened doors to international theaters but also ignited a spark of creativity among a new generation of Saudi directors, writers, and producers who found support and opportunities to present their local stories with a contemporary artistic vision. Discussions about the identity of Saudi cinema, its accessibility, and the challenges of production have become crucial for this nascent and ambitious industry, and these are precisely the issues the forum aims to address.
Discussion topics: Between the death of cinema and the birth of innovation
The expert discussions are spread across several main sessions, most notably the session “The Death of Cinema: Did Platforms Kill the Big Screen or Redefine It?” This session features artist and cultural consultant Abdulilah Al-Sinani , who analyzes the changing mood of the audience, and director Abdulaziz Al-Shalahi , who addresses the impact of platforms on film language and narrative structure. They are joined by Hanaa Al-Omair , President of the Cinema Association, who presents a strategic vision on how traditional cinema can survive, and Manal Al-Owaibil , an expert in corporate communications, who connects cultural narrative with creating lasting impact.
Another session, titled “Local Innovations with a Global Touch,” will feature veteran producer Hassan Asiri , who will share his decades of experience in bringing local productions to the Arab world. He will be joined by artist Fahad Albutairi , who will share his expertise in establishing successful digital platforms such as “Telfaz11,” and actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj , who will highlight the comedy industry as a bridge to connect with global audiences while preserving local flavor.
Drama and national values: from local to global
In the session “From Epic to Screen: Employing Heroism in Drama to Promote National Values,” director Tawfiq Al-Zaidi , who recently made history with his film “Noura” as the first Saudi film to compete in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival, will discuss how to draw inspiration from epics and history to create dramas that promote national values and resonate globally, thus opening the door for Saudi drama to become a cultural ambassador for the Kingdom.
Importance and expected impact
These sessions are not merely intellectual discussions; they serve as a compass guiding the future of investment and policy in the Saudi media and entertainment sector. The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to charting a clear roadmap for content creators, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for creative industries. This is a strategic step towards building a diversified knowledge economy and leveraging "soft power" to present a new image of Saudi Arabia to the world.
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