Arab News

Culture Ministry to host Founding Day events across Saudi Arabia

‘Founding Village’ to showcase Kingdom’s cultural legacy

- Arab News Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is set to host cultural and historical celebratio­ns across the country from Feb. 21 to 26 in honor of Founding Day, observed annually on Feb. 22, to mark the state’s foundation by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727 CE.

Spanning various cities across the Kingdom, the ministry’s curated events will present a diverse cultural feast, with “Founding Nights” billed as a main attraction. Scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at the Abu Bakr Salem Stage in Boulevard City, Riyadh, this event promises a “nostalgic voyage through time with an evening of poetry and music.”

Attendees will be treated to poetry and melodies performed by esteemed poets and artists, bringing to light important facets of Saudi heritage.

Another event, “Symphony of the Beginning,” will take place on Feb. 25 and 26 at the same venue. It features an orchestral performanc­e that melds traditiona­l Saudi instrument­s with contempora­ry ones, and tells the tale of the nation’s founding through music. Prominent Saudi poets, composers, and the National Music Band will be performing.

The “Path of History” experience at King Abdullah Financial

District in Riyadh invites visitors to make their way through “an engaging display” of 19 scenes that chronicle the Saudi state’s evolution from its inception in 1727 to the present day. It consists of three distinct zones — The Gathering, The Journey, and The Celebratio­n — each of which is designed to immerse visitors in the Kingdom’s history through cultural performanc­es, art displays, and interactiv­e installati­ons.

Meanwhile, the “Founding Village,” which will be held in 14 locations from Feb. 22 to 24, aims to “resurrect the Kingdom’s historical narratives through immersive experience­s that spotlight the country’s cultural legacy.”

This event will take visitors on a journey through 300 years of history, and includes traditiona­l crafts, cultural stories, interactiv­e children’s areas, digital innovation­s, family entertainm­ent, authentic Saudi culinary delights and other cultural activities across various domains, including heritage and oral traditions.

These celebrator­y events underscore the Ministry of Culture’s dedication to commemorat­ing a pivotal moment in Saudi history — the establishm­ent of the Saudi state, and celebratin­g “the deeprooted pride in national heritage, the solid bond between the citizenry and leadership, and the enduring legacy of progress and prosperity,” according to a ministry statement.

For tickets, visit: https://dc.moc. gov.sa/home/ar/founding-day/

 ?? Supplied ?? These events emphasize the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to heritage celebratio­n and citizen-leadership bonds.
Supplied These events emphasize the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to heritage celebratio­n and citizen-leadership bonds.

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