Ithra Unveils Five-Day Program for Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day
DHAHRAN, September 16, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, will mark Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day with a five-day cultural program running from September 22 to 26 in Dhahran, SPA reported.
Held under the theme “Glory Through Our People,” the program will feature 36 experiences examining Saudi heritage, contemporary culture, film, music, architecture and visual art.
The celebrations will begin with a military parade, followed by activities across Ithra’s cultural spaces.
The “Inspired by Our Roots” workshop will examine architectural styles from different regions of Saudi Arabia, while “Saudi Calligraphy Art” sessions will introduce visitors to the forms and techniques of Arabic script.
Technology will feature in “Pride Salute,” a motion-sensing installation that converts military ceremonial movements into digital art.
A separate sound experience, “Who Leads the Rhythm,” will combine traditional Saudi instruments with contemporary electronic sounds.
Ithra will also screen a selection of Saudi films. The program includes “The Destination,” a documentary about changes in the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030, alongside the experimental films “Marjouj” and “Irtizaz.”
At the Ithra Museum, visitors will be able to view “Bedayat: The Beginning of the Saudi Art Movement.” The exhibition traces the development of Saudi art from the 1960s to the 1980s through works by early Saudi artists and archival material.
An open-air concert in Ithra’s Lush Garden will bring together live music and traditional folk ensembles.
The performances will include the Majrour of Taif, Khabiti, Khatwa of the South and Rayeh of Bisha, as well as the Ardah sword dance and the poetic musical form Samri.
Ithra is an Aramco initiative and a cultural center based in Dhahran.
Source: SPA
