Visitors will experience a variety of programs across the plaza, museum, theater, lush gardens, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit, and the iconic Ithra Tower, offering an all-encompassing view of Spanish cultural heritage and lifestyle.

Under the banner “Live Spain,” Ithra will transform its spaces to create interactive experiences highlighting Spanish photography, design, and sports, alongside live performances including a production of the famous opera Carmen, engaging audiences with music, drama, and traditional dance.

Attendees can also enjoy workshops on Spanish crafts, culinary arts, visual arts, and design, allowing hands-on participation that bridges historical Spanish techniques with contemporary creative expression, fostering both education and entertainment.

Ithra’s cinema will feature screenings of Spanish short and feature films complemented by post-show discussions, providing deeper insights into the country’s artistic narratives, social commentary, and cinematic achievements, enhancing visitor understanding of Spanish cultural identity.

The idea lab and library will host sessions and talks exploring Spanish literature, architecture, and creative practices, offering intellectual engagement and opportunities for learning about Spain’s historical influences and contemporary contributions to global arts and humanities.

Spanish cuisine will be central to the celebration, with markets, tasting events, and culinary workshops reflecting Spain’s social and gastronomic traditions, emphasizing regional flavors, culinary techniques, and the cultural significance of food in everyday Spanish life.

Children and youth programs will run alongside the main events, including storytelling, creative workshops, performances, and interactive sessions designed to inspire younger audiences while encouraging curiosity and cultural appreciation through educational and entertaining activities.

Ithra Cultural Days provide a platform for global cultural exchange, emphasizing immersive, public-facing experiences that connect visitors to international traditions, arts, and heritage, fostering mutual understanding and cross-cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Spain.

This year’s Spain-focused program follows the success of the Japan edition, which attracted over 200,000 visitors in two weeks, demonstrating Ithra’s ability to host large-scale, diverse cultural initiatives that combine learning, entertainment, and community engagement.

The festival highlights the historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions, showcasing shared influences in architecture, art, and social practices while providing modern interpretations of classical Spanish culture for an international audience.

Visitors will enjoy performances on multiple stages, ranging from traditional flamenco music and dance to contemporary Spanish theatrical productions, reflecting Spain’s vibrant performing arts scene and offering a dynamic experience for all age groups.

Hands-on activities and workshops will invite participants to create their own artworks, learn Spanish cooking techniques, and engage with fashion and design elements, encouraging a participatory approach that blends creativity, culture, and education.

The public spaces at Ithra will host food markets, live demonstrations, and social events that emphasize the communal nature of Spanish culture, reinforcing the role of art, cuisine, and performance in daily social life.

Ithra Cultural Days aim to deepen cultural understanding and appreciation through large-scale exhibitions, educational sessions, and immersive experiences, providing a platform for international collaboration, artistic expression, and global cultural literacy.

The event underscores Ithra’s commitment to promoting global cultures, inspiring creative thinking, and celebrating the richness of diverse traditions while connecting local communities with international cultural narratives.

The event is being organized in collaboration with the Saudi Music Hub and the Music Commission, bringing a blend of Nordic musical traditions and contemporary artistic styles to audiences experiencing the ensemble’s work for the first time in the Kingdom.

The performance will feature a live composition by Finnish composer Lasse Heikkila, who drew inspiration from the changing seasons of Northern Europe, weaving natural themes into a piece that integrates sound, narrative and visual storytelling.

Hanna-Marie Laul, head producer of the Nordic Youth Orchestra project, said the group is enthusiastic about performing in Riyadh and emphasized the importance of musical exchange, reflecting the orchestra’s commitment to building cultural understanding through the arts.

She explained that members of the ensemble have self-funded their journey to Saudi Arabia, motivated by a desire to connect with new audiences and to collaborate with local musicians as part of a shared artistic experience.

Laul noted that a significant number of orchestra members have never visited the Kingdom before, making the performance a milestone for both the musicians and the cultural organizations hosting them in Riyadh.

The program will blend Nordic-inspired soundscapes with an accompanying film by a Finnish director, featuring imagery of Estonian and Finnish forests and night skies, merging nature-driven visuals with orchestral composition to create a multi-sensory environment.

In addition to the ensemble performance, the event will feature several solo works, including a special appearance by Saudi cellist Mohammed Al-Guthmi, who will perform alongside the Nordic musicians in a collaboration highlighting the exchange of artistic styles and techniques.

Other soloists include virtuosos Kaur Nellis, Henri Christofer Aavik, Joonatan Rautio, Sonja Kola, Kalervo Kulmala and Laul, each presenting pieces that showcase different facets of Nordic classical and contemporary music traditions.

The showcase will also introduce audiences to traditional Nordic instruments, including the Estonian kannel and the accordion, underscoring the group’s commitment to sharing authentic elements of Northern European musical heritage.

Laul said the orchestra’s objective is to create an atmosphere where cultural bridges can be formed through music, emphasizing that the ensemble arrived independently and will perform without charge to ensure open access for audiences and to encourage broader musical engagement.

She described music as a universal medium that can transcend language and geography, making it a powerful tool for fostering global connection and mutual appreciation across diverse communities.

Organizers expect the event to draw significant interest from students, musicians and art enthusiasts seeking fresh cultural experiences, aligning with ongoing efforts in Riyadh to expand artistic programming and international creative collaboration.

The Nordic Youth Orchestra, composed of young musicians from several Northern European countries, is known for combining classical disciplines with modern performance styles, creating immersive works that emphasize storytelling, cultural identity and shared artistic values.

The group’s arrival in Riyadh is viewed as part of a broader momentum in the Kingdom’s cultural sector, which has been hosting an increasing number of international musical and artistic collaborations as part of a long-term strategy to foster cultural exchange and support creative development.

The performance aims to highlight the potential for sustained collaboration between Saudi and Nordic musicians, with organizers expressing hope that this debut appearance will pave the way for future joint initiatives and expanded artistic partnerships.

The upcoming event serves as a reflection of Riyadh’s growing reputation as a destination for global cultural activity, offering opportunities for international artists to engage with local audiences and contribute to the city’s evolving artistic dialogue.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Saudi Association of Japan Graduates and Associates and the Japanese community in Jeddah, coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia. It aimed to deepen mutual understanding, foster cross-cultural communication, and highlight the growing people-to-people ties that continue to define the relationship between the two nations.

Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, Daisuke Yamamoto, opened the ceremony with words of appreciation for the organizers, participants, and library staff who made the event possible. He expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation between Saudi and Japanese institutions, emphasizing that the speech contest plays a key role in strengthening cultural bridges and supporting language learning.

Yamamoto also noted that cultural initiatives such as this reflect the shared values of respect, curiosity, and collaboration that underpin the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan. He encouraged participants to continue studying the Japanese language and to explore opportunities for further educational and cultural exchange.

The contest featured a diverse group of contestants who delivered engaging speeches in Japanese, reflecting on themes such as cultural similarities and differences between Japan and Saudi Arabia, personal experiences studying abroad, and lessons learned through language immersion. The speeches were judged on fluency, pronunciation, content, and delivery, showcasing the participants’ growing mastery of the Japanese language.

Adding to the cultural experience, renowned Japanese calligraphy artist Koka Awazu conducted a live demonstration, mesmerizing the audience with her skillful strokes. Attendees and contestants were invited to try their hand at calligraphy, gaining a hands-on appreciation for one of Japan’s most elegant traditional art forms.

The event also served as an opportunity to highlight Japan’s increasing engagement with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in the areas of education, technology, and cultural cooperation. Through such cultural programs, both countries aim to build stronger ties beyond trade and investment, nurturing mutual understanding among their younger generations.

Over the past seven decades, Japan and Saudi Arabia have developed a robust partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared interests, and cultural appreciation. The Japanese Speech Contest in Jeddah stands as a testament to this enduring relationship, providing a meaningful platform for students and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and celebrate the rich heritage of both nations.

As the evening concluded, participants and guests expressed their enthusiasm for future cultural initiatives and collaborations that further enhance dialogue and friendship between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The Consulate General reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such educational and cultural activities, viewing them as essential tools in building lasting bridges between the peoples of both countries.

The ambassador has chosen to continue living in Saudi Arabia, calling it his “newfound home” and expressing deep admiration for the culture, people, and opportunities the country offers.

Spagnol arrived in Saudi Arabia in November 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, he embraced the Kingdom with enthusiasm, determined to explore its rich culture, language, and traditions.

“I want to learn about Saudi Arabia, about Saudi people. I want to go through the walls, see how they work and see how they live, what they think, and discover that they think beautifully, they are open-minded, they traveled the world,” he said, reflecting his genuine curiosity and respect for the nation.

Throughout his tenure, the ambassador focused on deepening and realigning the diplomatic and economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Malta. He identified key market opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing and education, helping both countries better understand each other’s potential for collaboration.

“Diplomatic cooperation started decades ago, and they were active or modestly active in the ’80s. For the past six to seven years, the engagement has improved a lot,” Spagnol noted, highlighting the sustained growth in bilateral relations during his term.

One notable aspect of his work was balancing his role as both ambassador and consul. While consular duties are often viewed as administrative, Spagnol found tremendous personal and professional fulfillment in engaging directly with Saudi families.

“Through the consular work, you meet families, you meet beautiful families, you have a lot of contact with the real Saudis. That’s what made me make a lot of friends,” he explained. His approach allowed him to forge lifelong friendships and a deep personal connection to the Kingdom, beyond formal diplomatic networks.

Spagnol also dedicated time to exploring Saudi Arabia extensively, venturing beyond major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to regions such as Najran, Jouf, and Tabuk, often being the first Maltese diplomat to visit these areas.

By documenting his travels, he encouraged tourism and cultural exchange, helping showcase Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and heritage to a global audience. “Saudi tourism is also increasing to Malta and vice versa,” he said, emphasizing the positive impact of cultural diplomacy on mutual understanding.

The ambassador’s immersion in local life extended to cultural and recreational experiences. He spent time camping in the desert with Saudi families and participating in traditional activities, demonstrating a genuine interest in and respect for the Kingdom’s customs. “I am proud of it … I am staying in Saudi Arabia, I am not moving out of the Kingdom. I decided to make this place my home. It exceeded my expectations,” he said.

Spagnol’s commitment to the Gulf region is reinforced by over a decade of experience in countries such as Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, bringing a wealth of regional insight to his role in Saudi Arabia.

His tenure has been marked not only by professional achievements but also by meaningful personal connections and cultural engagement, leaving a lasting legacy for Maltese-Saudi relations.

As he concludes his official mission, Clive Aquilina Spagnol’s story stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy rooted in respect, curiosity, and cultural immersion. His decision to make Saudi Arabia his home reflects the enduring bonds formed during his service and the opportunities the Kingdom offers for international cooperation, personal growth, and cultural exchange.