This year’s theme, “Winter is Alive,” encapsulates the essence of creativity, community, and cultural exchange that the event aims to promote.

The celebration has gathered families, artists, and media professionals under the enchanting night sky of Dhahran, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and joy.

The opening ceremony was a spectacular affair, featuring a stunning display of lights and drones that illuminated the Ithra structure, captivating the audience.

Attendees were treated to a blend of traditional melodies and modern digital art projections, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

With concerts, immersive installations, workshops, and local food experiences scheduled to run until April 2026, Khobar Season promises to be a year-round cultural destination.

This year’s edition of Khobar Season emphasizes accessibility and family engagement, reflecting Ithra’s commitment to community involvement.

Sarah Al-Abdullah, an English teacher and attendee, remarked on the dynamic nature of this season, highlighting that it inspires exploration and creativity beyond mere entertainment.

The gathering of diverse individuals from various backgrounds fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Ithra has long served as a cultural bridge, connecting art, science, and technology. Its seasonal programs attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and this year’s lineup features exciting new workshops and interactive spaces.

Content creator Haneen Al-Ghamdi expressed her appreciation for Ithra’s unique approach to event curation, where attendees not only enjoy performances but also learn and engage with the cultural narrative.

The event underscores the importance of collaboration with local and regional partners, aiming to nurture homegrown talent and strengthen the creative economy.

Initiatives such as the Family Studio, Youth Studio, and Winter Souq provide platforms for artists and entrepreneurs to connect with the community, fostering innovation and creativity.

Mohammed Al-Otaibi, an attendee from Dammam, noted the significance of such gatherings in promoting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing the importance of creativity and openness.

In addition to celebrating local talent, Khobar Season 2025 serves as an appreciation gesture for journalists and broadcasters, acknowledging their role in promoting Saudi culture.

Ithra’s representatives reiterated the media’s crucial partnership in advancing the Kingdom’s cultural narrative, which aligns with national efforts to enhance creative industries and cultural communication.

Throughout the season, guests will have the opportunity to explore newly opened areas and upcoming attractions, including outdoor installations and cross-disciplinary collaborations that link technology, sustainability, and heritage.

The organizers aim to make the Eastern Province a key fixture on Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of the region’s cultural offerings.

The event beautifully illustrates the harmony between tradition and innovation, as highlighted by attendees.

The juxtaposition of oud players and drone shows exemplifies the evolving cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, where past and future coexist in a vibrant tapestry of creativity.

As the season unfolds, it promises to offer an enriching experience for all who attend, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and culture.

In conclusion, Khobar Season 2025 stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Province, inviting everyone to partake in this celebration of creativity and community.

With a diverse range of activities planned, it not only entertains but also educates and inspires. This season is set to leave a lasting impression, making it an unmissable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Participating for the 12th consecutive year, Ithra is offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights the Kingdom’s rich heritage and innovative contributions to literature, art, and knowledge.

The pavilion is thoughtfully divided into four sections, beginning with an introductory area showcasing Ithra’s key facilities, including its library, museum, theater, and cinema.

Visitors can explore two dedicated zones for library programs, featuring workshops, discussion panels, and interactive sessions designed to inspire curiosity and learning. In addition, a bookstore highlights Ithra’s latest titles spanning philosophy, literature, art, and heritage, giving attendees a chance to engage with unique content.

Abdullah Al-Hawas, director of Ithra, emphasized the center’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and knowledge sharing. “Every year, Ithra brings fresh ideas to the Riyadh International Book Fair.

This year, under the theme ‘Riyadh Reads,’ we are presenting 13 new publications covering philosophy, literature, and art, most of which were recently produced,” he said.

Among the most popular titles is The Mu’allaqat for the Millennial Generation, which makes classical Arabic poetry accessible to today’s readers. Another acclaimed publication, Arabic Proverbs for the New Generation, features over 150 Arabic proverbs with insightful commentary, encouraging readers to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Ithra also presents Hijra: In the Footsteps of the Prophet, detailing the historic eight-day journey from Makkah to Madinah, along with books on camels, crafts, and philosophy, all carefully selected for their cultural significance.

Ithra’s publications have gained international recognition through translations into Spanish, German, Korean, Chinese, French, and English, reflecting the center’s mission to share Arab culture with global audiences. The Ithra Library, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and first fully digital libraries, spans four floors, housing over 357,000 books and thousands of digital resources.

As a cultural hub, Ithra hosts engaging programs such as the Ithra Reading Club, Majaz poetry celebrations, Ithra Library Saturdays, Your Book in a Minute, and Bridges to the World, promoting literary creativity, knowledge exchange, and cultural appreciation.

Through its dynamic participation in the Riyadh International Book Fair, Ithra continues to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a center for culture, learning, and innovation, inspiring readers of all ages to explore and celebrate the richness of Arab heritage.

Anchored in Al-Ahsa, home to the world’s largest date palm oasis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the initiative blends heritage with innovation, positioning Saudi palm weaving as a platform for contemporary art, design, and international collaboration.

Palm weaving, locally known as khoos, has been a vital part of Saudi life for generations, producing functional objects such as baskets and mats. The Khoos Initiative reimagines this craft for the 21st century, transforming it from a traditional practice into a source of artistic and design inspiration. Artisans collaborate with designers, architects, and creatives from around the world to explore new forms while retaining the craft’s cultural roots.

Ala’a Al-Qahtani, creative programs specialist at Ithra, explained that the program moves palm weaving beyond practical objects into art, fashion, and architecture. “The goal is not only to preserve heritage but to evolve it into a space where tradition meets innovation,” Al-Qahtani said.

The initiative emphasizes cross-generational collaboration, with women artisans providing deep knowledge of traditional techniques and young creatives bringing fresh perspectives, ensuring the craft remains vibrant and relevant.

Al-Ahsa’s cultural and historical significance anchors the program. As the heart of Saudi palm weaving, it provides a strong local foundation while offering a gateway to global recognition.

The Khoos Initiative presents Saudi heritage to the world, highlighting the shared legacy of palm crafts across regions and cultures. Al-Qahtani noted that the initiative acts as a “cultural bridge, strengthening both local identity and global understanding.”

Maintaining authenticity while embracing innovation was a key challenge. The initiative addresses this by pairing traditional artisans with contemporary designers in signature commissions and residency programs. This collaboration safeguards centuries of knowledge while introducing new creative expressions suitable for fashion, design, and architecture.

The result is a dynamic exchange of skills and ideas that celebrates both history and modernity.

The Khoos Initiative also aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting the growth of the creative economy and cultural diplomacy. By transforming traditional craft into a driver for innovation, education, and economic opportunity, the program strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position on the international cultural stage.

Through exhibitions like “The Palm Tree Exhibition” at Ithra, as well as presentations at UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona and the ICOM General Conference in Dubai, the initiative showcases Saudi craftsmanship to a global audience.

Women’s involvement remains central to the initiative, reflecting their historical role in preserving palm weaving. At the same time, younger generations contribute energy and creativity, pushing the boundaries of traditional craft into modern contexts. This inclusive approach ensures that khoos is not just a preserved memory but a living, evolving art form with international relevance.

By linking heritage to contemporary design, education, and global collaboration, the Khoos Initiative positions Saudi palm weaving as both a cultural treasure and a source of innovation. Through this initiative, a craft once confined to local oases now thrives as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s creativity, bridging tradition and modernity for the world to experience.