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.

The sixth edition of the forum, held recently at Riyadh Schools in Misk under the theme “Arts Reshaping the World: Social Responsibility of Cultural Institutions,” brought together artists, curators, scholars, and cultural practitioners from across the globe to explore how cultural institutions can drive social responsibility and creative sustainability.

Reem Al-Sultan, CEO of the Misk Art Institute, emphasized the forum’s role in fostering new ideas and cross-cultural conversations.

“Cultural institutions are active participants in shaping identity and collective memory, but they are also agents of change,” she said.

“By convening pioneering voices from across the region and beyond, the Creative Forum 2025 kindles new cultural conversations and highlights innovative approaches to cultural and social responsibility.”

The two-day program featured over 15 panel discussions, talks, and networking events, covering a wide spectrum of topics.

Among the sessions, “Building Art World Legacy Through Archiving,” led by Basmah Al-Shathry, the institute’s lead curator, examined the challenges and opportunities of documenting Saudi art history.

Shathry noted that while archival resources are still developing, initiatives like this forum are crucial for preserving the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and making it accessible for future generations.

Another session, “Margins are the Main Text,” explored the transformative power of art and its role in amplifying underrepresented voices.

Noor Salame, CEO and founder of Kaph Books, spoke about creating a publishing platform rooted in the region with international distribution.

“Our goal is to have our voices heard worldwide, showcasing what is happening in the region’s art scene,” she said. “We were once on the margins, and now our conversations are becoming central. We are archiving, documenting, and sharing our vision with the world.”

The forum also featured a presentation by Abdulrahman Gazzaz, co-founder of architecture studio BrickLab, on documenting the gentrification of Riyadh’s Al-Rawdah neighborhood, highlighting how art and design intersect with social and urban development.

Additionally, workshops and informal discussion sessions allowed participants to engage directly with industry leaders, including photographer Omar Ashour, art adviser Myrna Ayad, and artists Ayman Dayban and Rashid Alsubaie.

Since its launch in 2020, the Misk Creative Forum has hosted nearly 200 speakers from more than 20 countries and welcomed over 14,000 attendees.

The forum has steadily grown into a major platform for cross-cultural dialogue, networking, and creative development, supporting the institute’s mission to empower creativity and foster inclusivity.

Al-Sultan highlighted the importance of showcasing homegrown talent alongside international perspectives, stating that the forum not only amplifies Saudi voices but also encourages meaningful global engagement.

The event demonstrates how cultural institutions can serve as catalysts for both artistic innovation and social impact.

By connecting local creators with global thinkers and practitioners, the Misk Creative Forum strengthens the region’s cultural ecosystem and helps Saudi Arabia share its rich artistic heritage with the world.

Through discussions, workshops, and panels, the forum emphasizes that creativity is not only an avenue for personal expression but also a tool for shaping society, inspiring dialogue, and promoting understanding across borders.

Overall, the Misk Creative Forum 2025 reflects the growing importance of cultural institutions in fostering social responsibility, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

It highlights how art and creativity can bridge communities, promote inclusivity, and provide a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.

As the forum continues to expand, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for cultural dialogue and demonstrates the transformative power of the arts in shaping a more connected and understanding world