Organized by student groups Diwan and Estiraha in collaboration with KFUPM Student Affairs, the exhibition recreated the experience of these cafes where visitors once paid to check emails, browse the web, and connect socially, while blending history with contemporary art and technology.

Although the initiative was led by Gen Z students in their early 20s, including Diwan founder Fajer Al-Mindeel and creative director Wateen Al-Zahrani, the exhibition attracted visitors of all ages, allowing both younger attendees and alumni to engage with a piece of digital history.

Al-Mindeel explained that the inspiration for the event came from spending time on campus and learning about the stories behind the university’s buildings, prompting the team to recreate an experience that honored the cultural and technological past of KFUPM.

KFUPM, founded in 1963 as an all-boys school, has recently begun enrolling women, and several female students featured in the exhibition are among the first graduating class, highlighting both the evolving inclusivity and rich heritage of the university.

Al-Zahrani noted, “One of the most rewarding aspects of organizing the exhibition was reconnecting with alumni who have deep ties to the university, retrieving personal archives, and incorporating their memories into the installations, which created a meaningful and immersive experience for all visitors.”

The students specifically chose Building 10 to host the event, a space that historically served as a cultural hub for performances and movie nights in the 1980s and ’90s but had recently been limited to academic functions, allowing the exhibition to revive the building’s original communal spirit.

Al-Mindeel added, “The venue has historical significance, including hosting a speech by Queen Elizabeth II, and we wanted to combine that heritage with a modern exploration of digital culture and technology, creating a bridge between past and present.”

The exhibition featured works by 14 artists, both Saudi and international, including Mohammad Al-Faraj, Basmah Felemban, Sarah Abu Abdullah, Asaad Badawi, Ally Yanxiu Liu, Abdulelah Quttub, Fai Ahmed, Rama Saputra, Sumayah Fallatah, Dalal Madhi, Hamdan Ahmed, Khaled Makhshoush, and Studio Bin Hattan, whose creations either were commissioned specifically for the event or developed in recent years.

The installations included 12 archive computers from the university, historical books from the library, contemporary artworks, and immersive sound design, with potted plants and interactive elements enhancing the atmosphere and encouraging visitors to reflect on their evolving relationship with technology.

Al-Mindeel highlighted that some of the works explored important contemporary issues, such as environmental impact, showing how daily interactions with technology, including AI platforms, have consequences that are often overlooked but increasingly relevant in modern society.

Student Jood Alshikhi shared her perspective, saying, “The exhibition’s strength was in how it intertwined past and present, beginning with memories of early encounters with computers and transitioning into a modern, art-focused digital world, illustrating how our use of technology has transformed from shared social moments to personalized, creative experiences.”

Visitors left with a sense of both nostalgia and awareness, seeing firsthand how early internet culture has influenced current digital habits, while experiencing a dynamic space that combined historical artifacts, artistic expression, and interactive technology to engage multiple generations.

The event successfully celebrated KFUPM’s history and student creativity, demonstrating how younger generations can honor the past while innovatively interpreting technology’s role in society, fostering community connection, and reviving cultural traditions on campus.

The two-week event, which began on Friday near Tabuk Central Park, marks the culmination of a series that has successfully toured cities across Saudi Arabia, including Jazan, Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Baha, and Taif.

Each stop of the tour has attracted thousands of visitors, reflecting the growing appetite for family-friendly entertainment and cultural activities across the Kingdom.

City Hub in Tabuk offers a wide range of engaging zones and attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages. Among the most popular areas is the esports zone, where gaming enthusiasts participate in competitive tournaments featuring popular titles such as EAFC 24 and TEKKEN 8.

The contests bring together players from different regions, creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and excitement. Winners receive valuable prizes, adding to the thrill of the competition and motivating young gamers to showcase their skills on a national stage.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the event features a specially designed horror zone. This immersive attraction recreates spine-chilling scenarios that allow thrill seekers to experience fear in a safe yet captivating environment.

The zone’s realistic settings, special effects, and storytelling elements make it one of the event’s most talked-about features. It combines suspense, creativity, and technology to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors who enjoy a rush of adrenaline.

The City Hub also brings the magic of the circus to Tabuk with its vibrant circus tent. Inside, audiences are treated to a mesmerizing lineup of performances that blend art, acrobatics, and theater.

The shows include breathtaking trapeze acts, dancing waterfalls, and the thrilling 360-degree motorcycle cage performance that leaves spectators in awe.

These performances highlight the event’s emphasis on creativity and its commitment to offering high-quality entertainment that rivals international standards.

Beyond its attractions, City Hub in Tabuk serves a greater purpose by supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. The event promotes social interaction, enhances quality of life, and fosters creativity and cultural exchange among residents and visitors.

By bringing entertainment directly to cities across Saudi Arabia, City Hub helps decentralize cultural opportunities, ensuring that residents from different regions can experience the same level of excitement and engagement typically seen in major urban centers.

The nationwide tour has also had a positive economic impact by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It has opened doors for local vendors, artists, and service providers to participate and benefit from the growing entertainment sector.

The project encourages entrepreneurship and investment in new industries, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as an emerging hub for entertainment and leisure in the region.

City Hub’s success demonstrates how strategic planning and innovation can transform public spaces into vibrant centers of activity and joy.

Each edition of the City Hub has been tailored to match the unique character of its host city, reflecting local culture and community spirit. In Tabuk, the event not only entertains but also celebrates the city’s growing role in the Kingdom’s modernization efforts.

The mix of traditional performances, modern attractions, and interactive zones ensures a well-rounded experience for all visitors, making it a highlight of Tabuk’s social calendar. Families, youth, and tourists alike find something memorable to enjoy, from games and art to live shows and culinary delights.

As the final stop of the nationwide tour, City Hub in Tabuk represents both a celebration and a milestone. It marks the success of a vision that connects people through entertainment, creativity, and shared experiences.

The event’s ability to unite communities across Saudi Arabia and inspire a culture of joy and innovation stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to building a vibrant society where culture and entertainment play a central role in everyday life.