The event recreates scenes of lively trade, cultural expression and artistic displays that reflect the region’s long-standing heritage.

This edition carries additional significance as it honors Japan and the cultural legacy of Kyoto, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Organizers said the event aims to strengthen cultural understanding while showcasing traditions from both nations.

Earlier in the month, Riyadh hosted a ceremony commemorating the diplomatic milestone, where officials noted the resilience of bilateral ties.

They highlighted that cooperation between the two countries continues to support stability and shared development goals at regional and global levels.

Souq Al-Mawsim forms part of the broader Diriyah Season calendar, drawing visitors for its combination of food, performances and handcrafted goods.

The festival is running from Nov. 9 to Dec. 8 and offers daily programs featuring Saudi and Japanese elements side by side.

Visitors have described the event as an engaging experience that blends art, history and cross-cultural interaction. Many noted that the fusion of both cultures created a distinctive atmosphere that appealed to families, tourists and heritage enthusiasts.

Event organizers designed the souq using creative elements that integrate symbols, materials and motifs from both Saudi and Japanese traditions.

They said the intention was to provide a sensory journey that allows visitors to connect with the artistic spirit of the two cultures.

The site includes 20 shops offering handmade goods, local specialties and traditional clothing representing various regions. Fifteen restaurants operate throughout the souq, serving dishes inspired by Japanese and Saudi culinary traditions, alongside snacks and seasonal meals.

Dedicated areas demonstrate traditional Saudi cooking methods, allowing visitors to observe local dishes prepared using time-honored techniques.

Other areas present musical performances and artistic showcases that reflect Diriyah’s cultural identity.

The festival also offers interactive opportunities for creative exchange between Saudi and Japanese artists.
Booths throughout the venue allow painters, calligraphers, sculptors and craftspeople to present and discuss their work with visitors.

One of the cultural activities drawing attention is the display of the Japanese “hagoita,” a decorated wooden paddle used in hanetsuki, a traditional New Year’s game.
Participants can learn the basics of the game and observe how the paddle has evolved from a recreational tool into a decorative art piece.

Japanese players at the festival explained that the game resembles simplified badminton or tennis, involving a shuttlecock batted between players.
Although less commonly played today, the hagoita remains a valued New Year’s symbol in Japan, often featuring elaborate artwork.

In addition to cultural activities, the festival highlights the Al-Tawalie area’s historical significance.
The region once served as an important meeting point for trade caravans that traveled across the Arabian Peninsula during the First Saudi State.

Traders historically visited the area from distant regions, turning it into a hub for commercial and cultural exchange.
This heritage is now revived through Souq Al-Mawsim, which aims to reconnect modern audiences with the spirit of traditional markets.

Diriyah Season organizers said the festival’s purpose extends beyond entertainment, emphasizing preservation of local heritage and support for creative industries.
They aim to showcase the diversity of Saudi traditions while promoting international cultural dialogue.

The event’s mixture of handicrafts, performances, workshops and exhibitions continues to attract visitors of all ages.
Its setting at a historic location further strengthens its role as a cultural bridge linking the past with the present.

Souq Al-Mawsim’s focus on collaborative art, food, and heritage underscores efforts to expand cultural tourism in the region.
Organizers expect steady attendance throughout the season as more visitors arrive to explore the site’s activities.

Riyadh came alive with rhythm, color, and joy as Indian Culture Week took center stage at Global Harmony 2.

The event drew thousands of visitors and families who gathered to celebrate the spirit of cultural exchange through art, music, and performance.

Organized by the Ministry of Media in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, the celebration highlighted the growing cultural connection between India and Saudi Arabia.

It also forms part of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030, which aims to promote cultural diversity, social engagement, and creative expression throughout the Kingdom.

The festival’s opening ceremony began with a special performance by students from Dunes International School in Riyadh.

Their colorful dance and musical presentation set an uplifting tone, capturing the essence of Indian traditions blended with youthful energy.

Throughout the evening, visitors enjoyed a series of dazzling shows that reflected India’s rich heritage of art, movement, and storytelling.

Traditional Indian dance troupes performed folk and classical routines, accompanied by live drumming and melodious vocals.

A circus performance added a fun twist to the night, drawing laughter and applause from children and adults alike.

The carnival parade that followed brought the park to life, with performers in ornate costumes moving to rhythmic beats.

Floats inspired by India’s diverse regions showcased the country’s varied cultural identity — from Rajasthan’s royal flair to Kerala’s colorful traditions.

A dedicated children’s area offered interactive games, creative workshops, and family-friendly performances throughout the day.

Parents joined their children in activities that encouraged imagination and teamwork, adding a joyful and communal atmosphere to the festival.

Visitors also explored stalls featuring Indian handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and artwork, all celebrating the skill and creativity of traditional artisans.

Food stalls serving authentic Indian cuisine filled the air with the aroma of spices, drawing long lines for dishes such as biryani, samosas, and jalebi.

For many attendees, the event was an opportunity not only to experience another culture but also to celebrate shared values of friendship and harmony.

Cultural exchange programs like Indian Culture Week play an important role in strengthening ties between nations through art and community engagement.

They allow people to experience diverse traditions firsthand, fostering understanding, respect, and collaboration.

The festival’s organizers emphasized that Global Harmony 2 was designed to create a welcoming environment for all cultures to connect.

Through music, dance, and storytelling, the event encouraged visitors to appreciate diversity as a source of creativity and inspiration.

Many Saudi families expressed admiration for India’s cultural vibrancy, while Indian residents felt pride in representing their homeland abroad.

Students and young professionals volunteered at the event, helping with logistics, hosting, and translation to ensure a seamless visitor experience.

The collaboration between local and international communities reflected the Kingdom’s growing role as a global center for cultural dialogue.

Events like these align with Saudi Vision 2030’s mission to enhance cultural tourism and position Riyadh as a hub of international celebration.

The initiative demonstrates how entertainment can also serve as education — deepening knowledge of world cultures through interactive participation.

Visitors left with colorful memories, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the role of culture in building bridges between people.

Indian Culture Week concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the night sky above Global Harmony 2.

As the lights reflected across the crowd, the event stood as a reminder that joy, music, and art transcend borders and bring communities together.

Riyadh’s growing portfolio of international cultural festivals continues to highlight the Kingdom’s openness and commitment to global unity through creativity and celebration.

Rising from the heart of historic Diriyah, the Royal Diriyah Opera House is set to become one of Saudi Arabia’s most inspiring cultural landmarks. Designed by Norwegian firm Snohetta in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Syn Architects, it reflects the harmony between desert-inspired tradition and modern creativity.

Set to open in 2028, the 46,000-square-meter venue will feature world-class performance spaces for more than 3,500 people. A 2,000-seat main theatre will host operas and global productions, while two smaller halls and a 450-seat rooftop amphitheater will support diverse cultural events in both indoor and open-air settings.

The project, led by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, is part of the larger Diriyah master plan. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, transforming the historic birthplace of the Kingdom into a vibrant cultural and global arts destination. Construction began before summer 2025 and continues to progress steadily.

Snohetta’s winning design was chosen in a 2022 international competition for its deep connection to the local environment. Inspired by Najdi architecture, the structure uses natural textures, shaded walkways, and open courtyards that mirror the desert landscape while ensuring sustainability and comfort.

The opera house’s interior will celebrate Saudi creativity. Installations by renowned local artists like Maha Malluh will pay tribute to the country’s visual heritage, blending tradition with modern expression and giving a platform to homegrown talent.

Architect Eli Synnevag emphasized that the project symbolizes how culture can unite communities and inspire the future. It represents a bridge between Saudi traditions and international art, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing influence in global culture and design.

Beyond architecture, the project’s purpose is deeply human — to create a space where people gather to experience music, theatre, and art in harmony with the landscape. Open gardens and connected spaces will welcome both residents and visitors, encouraging exploration and dialogue.

As the Royal Diriyah Opera House rises from the desert, it stands as a beacon of Saudi Arabia’s transformation. It embodies a new era where heritage and innovation coexist, illuminating the path toward a creative, confident, and globally connected cultural future.

His remarks came during an event at the University of Westminster on October 17, which included a special screening of “Rewriting Arab News,” a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Saudi newspaper and its digital transformation.

Vaizey emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration between nations, describing culture as “the soul of the country.”

He noted that cultural investment brings both economic and social benefits, praising Saudi Arabia for taking a proactive approach to fostering its creative sector.

“For someone who has been a culture minister in the UK, where it is often a challenge to communicate the value of culture, seeing Saudi Arabia make culture a core part of Vision 2030 is remarkable,” he said.

The event included a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas and University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Dibyesh Anand.

Vaizey highlighted Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion creative industries sector, projected to contribute 3 percent of GDP and grow to $48 billion by 2030.

He described it as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors and a significant opportunity for international collaboration, particularly with the UK.

Vaizey also discussed his ongoing involvement in projects linking British and Saudi cultural initiatives, including work with the cultural consulting firm BOP, Riyadh-based arts organization Edge of Arabia, and the Saudi-UK Creative Forum.

He stressed the importance of bringing changemakers from both countries together on an equal footing to share ideas and foster innovation.

“Saudi Arabia has the potential to offer valuable lessons to cultural institutions worldwide on innovation and creative development,” he noted.

During the event, Vaizey reflected on his recent visit to the inaugural Cultural Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on culture as a driver of economic growth.

He said, “By investing in culture, Saudi Arabia is strengthening not only its economy but also the identity and vitality of its society.

The Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is an economically and culturally dynamic region, and it is inspiring to witness this ambition and confidence.”

University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dibyesh Anand highlighted the role of universities in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

He noted the challenges faced by institutions in navigating global tensions while promoting diversity, open dialogue, and mutual respect. Anand said the university aims to equip students with the skills to navigate complexity while maintaining respect for differing perspectives.

Abbas, a 2009 Westminster graduate, spoke about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an outward-looking plan requiring international partnerships.

He emphasized the value of knowledge transfer and collaboration in areas ranging from cultural industries to technology and energy.

Abbas also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role in regional and global affairs, citing efforts to mediate conflicts and promote stability as integral to both economic and societal development.

Looking ahead, Abbas shared plans for Arab News’ new AI-powered translation system, developed with regional startup CAMB.AI.

The platform will allow the newspaper to publish content in 50 languages, reaching nearly 80 percent of the global population, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and international engagement.

The event, attended by academics, students, diplomats, and professionals from the UK and Arab world, underscored the growing cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.