Ithra Reveals Five-Day National Day Program in Dhahran

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran will host a five-day cultural program for Saudi National Day 96, running from 22 to 26 September 2026 under the theme “Glory Through Our People,” which spotlights Saudi heritage, modern culture, and future ambitions.

The program features 36 distinct cultural, entertainment, family, and workshop experiences spread across five days. It opens with a grand military parade showcasing participating military units and choreographed formations, followed by a wide range of activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Highlights include workshops on regional Saudi architectural styles under concepts such as “Inspired by Our Roots,” Saudi calligraphy sessions dedicated to the aesthetics of Arabic script, digital art installations with interactive technologies, and sound and sonic soundscape experiments. Ithra’s cinema facilities will host curated film screenings throughout the program.

The Ithra Lush Garden will stage open-air concerts featuring traditional Saudi folk dances such as Ardah, Samri, and Khatwa with live musical performances, while indoor workshop and learning spaces will host the architecture and calligraphy sessions. Dedicated family programs and children’s activities are integrated into the daily schedule.

How to attend

Entry and event tickets are managed through Ithra’s official website and on-site ticket counters. Some experiences and workshops may require separate tickets or advance booking, while others are open-access within the complex. Specific ticket prices for each event have not yet been publicly itemized.

Ithra is located in the Gharb Al Dhahran district, 8386 Ring Road, Dhahran 34461. The program offers residents and visitors across the Eastern Province an accessible way to celebrate the national occasion through a mix of heritage, arts, and family entertainment in one venue.

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