Ithra, an all-purpose cultural destination
27.11.2023 - 09:48
/ traveldailynews.com
/ Vicky Karantzavelou
/ Abdulaziz Al-Saud
An innovative and creative society, offering a space with the latest educational techniques in the fields of knowledge, arts, science, literature, creativity, design and innovation to all society segments.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a creative and cultural hub that empowers human development in Saudi Arabia and beyond by inspiring people to learn, create and collaborate. At Ithra, a cultural window is provided to the world where visitors can be exposed to global experiences within a multi-dimensional learning destination.
An innovative and creative society, offering a space with the latest educational techniques in the fields of knowledge, arts, science, literature, creativity, design and innovation to all society segments.
The facilities include Idea Lab, Library, Ithra Theater, Cinema, Museum, Children’s Museum, Energy Exhibit, Archives, The Great Hall and The Knowledge Tower, all which are housed to provide visitors an immersive and transformative experience. The Center itself is an iconic landmark which reflects its purpose as a beacon for knowledge to illuminate, inspire and catalyze the potential of the Kingdom’s vast talent pool.
History
On May 2008 20, Saudi Aramco’s 75th anniversary, the company launched its most ambitious corporate citizenship initiative: the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). The celebration was attended by His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdulah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, may he rest in peace, who laid the cornerstore of the project. Saudi Aramco chose to build the Center near the Prosperity Well, the Kingdom’s first commercial oil well.
In recognition of the original source of energy in the Kingdom, Ithra represents a different source of energy: human energy. A new replenishable source of limitless potential and ever-flowing knowledge to feed minds eager to learn, create and produce; to transform a new tomorrow equipped with a knowledge-based society. Throughout its history, Saudi Aramco has continuously invested in human development, education and health in the Kingdom. Ithra is Saudi Aramco’s next step of giving back to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its people at the forefront, crucial to the country’s future and unleashing their global potential ,in line with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s evolving cultural landscape.
The Architecture
Rising 90 meters above the Dhahran skyline, the building’s design is purposeful expression inspired by the shapes of oil-bearing rock formations: the source of the Kingdom’s energy wealth.
Built as an architectural marvel, Ithra design and construction was an intricate process involving the formation of the facede with individually formed stainless steel tubes wrapped around