King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious cultural initiatives. Opened in 2018 by Saudi Aramco, this center was born from a vision to contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural development and engage communities with ideas, stories, and experiences that span beyond borders.
The word Ithra itself means enrichment in Arabic, a name that captures the center’s purpose to inspire curiosity and understanding. Located in Dhahran, on the site where Saudi Arabia’s first commercial oilfield was discovered, Ithra’s presence is symbolic. It represents a shift from traditional economic engines toward
investment in human potential, creativity and culture.
The center’s striking architecture draws attention from afar. Designed by the acclaimed Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the sculptural complex looks as if pebbles have been woven together into a futuristic form rising from the desert. Inside, each space carries an intentional message about discovery, learning and dialogue.
Space for Ideas, Art and Discovery
Walking through Ithra is like entering a world where knowledge and creativity meet. The institution houses a museum with themed galleries that change regularly, showcasing contemporary art, Saudi heritage, Islamic history and natural history, all aimed at sparking curiosity and reflection.
The library is one of the region’s most modern and dynamic learning hubs, with hundreds of thousands of texts and digital resources. It is a place not just to read, but to convene for lectures, workshops and book clubs that encourage participation from all walks of life.
The theatre seats nearly 900 people and hosts performances ranging from orchestras and plays to international and regional productions. Ithra’s stage has welcomed artists and ensembles from around the world, illustrating the center’s commitment to global artistic exchange.
Cinema at Ithra is more than feature screenings. The center’s film society nurtures emerging voices through masterclasses, discussions and programs that bring film lovers and creators together.
Ithra’s relationship with Saudi cinema began well before its doors opened to the public. Since 2014, the center has partnered with the Saudi Cinema Association to launch and support the Saudi Film Festival, making it one of the earliest institutional backers of the Kingdom’s film movement. Years before its iconic building welcomed visitors, Ithra was already working behind the scenes to give local filmmakers a platform to develop their craft, reach audiences and build
a professional network.
More than a building, Ithra is a cultural ecosystem. It is a space where people discover not just the world, but themselves through art, story and shared experience.
Feras Almusharrie and the Rise of a New Saudi Cinema
In late 2025, Ithra continued its active role on the regional cultural stage through its participation in the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. Now in its fifth edition, the festival drew filmmakers, professionals and audiences from around the world, highlighting work from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa.
At the heart of Ithra’s presence was the work of Feras Almusharrie, Head of the Ithra Film Fund. The Fund was established to support filmmakers whose stories reflect the depth and variety of Saudi life and perspectives. At the festival, Ithra’s activities demonstrated how investment in local talent can resonate internationally.
Ithra participated in the Production Market, where filmmakers and producers meet potential partners, financiers and collaborators. This forum is a tangible avenue for Saudi projects to advance from idea to screen, and it underscores Ithra’s role not just in celebration of film but in its practical creation.
Almusharrie was scheduled to speak at the “Meet the Saudi Funders” panel on December 9, but heavy rain forced the session to be postponed to the following day. He later joined the discussion on December 10, where he spoke about funding pathways for emerging filmmakers and how national initiatives are shaping the future of Saudi cinema.
Films That Reflect a New Voice
Two films supported by Ithra, along with partners such as the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Saudi Film Commission, screened at the festival, reinforcing the center’s commitment to authentic Saudi storytelling. Hijra, directed by Shahad Ameen, and Irtizaz were presented to audiences and critics alike. These films stand as evidence of the creative momentum coming out of the Kingdom.
In addition, Ithra presented its 50,000 SAR Film Fund Development Award to Green Corpse, a project by filmmaker Khalid Zidan. The award was announced during the Red Sea Film Souk Production Market, recognising the film for its strong narrative and authentic Saudi perspective.
A Lasting Commitment
Ithra’s work at the Red Sea International Film Festival was more than a showcase. It was an affirmation of a long-term commitment to Saudi cinema. Under Almusharrie’s leadership, the Film Fund has been instrumental in providing resources, mentorship and visibility to projects that might otherwise struggle to find support.
The festival screenings and market engagements of late 2025 were milestones, marking a moment where Saudi stories were not only told but also celebrated on a global stage. They were reminders that culture, when nurtured intentionally, can drive dialogue, empathy and understanding.
Ithra’s influence in 2025 was not confined to awards or panels. It was visible in the energy of filmmakers connecting with audiences, the conversations that began in production meetings and in the excitement around films that reflect the nuanced realities of life in the Kingdom. As Ithra continues to invest in people, ideas and stories, its role remains clear: to enrich lives through culture, and to foster a future where creativity knows no boundary.
