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King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)

Explore Saudi Arabia's premier cultural center in Dhahran, offering world-class museums, performances, and learning experiences for all ages.

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The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra ('enrichment' in Arabic), is a cultural hub in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Opened in 2016, Ithra aims to inspire knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement. Its unique, futuristic design houses a museum, library, cinema, theater, and exhibition halls.

A brief summary to King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture - Ithra

Local tips

  • Check Ithra's website for events and workshops, as schedules change.
  • Plan to spend at least 4-6 hours to fully experience Ithra's offerings.
  • Visit the Energy Exhibit for an interactive look at the oil industry.
  • Explore the museum's four galleries to discover Saudi heritage and Islamic civilization.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Dhahran, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available. A ride from a central location in Dhahran to Ithra typically costs between 18 SAR to 35 SAR, depending on traffic and distance. The journey usually takes around 10-20 minutes. Be sure to confirm the fare or meter is running at the start of your trip.

  • Public Transport

    The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates buses connecting Dhahran with neighboring cities like Dammam and Khobar. Check the SAPTCO website for routes and schedules. A single bus fare within Dhahran is approximately 2 SAR. From the nearest bus stop, a short taxi ride to Ithra may be necessary, costing an additional 10-15 SAR.

  • Driving

    Ithra is located on Ring Road in Dhahran and is easily accessible by car. Ample parking is available at the center. Parking fees are not specified, but generally parking is free. From Khobar, take the highway towards Dhahran; from Dammam, follow signs for Dhahran via the highway.

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Discover more about King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture - Ithra

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, stands as a beacon of arts, culture, and innovation in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Inaugurated in December 2016, by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, this cultural center was built by Saudi Aramco with the goal of enriching the Kingdom's cultural landscape and promoting human development. Ithra's mission is to make a tangible and positive impact by inspiring a passion for knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement, contributing to the diversification of Saudi Arabia's economy. The center's design, created by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, is itself a sight to behold. Rising from the desert landscape like a cluster of stacked pebbles, the structure contrasts with traditional Saudi Arabian architecture. The main tower stretches 90 meters into the sky, accompanied by several interconnected 'pebbles' that house the library, auditorium, and Great Hall. The exterior is clad in reflective steel tubes, creating a distinctive and visually stunning facade. Inside, Ithra offers a wide array of facilities and activities. The museum spans four levels with galleries dedicated to contemporary art, Saudi heritage, Islamic civilization, and natural history. The library boasts a collection of over 315,000 books in both Arabic and English, and the 900-seat auditorium hosts international and regional performances. Visitors can also explore the cinema, attend workshops, and view exhibitions in the Great Hall. Ithra also features a dedicated children's museum and an Energy Exhibit that explores the oil industry, renewable energy, and technology.

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