The Saudi Ministry of Culture has unveiled the “Cultural Hub” online platform, a significant advancement in its ongoing efforts to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s multifaceted cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina, boasts a cultural legacy that spans thousands of years. This rich cultural heritage seamlessly merges ancient traditions with modern innovations, making Saudi culture a unique blend of old and new.
The new online platform is designed to offer both local and international audiences a panoramic view of the Kingdom’s cultural richness, from its historical relics to modern institutions and achievements.
The Cultural Hub features an interactive map that lets users explore various historical and cultural sites, offering a virtual journey through Saudi Arabia’s expansive cultural tapestry.
The platform’s vast cultural registry encapsulates theatres, libraries, museums, manuscript collections, rock art, inscriptions, and other digital treasures.
Beyond just being an archive, the platform is interactive and encourages individuals to share and document their cultural assets, thereby amplifying the communal spirit of the nation.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re proud of our rich cultural environment and talents with the potential to transcend the borders of our country to reach the world.”
According to the Minister, the site has a crucial role to play in delivering Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation programme, Vision 2030. The goal is to “contribute towards building a vibrant, thriving, and ambitious nation”.
The Ministry’s key aspirations are: promoting culture as a way of life, enabling culture to contribute to economic growth and creating opportunities for international cultural exchange.
An extraordinary cultural legacy
The Arabian Peninsula has long been a crossroads for civilisations. Ancient trade routes crisscrossed the region, bringing with them goods, ideas, and cultural exchanges. Historically, Bedouin tribes roamed the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia, with a lifestyle anchored in nomadic traditions. Poetry, music, and storytelling were integral to Bedouin life.
These traditions celebrated everything from valiant heroes and epic battles to the profound beauty of the desert landscape. The tribal code of honour, hospitality, and the intricate social fabric formed the bedrock of Saudi society. These values, combined with the teachings of Islam after the Prophet Muhammad’s revelation in the 7th century, have significantly shaped Saudi customs and worldviews.
Islam has left an indelible mark on Saudi culture. The Five Pillars of Islam guide the daily lives of Saudis, not only dictating spiritual practices but also influencing art, literature, and social norms. The annual Hajj pilgrimage sees millions of Muslims from around the world converge on Mecca, adding a multicultural dimension to the nation’s cultural experience. While religious motifs dominate Saudi art due to the Islamic prohibition on depicting living beings, this has given rise to intricate geometric and arabesque designs found on everything from majestic mosques to household items.
Saudi cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and traditions. Staples such as dates, rice, and lamb hark back to the Bedouin diet. Dishes like kabsa, a spiced dish of rice and meat, and jareesh, crushed wheat cooked with meat, remain traditional favourites. Coffee ceremonies, where Arabic coffee, or ‘qahwa’, is served with dates, remain an integral aspect of Saudi hospitality.
Art, music, and literature are vital expressions of Saudi culture. While traditional crafts like ‘Sadu’ weaving remain popular, contemporary Saudi art is gaining global recognition. Cities such as Jeddah are emerging as cultural hubs, with public art installations and galleries. Music and dance, too, have always been significant cultural expressions in Saudi Arabia. The ‘Ardah’, a traditional sword dance, sees men dancing shoulder to shoulder, echoing the nation’s rich heritage. Literature, especially poetry, holds a special place in the Saudi heart. Themes often revolve around love, chivalry, and nature’s beauty.
The Vision 2030 initiative, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is transforming the Saudi cultural scene. The country is opening its doors wider to international tourism and cultural exchanges. Cinemas, after a long absence, have made a return, and societal shifts, such as allowing women to drive, are marking the nation’s evolution.
Saudi culture, with its profound historical roots and religious significance, offers a mesmerising study of a society that values its traditions while embracing modernity. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey under the Vision 2030 framework, the world will undoubtedly witness even more facets of the captivating tapestry that is Saudi culture.
The launch of the “Cultural Hub” ties back to the broader objectives of the Kingdom. It aims to create an environment where arts and culture flourish, enriching lives and honouring the national identity. The emphasis is on both treasuring the memories of the past and ushering in modern forms of expression.
The platform also plays a pivotal role in the Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to amplify the role of culture in daily life, promote cultural activities as economic growth drivers, and foster international cultural exchanges. This synthesis of preservation and modernisation, of holding onto roots while reaching out to the world, epitomises the Kingdom’s aspirations for the future.
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Photo top of page – A performative installation by Ahaad Alamoudi, titled Ghosts of Today and Tomorrow held at Wadi Hanifa Park – copyright STA 2023
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