From September 27 to October 1, the Saudi Cultural Week, organized by the Ministry of Culture, took place in Athens, aiming to introduce Saudi traditions, customs, and culture to the international audience. The event offered an array of activities that highlighted the richness and diversity of Saudi culture across various creative industries.
The week-long program featured cultural and artistic exhibitions, live performances, and interactive displays, showcasing the best of Saudi Arabia’s heritage. According to Abdulrahman Almutawa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, the Culinary Arts Commission played a significant role in the event by presenting traditional Saudi dishes and Saudi coffee to visitors. “We wanted to highlight the authenticity and hospitality of the Saudi community through our culinary traditions,” Almutawa shared.
In addition to culinary presentations, several other commissions participated in the event, each offering a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s creative and cultural landscape.
The Libraries Commission, for instance, displayed rare Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, emphasizing the elegance of Arabic calligraphy. This showcase was part of a collaboration with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative, which featured skilled Saudi calligraphers demonstrating their artistry.
Traditional Saudi fashion was also a highlight of the event. The Fashion Commission not only displayed traditional attire but also curated an exhibition showcasing the creativity of Saudi designers. It emphasized the aesthetics and diversity of Saudi fashion while presenting short films that further illustrated the country’s artistic flair.
The Music Commission added to the cultural experience by offering performances by Saudi musicians playing traditional instruments, while the Theater and Performing Arts Commission brought traditional dances and performances from different Saudi regions to life on stage.
Visitors also had the chance to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich archaeological heritage, as the Heritage Commission set up an archaeological tent where they could learn about the Kingdom’s history, cultural treasures, and traditional games.
The Culinary Arts Commission provided live cooking demonstrations of iconic Saudi dishes, using local ingredients to give visitors an authentic taste of the Kingdom’s cuisine. Meanwhile, a pavilion dedicated to the Year of the Camel initiative aimed to highlight the cultural and historical significance of camels in Saudi and Arab heritage. “We aimed to showcase the important role camels have played in our history and culture,” Almutawa added.
The Saudi Cultural Week offered a comprehensive platform for the global audience to experience the Kingdom’s deep-rooted traditions and cultural richness, while fostering cultural understanding and exchange.