Ithra: the making of a masterpiece 
If you are driving through Dhahran toward Alkhobar on Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Road in Eastern Province, it is impossible to miss the bright, strikingly structured King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra.
This architectural marvel, designed by the renowned Norwegian firm Snohetta and presented to the Kingdom by Saudi Aramco on the company’s 75th anniversary in 2008, stands as a symbol of creativity, knowledge, and cultural exchange for ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and the world.
Rising gracefully into Dhahran’s sky with its flowing form resembling rocks — symbolizing the petroleum energy that propelled ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ into modernity — and clad in tubular steel that reflects sunlight, Ithra is more than an architectural masterpiece. It embodies Aramco’s enduring commitment to social responsibility and its legacy of serving the Kingdom and its people.
Over its nine-decade history, Aramco has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to social responsibility, enriching the lives of Saudi citizens in countless ways. Ithra embodies this legacy — not merely as a cultural hub but as a continuation of Aramco’s vision for a brighter, more creative and culturally engaged future. Its establishment reaffirms Aramco’s dedication to the Kingdom’s comprehensive development and its commitment to leaving a legacy of excellence, progress and innovation.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the innovative minds at Aramco pondered what meaningful gift to present to the Kingdom for the company’s 75th anniversary.
Abdullah S. Jum’ah, former president and CEO of Aramco — a distinguished intellectual and cultural visionary — conceived a remarkable gift for the people of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ: a world-class cultural institution housed in an architectural masterpiece, serving as a lasting tribute to the Kingdom and its people.
The project received the blessing of the late King Abdullah, a leader devoted to advancing the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance.
The plan to build Ithra was officially presented during Aramco’s 75th anniversary ceremony in Dhahran, under the patronage of the late King Abdullah, and attended by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Ithra’s development received full support from King Salman, a strong advocate for ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s cultural and intellectual initiatives, who officially inaugurated it in 2016. He further cemented Ithra’s significance by selecting it as the venue for major international events, including the Arab Summit in 2023, solidifying its status as a symbol of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s global cultural outreach.
Ithra’s establishment was no small feat, but Aramco was, as usual, up to it. The result is a 21st-century cultural beacon, featuring a world-class library, five museums, a theater, a cinema, and an exhibition hall. These spaces host programs that celebrate ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s rich history, culture, and heritage, while embracing its aspirations for the future.
Ithra serves as a bridge between ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and the world, showcasing and celebrating diverse cultures and traditions from across the globe. It also connects the past and the present — where unique architecture, traditional Saudi art forms, and modern innovation come together.
Proudly, Ithra presents the Kingdom’s vibrant culture to the global community, fostering meaningful connections and cultural exchange.
Ithra’s impact extends far beyond its awe-inspiring physical presence. It offers visitors of all ages and cultures a wide array of programs, activities and displays that explore local and global culture, history, art, and more.
Visitors can choose to make one-off visits or become members to receive updates on the center’s permanent and visiting enriching activities and attractions.
Ithra is more than just a cultural landmark; it is a global symbol of inspiration and creativity. It stands as a testament to the foresight of Saudi leadership and the spirit of Aramco, embodying the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural connections and the unity of tradition and modernity that defines ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ today.
With its creation blessed by visionary leaders and embraced by the world, Ithra truly deserves its place as the eighth wonder of the world.
• Dr. Saud A. Al-Ammari is a Saudi lawyer and arbitrator with extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and litigation matters both in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and internationally. He is the managing partner of Dr. Saud Al-Ammari Law Firm, with offices in Alkhobar, Riyadh and Bahrain.
