DHAHRAN: Khobar Season 2025 kicked off in style on Wednesday at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra.
A vibrant celebration bringing together media professionals, artists and families under the Dhahran night sky, “Winter is Alive at Ithra” combined the center’s annual media gathering with the opening ceremony of the new season.
The event represented a renewed effort to position the Eastern Province as a year-round cultural destination, with concerts, immersive installations, workshops and local food experiences running until April 2026.
“Every year, Ithra manages to surprise us with something new,” said Sarah Al-Abdullah, an English teacher who attended. “This season feels especially dynamic because it’s not just about entertainment, it’s about inspiring people to explore and create.”
The night opened with a spectacular show of lights and drones that illuminated Ithra’s structure with the “Winter is Alive” slogan.
Crowds gathered around the Knowledge Oasis to enjoy a mix of the traditional and the modern, from oud performances to digital art projections.
Ithra has long served as a cultural bridge between art, science and technology. Its seasonal programs attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and this year’s edition carries on that mission with a focus on accessibility and family engagement.
Content creator and frequent visitor Haneen Al-Ghamdi said the experience had more than just visual appeal.
“There’s something special about how Ithra curates its events,” she said. “You walk in expecting a show, but you end up learning something new, whether it’s about art, culture or even yourself. The workshops and interactive areas make you feel part of the story.”
The event also highlighted the center’s ongoing collaboration with local and regional partners as part of its strategy to nurture homegrown talent and strengthen the creative economy.
Programs like the Family Studio, Youth Studio and Winter Souq offered spaces where artists and entrepreneurs could connect directly with the community.
Mohammed Al-Otaibi, an attendee from Dammam, said: “It’s amazing to see so many people from different backgrounds coming together. Ithra has turned into a symbol of what Vision 2030 looks like on the ground. Creative, confident and open to the world.”
The annual media gathering preceding the launch served as a gesture of appreciation to journalists and broadcasters for their role in promoting Saudi culture.
Ithra’s representatives emphasized that media remained a key partner in advancing the Kingdom’s cultural narrative, echoing national efforts to strengthen creative industries and cultural communication.
Throughout the evening, guests were invited to explore the newly opened areas and upcoming attractions of Khobar Season 2025, which will continue over the coming months with performances, exhibitions and culinary events across the region.
In addition to Winter is Alive at Ithra, Khobar Season will feature outdoor installations and cross-disciplinary collaborations linking technology, sustainability, and heritage. Organizers say the goal is to make the Eastern Province a permanent fixture on Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar.
“The beauty of this event is how it connects past and future,” added Al-Abdullah. “You see oud players and drone shows in the same frame. That’s the story of Saudi Arabia right now. It’s harmony between tradition and innovation.”
