Iraq’s Embassy in Riyadh Announces the Launching of “Between Two Cultures” Festival to Enhance Cultural Collaboration between Iraq and Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Kingdom, will hold “Between Two Cultures” Festival in Riyadh from December 18 to 31, 2024. The festival aims to highlight the deep cultural and historical ties between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and the rich diversity and heritage of both nations. As well it’s an opportunity to exchange experiences and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, in addition to advance bilateral relations in the cultural and artistic fields. The festival comes within the vision of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, which seeks to activate cultural diplomacy as a major tool to deepen cooperation with sisterly and friendly countries.

The festival includes art exhibitions, traditional music performances, and cultural seminars that showcase the shared historical legacy of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. And one of the main attractions will be the “Reed Mudhif”, which reflects Iraqi architectural heritage that is rooted in Iraq’s Sumerian heritage, specially constructed as the main venue for the festival’s events.

Ruya Foundation for Contemporary Culture, in Iraq headed by Dr. Tamara Ahmed Al-Chalabi, also participated in organizing this event, as well as a group of pioneers of Iraqi and Saudi visual arts and senior intellectuals from both countries.

On her part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail, affirmed that the festival is an important step towards enhancing cultural cooperation, noting that the cultural and historical commonalities between Iraq and Saudi Arabia constitute a fertile ground for deepening relations between the two peoples, adding that this event provides a unique platform for sharing cultural and artistic experiences, which contributes to highlighting the identity and history of the two countries and enhancing joint cooperation.