Ithra Unveils 96th National Day Program: Five Days of Cinema, Arts and Saudi Experiences
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran has unveiled its program to celebrate Saudi National Day 96, with five days of cultural, artistic and family events running from September 22 to 26, 2026. The program brings together theatrical and musical performances, Saudi films, interactive experiences, and design and arts workshops in a format that seeks to present local culture as a living experience connecting heritage with contemporary creativity.
The announcement comes days before the national occasion, with the center opening its doors during the celebrations from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. According to the official program, general admission to Ithra is free, while some performances or facilities require separate tickets.
Five Days of Art, Cinema and Live Experiences
This year, Ithra is offering visitors a wide mix of activities. The program includes theatrical, performance and musical shows, as well as interactive workshops, games and experiences for families and children, in addition to film screenings featuring Saudi productions.
Among the أبرز events is “We Sing for the Nation” at the Ithra Theater, beginning on September 23 and running through September 26. The show combines music and visual performance in an experience inspired by themes of unity, belonging and the transformations witnessed by the Kingdom. The program also includes “Energy Pulse,” in which oil drums inside the Energy exhibition are transformed into percussion instruments blending sounds inspired by folklore with contemporary sounds.
The center will also present a military display in the Green Park during the celebration days, alongside a range of activities spread across the center’s various facilities.
Saudi Architectural Identity Enters the Digital Experience
As part of its interactive offerings, the program presents “Inspired by Our Roots,” an experience focusing on Saudi architectural identity and the diversity of design elements across the Kingdom’s regions. Visitors begin by sketching concepts inspired by local architecture, after which the drawings are transformed into immersive digital projections, accompanied by architectural models connecting design with cultural heritage.
The program also includes activities for children exploring art, design, rhythm and identity, including experiences related to currency design and desert-inspired art, alongside family activities and interactive educational spaces.
Saudi Cinema as Part of the Celebration
Saudi film is represented in the program through a series of screenings at the Ithra Cinema, including “Throw Those Gourds and Carry Me!”, “The Destination,” “The Unknown Knight” and the “New Saudi Voices” program. Age classifications and screening times vary by film, so the center recommends consulting the official schedule before visiting.
The inclusion of cinema in the celebration reflects the expanding concept of the occasion at Saudi cultural institutions. Rather than being limited to mass performances, it becomes a space for showcasing local stories, arts and design, and for bringing different generations together in a single experience.
National Day Celebration Times at Ithra
The events begin on Tuesday, September 22, and continue through Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ithra confirms that admission to the center does not require a ticket, but some activities and performances require reservations or special tickets. The center also stated that the program does not include fireworks.
Bringing together theater, cinema, the arts, architecture and family experiences, the program offers a model for celebrating National Day through culture, with a clear focus on Saudi identity and presenting it through contemporary formats suited to visitors of all ages.
Sources
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) – Official 2026 National Day program.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) – Announcement of Ithra’s National Day celebration program, September 16, 2026.
