Dhahran: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) launched its inaugural Children's Festival today, a premier event for children of all ages themed "What If?", blending creativity, learning, play, and exploration in an interactive environment designed to foster critical thinking, nurture imagination, and help children develop essential skills.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the festival, running for three weeks at Ithra's headquarters in Dhahran, aims to spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking through 50 activities, including hands-on workshops, live performances, water and family challenges, art spaces that encourage exploration and questions, as well as a book exchange event where children can swap books with one another. An interactive exhibition also allows children to transform large white models into colorful works of art using foam tubes.
In addition, the festival features the fifth edition of the Children's Book Fair from July 14 to 19, with participation from 20 local and international publishers specializing in children's and young adult literature. This year's fair will spotlight the Republic of Korea as the guest of honor and include a variety of events such as book signings, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities to meet experts in the field.