Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture)
مركز الملك عبدالعزيز الثقافي العالمي (إثراء)
A landmark cultural center built by Saudi Aramco, with a stainless-steel exterior that looks like stacked pebbles. Inside are a museum, library, cinema, and theater. It is the first must-see in the Eastern Province.
The Ithra center in Dhahran was funded by Saudi Aramco and designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. It fully opened in 2018. Its exterior resembles a cluster of smooth pebbles wrapped in stainless steel, and it looks especially striking when lit at night. Inside are the Saudi Museum of Art and Islamic Civilization, a children's museum, an energy exhibition, a large public library, a cinema, a theater, and the 18-story 'Knowledge Tower.' The center hosts international touring exhibitions and performances throughout the year. Public areas are free, while some exhibitions and performances require tickets, which can be purchased on the official website or in the app. Next to the center is the memorial site of the 'Prosperity Well' (Dammam No. 7), where Saudi Arabia struck oil commercially for the first time in 1938. Allow half a day for your visit, and avoid the midday Friday prayer period. Full name: مركز الملك عبدالعزيز الثقافي العالمي (إثراء).
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–21:00 (open Friday afternoons; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (Scitech)
- Ajdan Walk
- Al Khobar Corniche
- Khobar Water Tower
- Heritage Village, Dammam
- Dammam Corniche
- Marjan Island (Coral Island)
- Tarout Castle