The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative by Aramco, has announced the opening of registration for the fifth edition of its Summer Youth Program, starting today, April 16, and continuing through June 30, 2026.
The program offers young participants an immersive journey into the cultural and creative industries by introducing them to the nature of the sector, broadening their knowledge of its field, and providing them with hands-on experience that strengthens their skills and supports their engagement in cultural professions. The four-week program will run from July 13 to August 6, 2026, at Ithra’s headquarters in Dhahran, targeting youth aged 13 to 16.
This program builds on Ithra’s continued role in empowering youth locally and globally with a broad ecosystem of programs, initiatives, and global partnerships aimed at highlighting young talents and developing their capabilities.
The program offers participants hands-on experiences that develop their life and creative skills while introducing them to diverse cultural professions. Key skills gained include creative thinking, collaboration, analytical skills, as well as practical and life skills across a range of fields such as museums, literature and libraries, theater and performing arts, film and cinema, architecture, and creative design. It also features a diverse range of cultural experiences in fashion, music, and culinary arts.
The program offers a rich series of dialogues and discussions designed to spark participants’ curiosity, strengthen their research and analytical abilities, and enhance their communication and effective dialogue skills. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet and engage directly with leading professionals and experts in the cultural sector. Through interactive workshops, participants further develop communication and critical thinking skills, alongside artistic and craft-based abilities. Guided tours within Ithra provide insights into behind the scenes work of cultural institutions, while field trips to key cultural destinations across the region further enrich their learning experiences. The program concludes with the Youth Craft Exhibition, a platform to showcase the participants’ creative achievements and highlight the cultural growth and knowledge they have gained throughout the program.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has received more than 3,500 applications. A total of 140 selected participants embarked on a cultural journey with environmental and creative dimensions, delivered through more than 18,000 learning hours covering a wide range of learning fields.
Source: Riyadh Daily