Cultural Houses Initiative in Saudi Arabia

The Cultural Houses Initiative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a project aimed at developing and revitalizing public libraries in the Kingdom under a new concept called "cultural houses." In conjunction with the launch of the National Culture Strategy, the initiative was announced by the Libraries Commission in 2019 to enhance cultural infrastructure, prepare cultural spaces, and improve public libraries. Saudi Vision 2030 aims to inaugurate 153 cultural houses across various provinces of the Kingdom by 2030, aiming to attract one million visitors annually.

Cultural houses serve as interactive cultural platforms offering various segments of society a comprehensive cultural experience, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision in the cultural sector. They act as integrated cultural incubators that contribute to societal development, empower creators to discover their talents, and enhance their diverse skills. Saudi Vision 2030 aims to transform public libraries into cultural centers that reflect the diversity of creativity, art, and knowledge in the Kingdom.

The Cultural Houses Initiative in the Kingdom aims to achieve the goals of the Libraries Commission by facilitating access to information resources, promoting cultural and community participation, developing human capabilities, and strengthening national identity. The initiative to develop public libraries is a part of the Quality of Life Program, aimed at contributing to the growth of arts and culture in the Kingdom.

The Libraries Commission inaugurated the first cultural houses in Dammam City, in the Eastern Province, and in Ahad Rufaydah Governorate, in Aseer Province, in 2024. The cultural house in Dammam features various facilities, including a café, a shop, a learning space for women, a children's area, and a theater. The first floor includes an innovation space, a photography studio, a technology zone, meeting rooms, a computer area, a reading space, and a prayer room. The second floor houses the main library, a young adults' library, a reading area, a café, and a co-working space.

The cultural house in Ahad Rufaydah Governorate spans an area of seven thousand m² and includes various facilities. These include the main library, a children's and young adults' library, reading and study areas, a theater, a group work zone, a tech lab, a music room, an innovation room, a recording studio, training and meeting rooms, a terrace, a co-working area, and commercial spaces.

The third cultural house is located in King Salman Oasis in Riyadh City, covering an area of approximately five thousand m². It features a co-working area, a tech lab, a café, and a children's library. The first floor houses the main library. The cultural house's layout includes a central plaza, a food truck zone, a children's activity area, outdoor seating, an art plaza, and a multi-purpose area.