What We Are Reading Today: The Cultural House in Riyadh
The library is part of the King Salman Science Oasis project in Al-Ta'awun neighborhood, and it exceeded my expectations.
Before visiting, I was aware that I needed to book a time for my preferred section. This is an important detail to note, as you must have a reservation to access any area of the library.
Upon arrival, I easily scanned a QR code, filled in my name and phone number, and waited just 10 minutes for my tour.
The staff at the library were exceptional; the representative who guided me was friendly and informative and made the experience more enjoyable.
The library itself is designed with comfort in mind, offering various zones, including a tech space, a kids' area, flexible workspaces, and a cafe on the ground floor.
The first floor features the main library with ample seating for both group and solo activities, as well as an outdoor space. It was great to see workstations equipped with computers, printers, and scanners that facilitate scanning colored books.
I particularly enjoyed the outdoor area, which includes a playground and relaxing spots near the water, as well as food trucks. It's a great place for families and friends to gather.
While I was unable to explore the middle or main section fully, I am eager to return.
A couple of guidelines to consider: The library's washroom closes at midnight and while cycling on the grounds is not permitted, skateboards are allowed. Additionally, sitting on the grass is not allowed, though sitting on the floor is.
I highly recommend a visit to the library. The clean, quiet environment, combined with friendly staff and great amenities, makes it a standout space in Riyadh.
For a city of its size, I hope to see more libraries like this across the Kingdom's capital and beyond.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Culture Ministry Launches Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka
The Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka, Japan, organized by the Ministry of Culture, kicked off on Saturday and will run until July 15 at the Expo 2025 Osaka headquarters. The events mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The Cultural Week highlights the 'Year of Handicrafts 2025' initiative as a key element of Saudi cultural identity, emphasizing the strength of the Kingdom's creative industries and showcasing the craftsmanship of Saudi artisans to Japanese and international audiences through an interactive cultural experience. Activities include a photography exhibition documenting the history of Saudi-Japanese relations, capturing key historical milestones and the enduring ties between the two nations. The Heritage Commission is also organizing an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Company. The display features live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making by artisans from both countries. A traditional Saudi majlis will also be held, offering a display of the Kingdom's renowned hospitality with Saudi coffee and dates, accompanied by a joint musical performance. The Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 will continue to host more than 700 diverse cultural events, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Saudi Arabia's cultural diversity and richness.
Arab News
11 hours ago
- Arab News
KSA is reshaping the global esports industry
For the second year in a row, Saudi Arabia is taking center stage in the global electronic sports landscape by hosting the Esports World Cup. The championship, held in Riyadh, is running for seven weeks, from July 7 to Aug. 24. It has brought together more than 2,000 elite players representing 100 countries, alongside 200 international teams. With millions of fans expected to tune in worldwide, the championship highlights Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the global gaming industry and its ambition to become a premier hub for competitive esports. This year's tournament marks another major milestone in Saudi Arabia's push to become a world-leading force in competitive gaming and digital entertainment, thanks to the event's exceptional organization and the unprecedented prize pool — the largest in the competition's history, amounting to $70 million. With world-class infrastructure, major titles, and top-tier global talent converging in one location, Saudi Arabia is setting a new standard for esports tournaments in the Middle East. Both this year's tournament and the previous edition mark the beginning of a new era in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the gaming sector by 2030. The World Cup also supports the Kingdom's broader efforts to diversify the economy, create new job opportunities across various sectors, and provide world-class entertainment experiences. The Kingdom is rapidly emerging as a global catalyst for technological innovation, with the electronic gaming sector driving advancements in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, is the driving force behind these efforts. It focuses on enhancing the gaming experience, expanding entertainment offerings, and stimulating economic growth. Among the ambitious goals of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy are contributing $13.3 billion annually to non-oil gross domestic product and creating 35,000 job opportunities across the gaming and technology sectors. The strategy also targets establishing 250 game development companies, producing globally competitive games — including at least one globally recognized title by 2030 — and developing infrastructure, talent, and international partnerships to support long-term industry growth and innovation. According to LEAP Forward digital magazine, the global gaming market was valued between $225 billion and $250 billion in 2022 — surpassing the film and music industries combined — and projections estimate it will exceed $600 billion by 2030. Clearly, this sector presents a significant opportunity for national growth Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is playing a significant role in establishing a centralized hub for game developers, marketers, distributors, hardware manufacturers, and intellectual property holders. Savvy Games Group, owned by the PIF, is driving long-term growth in the global gaming and esports industry while positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for both sectors. Saudi Arabia holds a unique position in the esports industry, supported not only by its Vision 2030 strategy but also by its strong demographic advantage, since more than 63 percent of its population is under the age of 35. By investing in esports, Saudi Arabia is not only positioning itself as a leader in the global gaming industry but also contributing to the goals of its Quality of Life Program — a key initiative under Vision 2030. This program aims to enhance the well-being of citizens and residents by enriching cultural, recreational, and social opportunities. Through initiatives in sports, arts, entertainment, and urban development, it seeks to foster a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous society. Saudi Arabia's efforts to localize the gaming industry through various strategic initiatives will support its broader goals of increasing public revenue and driving economic diversification. The Kingdom is rapidly emerging as a global catalyst for technological innovation, with the electronic gaming sector driving advancements in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. • Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
Asharq Al-Awsat
16 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Team Redline Wins First Championship of Esports World Cup 2025
The British Team Redline clinched the first title of the Esports World Cup 2025, the largest event in the history of gaming and esports, by winning the Rennsport video game championship, SPA reported. They earned the trophy, the largest share of the $500,000 prize pool, and 1,000 points, which placed them at the top of the club standings in the global tournament currently underway at Riyadh Boulevard City until August 24. Now in its second edition, the Esports World Cup features more than 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 game titles. With a record-breaking total prize pool exceeding $70 million, it is the largest in esports history.
