Riyadh, November 19, 2024 – The King Abdulaziz Public Library (KAPL) has launched a bold and forward-thinking cultural initiative aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination for cultural tourism. This strategic project is in direct alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize the importance of bolstering national identity, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development through innovative initiatives.
The initiative is designed to elevate cultural tourism within Saudi Arabia by attracting international visitors to explore the extensive and diverse offerings of KAPL’s branches, both domestically and internationally. At the heart of the project is an effort to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while simultaneously fostering a deeper connection for local citizens to their cultural roots. In doing so, KAPL aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s broader objectives of economic diversification, a key pillar of Vision 2030.
Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar, the General Supervisor of KAPL, highlighted the significance of the initiative in advancing the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism goals. “This initiative is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s seamless fusion of authenticity and modernity, where we celebrate and promote our cultural and civilizational heritage while embracing and fostering global coexistence and cultural acceptance,” he said. Through this program, the library seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s visibility on the global stage, inviting visitors to experience Saudi Arabia’s storied past while exploring its contemporary culture and evolving tourism landscape.
KAPL’s approach to cultural tourism goes far beyond its traditional role as a repository of books and manuscripts. In addition to its extensive library collections, the initiative provides access to historical manuscripts, rare documents, global historical imagery, and artistic masterpieces that span a range of cultural eras. Visitors will be able to engage with pieces that highlight not only Saudi Arabia’s heritage but also its contributions to the broader global cultural dialogue. The library’s commitment to cultural engagement is longstanding, with its involvement in landmark events since the 1990s, such as the Al-Andalus Symposium, the Islam and Dialogue of Civilizations Symposium, and the Arab Culture Symposium. These internationally recognized events brought together participants and visitors from across the globe, solidifying KAPL’s status as a central hub for cultural tourism and dialogue.
In addition to these cultural exchanges, KAPL has launched significant initiatives that further elevate its global standing. Programs like the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation and the Unified Arab Index Project enhance the library’s visibility on the world stage, encouraging international collaboration and participation. One notable example of KAPL’s international reach is its branch at Peking University in China, which serves as a cultural bridge between Arab-Islamic and Chinese civilizations. This branch is a prime example of the library’s role in fostering deeper cultural interactions and expanding Saudi Arabia’s global appeal, further advancing the Kingdom’s mission to become a key player in the international tourism and cultural exchange sectors.
Through this ambitious initiative, KAPL seeks to play a central role in the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its global cultural footprint, connecting people from around the world to the rich, diverse cultural traditions of Saudi Arabia. By embracing both the authenticity of its past and the innovative spirit of its future, the library is not just preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage but also positioning the Kingdom as a global cultural tourism hub in the 21st century.