Riyadh, December 19, 2024 — The Ministry of Culture launched the eagerly awaited activities and programs of the "Common Ground" festival at Mega Studio in Boulevard City, Riyadh, on Wednesday. This festival is a celebration of Iraqi culture and highlights the shared cultural heritage between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the deep historical connections and commonalities between the two nations. The festival aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cultural ties that unite them.
The opening program featured an elegant artistic evening, alongside a special tribute to the esteemed Iraqi poet Kareem Al-Iraqi. Al-Iraqi's exceptional contributions to the literary, artistic, and cultural spheres were honored, recognizing his lasting influence in enriching the cultural dialogue between the Arab nations. His legacy as a poet and intellectual was celebrated as part of the festival's tribute to Iraqi culture.
The first day of the "Common Ground" festival offered a rich and varied program, which included several seminars that delved into cultural and intellectual topics, exploring the intertwined histories of both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. These discussions provided valuable insights into the shared traditions, customs, and heritage of the two countries, offering attendees a deeper appreciation of their common cultural roots.
The festival will continue until December 31, with the cultural program resuming on Thursday. Future activities will include a series of dialogue sessions in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), focusing on topics that explore the intellectual and historical connections between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, further enriching the cultural exchange and dialogue between the two nations.
