Diriyah - The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), in collaboration with various partners, officially kicked off the second installment of the summer youth capacity-building initiative, "Diriyah Horizons," today. This edition offers a wide array of events and activities, including 17 workshops covering arts, culture, leadership, technology, heritage, and creative production. The primary goal is to enrich knowledge, instill values, and cultivate the skills and capabilities of individuals aged 9 to 17 years old, DGDA stated in a news release.
According to the release, the program, scheduled to run until August 15, 2024, is a collaborative effort involving six entities: Heritage Authority, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, Tuwaiq Academy, and the Saudi Arabian Archery Federation. The program will run from Sunday to Thursday (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm), offering various activities designed to empower the youth to become community ambassadors. By honoring the traditional customs of Diriyah, the initiative aims to instill a sense of pride in the Saudi youth regarding their heritage and culture, enhance cultural and historical awareness, foster innovation, stimulate creativity, develop practical solutions to real-world challenges, and strengthen leadership capabilities. Participants will also gain valuable experience, acquire new skills relevant to their respective fields, and enhance their abilities in effective communication, decision-making, and teamwork.
This second edition of the Diriyah Horizons initiative features six creative tracks based on the values and heritage of Diriyah. The Arts track offers three workshops on natural dye making, Arabian horse sculpting, and calligraphy. The Creative Production track covers photography, filmmaking, and theater arts. The Culture track focuses on Majlis etiquette, Saudi hospitality, and performing arts (Al Ardah, As Samri). The leadership track includes volunteering, public speaking, and recycling. There will also be workshops on 3D design and manufacturing, metaverse techniques, archery, archaeological excavation, and traditional adobe construction techniques in the heritage track.
Through this initiative, DGDA highlights the significance of corporate social responsibility, aiming to establish a high-quality and engaging environment through diverse activities. This enables individuals to gain valuable insights and learning that enhance their capabilities and skills, positively influencing their growth as individuals and creating a lasting impact on their mindset as they become valuable members of society.