Riyadh: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy is taking part in the third edition of the 'Common Ground' Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture in Riyadh as part of the Saudi-China Cultural Year 2025. The festival runs from December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026. The center is participating through a pavilion featuring an interactive program that introduces visitors to the art of Arabic calligraphy and highlights its cultural depth and its role in cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the pavilion presents educational content that allows visitors to explore the aesthetics, schools, and styles of Arabic calligraphy through live demonstrations by skilled calligraphers. It also features a set of cultural activations designed to engage the public in an experience that extends beyond observation to participation and interaction, helping build a deeper understanding of artistic ties between the Arab and Chinese civilizations in the field of script.
The participation highlights the long-standing connection between Arabic and Chinese calligraphy. Historical studies indicate that trade and cultural routes, particularly the Silk Road, played a role in the transfer of writing and ornamentation tools and techniques between the two civilizations. This exchange influenced the evolution of calligraphic styles over successive periods.
The center's participation in the festival aligns with the Ministry of Culture's efforts to promote Arabic calligraphy globally and support initiatives that strengthen cultural and artistic cooperation between the Kingdom and partner countries. It also aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance national identity and showcase the Kingdom's cultural heritage.