King Abdulaziz Public Library Unveils Strategy to Promote Cultural Tourism.

Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Public Library (KAPL) has launched an ambitious cultural initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination for cultural tourism. This project aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives by bolstering national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development. According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to enhance cultural tourism by attracting visitors from around the world to explore KAPL's diverse branches, both within and beyond the Kingdom. Through its efforts, the library seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia's rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions while deepening citizens' connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification. General Supervisor of KAPL Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar emphasized the library's dedication to advancing the Kingdom's cultural and tourism objectives. He noted that the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's harmonious blend of authenticity and modernity, highlighting its cultural and civilizational heritage while promoting coexistence and acceptance of diverse global cultures. KAPL's approach to cultural tourism extends beyond traditional library collections, offering access to historical manuscripts, rare documents, global historical images, artistic icons, and miniatures that represent various historical and artistic eras. The library's legacy in cultural engagement dates back to the 1990s, when it organized landmark events such as the Al-Andalus Symposium, the Islam and Dialogue of Civilizations Symposium, and the Arab Culture Symposium. These events attracted participants and visitors from around the world, establishing KAPL as a cultural tourism hub. The library's initiatives also include the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation and the Unified Arab Index Project, which enhance its global visibility and draw visitors to its branches. A prime example of KAPL's international reach is its branch at Peking University in China, serving as a cu ltural bridge between Arab-Islamic and Chinese civilizations. This branch underscores KAPL's pivotal role in fostering cultural interactions and expanding the global appeal of Saudi cultural tourism.