Saudi Arabia Concludes Third Edition of ‘Common Ground’ Festival Honouring Chinese Culture - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Saudi Ministry of Culture has concluded the third edition of the “Common Ground” Festival, held from 24 December to 6 January at Al-Malfa Hall in the Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City) in Riyadh. The People’s Republic of China was the guest of honour for this edition, staged within the framework of the Saudi–Chinese Cultural Year 2025.

The festival focused on cultural intersections between Saudi Arabia and China, aiming to strengthen civilisational dialogue and deepen cultural exchange between the two countries. Through a broad programme of exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences, “Common Ground” explored parallels in heritage, values and artistic expression despite the geographical distance separating the two cultures.

Art, Heritage and Shared Narratives

Visitors encountered a curated cultural journey across multiple thematic sections. A central highlight was the art exhibition “When the Wind Turns East”, presenting 84 works by Saudi and Chinese artists. The exhibition examined shared visual languages and historical references, offering insights into how both cultures interpret nature, memory and identity.

The Chinese Street zone brought together live performances and cultural activations reflecting common heritage themes such as traditional attire, hospitality, ancient trade routes, rock inscriptions and intangible cultural heritage. These elements underscored the long-standing connections between civilisations shaped by exchange and movement.

Calligraphy, Performance and Immersive Experiences

Another focal point was a dedicated space blending Arabic and Chinese calligraphy, where visual dialogue emerged through script, form and symbolism. Additional art installations expanded on this exchange, presenting works inspired by the ancient histories and visual traditions of both nations.

Music and performance played a central role in the programme. A dedicated theatre hosted Saudi and Chinese shows in which rhythm and movement conveyed shared values and aesthetics that have influenced both cultures over centuries.

The festival also introduced immersive experiences, including a virtual reality journey to Beijing that allowed visitors to explore historical landmarks with a virtual guide. Photography installations merged Saudi and Chinese visual styles, while cultural practices such as traditional hair adornment were presented through parallels between jasmine decorations from Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region and floral traditions in Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese tea ceremonies offered further insight into cultural philosophy, combining tasting experiences with explanations of preparation rituals.

Culinary Exchange and Outdoor Installations

An outdoor area connected artistic spaces with areas for relaxation and dining. Illuminated installations drew visual links between Chinese forms and Saudi architectural elements, such as the lantern, creating a symbolic transition between cultures. Live cooking demonstrations by Saudi and Chinese chefs showcased traditional dishes, allowing visitors to observe preparation techniques and sample flavours. Restaurants and cafés complemented the programme with menus inspired by both culinary traditions.

A Platform for Cultural Dialogue

“Common Ground” builds on the festival’s previous editions, which featured Yemen and Iraq as guest cultures. The initiative reflects the Ministry of Culture’s broader strategy to engage with global cultures, identify shared points of connection with Saudi heritage and promote interactive formats that encourage creative collaboration between Saudi artists and their international counterparts.

With its third edition dedicated to China, the festival reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cultural exchange and to fostering dialogue through shared artistic and cultural experiences.

Image Credit: © Saudi Ministry of Culture