Qatar National Library (QNL) kicks off 2026 with an inspiring programme of events designed to promote lifelong learning, support personal and professional growth, and strengthen community connections through culture and creativity.

As a vibrant hub for knowledge and dialogue, QNL’s January schedule offers a wide range of activities, from mentoring initiatives and hobby meetups to lectures and literary discussions, catering to participants of all ages.

The month begins with the return of the Murshidi Programme, which provides personalised mentorship for high school students, undergraduates, and recent graduates charting their career paths. Mentors from Education City, QNL’s alumni network, and leading institutions across Qatar will offer one-on-one guidance, practical advice on scholarships and applications, and insights into academic and professional success. Sessions will be held on January 10, 17, and 24.

QNL also continues its weekly community gatherings, featuring Chess meetups and Knitting and Crochet sessions every Thursday. The knitting and crochet sessions offer a relaxed, self-organised space on Thursday mornings, while afternoon chess sessions welcome participants of all ages and skill levels, providing a fun and engaging way to sharpen strategic thinking.

On January 10 and 11, QNL will host “Qatar Contemporary History,” a lecture and workshop led by Professor Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University, Tokyo, and moderated by historian Jassim Alshamari. The lecture will examine Qatar’s recent political, social, and cultural developments, while the workshop will introduce practical methods for documenting and analysing contemporary history in the Gulf region.

Literature enthusiasts can look forward to Book Chat on January 26, featuring acclaimed British author and creative writing scholar Sam Meekings. He will discuss his latest work, Wonder and Loss: A Practical Memoir for Writing about Grief, exploring how storytelling can aid in processing loss, preserving memories, and fostering healing.

Music lovers are invited to Philharmonic at the Library: The Invisible Touch — A Theremin’s Journey Through Time on January 28. This unique performance combines the ethereal sound of the theremin with piano, harp, oboe, and strings, featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Saint-Saëns, Martinu, Charlie Chaplin, and the Arabic classic Lama Bada Yatathana.

The month concludes on January 31 with the launch of QNL’s Chat and Plant Community through the workshop “Basics of Gardening for Beginners.” Led by permaculture specialist Amal Rihan, the session introduces participants to essential gardening skills, encourages knowledge sharing, and includes a hands-on planting activity.

With this engaging lineup, QNL reaffirms its role as a dynamic centre for learning, creativity, and community engagement, offering programmes that inspire growth, dialogue, and cultural appreciation.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA