DHAHRAN: “Baseqat: The Palm Tree,” an exhibition exploring the cultural heritage and creative legacy of the date palm, considered a symbol of the history and identity of the Arabian Peninsula, has opened in Dhahran at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra.
Curated by Samer Yamani and Razan Masri, the exhibition features 15 works by 25 artists from and beyond. Organizers said visitors can discover the ways in which the date palm has helped shape life across the centuries and civilizations, from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to modern-day Arabia, through its contributions to food, shelter, medicine and crafts.
has more than 33 million palm trees, about 27 percent of the world’s total. The UNESCO-recognized Al-Ahsa Oasis alone contains 2.5 million trees, making it the largest date palm oasis in the world.
“Baseqat invites makers, families and young learners to take part in a rooted practice we continue to build together,” said Farah Abushullaih, the head of museum at Ithra.
“In doing so, palm wisdom is carried hand to hand, generation to generation, renewing heritage through care, creativity and community-led continuity.”
The exhibition is organized into thematic sections titled Oasis, Roots, Trunk, Fronds, Dates and the Lab, which combine artistic exploration with hands-on workshops and film screenings, including filmmaker Mahmoud Kaabour’s short documentary “Sa’fa” about the palm weavers of Al-Ahsa Oasis.
Featured artworks include: “Al-Kar” by Saudi artist Fatimah Al-Nemer, a woven rug created in collaboration with local craftswomen using palm fibers; “Bouhattam” by Tunisian artist Mohammed Amine Hamouda, a sculptural installation made from oasis waste; and “La Cabra Chair” by Mexican designer Daniel Valero, which merges rural tradition with contemporary design.
Other highlights include “Toob Toob Ya Bahar” by Bahraini artists Abdulla Buhijji and Noor Alwan; “Palm Ladies” by Saudi artist Sumaya Shelbi; and “Palm in Eternal Embrace” by Saudi artist Obaid Alsafi, winner of Ithra’s 2023 Art Prize, which is described as a reflection on climate change and resilience.
The exhibition also showcases works by local, regional and international artists, including the Kingdom’s own Bashaer Hawsawi, whose pieces “The Chain that Rebelled Against the Earth” and “Holy Thirst 4” explore themes of memory, belonging and craftsmanship.
The exhibition is running at Ithra until March 2026.
