JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia began the journey of establishing its pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony in the port city.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Othman Al-Mazyad, general commissioner of the Kingdom’s pavilion at World Expo 2025.
Expo 2025 will be held from April 13 to Oct. 13 in 2025. More than 28 million people are expected to visit Osaka during the event, which will be held under the slogan, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
During the ceremony, Al-Mazyad said “At Expo 2025 we look forward to sharing the Kingdom’s profound history and diverse culture with the world, as well as showcasing innovation and creativity. Today’s ceremony marks the start of that journey.”
The exhibition slogan reflects three sub-themes within the framework of the Expo. These include Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.
The Kingdom will hope to replicate its impact at Expo 2020 in Dubai, where it displayed its heritage, culture, creativity, and artistic and societal innovations. It attracted nearly 5 million visitors at that event, and won several awards, including Exhibitor magazine’s Best Large Pavilion, best interior design and best presentation.
In addition to winning the Platinum Certificate in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, presented by the US Green Building Council, the Saudi pavilion in Dubai set three Guinness World Records: Largest Interactive Light Floor, Longest Interactive Water Curtain, and, at 32 meters long, Largest Interactive Digital Screen Mirror.
Saudi Arabia commences its Expo 2025 journey at groundbreaking ceremony in Japan
https://arab.news/j7qd4
Saudi Arabia commences its Expo 2025 journey at groundbreaking ceremony in Japan
- Expo 2025 will be held from April 13 to Oct. 13 in 2025
- More than 28 million people are expected to visit Osaka during the event
Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah
- The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz
RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.
He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.
They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.
Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”
He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.
The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.
According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.
The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.
Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.
The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.
