RCRC Shares Kingdom’s World Expo Vision with UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
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RCRC Shares Kingdom’s World Expo Vision with UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has held a reception for members of the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee and briefed them on the Kingdom’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in the capital Riyadh.

“Riyadh Expo 2030 is part of the Kingdom’s endeavor to enable all countries to make an impact on the international scale, with the aim of creating a bright future for the planet under the theme ‘Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow’,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Alghannam, the Technical Director of the Riyadh Expo 2030 bid, at the reception on Friday.

“The three sub-themes of Riyadh Expo 2030 represent the Kingdom’s vision to present the most impactful World Expo ever, collaborating for a better future, where ‘Prosperity for All’ seeks to achieve a prosperous and a peaceful planet in which science and innovation are accessible to all. Also, ‘Climate Action’ promotes creative solutions to climate change by uniting international efforts, and ‘A Different Tomorrow’ seeks to harness science, innovations, and technologies to develop new tools for individuals and societies,” he said.

Alghannam added: “Inspired by Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh Expo 2030 pays great attention to the Kingdom’s civilization, rich heritage, ancient traditions, and cultural treasures, which we would be proud to showcase to the Riyadh Expo 2030 visitors through immersive experiences.”

He stressed that the capital city is fully prepared to host this international exhibition and present the most impactful and unprecedented edition in the history of World Expo.

The members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee were briefed about the Kingdom's ambitious goals for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the major ongoing development projects which will be ready by 2030.

They were also briefed on Riyadh Expo 2030’s sustainability plans, including clean energy, high standards of resource efficiencies and detailed strategies to enhance and conserve biodiversity, eliminate food wastage, and green waste management and recycling.

The reception by RCRC was held on the sidelines of the Kingdom’s hosting of the meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh from September 10 to 25, in its capacity as the current chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.



Second Islamic Arts Biennale Set to Open in Saudi Arabia in January

Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA
Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA
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Second Islamic Arts Biennale Set to Open in Saudi Arabia in January

Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA
Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. SPA

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale is scheduled to open on January 25 at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The biennale aims to present a captivating blend of timeless treasures of Islamic civilization and contemporary artistic creations, offering visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam that engages senses, intellect, and creativity.
Featuring the contributions of over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be on display in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces.
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will lead the curation of contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.
Shono, alongside artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the participating artists with creating new pieces that complement historical Islamic artifacts.
The theme of this biennale, "And all that is in between,” encapsulates the essence of the contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions and cultural dialogues to foster a collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.
Many artists have found inspiration in timeless elements, seeking to captivate visitors with themes like space, time, and light. The artworks offer insight into ways of preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape in Saudi Arabia.
The new art pieces will be showcased alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor exhibition halls and various outdoor spaces under the canopy of the Hajj Terminal.
The works are inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blending nature and traditional design while tackling contemporary environmental and social issues.
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale will be held in seven sections: AlBidaya (the beginning), AlMadar (the orbit), AlMuqtani (homage), AlMathala (the canopy), Makkah al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and AlMusalla (the prayer hall), spread throughout various galleries and outdoor areas, on 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.