Saudi Minister of Culture Visits Kingdom’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan visits the Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan visits the Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Culture Visits Kingdom’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan visits the Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan visits the Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, chairman of the steering committee for the Kingdom's participation in international expos, visited the Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday as part of his official visit to Japan.

Upon his arrival, the minister of culture was received by Deputy Minister of Culture and chairman of the executive committee for the Kingdom's participation in international expos Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, and several senior officials.

Prince Badr toured the sections of the national pavilion, reviewing its design and the progress of ongoing construction at the exhibition site, which is set to open in April 2025. He was briefed on the pavilion's visitor experience, which showcases the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and identity.

The pavilion presents Saudi Arabia's history in the form of a narrative, inviting visitors on a journey to explore its cultures, traditions, and values, which form the foundation of the nation’s identity. It also highlights the transformative developments currently underway in the Kingdom and its contributions to building a better future for the world.



Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
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Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA

The Dia Aziz Dia Award for Portrait, hosted by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, is a leading platform for portraiture and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East. It fosters national identity through contemporary art, connecting veteran and emerging artists.

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives, including Saudi women, the Arabian horse, the Saudi Green Initiative, and King Abdulaziz.

These themes highlight art's role in reflecting social transformations and contributing to the cultural goals of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The current ninth edition, with a theme focused on King Salman, invited artists to depict the leadership and humanity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This edition attracted significant participation, with 787 submissions from 42 cities, including international entries.

Of these, 61 works were shortlisted for the final competition, with prizes totaling SAR170,000 awarded to three main winners and seven incentive recipients.


Jazan Cultural House Explores Symbolism of Saudi Flag

The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values
The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values
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Jazan Cultural House Explores Symbolism of Saudi Flag

The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values
The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values

The Jazan Cultural House hosted a cultural evening on the Saudi flag, in collaboration with the Cultural Café, a literary partner of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission.

The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values. Speakers discussed its historical and cultural significance as a symbol of unity and sovereignty, reflecting themes of faith, strength, and national cohesion.

The reading also explored the flag's role in fostering a sense of belonging and national pride, as well as various interpretations of its significance in cultural and intellectual discourse.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Region

The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA
The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Region

The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA
The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues its mission to preserve the Kingdom’s architectural heritage by restoring Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hawtat Bani Tamim, Riyadh Region. Built in 1250 AH (1834 CE), this historic landmark is situated within the fortress of Second Saudi State founder Imam Turki bin Abdullah.

The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture, featuring stone foundations, mud walls constructed using molded brick techniques, and a roof of tamarisk trunks and palm fronds supported by stone-bead cylindrical columns, SPA reported.

Through the current renovation, the mosque’s area has expanded from 608.68 to 625.78 square meters while maintaining a capacity for 180 worshippers. Executed by specialized Saudi firms under expert engineering supervision, the project balances traditional standards with modern sustainability to ensure the mosque remains a living testament to Islamic and national history.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 objectives to rehabilitate historical sites for worship, highlight cultural heritage, and preserve the Kingdom’s authentic architectural identity for future generations.