Saudi Pavilion Launches Cultural Exchange Program at Expo 2025 Osaka

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Pavilion Launches Cultural Exchange Program at Expo 2025 Osaka

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has launched its cultural exchange program, designed to provide professional and personal development for staff from participating pavilions. This initiative aims to share Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and global influence with new team members.

Director of the Saudi Pavilion Eng. Adel Alfayez said that the program celebrates unity through diversity and fosters collaboration among pavilions, enabling the exchange of stories and the building of connections.

Alfayez welcomed the new team members, highlighting their journey through the Kingdom's diverse heritage, landscapes, and economy. This experience will help them build meaningful relationships with visitors and enrich their careers in preparation for Expo 2030 Riyadh.

The program's inaugural phase includes 13 Saudi staff members distributed across five international pavilions, with 15 visiting international staff members rotating through key roles in the Saudi Pavilion for three months. Additional participants will join in later rounds.

Visiting staff will undergo comprehensive training, covering Saudi culture, occupational health and safety, pavilion operational objectives, and visitor experience management. A job shadowing system will provide direct support from Saudi colleagues, ensuring immersion in the Kingdom's culture and skill acquisition.

The Saudi Pavilion will host over 700 events during Expo 2025 Osaka, including live shows, performing arts, and heritage activities. Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience featuring an augmented reality exhibit, as well as musical performances and special events marking national occasions.



Jazan Cultural House Launches Summer Ceramics Camp to Nurture Artistic Talent

Running for six weeks, the program includes specialized workshops - SPA
Running for six weeks, the program includes specialized workshops - SPA
TT

Jazan Cultural House Launches Summer Ceramics Camp to Nurture Artistic Talent

Running for six weeks, the program includes specialized workshops - SPA
Running for six weeks, the program includes specialized workshops - SPA

The Cultural House in Jazan Region is running a summer ceramics camp as part of its seasonal programs aimed at developing artistic skills and discovering talent through a training program that combines theoretical and practical instruction in a stimulating creative environment, SPA reported.

Running for six weeks, the program includes specialized workshops that guide participants from concept development to the creation of ceramic sculptures. It also features dedicated workshops for children with age-appropriate activities.

The camp aims to make productive use of the summer vacation by developing artistic capabilities, supporting talent, and enhancing cultural activity in the region.


Royal Commission for Makkah Draws 17.5 Million Visitors to Historical Sites

Since the strategy's launch in early 2024, the sites have attracted more than 17.5 million visitors, with a satisfaction rate of 97.5% - SPA
Since the strategy's launch in early 2024, the sites have attracted more than 17.5 million visitors, with a satisfaction rate of 97.5% - SPA
TT

Royal Commission for Makkah Draws 17.5 Million Visitors to Historical Sites

Since the strategy's launch in early 2024, the sites have attracted more than 17.5 million visitors, with a satisfaction rate of 97.5% - SPA
Since the strategy's launch in early 2024, the sites have attracted more than 17.5 million visitors, with a satisfaction rate of 97.5% - SPA

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is implementing an integrated strategy to conserve historical and enrichment sites and transform them into sustainable cultural destinations, enhancing Makkah's position as a city of ancient heritage in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The commission has developed and rehabilitated 28 historical sites each, documented 60 sites, opened 27 sites to visitors, and established seven visitor service centers.

Since the strategy's launch in early 2024, the sites have attracted more than 17.5 million visitors, with a satisfaction rate of 97.5%, SPA reported.

The commission has also executed more than 200 promotional announcements and prepared 65 development studies to support conservation and rehabilitation plans, achieving a 100% activation rate in implementing planned operational targets.

These efforts reflect the commission's commitment to balancing the preservation of Makkah's historical identity with modern development requirements, reinforcing the city's position as a global destination combining holiness, history, and culture.


Jazan’s Performing Arts Preserve Heritage and Showcase Regional Identity

In recent years, Jazan has witnessed increased cultural activity through festivals, creative initiatives, and support for local talent, strengthening community participation and promoting heritage preservation - SPA
In recent years, Jazan has witnessed increased cultural activity through festivals, creative initiatives, and support for local talent, strengthening community participation and promoting heritage preservation - SPA
TT

Jazan’s Performing Arts Preserve Heritage and Showcase Regional Identity

In recent years, Jazan has witnessed increased cultural activity through festivals, creative initiatives, and support for local talent, strengthening community participation and promoting heritage preservation - SPA
In recent years, Jazan has witnessed increased cultural activity through festivals, creative initiatives, and support for local talent, strengthening community participation and promoting heritage preservation - SPA

Jazan Region holds a distinguished place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, shaped by its rich heritage and diverse traditions, which have enriched the national cultural scene through a wide range of performing and folk arts preserved and showcased across generations.

The region’s diverse geography, including mountains, plains, coastlines, and islands, has influenced the development of unique performing arts connected to local lifestyles, agricultural seasons, and maritime activities.

These arts form a vibrant cultural heritage that has maintained its authenticity while evolving with the Kingdom’s cultural growth, SPA reported.

In recent years, Jazan has witnessed increased cultural activity through festivals, creative initiatives, and support for local talent, strengthening community participation and promoting heritage preservation.

Its folk arts remain a key expression of regional identity, reflecting its history, values, and customs while maintaining a strong presence in national events and cultural programs.