Saudi Pavilion Concludes Expo 2025 Osaka with Record Visitor Numbers and International Praise

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has concluded its participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka - SPA
Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has concluded its participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka - SPA
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Saudi Pavilion Concludes Expo 2025 Osaka with Record Visitor Numbers and International Praise

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has concluded its participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka - SPA
Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has concluded its participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka - SPA

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has concluded its participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, held from April 13 to October 13, with a closing ceremony attended by officials and distinguished guests from several nations.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Kingdom’s pavilion Dr. Ghazi Binzagr said that the Kingdom’s pavilion offered the world an opportunity to experience the Kingdom up close.

It symbolized a journey of transformation, innovation, and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the global community, SPA reported.

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their warm hospitality and hoped to welcome visitors again at Expo 2030 in Riyadh. Over the six-month period, the pavilion welcomed over three million visitors, who engaged with Saudi culture, heritage, and future vision through unique events, performances, and cross-cultural exchanges.

The pavilion received numerous awards and international acclaim, with CNN ranking it among the top 10 pavilions to visit.
Ahead of the expo, Saudi cultural tours were held from February to March across seven Japanese cities—Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Tokyo—bringing the flavors of Saudi cuisine, the sounds of its music, and the warmth of its hospitality to the Japanese public, setting the stage for the pavilion’s grand opening.

As one of the largest national pavilions at the expo, second only to Japan’s own, the Saudi pavilion’s architecture embodied the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

Constructed using lightweight Saudi stone sourced from within the Kingdom, the design offered visitors an immersive experience that evoked the spirit of Saudi cities and towns and celebrated its rich cultural heritage.

Visitors enjoyed interactive exhibits showcasing the Kingdom’s achievements in culture, clean energy, technology, tourism, space exploration, human potential, and sustainability.

With Expo 2025 Osaka concluded, Saudi Arabia is now preparing to host Expo 2030 Riyadh, aiming to build bridges of international cooperation and foster innovation under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.”

The upcoming event is expected to have participation from over 195 countries and 29 international organizations, focusing on addressing global challenges and presenting innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.



Iran Says US, Israeli Strikes Damage 120 Museums, Historic Buildings

 First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
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Iran Says US, Israeli Strikes Damage 120 Museums, Historic Buildings

 First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)
First responders inspect a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP)

US and Israeli strikes on Iran have damaged at least 120 culturally or historically significant sites across the country since the start of the war, the head of Tehran city council's heritage committee said.

"At least 120 museums, historical buildings and cultural sites across various provinces were directly targeted and sustained serious structural damage," said Ahmad Alavi.

He was quoted by state TV as naming UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace -- sometimes likened to Versailles -- as well as Tehran's Marble Palace, Teymourtash house and Saadabad Palace.

One of the capital's most visited sites, the Saadabad Palace complex includes an extensive park and museums dedicated to Iranian history.

In addition to the cultural institutions, it also houses the residences of the Iranian president and governor of Tehran province, with judicial and Revolutionary Guards facilities located nearby.

The United States and Israel launched their campaign against Iran on February 28, killing its supreme leader and setting off a war that has since embroiled practically all of the Middle East.

Iran, whose history spans several millennia, possesses significant cultural heritage that has largely been spared from mass tourism.

According to the UN, at least four of the country's 29 UNESCO-listed sites have been damaged in the war: Golestan Palace, Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, the Masjed-e Jame mosque in the same city, and the prehistoric sites of the Khorramabad Valley.


Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

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

The Ministry of Culture has launched the UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships in partnership with Effat University and the National Archives of the United Kingdom, to support archival-based research, advance cultural inquiry on the Arabian Peninsula, and strengthen collaboration between researchers and institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

The program includes a 10-week research residency at the National Archives of the United Kingdom, where participants receive hands-on training in archival methods and gain access to a wide range of archival collections and cultural institutions across the UK. It supports diverse areas of cultural research related to the Arabian Peninsula.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s strategic vision for advancing cultural research, reflecting its commitment to fostering both local and international collaboration and promoting meaningful cultural exchange.

The fellowship is open to researchers and cultural heritage specialists capable of conducting independent research in English, regardless of their professional level.


Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts
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Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts

The Ministry of Culture signed on Thursday a partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama for Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)’s College of Music. The partnership aims to further develop cultural and artistic talent and drive cultural exchange.

Under the terms of the partnership, Guildhall School will work with RUA to co-design undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs spanning music performance, production and education, in addition to training and capability development opportunities for RUA’s faculty body.

The programs will help cultivate and support Saudi talent across a wide range of musical disciplines, as well as provide students with a firm understanding of creative processes, research pathways and professional skills.

Founded in 1880, Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists. Ranked as number one in Arts, Drama and Music by the Complete University Guide 2025, and in the top three in the world for Music by the QS World University Rankings 2025, Guildhall delivers world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles, SPA reported.

The partnership with Guildhall School sits within a series of partnerships for the Riyadh University of Arts and its colleges with leading international institutions to co-design academic programs, collaborate in research, and offer enriching programs in cultural education and development.

In December 2025, RUA announced partnerships between their College of Film and the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (SCA); between SOAS University of London and their College of Heritage and Civilization Studies; AMDA College of the Performing Art and RUA’s College of Theater and Performing Art; and between ESSEC Business School and RUA’s College of Cultural Management. A further agreement was signed with the Royal College of Art (RCA) and RUA’s College of Architecture and Design and College of Visual Arts and Photography in January 2026.

Riyadh University of Arts was established by royal decree and is headquartered in Riyadh. Its Board of Trustees is chaired by Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The university is dedicated to advancing education in the fields of culture and the arts, serving as a cornerstone for creative learning and cultural innovation. It aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s creative economy.

The university will launch its programs in phases, gradually expanding to cover a wide range of fields and specialized disciplines. It will offer a comprehensive academic portfolio that supports continuous education across the arts and culture sectors, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs.