• These included an investor-focused workshop on financing solutions, and an interactive handicrafts experience

Arab News

RIYADH: The Cultural Development Fund hosted activities from Aug. 22–23 at the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, in Japan.

These included an investor-focused workshop on financing solutions, and an interactive handicrafts experience.

The events, which were attended by Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, the Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the pavilion, highlighted the Kingdom’s Year of Handicrafts on the global stage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The workshop, “Saudi Cultural Development Fund: Driving Innovative Business Solutions,” welcomed entrepreneurs and international investors and provided an overview of the fund’s role as the Kingdom’s key financial enabler for the cultural sector.

The session showcased Saudi Arabia’s thriving cultural landscape, inviting participants to explore the fund’s support offerings and join the Kingdom’s journey of cultural growth.

The handicrafts activity, “Saudi Handicraft: Palm Weaving,” demonstrated the Kingdom’s living heritage through a collaboration with Madrasat Addeera, which trains artisans in AlUla, and Turquoise Mountain, a global leader in preserving traditional arts.

Visitors learned about the artistry of palm-frond weaving: the crafting of unique pieces from Saudi palm leaves in an experience symbolizing cultural harmony.

The fund’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka aims to spotlight the Kingdom’s cultural identity, showcase sector growth under Vision 2030, attract global investment, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the creative industries.