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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 ������Ƶ’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.

RIYADH: Regional leaders in ������Ƶ participated on Sunday in a blood donation campaign launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday.

Governor of Al-Jouf Prince Faisal bin Nawaf, who was among those to donate blood, said that the initiative is evidence of how ������Ƶ’s leaders are promoting the value of giving, encouraging members of the public to donate blood and contribute to saving lives, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

He called on people across the region to take part in the campaign, which he said reflects the cohesion of Saudi society and the goals of Vision 2030.

Prince Saud bin Talal, governor of Al-Ahsa, also donated blood on Sunday in the presence of the CEO of Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Dr. Khaled Al-Mulla, and a number of officials.

Najran’s governor, Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz, also took part in the initiative on Sunday, urging members of the public to donate.

Deputy governor of Qassim, Prince Fahd bin Saad, was quoted as saying that the Qassim region will contribute to supporting the objectives of the campaign through the participation of its government and private sectors.

After he gave blood, Prince Fahd praised the efforts of the health authorities that organized the campaign, which was launched in order to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary donations so that the Kingdom can become self-sufficient in supplies of blood and related products, thereby ensuring the availability of safe and sustainable stocks that meet the needs of the population.

More than 800,000 donors gave blood in 2024, officials said.