������Ƶ

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, returns with more Saudi-inspired art for the second year at the Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design in Spain.

The installation will be open to the public at Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono until June 24.

This year, Ithra presents “Rooted in Warmth” by Saudi multimedia artist Raghad Al-Ahmed, alongside a sensory experience, “Summer Blessings,” by Saudi visual narrative studio Nclass.

Visitors are encouraged to interact with and even climb the structure to experience the connection between agriculture and community ties to nature.

The installation was created with more than 50 women artisans from Jouf, northern ������Ƶ, inspired by Al-Ahmed’s roots in the Hejazi community, particularly Taif, where gatherings under tree shade are part of rural life.

The sensory experience “Summer Blessings” complements “Rooted in Warmth” by showcasing the diversity of local fruits and herbs.

Noura Al-Zamil, head of programs at Ithra, said: “We are proud to present Raghad Al-Ahmed’s work at Concentrico. Showcasing it at a leading European design festival reflects Ithra’s ongoing efforts to support creative expression.

“This initiative provides a platform for Saudi artists and artisans to share their work globally, enriching the cultural landscape. ‘Rooted in Warmth,’ combining personal and national identity with contemporary art, will encourage cross-cultural dialogue at the festival,” she added.

After its debut in Spain, “Rooted in Warmth” will be exhibited in ������Ƶ as part of Tanween 2025 later this year.

Tanween, Ithra’s annual design event, highlights global design excellence and promotes creative innovation.

The ������Ƶ Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has welcomed more than a million visitors since opening on April 13.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the pavilion, which the second largest after Japan, is a display of the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. It features more than 700 events, including live performances and dance shows.

The award-winning pavilion shares ������Ƶ’s transformative journey under Vision 2030, highlighting the kingdom’s innovation and technological modernization. Additionally, the pavilion offers an exciting visitor journey by means of seven immersive rooms and galleries where guests can see up close the Kingdom’s global impact.

“We are honored to mark this significant milestone and the ������Ƶ pavilion’s success in reaching one million visitors, which underscores ������Ƶ’s commitment to showing its transformation under Vision 2030 and inviting the world to experience its heritage and foster cultural exchange,” said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, ������Ƶ’s ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the ������Ƶ Pavilion.

“As we move towards reaching the next million, the pavilion remains committed to inspiring visitors to learn about ������Ƶ’s achievements, and we look forward to deepening impact and welcoming the world. Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka embodies our strong relationship with Japan, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“As we journey towards Expo 2030 in Riyadh, we will leave a legacy here in Osaka. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a testament to ������Ƶ’s transformation as a global destination — and we are eager to welcome the world to ������Ƶ,” he added.

The full program of events for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website.

•