Saudi Cultural Fund Spotlights Creative Economy at Expo 2025 Osaka
Saudi Arabia's Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted a networking event at Expo 2025 Osaka, offering an inside look at how the Kingdom's growing cultural economy is gaining global momentum.
Held at the Saudi Pavilion, the event—titled 'Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage'—brought together cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and international investors to discuss the intersection of heritage, innovation, and economic growth.
The panel was moderated by cultural researcher and podcast host Saba Alkhamis, and featured CDF's Chief Credit & Investment Officer Basil Al Alola, Darren Barker of cultural consultancy Barker Langham, and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi design brand Accents. Together, they explored the rise of creative entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, and the role of cultural funding in enabling sustainable growth across sectors.
Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr joined the event, highlighting ongoing efforts to build cultural bridges between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The evening also included a musical performance by Japanese violinist and composer Ikuko Kawai.
The event coincided with Saudi Arabia's 2025 Year of Handicrafts initiative, and included a showcase of artisan-made works developed through CDF-supported collaborations. Guests were invited to engage with pieces that reflect the depth of Saudi Arabia's artistic heritage—part of the broader push to centre culture as a pillar of the country's economic diversification.
CDF's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka includes a range of activations highlighting investment opportunities across the Kingdom's cultural industries. From panel discussions to tailored financing initiatives, the Fund aims to connect with global partners and spotlight success stories across all 16 officially recognised cultural sectors.
Founded in 2021 under the Saudi National Development Fund, the Cultural Development Fund works to enable a self-sustaining creative economy in line with Vision 2030 and the National Culture Strategy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Trump Administration in Talks to Acquire Stake in Intel to Bolster US Chipmaking
Taarek Refaat The Trump administration is in discussions with Intel Corp. over a potential government stake in the struggling chipmaker, aiming to accelerate domestic semiconductor manufacturing, according to Bloomberg. The proposed investment would support Intel's long-delayed Ohio chip facility, once promised as the world's largest semiconductor plant, which has faced repeated construction setbacks and mounting financial strain. The size of the stake under consideration has not been disclosed. Intel stock price surged 7.38% to $23.86 following the news. The talks follow a meeting earlier this week between President Donald Trump and Intel Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan. One source said the U.S. government would pay for the stake, while another cautioned that the plan remains fluid. Intel declined to comment on the negotiations but said in a statement that it was 'deeply committed to supporting President Trump's efforts to strengthen America's leadership in technology and manufacturing,' adding that it would not address 'rumors or speculation.' The White House did not respond to requests for comment. A deal could bolster Intel's balance sheet as it cuts spending and reduces headcount, while also signaling that Tan is likely to remain in his position despite earlier calls from Trump for his removal over concerns about his ties to China. The move would mark another example of Trump's direct intervention in strategic industries. His administration recently secured rights to 15% of certain semiconductor sales to China and acquired a so-called 'golden share' in United States Steel Corp. as part of approving its sale to a Japanese competitor. The Pentagon last month also took a $400 million preferred stake in MP Materials Corp., a U.S. rare-earth producer, an unprecedented step that made it the company's largest shareholder. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 Videos & Features Story behind Trending Jessica Radcliffe Death Video News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News The Jessica Radcliffe Orca Attack? 100% Fake and AI-Generated
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Mid East Info
Al-Futtaim Launches 'Building Bridges' to Empower Emirati Youth and Celebrate 70 Years of UAE–Japan Partnership
In alignment with the UAE's Year of Community, Al-Futtaim in collaboration with its partners will send 50 young Emirati delegates to Expo 2025 in Osaka to immerse them in international experience and foster deeper cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Dubai, United Arab Emirates;August 2025: In recognition of the UAE's Year of Community, Al-Futtaim, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture, Emirates Foundation and Al Khaleejiya Radio 100.9, and with the support of the UAE Pavilion is proud to launch 'Building Bridges: Voices of the Future', a landmark initiative that will see 50 exceptional Emirati youth represent the UAE at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, while giving them the opportunity to explore the Expo's global showcases, participate in cultural exchange, and engage with innovations shaping the future. This initiative reflects Al-Futtaim's enduring commitment to national development and global engagement. It also underscores the company's legacy of more than 70 years of partnership with Japan, through its representation of 13 leading Japanese brands. The choice of Osaka as the destination is symbolic, reaffirming the deep bilateral relationship and a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange. The delegates, aged 21 to 30, were selected through a rigorous, multi-partner process led by Al-Futtaim, the UAE Ministry of Culture, Emirates Foundation, and Al Khaleejiya Radio. Candidates were evaluated based on key criteria such as ambassadorial potential, creativity, cross-cultural awareness, community impact, and leadership capability. As part of the selection, applicants were asked to complete a creative exercise that demonstrated their alignment with the programme's values. Commenting on the initiative, Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Al-Futtaim said: 'This initiative perfectly aligns with our values of empowering individuals and contributing to the prosperity of the nation. By providing these exceptional young Emiratis with the opportunity to represent the UAE on a global stage, we are not only strengthening the bond between the UAE and Japan but also investing in the development of future ambassadors who will carry the UAE's message of progress, diversity, and innovation to the world. This programme provides an unparalleled platform for young Emiratis to develop their leadership skills, broaden their horizons, and become influential advocates for the UAE on the global stage, truly celebrating their voices as future global ambassadors.' H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture commented, 'Building Bridges is a powerful initiative that reflects the UAE's commitment to empowering youth and strengthening global cultural dialogue. This initiative offers our young creatives and leaders a platform to engage with the world while reinforces the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Japan. At the Ministry of Culture, we believe that nurturing cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration is essential to shaping a more inclusive, creative, and sustainable future. We are proud to support this journey and confident that these young ambassadors will carry forward the spirit of our heritage and the vision of our nation.' Adding to this sentiment, H.E Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation stated: 'Emirates Foundation is dedicated to empowering the youth of the UAE, and the 'Building Bridges' initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity for our young talent to engage with global communities. We believe this experience will be transformative, equipping them with the skills and perspectives needed to become impactful leaders and innovators.' The delegates will travel in three cohorts between August and October 2025, taking part in cultural immersions, leadership workshops, and visits to Expo 2025, where they will engage with global peers and innovations. As youth ambassadors, they will help deepen UAE–Japan ties by sharing the UAE's heritage and vision, while gaining insights and networks to inspire impact at home. In parallel, and as part of its 70YearsForward campaign, Al-Futtaim has launched a dedicated secondment programme in collaboration with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Between July and October, talented young Emirati employees from across the Group are seconded to support the UAE's presence on the ground. This reflects the Group's enduring commitment to cross-cultural exchange, international collaboration, and the UAE–Japan partnership and demonstrates Al-Futtaim's dedication to empowering its people with meaningful, nation-building experiences that represent the UAE's values on a global stage. About Al-Futtaim: Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Operating across 18 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim's work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions. Employing a workforce of nearly 33,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world's most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more. With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim's approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders—supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow. Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
EGA to deliver first-ever CelestiAL-R billets to leading Japanese manufacturer Sankyo Tateyama - Middle East Business News and Information
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, August 2025: Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates and the world's biggest 'premium aluminium' producer, today announced an agreement to supply of CelestiAL-R billets to Sankyo Tateyama, the leading Japanese manufacture of aluminium components for architectural and industrial applications through our strategic partner ITOCHU Corporation. CelestiAL-R is the world's first combination of aluminium produced with solar power and scrap metal, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The introduction of CelestiAL-R billets allows EGA to meet further demand for low-carbon aluminium in extrusion and forging applications. Previously, EGA only produced CelestiAL-R foundry alloys which are ideal for re-melting applications. Demand for low-carbon aluminium is rising in Japan as industries seek to reduce their carbon footprint in line with national net-zero targets. EGA and ITOCHU supplies aluminium ingot and billet to Sankyo Tateyama, and in 2024 started to supply CelestiAL, which is solar power generated aluminium. EGA is able to produce CelestiAL-R to customer specifications due to the high quality of EGA's primary aluminium, the rigorous selection of scrap metal, and the flexibility of EGA's Casthouses. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium , said: 'Our first production of CelestiAL-R billets is a step forward in expanding the portfolio of our most sustainable aluminium products. At EGA, we focus on innovation and flexibility in delivering the highest quality, low-carbon aluminium to meet specific customer needs. We value our long-standing partnership with Sankyo Tateyama and thank them for their continued trust in EGA.' Shozo Hirano, President of Sankyo Tateyama , said: 'Reducing Scope 3 CO2 emissions from aluminium raw material is a major challenge in achieving carbon neutral. By using CelestiAL-R in addition to CelestiAL, which is supplied by our long time partners EGA and ITOCHU Corporation, we aim to contribute to sustainable and affluent life.' Scrap for CelestiAL-R is a mix of post-consumer and pre-consumer industrial scrap. All scrap arriving at EGA is tested against 40 different chemical and other property requirements.
