Latest news with #MajedAl-Hugail


Leaders
17-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia's Cultural Development Fund to Showcase Cultural Innovation at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) of Saudi Arabia has officially announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, set to take place in Japan from April 13 to October 13. Represented within the Saudi Pavilion, the Fund's presence underscores the Kingdom's dedication to advancing its cultural sector as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable growth—core pillars of Vision 2030 and the National Culture Strategy. Through its involvement, CDF aims to spotlight Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and dynamic creative identity, both of which have been significantly shaped by Vision 2030. The Fund will use the global platform to attract international investment, promote cultural entrepreneurship, and champion innovation within the sector—highlighting culture's role in sustainable development. Expo 2025 Osaka As part of its program at the Expo, CDF will host a variety of activities designed to present investment opportunities within the Kingdom's cultural landscape. A special emphasis will be placed on cultural enterprises and the economic and social impact of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of the Year of Handicrafts initiative. CDF will also engage in panel discussions and networking sessions with local and international thought leaders, offering deep insights into Saudi Arabia's 16 diverse cultural sectors. These forums will introduce attendees to the Fund's tailored financial products and enablement services that support the growth of cultural projects and creative businesses. Dedicated workshops will further educate participants on available resources and showcase the economic potential of the Saudi cultural sector. Commenting on the announcement, CDF CEO Majed Al-Hugail said: 'Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable cultural ecosystem—one that not only fuels economic growth but also attracts world-class investment. We are honored to highlight the stories of CDF-supported creatives, who will share their journeys and innovations with Expo visitors. Through these efforts, we aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in cultural development and financial excellence within the sector, fully aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.' Finally, Expo 2025 Osaka, themed 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives,' will unite nations and organizations to explore innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions to global challenges. Related Topics : Cultural Development Fund Offers Exclusive Souvenirs at Art Week Riyadh Saudi Cultural Fund Launches Innovative Financing Program for Cultural Sector KSA Ranks1st Globally Among Donors in Offering Development Assistance in 2021 Saudi Crown Prince announces the island of Sindala as 1st 'NEOM' destination for luxury marine tourism Short link : Post Views: 31


Arab News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Cultural Development Fund announces Expo 2025 participation
OSAKA: Saudi Arabia's Cultural Development Fund announced on Thursday that it will participate in Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting the Kingdom's rich cultural identity shaped by Vision 2030. The CDF's participation aims to foster cultural partnerships and global investments, reflecting the Kingdom's continuous commitment to encouraging innovation. It plans to organize various activities that showcase Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape, focusing on entrepreneurship as a way to drive economic growth. Additionally, the CDF will take part in panel discussions and networking sessions to offer insights on the Kingdom's culture and host dedicated workshops to educate guests about the Saudi cultural sector's economic potential. 'Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects our commitment to supporting and shaping a vibrant, sustainable cultural sector — one that fuels economic growth and attracts top-tier investment, both locally and globally. We are proud to feature the stories of CDF beneficiaries, who will share their creative journeys with Expo visitors as inspiring examples of Saudi cultural innovation,' said CDF CEO Majed Al-Hugail. 'We continue to reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leading force in the global cultural scene, ensuring our efforts are fully aligned with the broader cultural ecosystem. Looking ahead, we remain committed to the journey toward becoming a center of financial excellence in the cultural sector and a key contributor to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030,' he added. Expo 2025 Osaka will run until Oct. 13.


Asharq Al-Awsat
17-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Cultural Development Fund Participates in Expo 2025 Osaka
The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has announced in a press release its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, which takes place in Japan from April 13 to October 13, as part of the Saudi Pavilion. Its presence at the Expo underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing the cultural sector and strengthening its role as a driver of economic growth and long-term sustainability—aligned with the National Culture Strategy and Vision 2030's goals for economic diversification. CDF will contribute to highlighting Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and flourishing cultural identity, shaped by Vision 2030. According to SPA, it aims to welcome global investment, foster cultural entrepreneurship, and encourage innovation, while showcasing the sector's potential to contribute to sustainable development. It will also organize a range of activities that spotlight investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape. A key focus will be on cultural entrepreneurship and businesses as drivers of economic growth and social impact—particularly through the lens of the Year of Handicrafts initiative. CDF will also take part in panel discussions and networking sessions alongside local and global experts, offering insights into the Kingdom's diverse cultural landscape across its 16 cultural sectors. These sessions will introduce CDF's tailored financial and enablement solutions to support cultural projects and businesses. Additionally, dedicated workshops will be held to familiarize participants with available support and highlight the Saudi cultural sector's economic potential. CDF CEO Majed Al-Hugail stated: "Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects our commitment to supporting and shaping a vibrant, sustainable cultural sector—one that fuels economic growth and attracts top-tier investment, both locally and globally. We are proud to feature the stories of CDF beneficiaries, who will share their creative journeys with Expo visitors as inspiring examples of Saudi cultural innovation. We continue to reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leading force in the global cultural scene, ensuring our efforts are fully aligned with the broader cultural ecosystem. Looking ahead, we remain committed to the journey toward becoming a center of financial excellence in the cultural sector and a key contributor to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030." Under the theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives,' Expo 2025 Osaka will bring together countries and global organizations to spark global conversations around innovation, sustainability, and resilience and share ideas and initiatives that address common challenges and shape a better future.


Arab News
22-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event
Riyadh: The Cultural Development Fund hosted the third annual Storytellers event in Riyadh, bringing together key officials, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and creators from various cultural fields. The gathering is part of the fund's efforts to strengthen connections, explore new opportunities and support the sector's momentum, according to the Saudi Press Agency. It featured a keynote by the fund's CEO, Majed Al-Hugail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, behind the CHEFPreneur program — one of the initiatives supported by the fund. The program equips aspiring chefs with culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses. The gathering also celebrated 42 graduates of the program who had completed their training. In line with its commitment to supporting enabled projects, the fund showcased several beneficiary projects, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand. The event featured cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests took part in traditional crafts like prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition showcased works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Al-Shahrani. Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition honored the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia with vibrant colors and intricate details. The event aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector and nonprofit organizations to drive sustainable growth in the cultural sector, contributing to economic development and enhancing quality of life. Nawaf Al-Owain, the fund's marketing and communication executive director, told Arab News: 'This annual gathering is part of the fund's efforts to foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders and sustain the cultural sector's momentum. 'It also reflects the fund's role as a key financial enabler and its commitment to empowering creatives and cultural entrepreneurship.' He added: 'Now in its third year, the event has become a cornerstone of the fund's outreach efforts, establishing a platform that unites creatives, entrepreneurs and influencers to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and explore collaboration opportunities across cultural and financial sectors. 'By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the fund aims to promote partnerships that drive growth and sustainability in the cultural sector.'