Latest news with #SabaAlkhamis
CairoScene
a day ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Cultural Fund Spotlights Creative Economy at Expo 2025 Osaka
A cultural networking event at the Saudi Pavilion explored how entrepreneurship shapes Saudi Arabia's creative future. 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.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
CDF Champions Cultural Entrepreneurship and Strategic Investment at Expo 2025 Osaka - Middle East Business News and Information
Embracing new possibilities and cultural impact, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted a networking event titled 'Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage' at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The event featured a panel discussion that explored the Kingdom's thriving cultural economy, where Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, joined entrepreneurs and international investors sharing in growing global interest in Saudi Arabia's dynamic cultural economy. Moderated by cultural researcher and podcast host of Vision, Culture, and Policy, Saba Alkhamis, the conversation brought together Basil Al Alola, CDF Chief Credit & Investment Officer; Darren Barker, Founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, Founder of Accents, a design brand highlighting Saudi artisan. Guests explored Saudi Arabia's cultural renaissance and the rise of culture-sector entrepreneurship as a powerful engine for economic and social growth—underscoring the pivotal role of CDF's holistic financing and enablement solutions in driving the sector's sustainable expansion. In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, the event served as a platform to spotlight Saudi Arabia's artistic heritage and its growing global connections. Building on the momentum of the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, the reception showcased works created in collaboration with Saudi artisans, reflecting the depth and vibrancy of the Kingdom's creative spirit. Complementing this showcase of handicrafts, the evening also celebrated cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Japan, elevated with a performance by Japanese violinist and composer Ikuko Kawai, whose music embodied culture as both a bridge for collaboration and a catalyst for creativity. Across Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF's participation spans a diverse range of activations presenting Saudi Arabia's thriving cultural ecosystem and investment opportunities across the Kingdom's cultural landscape. With a particular emphasis on positioning culture as a driver of economic diversification and global collaboration, CDF shares real success stories, spotlights opportunities, and delivers meaningful impact. The Fund will also join local and international experts for panel discussions and networking sessions pertaining to all 16 cultural sectors, showcasing the Fund's tailored financing and enablement solutions. About the Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF). Founded in 2021, the CDF seeks to enrich Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape. It is organizationally linked to the Saudi National Development Fund and aims to foster the development of a self-reliant cultural sector. By supporting cultural activities and projects, empowering those interested in them, and facilitating investment in the sector, the CDF works to improve the cultural sector's profitability in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
