Crafting Future: CDF Highlights Saudi Handicrafts and Cultural Investment at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF), as part of the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, rolled out a series of activations on August 22 and 23. These included an investor-focused workshop introducing CDF’s tailored financing solutions, as well as an interactive handicrafts experience — attended by Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion — that spotlighted Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts 2025 on the global stage.
The workshop “Saudi Cultural Development Fund: Driving Innovative Business Solutions” welcomed entrepreneurs and international investors, providing an overview of CDF’s role as the Kingdom’s key financial enabler for the cultural sector. The session showcased the momentum of Saudi Arabia’s thriving cultural sector, while inviting participants to tap into CDF’s enablers and join the Kingdom’s journey of cultural growth.
In parallel, the handicrafts activation “Saudi Handicraft – Palm Weaving” showcased the Kingdom’s living heritage in collaboration with Madrasat Addeera — specialized in guiding and training artisans in AlUla—and Turquoise Mountain, a global leader in preserving traditional arts. Visitors immersed themselves in the artistry of palm-frond weaving, crafting unique pieces from Saudi palm leaves in an experience that symbolized cultural harmony and shared creativity between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
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 is also hosting panel discussions and networking sessions, bringing together local and international experts to showcase tailored solutions that empower all 16 cultural sectors.
CDF’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka aims to spotlight the Kingdom’s cultural identity, demonstrate the sector’s growth under Saudi Vision 2030, attract global investment, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in creative industries. It also underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through culture.
