Meet the two Italians that favored Riyadh over Rome for Expo 2030

Italian businessmen Giorgio Re (L) and Roberto Daneo (R) said the work involved in securing the bid had been a team effort between themselves, Avisa group, and the Saudi authorities. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 December 2023
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Meet the two Italians that favored Riyadh over Rome for Expo 2030

  • The pair head WePlan, a company hand-selected to help develop Riyadh’s bid

RIYADH: Hours before Saudi Arabia recently won the right to host World Expo 2030, Italian businessmen Roberto Daneo and Giorgio Re were with the Kingdom’s team in Paris eagerly awaiting the voting results. 

The pair head WePlan, a company hand-selected alongside Avisa group by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to help develop Riyadh’s bid. 

The Italian event specialists have a track record in securing bids, including Dubai World Expo 2020, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and several sporting world championships. 

From 2006, while working in the Italian city of Turin, Daneo gained five-and-half years’ experience on the organizing committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

He told Arab News that the success of Riyadh’s bid was built on “all the unique selling points that Riyadh could put on the table,” including packages for developing countries and a so-called collaborative change corner initiative. 

Nicknamed C3, the collaborative change scheme will involve the Kingdom, from 2025, financing and supporting more than 27 projects from different countries to ready their Expo displays for 2030. 

Re noted that Vision 2030 had provided a strong foundation to work on as the country had already been proving its capabilities to an international audience. 

He said: “We highlighted the fact that the Expo site visit could be bundled with all the other touristic opportunities that KSA is implementing from now to 2030.” 

Daneo pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s economic profile was an additional plus. 

He said: “The countries to vote want a very high return on investment. Therefore, they want to make sure that the country is really a booming economy, a growing country like the Kingdom is.” 

Re and Daneo said the work involved in securing the bid had been a team effort between themselves, Avisa group, and the Saudi authorities.

The Italian business partners had even been competing against their own capital, Rome, which came third with 17 votes against Riyadh’s 119. 

“Of course, it was not easy for us to compete against our capital. It was all about the timing in the sense that Saudi Arabia contacted us, I think in late 2020, and we started discussions with the RCRC on conceiving the candidature of Riyadh for the Expo. 

“So, we as professionals, decided to stay linked to the client that reached out to us first,” Re added. 

Daneo said: “It was a question of respect and a question of loyalty to the client that believed in us and therefore we wanted to show that we were truly and fully committed to the final result.” 

The duo noted that, for them, working with a foreign client had proved to be an advantage when dealing with voting members. 

Daneo and Re’s involvement in Dubai World Expo 2020 had opened their minds to Arab culture. 

“I’m personally trying, very soon, to start learning Arabic. I can already detect from the start of the language that it’s really fascinating,” Daneo added. 

Re said: “Being from Sicily, Arab culture is also in a way part of our background. Let’s think about the Arab architecture or even some food. We have couscous in Sicily, for example, there’s also some link there.” 


Second round of GCC-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations to take place Monday

Updated 4 sec ago
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Second round of GCC-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations to take place Monday

  • Kingdom along with the GCC nations and Japan will address a wide range of topics
  • Negotiations were preceded by coordination meetings of the GCC technical negotiation teams on June 29

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia is set to participate in the second round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Japan from June 30 to July 4.

Represented by the General Authority of Foreign Trade and led by Fareed Al-Asaly, the deputy governor for international organizations and agreements, the Kingdom along with the GCC nations and Japan will address a wide range of topics, including trade in goods and services, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, financial services, telecommunications, the movement of natural persons, intellectual property, dispute settlement, general provisions of the agreement, rules of origin, and trade facilitation.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the negotiations were preceded by coordination meetings of the GCC technical negotiation teams on June 29.

The first round of negotiations took place in Riyadh on Dec. 12 last year.


In Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of Handicrafts,’ passion has no limits

Updated 6 min 29 sec ago
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In Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of Handicrafts,’ passion has no limits

  • Local artisans receive government support as industry flourishes
  • Handicrafts association aims to bring pottery to a wider audience

RIYADH: Since Saudi Arabia announced 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the industry has seen a significant focus on artisans and artisanal crafts that showcase domestic and international ventures through festivals and programs, leading to a boost in confidence for aspiring craftspeople.

For artisan and entrepreneur Sheikha Al-Abdulkarim and her two sisters, their interest in pottery went from a weekend curiosity to a local cultural initiative — one of the many shaping the future of traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia.

The idea behind Herfah, which means craft in Arabic, was born out of a love for the ancient clay material as a form of creativity and connection to Saudi heritage.

Today, that passion has transformed into a fully fledged venture that trains aspiring artisans, sells handmade ceramic pieces, and helps preserve one of the Kingdom’s oldest traditions.

“We weren’t thinking about a business at first,” Al-Abdulkarim said. “It was just something we really wanted to learn. But once we started working with our hands, we realized this was more than a hobby.”

In late 2016, the sisters struggled to find pottery workshops in their area, so they contacted an American-Danish ceramic artist who they had discovered online.

That decision led to their first intensive training course and sparked a vision they had not imagined: Creating a space in Saudi Arabia where others could learn, experiment and reconnect with the art of pottery.

Raised in a home where heritage was part of daily life, Al-Abdulkarim credits her upbringing for planting the seed. She was surrounded by handmade textiles, traditional crafts and a family that valued artistry, but turning passion into something tangible was not easy.

“There weren’t many resources,” she said. “Finding materials, equipment, even knowledge — it was all a challenge. But honestly, that made us more determined.”

In 2021, their project Herfah took a turning point when it received backing from Saudi’s Cultural Development Fund, or CDF, a key initiative supporting creative projects across the Kingdom.

With that funding and guidance, the sisters were able to set up a dedicated workspace in the Eastern Province, invest in tools such as kilns and clay-shaping equipment, and offer structured training programs.

“Having that kind of support changed everything,” Al-Abdulkarim said. “It allowed us to dream bigger.”

She advises any aspiring artisan to take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are now abundant in Saudi.

Including CDF’s support programs, the Heritage Commission’s Artisan’s House program offers training courses that seeks to enhance the skills of Saudi artisans, promote innovative craft designs, and encourage participation in festivals and events that attract tourists and visitors from both within and outside the region.

One of the largest annual events in Riyadh is the Saudi International Handicrafts Week — known as Banan — which offers a wealth of live music, interactive experiences and artisanal works from around the world, in addition to Hail’s HARFA festival.

At Herfah, visitors can take part in workshops, experience hands-on pottery sessions, or simply browse handcrafted pieces that blend traditional design with modern aesthetics.

Inclusion is also a priority for the studio, making sure to host sessions for visually impaired participants and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the craft of pottery.

Their journey reflects a broader movement burgeoning across the Kingdom that highlights the growing importance of cultural preservation, not only for its heritage value but for its economic potential.

The local traditional crafts sector and associated industries have reached an annual market value of SR1.5 billion, according to the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, with efforts to grow that figure through investment and training.

But for Al-Abdulkarim, what matters most is that more people are discovering the joy and meaning behind handmade work. What began as a search for a simple pottery class is now a mission to keep an ancient craft alive, one fired kiln at a time.

“Pottery has taught us patience, resilience and how to connect with our roots,” she said. “Our goal now is to take Herfah further to different cities, different communities, and to show the world what Saudi hands can create.”

As part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund continues to back creative businesses such as Herfah, helping to shape a sustainable ecosystem for artists, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs alike.


Saudi leadership extends condolences over death of Kuwait’s Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 8 min 49 sec ago
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Saudi leadership extends condolences over death of Kuwait’s Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah

  • Sheikh Fahad passed away at the age of 75 and his funeral took place on Monday morning, Kuwait News Agency reported

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the passing of Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Fahad passed away at the age of 75 and his funeral took place on Monday morning, Kuwait News Agency reported.

King Salman prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness and extended his condolences to Sheikh Fahad’s family, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent similar cables of condolences to Sheikh Meshal and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.


Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events

Updated 30 June 2025
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Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events

  • Summer Festival 2025 inaugurated by Prince Hussam bin Saud
  • More than 500 events set to light up Baha festival

RIYADH: A vibrant summer of arts, music and cultural events has arrived in the Baha and Najran regions.

Prince Hussam bin Saud, the governor of Baha, has officially opened Baha Summer Festival, which features more than 500 events aimed at attracting some 2.5 million visitors.

He said everyone involved was working together to deliver an exceptional experience for both residents and those coming to the area.

The lineup for the Baha summer season, being held under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows and a range of recreational and cultural activities.

Preparations for the festival included road maintenance, upgrades to parks and tourist sites, ample parking facilities, clear directional signage and the introduction of free Wi-Fi in public parks. Cleanliness, monitoring and safety measures have also been significantly enhanced across all venues.

Meanwhile, the Summer Festival organized by the Najran municipality begins on Tuesday under the banner “Our Summer is Great.”

Mayor Saleh Al-Ghamdi said preparations ahead of the season included equipping more than 160 parks, gardens, municipal squares and walkways to welcome those attending, carried out in coordination with various government and private entities.

He added the festival featured diverse events in several locations in Najran city and its governorates, which includes a shopping festival, horse shows, paragliding, classic car shows and family and children’s programs, as well as recreational and cultural activities, poetry evenings, sports competitions, handicrafts, plays, programs and training courses.

The activities will be held over 45 days and contribute toward the goals of Vision 2030, said Al-Ghamdi, highlighting that the Najran region’s unique nature and tourist sites made it a major attraction.


Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen’s iconic Seiyun Palace

Seiyun Palace in Hadramout is regaining original form through restoration led by Saudi Development and Reconstruction Project.
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen’s iconic Seiyun Palace

  • Kingdom’s program, UNESCO collaborate to preserve heritage, boost cultural tourism in Hadramout

RIYADH: After years of deterioration that threatened its survival as a historical and cultural symbol, Seiyun Palace in Hadramout, eastern Yemen, is regaining its original form through restoration led by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. 

Seiyun Palace was once featured on Yemen’s national currency due to its importance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built as a fortified stronghold to protect Seiyun, the palace later became the residence of the sultans of the Kathiri state, who ruled Wadi Hadramout. 

Despite its significance, the palace suffered damage over time, reaching a critical point in 2022 when a large part of its outer wall collapsed, raising concerns about its future. This led to calls for restoration, according to the SPA. 

At the Yemeni government’s request, the Saudi development program launched a project to restore the palace. 

Funded by the program and implemented by UNESCO, the effort involved Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Yemen’s General Organization of Antiquities and Museums, with support from Yemen’s Social Fund for Development.

Restoration included repairing the outer wall and mudbrick structures. Attention was given to restoring wooden ceilings, carved doors, and windows that showcase Yemeni craftsmanship. 

The project also preserved the palace’s architectural features, including traditional decorations and wall inscriptions. Local engineers and technicians were trained in restoration techniques for ongoing maintenance. 

This project supports development in Hadramout and the preservation of Yemen’s heritage. The palace can now receive visitors and host events, enhancing its role as a cultural and tourism site, the SPA reported.

The Seiyun Palace restoration is one of 264 projects by the Saudi development program across Yemen, covering education, health, transportation, energy, water, agriculture, fisheries, and institutional capacity building.