France’s Louvre Museum, the world’s largest and most visited museum, is entering a period of uncertainty after the resignation of its president, Laurence des Cars, following a year marked by infrastructure failures, labor unrest, financial scrutiny and one of the country’s most significant museum thefts in decades.

Des Cars, who had led the institution since 2021 and became the first woman to head the Louvre, stepped down this week after months of mounting pressure over the museum’s management and the future of an ambitious €1 billion renovation project backed by President Emmanuel Macron.Her departure comes little more than a year after she formally warned France’s culture ministry that the Louvre’s condition had become increasingly unsustainable.

In a note to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, des Cars described overcrowded galleries, outdated technology, water leaks, damaging temperature fluctuations and deteriorating visitor facilities, saying the museum had reached a “worrying level of obsolescence.”The warning laid the foundation for “Louvre: New Renaissance,” a large-scale modernization plan unveiled by Macron shortly afterward in front of the museum’s most famous attraction, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The proposal includes major repairs, new visitor infrastructure, a separate exhibition room for the Mona Lisa with independent access, and a new grand entrance on the museum’s eastern side near the Colonnade de Perrault.The redesign would also require excavation beneath the Cour Carrée, creating new underground exhibition spaces. Officials estimate the total cost at more than €1.1 billion.The Louvre occupies a 360,000-square-meter complex that began as a 12th-century fortress before becoming a royal palace and later a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793.

It contains more than 400 rooms, roughly nine miles of corridors and over 600,000 objects in its collection, with around 35,000 on permanent display.Originally designed to receive about 4 million visitors annually, the museum welcomed 9 million visitors last year, driven largely by attractions such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.Supporters of the renovation argue the scale of visitor pressure makes major intervention unavoidable. Critics, however, question both the necessity and timing of the project, particularly as the museum faces immediate operational challenges.

Didier Rykner, editorial director of La Tribune de l’Art, said essential repairs and modernization were needed, but described the broader plan as unnecessary and financially risky.“It’s unnecessary, and it’s harmful,” Rykner said, arguing that Macron viewed the project as a presidential legacy initiative similar to earlier landmark cultural projects commissioned by former French presidents.

France has a long tradition of large museum projects linked to presidential terms, including François Mitterrand’s Grand Louvre project in the 1980s, which created the museum’s glass pyramid entrance designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei. Georges Pompidou oversaw the Pompidou Centre, while Jacques Chirac backed the Musée du Quai Branly.Macron has maintained a close symbolic connection to the Louvre, choosing its courtyard as the setting for his 2017 presidential victory speech.

With his term ending next spring, the renovation plan has become closely associated with his cultural legacy.At the same time, the museum’s immediate problems have deepened.This month alone, two water pipes burst inside the building, including one in the Denon wing, where the Mona Lisa is displayed. In November, flooding damaged more than 300 documents in the Library of Egyptian Antiquities.

Late last year, the Campana gallery, known for its Greek ceramics collection, was closed due to structural weakness in supporting beams. Elsewhere in the Sully wing, offices were relocated because of concerns over floor collapse.Staff morale has also deteriorated sharply. The Louvre employs about 2,300 people, and unions have described working conditions as “untenable,” citing understaffing, poor pay and management decisions they called irresponsible.

Since last summer, repeated strikes have forced the museum to close fully or partially more than a dozen times.In a joint statement, employee unions said staff felt they were “the last bastion before collapse,” reflecting broader frustration over daily operations and resource shortages.This month, police arrested nine people, including two museum employees and two tour guides, over an alleged long-running ticket fraud scheme targeting Chinese tourist groups.

Investigators believe the operation may have cost the museum more than €10 million over the past decade.The most serious reputational blow came in October, when four men carried out a daylight theft from the Apollo Gallery, stealing diamond-studded Napoleonic crown jewels valued at €88 million.Investigators said the gang used a stolen truck fitted with an extendable ladder to reach an unsecured first-floor window, entered the gallery, smashed display cases and escaped on motorbikes within seven minutes.

Four suspects have since been arrested and remain under investigation, but the jewels have not been recovered.The theft intensified criticism of museum security and placed des Cars under further political pressure. Alexandre Portier, the conservative chair of a parliamentary inquiry on museum security, said the list of institutional failures would have triggered leadership change much earlier in many comparable institutions.

Des Cars acknowledged responsibility for part of the security failure but argued she was also facing consequences for earlier warnings about the museum’s structural decline. In comments to Le Figaro, she said she had faced “an unprecedented media and political storm” and believed conditions no longer existed for her to continue implementing reforms.Her successor, Christophe Leribault, takes over after leading the Palace of Versailles and previously directing the Musée d’Orsay and Paris’s Petit Palais.

The culture ministry said his priorities would include strengthening security for the building, collections and staff, while restoring trust inside the institution and advancing necessary modernization.The future of the New Renaissance project remains uncertain. Staff unions have described it as disconnected from the museum’s actual needs, while France’s state auditor, the Cour des Comptes, has warned it presents significant financial risk and argued urgent repairs should take precedence.Funding remains unresolved.

The Louvre expects €200 million to €300 million from licensing fees linked to its Abu Dhabi franchise, with the remainder expected largely from international donors. According to critics, donor support, particularly from the United States, has been slower than anticipated.The architectural competition tied to the project, expected to advance earlier this year, was suspended in February, adding further uncertainty to Macron’s timetable before he leaves office.

Rykner said the museum’s existing revenues from ticket sales, reserves, state subsidies and Abu Dhabi income were sufficient for repairs and a more limited modernization without committing to a large expansion project.He argued that pressure around the Pyramid entrance and the Denon wing could be eased through smaller additional entrances and alternative display arrangements for the Mona Lisa rather than a major underground redevelopment.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit put on hold a preliminary injunction issued a day earlier by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, granting the Justice Department’s request for interim relief while the appeal proceeds. The panel scheduled oral arguments for June 5 to determine whether construction should remain paused during the broader legal review.

The appeals court’s brief order did not address the underlying legal merits of the dispute, which centers on whether the executive branch had the authority to demolish the historic East Wing and proceed with new construction without explicit approval from Congress.

The lawsuit was filed in December by the National Trust for Historic Preservation against the Trump administration and several federal agencies. The group argued that the demolition of the East Wing and the planned ballroom project violated federal preservation laws and exceeded the authority of both the president and the National Park Service.

Judge Leon, in his earlier ruling, sided with the plaintiffs’ argument that the project could not proceed lawfully without congressional authorization, prompting the administration to seek immediate relief from the appeals court to avoid construction delays.

The White House has defended the project as a privately funded initiative backed by donors, describing it as part of a broader effort to modernize the presidential residence while enhancing security infrastructure.

Trump has repeatedly framed the ballroom as a signature addition to the White House complex.Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor the White House responded immediately to requests for comment following the appeals court’s decision issued late Friday.

The case highlights tensions between executive authority and statutory protections governing historic federal properties, with potential implications for how future administrations undertake structural changes to nationally significant sites.

Up to 60 international missions would typically be active at Iraqi excavation sites, but all have now left the country, according to a government official in Baghdad, halting work on some of the world’s oldest known civilizations.

German archaeologist Adelheid Otto of the University of Munich said her team had begun work at the ancient city of Shuruppak, modern-day Tell Fara, on Feb. 28, the day the conflict started. The group initially continued operations despite nearby rocket and drone activity.

However, Iraqi authorities later advised them to leave, cutting short research that had already yielded discoveries including ancient cuneiform tablets.

Otto described the interruption as a significant setback to ongoing work.At the site of Nippur, a 6,000-year-old city, University of Chicago professor Augusta McMahon said her team departed on March 10 under pressure to evacuate amid escalating security concerns.

The eight-member team was escorted out of the area by Iraqi officials.McMahon said the evacuation marked her third withdrawal from the region in recent years, following earlier disruptions in Iraq in 2024 and Syria in 2011.

She noted the impact on both international researchers and Iraqi colleagues, whose work depends heavily on sustained field access.

The suspension of excavations leaves key heritage sites, including those linked to early Mesopotamian civilizations, without active international collaboration as security conditions remain uncertain.

“In China, the revival of traditional culture is being reshaped as both an economic resource and a tool of social continuity, balancing preservation with modern commercial realities.“

Across China, traditional cultural practices are being reinterpreted within a modern economic and social framework, reflecting a broader effort to integrate heritage with contemporary life.

From festivals to craftsmanship, authorities and communities are promoting traditions as both cultural assets and drivers of economic activity.

Government-backed initiatives have supported the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, including traditional crafts, performing arts and rituals. Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China shows a steady increase in registered heritage items and designated practitioners, as part of a nationwide programme aimed at safeguarding cultural traditions.

Festivals rooted in historical practice continue to play a central role in this revival. Events such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival have seen expanded participation, supported by public campaigns and tourism initiatives.

Authorities have positioned these occasions as opportunities to reinforce cultural identity while also stimulating domestic consumption.Integration with tourism and local economies where cultural heritage has become an increasingly important component of China’s tourism strategy.

In regions such as Yunnan Province and Zhejiang Province, local governments have developed heritage sites and traditional villages into tourist destinations, combining preservation efforts with infrastructure investment.

Official tourism data indicates that such initiatives have contributed to increased visitor numbers and local income generation. Traditional crafts, including ceramics, textiles and paper-cutting, are being marketed both domestically and internationally, providing new revenue streams for artisans.

At the same time, policymakers have emphasised the need to balance commercialisation with authenticity. Cultural authorities have introduced guidelines aimed at ensuring that heritage practices are preserved in their original form while adapting to modern economic contexts.

Efforts to sustain traditional practices have also focused on education and transmission to younger generations. Schools and cultural institutions have incorporated elements of traditional arts and customs into curricula, supported by government programmes.

Apprenticeship systems have been expanded to train new practitioners in crafts and performing arts. According to official statements, these programmes are intended to address concerns about declining participation in certain traditions, particularly in rural areas.Digital platforms have also played a role in dissemination.

Online content featuring traditional practices has attracted large audiences, contributing to renewed interest among younger demographics. Analysts note that this digital engagement has helped bridge the gap between heritage and contemporary culture.Cultural policy and national identity where the revival of traditional culture is closely linked to broader policy objectives related to national identity and social cohesion.

Government initiatives have framed cultural heritage as a source of continuity in a rapidly changing society, while also promoting it internationally as part of cultural diplomacy.State-supported programmes have increased funding for heritage preservation and encouraged local governments to integrate cultural assets into development strategies.

Analysts say this approach reflects an effort to align economic growth with cultural preservation, particularly in regions undergoing rapid urbanisation.

While the expansion of heritage-related industries has generated economic benefits, it has also raised questions about the impact of commercialisation on traditional practices.

Cultural authorities have acknowledged these challenges and indicated that regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve in response to changing conditions.

This festival provides visitors with an immersive cultural experience, showcasing Saudi food as a key element of national identity while highlighting the diversity and authenticity of local cuisine across different regions of the country.

Live cooking stations allow skilled chefs to prepare traditional dishes in front of attendees, offering both an educational and sensory experience that emphasizes the artistry and heritage embedded in Saudi culinary practices.

The event features six thematic pavilions, each designed to highlight the unique flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques representative of Saudi Arabia’s diverse geographical and cultural landscapes.

Visitors can explore a variety of foods and beverages made from locally sourced ingredients, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy while promoting regional specialties and traditional recipes.

A dedicated children’s pavilion engages younger audiences with interactive cooking activities and educational demonstrations, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the cultural and nutritional significance of Saudi cuisine.

Tasting spaces throughout the festival allow attendees to experience an array of flavors, from savory main courses to innovative desserts, blending traditional and modern culinary styles in an inviting and festive environment.

Innovative beverage experiences inspired by local products provide additional layers to the festival, offering visitors unique insights into Saudi ingredients such as dates, herbs, spices, and fruits transformed into refreshing drinks and creative refreshments.

The festival emphasizes the role of food as both an artistic and knowledge-based experience, encouraging visitors to engage with culinary practices, cooking techniques, and the cultural stories behind each dish.

Chefs and culinary experts participate in workshops and demonstrations, sharing techniques, flavor combinations, and insights into the historical and cultural significance of traditional Saudi recipes.

Through these interactive experiences, the festival fosters community engagement, strengthens cultural pride, and highlights the importance of preserving and promoting Saudi culinary heritage for future generations.

The event also reflects broader efforts by the Kingdom to elevate its cultural tourism sector, positioning food and gastronomy as central pillars in promoting Saudi Arabia as a global destination for cultural and culinary excellence.

By combining traditional flavors with modern presentation and innovative cooking methods, the festival demonstrates how Saudi culinary arts can evolve while maintaining strong ties to history, regional identity, and national pride.

Visitors gain an understanding of the Kingdom’s regional diversity through cuisine, learning how geography, climate, and local resources influence the unique flavors, preparation methods, and dining traditions across Saudi Arabia.

The festival’s programming integrates cultural storytelling, music, and visual arts, enhancing the overall visitor experience and creating a holistic celebration of Saudi heritage through multiple sensory channels.

Al-Qatif Street Food Festival serves as a platform for local culinary entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses to showcase their products, connect with a broader audience, and contribute to the growth of the Saudi food economy.

By highlighting sustainability, local sourcing, and creative gastronomy, the festival aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to promote culture, heritage, tourism, and entrepreneurship while strengthening national identity.

The event also encourages visitors to experiment with flavors, learn new recipes, and appreciate the creativity and dedication of Saudi chefs, reinforcing food as an essential medium of cultural expression and community connection.

The event, organized in cooperation with several cultural and entertainment bodies, aims to strengthen cultural understanding and highlight the diversity present across the Kingdom.

The program offers visitors an immersive journey through Yemen’s folk arts, featuring live performances and interactive showcases that highlight long-standing traditions.

Members of the Yemeni community, along with visitors from various nationalities, are engaging with the activities and exploring the cultural displays throughout the venue.

More than 80 performers are presenting a lineup of traditional folk arts, including music, dance and theatrical performances that reflect the depth of Yemen’s cultural identity.

Audiences are experiencing a wide range of artistic expressions that preserve customs passed down through generations.

The initiative forms part of the broader Quality of Life Program, supporting ongoing efforts to promote cultural participation and community engagement in alignment with national development goals.

The event aims to offer a space where residents and visitors can explore diverse art forms in an accessible and welcoming environment.

Pavilions at the venue feature displays of traditional crafts, offering insights into the craftsmanship associated with Yemeni heritage.
These showcases include silverware, handmade textiles, bamboo products and clothing designs produced using traditional methods.

Artists and artisans are providing live demonstrations that help visitors understand the significance of each craft and the skills required to create them.

Many attendees are interacting directly with creators, learning about the stories and techniques behind each cultural element.

The opening day attracted strong participation, with folk groups performing a variety of musical and dance routines that added energy and authenticity to the atmosphere.

Visitors expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to experience Yemen’s artistic diversity within a broader cultural platform.

The event also supports emerging creators by providing opportunities to showcase their work to a diverse audience, encouraging continued cultural expression and preservation.

This environment fosters collaboration among performers, artisans and cultural organizations, strengthening connections across different communities.

Global Harmony 2 has already drawn significant attention, with previous events attracting more than one million visitors during the first four weeks.

The initiative continues to position cultural exchange as a key element of social development, promoting interaction among the many communities living in the Kingdom.

As Yemen Culture Week progresses, it is expected to further highlight the importance of cultural appreciation in building meaningful social ties.

The event reinforces the role of heritage in strengthening understanding, preserving identity and enriching the cultural landscape of Riyadh.

By celebrating Yemen’s traditions through music, crafts, performances and interactive workshops, the initiative continues to support a dynamic cultural environment.

Its activities contribute to long-term goals of enhancing quality of life, fostering creativity and promoting shared cultural experiences across the region.

The meeting marked a significant step in reinforcing the cultural bridge between the two countries and expanding their tourism collaboration on a global scale.

Held on the sidelines of the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, the discussions reflected the growing spirit of partnership between the two nations.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of preserving heritage, encouraging artistic exchange, and boosting tourism opportunities that highlight their rich traditions.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah and Minister Shekhawat exchanged ideas on new areas of cooperation. These include joint cultural festivals, tourism projects, museum collaborations, and student exchange programs to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Shekhawat commended the warm hospitality extended by the Saudi government. He expressed optimism about building long-term cultural and economic linkages that align with Saudi Vision 2030 and India’s global tourism outreach initiatives.

He also emphasized that India and Saudi Arabia share deep historical and spiritual connections that have evolved into dynamic modern partnerships. This cooperation, he said, is rooted in mutual respect and shared goals of cultural enrichment and sustainable tourism growth.

In addition to his meeting with Prince Badr, Shekhawat held bilateral discussions with tourism ministers from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and South Africa. These talks focused on advancing international tourism partnerships and developing collaborative frameworks for global heritage preservation.

During his visit, the Indian minister attended a dinner hosted by Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The event brought together ministers from various countries, providing a platform for dialogue on sustainable tourism and global cooperation.

Shekhawat highlighted that India continues to expand its presence in global tourism networks. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to building partnerships that foster cultural diplomacy and mutual prosperity through creative industries and tourism exchange.

The meeting underscored the shared vision of both nations to use culture and tourism as instruments of global unity. Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in cultural infrastructure and India’s dynamic tourism sector make the partnership a powerful force for regional development.

Experts note that this collaboration will open new opportunities for cultural tourism, academic research, and joint exhibitions. It will also promote innovation in heritage conservation, creative industries, and community-based tourism initiatives.

The strengthening of Saudi-Indian cultural ties is seen as a positive example of how nations can blend tradition with modernity. It showcases how shared cultural values and mutual understanding can shape a more connected and inclusive world.

The meeting concluded with optimism for a promising future where Saudi Arabia and India continue to celebrate their diverse cultural legacies. Both sides expressed their intent to transform this partnership into long-lasting cooperation that benefits artists, travelers, and future generations alike.

The season, themed “Ezek we Malfak” (Your Glory and Refuge), launched on Thursday along the beautiful banks of Wadi Safar in western Diriyah, marking another significant celebration of heritage, creativity, and unity.

The theme reflects Diriyah’s enduring legacy as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a symbol of the Kingdom’s strength, culture, and history.

Organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), the opening ceremony was attended by Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Turki, Governor of Diriyah, along with several cultural and media figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

The evening was brought to life with artistic performances inspired by the spirit of “Al-Awja,” a term deeply linked to Diriyah’s identity and the pride of the Saudi people.

Through captivating visual displays, advanced lighting, and drone shows, the story of Wadi Hanifa was beautifully told in a performance titled “I Am Al-Awja,” which left the audience inspired and emotional.

Adding to the evening’s charm, the winners of the “Rawi Al-Diriyah” (Narrator of Diriyah) program, Tamim Al-Harthi and Bader Al-Harbi, delivered interactive performances that reflected the profound connection between Saudis and their national heritage.

Their presentations, blending storytelling, music, and tradition, symbolized the deep emotional bond that unites the people of Saudi Arabia with Diriyah — the land where their nation’s story began.

The celebration also featured musical and theatrical performances showcasing Saudi folk traditions, including the Ardah and Samri dances.

These performances highlighted the diversity of Najdi culture and celebrated the artistic spirit of young Saudis, both men and women, who are keeping their heritage alive through creativity and performance.

Ahlam Al-Thunayan, director of Diriyah Season, explained that this year’s theme aims to celebrate Diriyah’s history, values, and culture in innovative ways that reflect the pride Saudis take in their roots.

She emphasized that the symbolism of Al-Awja represents the Kingdom’s continuity — linking the past with the present while inspiring future generations to preserve their cultural identity.

The season features more than 10 diverse programs over 120 days, ranging from cultural and artistic events to historical exhibitions.

Highlights include the “Hal Al-Qusour” program in the Al-Turaif district, where several historical palaces will be opened to the public for the first time, and the “Teen” program, which showcases traditional Najdi architecture.

Other attractions include the “Diriyah Novel Festival” in Al-Bujairi and “Diriyah Nights,” which bring together Saudi culinary art and international dining experiences in a lively and elegant setting.

The “Season Market” in Al-Tawali recreates the charm of old Arabian souqs, while Al-Dhuwairah district will host interactive family activities and craft workshops. Visitors can also enjoy luxury hospitality experiences with scenic views over Wadi Safar, merging modern leisure with historical elegance.

According to the DGDA, all programs are guided by principles of cultural sustainability, empowering local talents and artisans, and fostering partnerships that strengthen cultural tourism in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The goal is to position Diriyah as a living museum — a place where the past and present merge seamlessly to inspire the future.

Nasser Al-Gharbi, chairman of the Economic Families Association, praised the Diriyah Season as a shining example of how culture and community development can work together.

He noted that the season reflects Vision 2030’s objectives by empowering local communities and creating sustainable economic opportunities through cultural engagement.

Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh of the Saudi Economic Association highlighted that initiatives like the Diriyah Season help strengthen local economies, create jobs, and encourage regional investment — all key goals under Vision 2030.

The Diriyah Season ultimately stands as a proud tribute to Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, creativity, and unity. By blending tradition with innovation, the festival transforms Diriyah into a vibrant cultural hub that connects generations.

It serves as a reminder that the Kingdom’s strength lies not only in its progress but also in its deep respect for its history and identity — values that continue to guide its journey toward a bright and sustainable future.

The candidates, Egypt’s Khaled el-Enany and the Republic of Congo’s Firmin Édouard Matoko, bring diverse expertise and visions for the future of the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Both contenders are widely recognized for their dedication to advancing UNESCO’s mission and fostering international collaboration.

Khaled el-Enany, an Egyptian antiquities expert and former tourism and antiquities minister, is supported by the African Union and the Arab League. He brings deep experience in cultural preservation, education, and heritage management, having worked as a tour guide through Egypt’s historic sites and earned a doctorate in France.

If chosen, el-Enany is expected to prioritize UNESCO’s cultural programs, including the protection of World Heritage sites, promotion of historical education, and efforts to combat antisemitism and religious intolerance. His election would mark a historic milestone as the potential first Arab leader of UNESCO, highlighting the organization’s global inclusivity and commitment to diverse perspectives.

Firmin Édouard Matoko, a Congolese economist and longtime UNESCO official, offers decades of experience in education, peacebuilding, and international development. Having worked in Rwanda, El Salvador, Somalia, and beyond, Matoko has a proven track record in delivering practical, impactful solutions in challenging environments.

He emphasizes the importance of moving UNESCO toward technical solutions, ensuring that its programs are efficient, effective, and responsive to local and global needs. Matoko’s vision includes expanding private sector engagement, strengthening educational programs, and maintaining budgetary rigor, which will help UNESCO continue its vital work even amid financial challenges.

Both candidates face the opportunity to lead UNESCO at a pivotal time. While the recent withdrawal of United States funding presents a budgetary challenge, it also opens the door for creative solutions, stronger partnerships, and renewed international collaboration. Both el-Enany and Matoko have pledged to explore new funding avenues, including private sector partnerships and contributions from emerging economies, ensuring that UNESCO’s projects continue to flourish worldwide.

Their leadership promises innovative strategies to maintain and expand UNESCO’s influence, particularly in areas such as global education, scientific research, and cultural preservation.

UNESCO’s work has far-reaching global impact. The organization is renowned for protecting World Heritage sites, supporting education for girls, promoting Holocaust awareness, and funding scientific research in developing countries.

Previous initiatives, such as the rebuilding of Mosul after devastation by Daesh, demonstrate UNESCO’s role in restoring cultural heritage and fostering resilience. With new leadership, these programs are expected to grow, benefiting millions worldwide while encouraging cross-cultural understanding and peace.

The selection of a new director also provides a unique opportunity for modernization and reform. El-Enany’s fresh perspective outside the UN system and Matoko’s extensive institutional experience both offer complementary approaches to strengthening UNESCO’s governance, efficiency, and global reach.

By leveraging their diverse skills, UNESCO can continue to lead on critical global issues, from education and science to cultural preservation and climate awareness.

As the executive board deliberates, the world watches with optimism. The next director-general of UNESCO will have the chance to reinforce the organization’s relevance, inspire international cooperation, and ensure that its programs continue to make meaningful impacts for generations to come. With capable, dedicated leadership on the horizon, UNESCO stands ready to embrace new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and continue its mission of promoting knowledge, culture, and peace across the globe.

Anchored in Al-Ahsa, home to the world’s largest date palm oasis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the initiative blends heritage with innovation, positioning Saudi palm weaving as a platform for contemporary art, design, and international collaboration.

Palm weaving, locally known as khoos, has been a vital part of Saudi life for generations, producing functional objects such as baskets and mats. The Khoos Initiative reimagines this craft for the 21st century, transforming it from a traditional practice into a source of artistic and design inspiration. Artisans collaborate with designers, architects, and creatives from around the world to explore new forms while retaining the craft’s cultural roots.

Ala’a Al-Qahtani, creative programs specialist at Ithra, explained that the program moves palm weaving beyond practical objects into art, fashion, and architecture. “The goal is not only to preserve heritage but to evolve it into a space where tradition meets innovation,” Al-Qahtani said.

The initiative emphasizes cross-generational collaboration, with women artisans providing deep knowledge of traditional techniques and young creatives bringing fresh perspectives, ensuring the craft remains vibrant and relevant.

Al-Ahsa’s cultural and historical significance anchors the program. As the heart of Saudi palm weaving, it provides a strong local foundation while offering a gateway to global recognition.

The Khoos Initiative presents Saudi heritage to the world, highlighting the shared legacy of palm crafts across regions and cultures. Al-Qahtani noted that the initiative acts as a “cultural bridge, strengthening both local identity and global understanding.”

Maintaining authenticity while embracing innovation was a key challenge. The initiative addresses this by pairing traditional artisans with contemporary designers in signature commissions and residency programs. This collaboration safeguards centuries of knowledge while introducing new creative expressions suitable for fashion, design, and architecture.

The result is a dynamic exchange of skills and ideas that celebrates both history and modernity.

The Khoos Initiative also aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting the growth of the creative economy and cultural diplomacy. By transforming traditional craft into a driver for innovation, education, and economic opportunity, the program strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position on the international cultural stage.

Through exhibitions like “The Palm Tree Exhibition” at Ithra, as well as presentations at UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona and the ICOM General Conference in Dubai, the initiative showcases Saudi craftsmanship to a global audience.

Women’s involvement remains central to the initiative, reflecting their historical role in preserving palm weaving. At the same time, younger generations contribute energy and creativity, pushing the boundaries of traditional craft into modern contexts. This inclusive approach ensures that khoos is not just a preserved memory but a living, evolving art form with international relevance.

By linking heritage to contemporary design, education, and global collaboration, the Khoos Initiative positions Saudi palm weaving as both a cultural treasure and a source of innovation. Through this initiative, a craft once confined to local oases now thrives as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s creativity, bridging tradition and modernity for the world to experience.