Abdullah Al-Fozan announces the adoption of the Saudi Mosque Code during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Islamic Art Conference.
Prince Saud bin Nayef Inaugurates the Second Edition of the Islamic Art Conference at Ithra, in Collaboration with the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture.
- Over 27 speakers from 13 countries worldwide explore new trends in contemporary craft practices.
- The launch of three exhibitions in Islamic artifacts, Islamic arts, and heritage fashion coincides with the conference opening.
- The launch of the Mosque Code in the Kingdom will start in January of next year.
Dhahran – November 24, 2024
His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Eastern Province, inaugurated the second edition of the Islamic Art Conference at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) today. The event, held in collaboration with the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, runs from November 24 to 26, 2024, under the theme "In Praise of the Artisan Artist." The conference brings together over 27 speakers from 13 countries to explore emerging trends in contemporary craft practices. It also features three major exhibitions on Islamic artifacts, Islamic arts, and heritage fashion.
Top officials attend the event, researchers in Islamic art and history, intellectuals, and guests from around the world, including His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award.
Celebrating the Artisan
Abdullah Al-Rashed, Director of Ithra, emphasized the importance of the artisan in Islamic art, noting that often the craftsman remains anonymous in traditional Islamic works, while modern pieces celebrate the maker. He described the artisan as a "silent poet" whose work has greatly contributed to preserving cultural identity. Al-Rashed explained that the conference is designed to shed light on the contemporary craft scene and its lasting impact on human culture.
Al-Rashed also announced the launch of three concurrent exhibitions focusing on Islamic artifacts, arts, and heritage fashion, coinciding with the Ministry of Culture's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts. These exhibitions are part of Ithra's efforts to elevate and celebrate the craft sector.
Mosque Code Launch
In a significant development, Abdullah bin Abdul Latif Al Fozan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award, announced the official approval of the Mosque Code, a collaboration between the award, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and the National Building Code Committee. The code will be officially launched in January 2025, setting standards for mosque architecture across the Kingdom.
A Journey of Learning and Heritage
His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award, praised the contributions of Aramco in preserving heritage and supporting cultural projects in the Eastern Province. He highlighted the historical significance of crafts, describing them as an ongoing journey of learning, deeply tied to regional heritage. He also mentioned the Kingdom's recent success in securing World Heritage status for Al-Ahsa Oasis with UNESCO.
The conference is seen as a vital step in reviving cultural heritage for future generations while reaffirming the importance of crafts as a cornerstone of national identity and history.
