The Mayor of the Eastern Province, Eng. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Jubair, inaugurated Al-Talaqi Square on Wednesday evening along King Salman Road in Al Khobar. The new urban landmark symbolizes the unity of Saudi Arabia and its cultural and geographical diversity through an architectural design inspired by Saudi identity. Spanning approximately 6,000 square meters, the project features 13 columns representing the Kingdom’s 13 administrative regions. The inauguration was attended by Mr. Abdullah bin Saad Al-Farraj; Mr. Abdullah bin Abdul Latif Al-Fozan, Chairman of the Mujassam Watan Initiative; Dr. Talal bin Nabil Al-Maghlooth, CEO of the Eastern Province Development Authority; Eng. Mishal bin Al-Humaidi Al-Wahbi, Mayor of Al Khobar Municipality; and several officials and individuals interested in urban development and the arts. Eng. Al-Jubair emphasized the importance of distinctive initiatives that draw inspiration from national identity and transform it into urban landmarks that engage people and their surroundings. He noted that Al-Talaqi Square represents a model that brings together art, architecture, and Saudi identity, contributing to the enrichment of the urban landscape and enhancing the appeal of public spaces. Al-Jubair also commended the contributions of the AlFozan Social Program through its Mujassam Watan Initiative and its role in enhancing the visual landscape of cities. He stressed that the initiative has evolved beyond an art competition into a developmental and community-driven project that has contributed to advancing urban landmark design, promoting the culture of public art installations, and fostering a competitive environment that encourages creativity and expressions of national belonging. He further noted that the initiative’s continued success across previous editions reflects its positive impact on urban aesthetics, reaffirming the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing’s support for initiatives that improve quality of life and highlight national identity. For his part, Mr. Abdullah bin Saad Al-Farraj highlighted the importance of the private sector’s role in supporting community initiatives and enriching the cultural and urban landscapes of cities. He explained that the contribution to the implementation of Al-Talaqi Square reflects this commitment, creating a new artistic landmark that enhances the beauty of Al Khobar and enriches its urban experience. Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah bin Abdul Latif Al-Fozan, Chairman of the Mujassam Watan Initiative, explained that Al-Talaqi Square tells the story of a nation whose regions and cultures are diverse, yet united by a shared identity, expressed through a contemporary architectural language inspired by authentic Saudi heritage. Al-Fozan stated that Saudi identity served as the foundation of the project’s design, reflecting the initiative’s ambition to create artistic and architectural works that draw inspiration from national identity while extending their influence beyond local boundaries to a global audience. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to all partners whose collective efforts contributed to the project’s successful completion. Al-Talaqi Square is the winning project of the seventh edition of the Mujassam Watan Competition. It features an interactive architectural design inspired by the palm tree, one of the most recognizable symbols of Saudi identity and heritage, particularly the traditional craft of weaving palm fronds.

The installation is supported by 13 main columns symbolizing the Kingdom’s administrative regions, while its central structure reflects the connections among Saudi Arabia’s regions and communities. Together, these elements artistically express the Kingdom’s cultural and geographical diversity under one unified national identity. The design elements come together around an open, shaded central space that invites visitors to walk, gather, and interact with the artwork. This approach strengthens the human and social dimensions of the space, establishing Al-Talaqi Square as a new public destination in Al Khobar, where art and national identity converge in a vibrant public setting

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