On Sunday, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Eastern Province, inaugurated the second edition of the Islamic Art Conference, organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), in collaboration with the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture. The event, which will take place from November 24 to 26, 2024, under the theme "In Praise of the Artisan Artist," is attended by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of the Eastern Province, and several officials, researchers in Islamic art and history, intellectuals, and guests from around the world.

His Highness, the Emir of the Eastern Province, was introduced to the conference's accompanying exhibitions, which aim to support and revive Islamic artistic traditions by focusing on the works of contemporary artisans who keep these artistic and craft traditions alive.

His Highness praised the attention given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister (may Allah protect them), to mosque architecture and care, noting that the conference provides an opportunity to explore the history of mosque care and the Islamic eras that played a role in the diversity of architectural styles through artistic and architectural techniques.

His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, gave a speech in which he discussed the importance of preserving Islamic heritage and art. He highlighted the efforts made in preserving the Islamic legacy, mosque architecture, and the attention given to it.

Abdullah bin Abdul Latif Al Fozan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al Fozan Award for Community Service and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, gave a speech in which he confirmed that the conference aims to inspire the revival of our heritage. He also announced the approval of the Mosque Code in the Kingdom, which the award developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the National Building Code Committee.

The conference includes a series of accompanying activities spanning six days, including lectures, discussions, workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, and live demonstrations by skilled artisans. The conference also offers a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of Islamic crafts, including understanding the relationship between patrons and artisans, the techniques and traditional materials used, and how crafts can contribute to positive social change.

This edition of the Islamic Art Conference coincides with the announcement of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts in the Kingdom, aimed at supporting cultural heritage and raising awareness of the importance of Saudi handicrafts. The event gathers art historians, academics, curators, museum directors, and representatives from charitable organizations worldwide to explore new trends in contemporary craft practices within Muslim communities. More than 50 participants are involved, including 27 speakers and representatives from over 13 countries.

The conference will span three days and explore the contemporary landscape of Islamic arts and crafts across the Arab world through 10 sessions. Key topics will include the craftsmanship industry in various regions of the Kingdom, the important role of heritage in modern works, sustainability, the impact of handicrafts on contemporary society, and the role of museums and patrons in preserving these crafts.

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