Under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in the “Annual Passport Day” in Washington, D.C. This event, one of the key cultural happenings in May, saw involvement from numerous embassies, all aimed at promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the diverse traditions of participating nations.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader objective to foster cultural understanding among peoples and to highlight its rich heritage and future aspirations as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The event serves as an international platform to present Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity, along with its numerous developmental endeavors and international achievements.
Rashed bin Hamad Al-Ajmi, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Saudi Embassy in Washington, emphasized the embassy’s yearly commitment to open its doors for such cultural events, reflecting the Kingdom’s ethos of openness and engagement with the world. He noted the warm welcome extended to visitors from various countries and underscored how international events like this help to convey Saudi Arabia’s civilizational image and historic legacy. Al-Ajmi also highlighted the significant turnout of American visitors from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, asserting that the growing appreciation for Saudi culture signifies the Kingdom’s increasing global prominence and its balanced role in harmonizing tradition with modernity—all in alignment with Vision 2030’s goals.
Dr. Tahani Al-Biz, the Cultural Attaché in Washington, remarked on the enthusiastic attendance of American visitors and representatives from multiple nationalities eager to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and tourism offerings. She noted that the event provided a unique opportunity to showcase the substantial transformations occurring across various sectors within the Kingdom. This year, the embassy particularly emphasized the “Year of Handicrafts,” launched by the Ministry of Culture on January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to celebrate national heritage, enhance cultural identity, support Saudi artisans, and promote national industries linked to the cultural sector.
The embassy organized a comprehensive program divided into four key sections. The first section focused on the Year of Handicrafts, featuring displays of works by Saudi students in traditional arts, a showcase of heritage clothing, and cultural activities highlighting culinary diplomacy with popular dishes from various regions of Saudi Arabia.
The second section delved into Saudi culture through documentary presentations discussing the Kingdom’s history, culture, and international relations. This segment also showcased short films documenting its evolution from its inception to the modern day, supplemented with musical and folkloric performances reflecting the diversity of popular arts throughout the Kingdom.
The third section celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Quincy Agreement between King Abdulaziz and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. A documentary was presented highlighting crucial milestones in bilateral relations, alongside historical photographs from their landmark meeting in 1945.
Finally, the fourth section illustrated the “Story of the Kingdom” through eleven interactive stations. These stations highlighted themes such as cultural diplomacy, studying in the Kingdom, environmental initiatives, and the hosting of significant events like Expo Riyadh 2030 and the 2034 World Cup. Additionally, a section was dedicated to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s financial identity, represented through the Saudi Riyal symbol.
Overall, the Annual Passport Day served as an effective venue for Saudi Arabia to project its cultural vibrancy while fostering international dialogue and understanding, reinforcing its commitment to cultural exchange and global cooperation as laid out in Vision 2030.
