Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund Participates in Expo 2025 Osaka

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Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund Participates in Expo 2025 Osaka

2025-04-21 14:18 Last Updated At：14:22

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 21, 2025--

The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka as part of the Saudi Pavilion, taking place in Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025. CDF’s presence at the Expo underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the cultural sector and strengthening its role as a driver of economic growth and long-term sustainability—aligned with the National Culture Strategy and Vision 2030’s goals for economic diversification.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250418988472/en/

In addition to reinforcing its role as a key financial enabler of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector, CDF will contribute to highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and flourishing cultural identity, shaped by the journey of Vision 2030. Furthermore, the participation aims to welcome global investment, foster cultural entrepreneurship, and encourage innovation—while showcasing the sector’s potential to contribute to sustainable development.

Throughout Expo 2025, CDF will organize a range of activities that spotlight investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape. A key focus will be on cultural entrepreneurship and businesses as drivers of economic growth and social impact—particularly through the lens of the Year of Handicrafts initiative. This platform will celebrate innovative cultural projects supported by CDF and share their success stories with international audiences.

CDF will also take part in panel discussions and networking sessions alongside local and global experts, offering insights into the Kingdom’s diverse cultural landscape across its 16 cultural sectors. These sessions will introduce CDF’s tailored financial and enablement solutions to support cultural projects and businesses. Additionally, dedicated workshops will be held to familiarize participants with available support and highlight the Saudi cultural sector’s economic potential.

Majed bin Abdulmohsen Al-Hugail, CEO of the Cultural Development Fund, stated:

“Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects our commitment to supporting and shaping a vibrant, sustainable cultural sector—one that fuels economic growth and attracts top-tier investment, both locally and globally. We are proud to feature the stories of CDF beneficiaries, who will share their creative journeys with Expo visitors as inspiring examples of Saudi cultural innovation.”

He added:

“We continue to reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a leading force in the global cultural scene, ensuring our efforts are fully aligned with the broader cultural ecosystem. Looking ahead, we remain committed to the journey toward becoming a center of financial excellence in the cultural sector and a key contributor to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Expo 2025 Osaka will bring together countries and global organizations under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” to spark global conversations around innovation, sustainability, and resilience to share ideas and initiatives that address common challenges and shape a better future.

The Cultural Development Fund was founded in 2021 with the aim of further enhancing the cultural landscape within Saudi Arabia. Organizationally linked to the National Development Fund, to promote the development of a self-reliant cultural sector in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

Source:AETOSWire

Cleveland's José Ramírez becomes first third baseman with 250 career homers and steals

2025-05-02 08:06 Last Updated At：08:12

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez picked the perfect opportunity to join another exclusive baseball club.

Cleveland's six-time All-Star became the first primary third baseman in history to reach 250 career homers and 250 stolen bases during the 10th inning of the Guardians 4-3 victory against the Minnesota Twins.

“At that moment, the last thing you’re thinking is any milestones or personal records,” Ramirez said through an interpreter. “To me it was where we had the chance to get running, obviously get in a position where I can score with a base hit given the situation of the game.”

Ramírez, who has 260 homers, got his 250th steal with one out in the 10th inning after he got aboard with an RBI base hit. The 32-year old native of the Dominican Republic is the 24th player to accomplish the feat, and the only active one in the majors.

He is also the first Cleveland player reach 250-250 and just the second switch-hitter, joining Carlos Beltrán (435 homers, 312 stolen bases).

“It’s a testament to hard work for a really long time and being really, really good for a long time,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “He came through big with the hit and then he gets the stolen base in the milestone and scores a winning run as well. He should have. He just continues to get accolade after accolade and I really enjoy watching it.”

After Kyle Manzardo got aboard on an intentional walk, Ramírez acknowledged the small crowd still at Progressive Field after two rain delays totaling 2 hours, 23 minutes, and pointed at the scoreboard when it showed he had reached the milestone.

“It was a good moment, but especially seeing all the guys on the dugout trying to cheer me up and chanting my name. So that’s kind of like something that make me smile,” he said.

Ramírez then scored the game-winning run on Angel Martinez’s single. He also made sure he got the base to add to his collection, saying he would add it to the three other bases he has marking other accomplishments.

Ramírez dazzles his teammates on an almost daily basis, so it's not a surprise to them that he's added his name to another elite list.

“He’s a guy that leads by example,” catcher Bo Naylor said. "He goes out there, plays his hardest, and when you see one of the leaders on your team doing that, there’s no excuse for you to not be able to do that. He takes on that role himself and just does such a good job of keeping all of us accountable without making his voice heard in a way.

“He’s one of the guys that makes this whole team go and every accomplishment that he’s had come along the way, it’s been super awesome to be able to witness it one and be able to celebrate it with him afterward.”

Along with the other milestones, Ramírez joins Robin Yount, Craig Biggio and Derek Jeter as the only players to accomplish the 250-250 feat with only one team.

“Milestones are important, but for me the really important part is to keep playing and trying to win,” said Ramirez, who made his big-league debut in 2013 “Winning is the most important thing for me and I feel still young. I feel like I can still continue doing this and hopefully we can continue adding up.”

Freelancer Tom Withers contributed to this story.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb