Manal Al Dowayan at World Expo, 2025

At Expo 2025, the Saudi Pavilion brought the country’s contemporary art scene to the global stage. Produced by DDX in partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the programme welcomed internationally celebrated artist Manal Al Dowayan to Japan, where she presented work exploring gender, identity, and social customs in Saudi Arabia.

During her residency, Al Dowayan showcased Traces and Transformations at the Cultural Art Studio. Among the collection of her work, one of her most well-known participatory pieces, Esmi – My Name, was displayed. Using large maple wood beads, the piece highlighted and challenged the social taboo in Saudi Arabia against publicly speaking a woman’s name. Strings of prayer beads, each featuring a woman’s name, reflected the limited social status historically afforded to women in the Kingdom.

As one of Saudi Arabia’s leading contemporary artists, Al Dowayan’s presence underscored the kingdom’s commitment to promoting world-class talent. Flexible engagement formats - including VIP meet-and-greets and drop-in sessions - allowed visitors to experience her work and insights up close, inviting direct interaction with her creative process and the ideas behind her pieces. She also connected with attendees through informal discussions and talks, sharing the stories and meanings embedded in her collections.