Saudi Arabia Launches $50,000 Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge
Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its cities, blending innovation, heritage, and creativity as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan. One of the key elements driving this cultural evolution is the inclusion of public art in urban spaces, aiming to make cityscapes more vibrant, meaningful, and inspiring. In line with this vision, Buildner, in collaboration with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, has announced the next edition of the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge, offering a total prize pool of €50,000 and a rare opportunity for artists and designers worldwide to bring their creative ideas to life in Saudi Arabia.
This prestigious international competition invites visionary artists, architects, and creatives to shape the Kingdom’s future cityscapes through striking and symbolic sculptures. The challenge aims to turn ordinary public spaces into iconic landmarks that reflect Saudi Arabia’s rich history, diverse culture, and forward-looking aspirations.
About the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge
The Mujassam Watan Initiative is an initiative by the Al Fozan Social Foundation, established to promote public art and encourage creative expression in Saudi Arabia’s growing cities. Since its launch in 2018, the challenge has become a celebrated platform for emerging and established artists from around the world to showcase their talent and leave a lasting mark on the Kingdom’s urban landscape.
Organized by Buildner Competitions, a leading platform for architectural and design challenges, the Mujassam Watan competition is more than just an art contest — it is a call to action for creative thinkers to design public sculptures that inspire, connect communities, and represent the story of Saudi Arabia.
Theme for 2025: “The Inspiration Around You”
This year’s theme, “The Inspiration Around You,” encourages participants to explore and reflect on their environments, using their own experiences, local cultures, or global perspectives as creative fuel. The sculptures should tell a story of progress, identity, and the human connection to place — all while being visually engaging and suited to the public spaces of Saudi Arabia.
Participants are invited to propose their designs for one of two unique and meaningful locations:
- Abu Hadriyah Road
Located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the Abu Hadriyah Road is a critical transport artery stretching from the UAE border in the south to Kuwait in the north. As a major gateway to Dammam and the Eastern region, this route represents movement, trade, and connection. A sculpture placed here will symbolize progress, openness, and the blending of cultures. - Tharwa Sea Front (Tharwa Corniche)
Situated in Al-Khobar’s Tharwa District, the Tharwa Sea Front is a modern, vibrant promenade that draws locals and visitors alike. The location, which overlooks the scenic Arabian Gulf, is designed for leisure, family outings, and cultural gatherings. Sculptures in this space are expected to enhance the waterfront’s identity and engage with the natural coastal environment, adding to the district’s charm and public appeal.
Prizes and Recognition
The competition offers a total prize fund of €50,000, divided equally between the two competition sites:
For Each Site:
- 1st Prize: €12,000
- 2nd Prize: €8,000
- 3rd Prize: €5,000
Beyond the financial rewards, winners will receive global recognition through an extensive publicity campaign run by Buildner Competitions. The winning designs will be promoted across Buildner’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, and major architecture media, including features on ArchDaily, one of the world’s leading architecture news platforms. This exposure offers participants valuable visibility in the global architecture and design community.
Additionally, winning sculptures may be considered for real-world realization and installation at the designated sites, allowing participants to leave a permanent mark on the urban fabric of Saudi Arabia.
Important Dates to Remember
The competition timeline is divided into different registration periods, encouraging early participation:
- Early Bird Registration: February 20 – March 20, 2025
- Advance Registration: March 21 – May 8, 2025
- Last Minute Registration: May 9 – July 24, 2025
- Final Registration Deadline: July 24, 2025
- Submission Deadline: August 27, 2025 (by 23:59 London Time)
- Winners Announcement: October 1, 2025
Early registration is recommended to secure lower entry fees and sufficient time to develop a thoughtful, detailed proposal.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to architects, artists, designers, and creatives from any country and background. Whether you are a professional, a student, or an emerging talent, you are encouraged to participate and share your vision. Collaborative entries from teams or design studios are welcome.
All entries and documents must be submitted in English to ensure fair and clear evaluation.
Registration fees vary depending on the date of registration, with discounted rates for students and early entrants.
Submission Guidelines
Participants are expected to submit creative, well-developed design proposals that consider:
- Contextual relevance to the chosen site
- Cultural significance and connection to Saudi heritage
- Public engagement and accessibility
- Sustainability and durability of the proposed sculpture
- Visual impact and originality
Detailed submission requirements, templates, and technical information are available on the official competition website. Participants are encouraged to thoroughly review these guidelines to ensure eligibility and compliance.
Why Public Art Matters
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has placed increasing focus on public art as a way to redefine its urban spaces and foster cultural dialogue. Public sculptures and installations have proven to be powerful tools for creating community identity, attracting tourism, and inspiring everyday citizens.
Past editions of the Mujassam Watan competition have already resulted in iconic landmarks such as the Aebayah Roundabout Sculpture and the Alkhobar Memory installation — both of which have become symbolic urban features in Al-Khobar.
The continued expansion of initiatives like Mujassam Watan reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its cities into open-air galleries where art, history, and innovation come together.
Final Thoughts
The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge 2025 is more than a competition — it is an invitation to artists and creatives worldwide to be part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural revolution. With a generous prize pool, international exposure, and the possibility of real-world implementation, the competition offers a career-defining platform for anyone passionate about urban art, culture, and design.
If you are ready to inspire, challenge yourself, and contribute to the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces, this is your chance.
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