Overview
The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge returns for its 7th edition, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution under Vision 2030. As the Kingdom redefines its future with innovation, heritage, and sustainability, this international competition provides a platform for architects and artists to contribute to the transformation of public spaces. Organized by Buildner in collaboration with the Mujassam Watan Initiative (an Al Fozan Social Foundation initiative), the challenge invites designs that embody Saudi identity, connect communities, and enrich the urban landscape.
Why You Should Participate
- Be part of a national cultural transformation
- Gain international recognition for your creative work
- Shape iconic public spaces in Saudi Arabia
- Engage with meaningful sites that reflect movement, identity, and nature
- Access a generous prize pool of 50,000 €
- Showcase your vision to an audience invested in arts, heritage, and progress
Key Highlights
Theme for 2025: “The Inspiration Around You”
Participants are asked to reflect on their surroundings and design sculptures that symbolize Saudi Arabia’s unique culture and future.
Site Options:
- Site 1: Abu Hadriyah Road
A strategic transportation corridor in the Eastern Province that connects Saudi Arabia with the UAE and Kuwait. It represents connectivity, regional influence, and dynamic movement—an ideal backdrop for a landmark sculpture. - Site 2: Tharwa Sea Front (Al-Khobar)
A vibrant waterfront combining city living and natural beauty, this scenic corniche is a hub for residents and tourists. Sculptures here should engage with the coastal environment and reflect culture, community, and leisure.
Who Can Participate:
- Architects
- Artists
- Designers
- Interdisciplinary teams (global participation encouraged)
Site-Specific Focus:
- Sculptures must respond to the physical, cultural, and emotional context of either Abu Hadriyah Road or Tharwa Sea Front.
Entry Fees
| Registration Phase | Dates | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | 10 Feb – 20 Mar 2025 | 70–110 € |
| Advanced | 21 Mar – 08 May 2025 | 80–120 € |
| Last Minute | 09 May – 24 Jul 2025 | 100–140 € |
Fees vary depending on whether the entrant is a student, individual, or team.
Prizes and Recognition
| Place | Prize (per site) |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 12,000 € |
| 2nd Place | 8,000 € |
| 3rd Place | 5,000 € |
- A total of 25,000 € per site
- Winners will receive exposure, recognition, and support to elevate their concepts
Submission Details
- Choose one site (Abu Hadriyah Road or Tharwa Sea Front)
- Submit conceptual drawings, visualizations, and a narrative explanation
- Focus on innovation, site relevance, and symbolic value
- Teams must ensure originality and provide all materials in English
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | 24 July 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | 27 August 2025 |
| Q&A Deadline | 30 July 2025 |
| Winners Announced | 1 October 2025 |
How to Join
- Choose your site: Abu Hadriyah Road or Tharwa Sea Front
- Register during the appropriate fee period
- Submit your concept by 27 August 2025
- Stay updated via the official challenge page
- Be part of shaping Saudi Arabia’s public art future
Judging Criteria
- Relevance to Theme: “The Inspiration Around You”
- Contextual Response: Connection to site and community
- Innovation: Originality and creative expression
- Cultural Integration: Reflecting Saudi values, history, and aspirations
- Visual Impact: Landmark potential and aesthetics
- Feasibility: Practicality of implementation
