On November 23, the second Saudi International Handcrafts Week (BANAN) opened at the Riyadh Front Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia. Invited by the Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, ORI Group was responsible for organizing the China Pavilion, introducing Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH) skills to this international stage for the first time. The event brought together over 500 artisans from Saudi Arabia and 25 other countries, showcasing the vibrant intersection of cultural heritage and innovation. Stunning Debut of ICH Skills: Blending Traditional Cultures The China Pavilion featured 11 carefully curated Chinese ICH skills, including lacquerware, Woof, rosewood carving, sandalwood fans, ivory carving, paper cutting, and sugar painting. These exhibits not only symbolize the richness of Chinese traditional culture but also highlight how heritage techniques are thriving in contemporary society. Live demonstrations at the pavilion drew large crowds, with interactive experiences such as sugar painting and paper cutting captivating Saudi audiences. Esteemed Chinese artisan Dongmei SHI, a recipient of the Mountain Flower Award, interacted with visitors while demonstrating rosewood carving. She remarked: “Rosewood carving is not just about shaping wood; it’s a profound expression of Chinese traditional culture. Each design carries unique cultural meanings. Here, I sense Saudi visitors’ deep curiosity about the stories behind craftsmanship. This kind of cross-cultural exchange is invaluable. I hope this exhibition inspires greater appreciation for the art of rosewood carving and opens avenues for collaborative innovation with Saudi artisans.” Craftsmanship as a Cultural Memory and a bridge for Future Collaboration On November 26, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Hua CHANG, visited the China Pavilion and commended the exhibition for deepening Sino-Saudi cultural exchange. He emphasized that the Saudi International Handicrafts Week serves as a vital platform for showcasing Chinese ICH in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world while creating opportunities for bilateral cooperation in heritage preservation, cultural innovation, and exchange. On November 27,H.H. Minister of Culture Prince Badr toured the pavilion, expressing admiration for exhibits such as lacquer-ware, sandalwood fans, and paper cutting. H.H. praised their exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Chinese culture. Prince Badr expressed deep gratitude and showed great interest while taking a closer look at the exhibits of China Pavilion, including the sandalwood carving of Belt and Road, and traditional Chinese Costume Hanfu. H.H. even asked the duration and effort it would take to complete the embroideries on Hanfu. Joint Efforts to Protect Heritage and Create Shared Prosperity ICH embodies historical memory while connecting to future innovation. Both China and Saudi Arabia are rich in cultural heritage resources. As the organizer of the China Pavilion, ORI Group leveraged this event to establish a platform for cultural exchange, enabling Chinese ICH to shine on the international stage while drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich traditions. This synergy aims to inject new vitality into heritage preservation and its industrial development. ORI Group views this exhibition as a springboard to deepen Sino-Saudi collaboration in cultural heritage and beyond. Moving forward, the company plans to utilize diverse international platforms to enhance cross-cultural communication and empower heritage economically. By fostering a global ecosystem for ICH preservation and development, ORI Group continues to infuse lasting vitality into cultural exchange between nations.

On October 26, 2024, the "Saudi Film Nights" in China, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission and organized by ORI Group, concluded successfully in Shanghai. The event began in Beijing on October 21, moved to Suzhou on October 23, and wrapped up in Shanghai on October 25-26. This marks the first time Saudi films have been screened in China. The event attracted over 1,000 participants, including film industry experts, university representatives, cultural enterprise professionals, and movie enthusiasts from across China. Senior officials from the Saudi Film Commission attended the entire series, with Saudi Ambassador to China, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, and Khalid, Vice Consul of the Saudi Consulate General in Guangzhou, joining the Beijing and Shanghai events, respectively. Both offered high praise for the initiative. Saudi Films Make Their China Debut with Four Cultural Showcases "Saudi Film Night" featured four films: Valley Road, Saleeg, IL SIGNORE , and Star Chaser. Each work highlighted unique themes, ranging from adventure and familial bonds to workplace dynamics and science fiction. Together, they showcased Saudi culture and life against the backdrop of rapid social development and innovation. The films captivated Chinese audiences with their exotic storytelling and visual appeal, bridging the cultural gap between the two nations. Nearly all screenings were sold out, reflecting the strong interest in Saudi stories and perspectives. Through these works, Saudi filmmakers conveyed the diversity and creativity of their culture, offering Chinese audiences an immersive glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s cinematic landscape. Looking Ahead: "China Film Week" Coming to Saudi Arabia More than just a film screening, this event marked a milestone in Sino-Saudi cultural exchange. Building on this success, the Saudi Film Commission plans to deepen collaboration and host a "China Film Week" in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This initiative will bring a diverse selection of Chinese films to Saudi screens, offering local audiences a rich experience of Chinese storytelling, culture, and artistic expression. The upcoming event aims to foster cultural resonance and understanding between the two nations, strengthening connections through cinematic narratives and artistic exploration. Deepening Bridges of Cultural Exchange The success of "Saudi Film Nights" highlights a pivotal moment in Sino-Saudi film and cultural collaboration. By sharing Saudi stories with Chinese audiences, the event showcased Saudi filmmakers’ passion for artistry and innovation. It also established a solid foundation for deeper interaction and cooperation between the film industries of both nations. Chairman of ORI Group Feng QIAN remarked: “Sino-Saudi cultural exchanges are evolving rapidly, with cinema playing a vital role. The ‘Saudi Film Night’ showcased the allure of Saudi culture and opened doors for further film collaborations. We look forward to seeing more outstanding films from both Saudi Arabia and China on each other’s screens.” ORI Group remains committed to fostering openness, inclusive, and mutual learning. The company seeks to create more diverse and meaningful cultural exchange platforms, providing opportunities for filmmakers and cultural practitioners from both nations and beyond. Together, ORI aims to write a new chapter in international cultural exchange.

On the afternoon of October 17, 2024, under the auspices of H.H. Minister of Culture Prince Badr, ORI Group and CineWaves Film Company officially signed a comprehensive film cooperation agreement in Beijing. This landmark agreement spans multiple areas, including film co-production, animation film creation, film distribution, technical collaboration, and talent exchange and training. It marks a new era in Sino-Saudi film industry collaboration, filling significant gaps in cultural cooperation between the two nations and demonstrating their shared commitment to the global film industry's growth. H.H. Prince Badr praised ORI for its significant contributions to Sino-Saudi cultural exchanges, encouraging the group to play an even greater role in fostering partnerships in other cultural sectors. Chairman of ORI Group Feng QIAN expressed confidence and excitement about the collaboration, reaffirming the company's dedication to building bridges in Sino-Saudi culture and film. CineWaves CEO Faisal emphasized ORI’s global perspective, professional expertise, and market resources, which he believes will energize their joint projects and elevate Saudi Arabia’s film industry. ORI Group has long been dedicated to promoting Sino-Saudi cultural and cinematic collaboration. Its animated film Return made history as the first Chinese animated film screened in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, ORI is organizing the upcoming "Saudi Film Night" in China, set to open on October 21. As the first Saudi film event in China, it has garnered widespread attention from Chinese audiences and film professionals. Even before the formal agreement, ORI Group and CineWaves had established offices in each other's countries to facilitate cooperation and advance preparatory work on various projects. These permanent offices have strengthened coordination and ensured the smooth execution of joint initiatives with a long-term positive impact. Looking ahead, ORI Group and CineWaves Film Company aim to realize more co-production projects, encompassing not only film creation but also exploring and applying emerging film technologies. The two parties also plan to enhance film talent development and exchange, producing more internationally influential works and fostering the robust growth of the film industries in China and Saudi Arabia.