The power of public spaces in a city extends far beyond their role as gathering points. They serve as signifiers of cultural development and reflect a city’s ability to engage its residents. When intertwined with public art, these spaces transcend their functional purpose, becoming instigators of collective memory and catalysts for shared identity. In Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, this transformative potential is evident through the efforts of the Mujassam Wattan competition (MW Award).

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative champions public art projects that enhance urban spaces while celebrating Saudi heritage and aspirations. By inviting artists and designers to contribute meaningful works, it has helped redefine Alkhobar’s urban fabric, creating accessible and inclusive spaces that forge a new chapter in the city’s cultural narrative.

Albairaq Roundabout

The Albairaq Roundabout, a standout winner in the first cycle of the Mujassam Wattan competition, is a symbol of Alkhobar's progressive vision. Designed by architects Abdulkader Alswidan, Rabaa Alabdulqader, Mashal Battoyor and Abdulrahman Alwatban, this striking installation sits at a prominent urban intersection.

Its name, ‘The Flag’,is embodied in the sleek, geometric forms that rise from the roundabout, while a carefully-designed lighting scheme highlights the structure’s commanding presence, especially in the evening.

With sleek metal bars gracefully extending from the curved stone wall, reminiscent of newly erected skyscrapers rising among ancient rocky buildings and mountains, the installation mirrors the city’s aspirations. The illuminated sculpture not only elevates the urban landscape but also serves as a cultural marker, drawing both residents and visitors to engage with its striking contrast. Standing proudly at the crossroads of heritage and the future, the Albairaq Roundabout embodies Alkhobar's ongoing transformation into a city that values both its past and its ambitious future.

Alarda Sculpture

Positioned along Alkhobar’s vibrant seafront, the Alarda sculpture stands as the winner of the second cycle of the Mujassam Wattan competition. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s traditional sword dance, its sweeping, dynamic design captures the rhythm and energy of this ceremonial performance, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Created by architects Abdulkader Alswidan, Abdullah Alansari and Mashal Battoyor, the sculpture’s rising sequence of rectangular panels symbolises unity, pride and vitality. Alarda reimagines the waterfront as a cultural gathering point, where residents and visitors alike can admire an artwork that fuses traditional motifs with modern design, creating a seamless blend of heritage and leisure.

Aebayah Roundabout

Designed by the Saudi-based ARCHMA Studio, the Aebayah Roundabout - winner of the third cycle of the Mujassam Wattan competition - emerges as a striking landmark at the entrance to Alkhobar from Bahrain. The sculpture honours Aebayah, the horse famously ridden by King Abdulaziz during the unification of Saudi Arabia. Its innovative design features repeated metal strips that rotate in a circular motion, creating an optical illusion that makes the horses appear to be galloping when viewed from a moving vehicle, infusing the roundabout with dynamic motion.

Unlike typical public art that caters primarily to pedestrians, the Aebayah Roundabout has been crafted to come alive from the perspective of drivers, with the illusion of movement only fully realised when viewed from a moving vehicle. This conscious integration of vehicular dynamics demonstrates the designers' understanding of the diverse ways in which people engage with the space, turning a functional traffic circle into a cultural and immersive landmark. As a tribute to Saudi Arabia's equestrian heritage, it reinforces the Kingdom's identity while bridging the past with its contemporary aspirations.

Alkhobar Memory

Designed by the Beirut and UK-based Jemma Chidiac Architects, Alkhobar Memory captures the essence of the city's maritime heritage and dynamic urban transformation. Its abstract design evokes a conversation between Alkhobar's storied past and its forward-looking aspirations, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of tradition and progress.

More than just a striking visual landmark, this sculpture physically engages the community. Its arched opening acts as a gateway, inviting visitors to experience it in three dimensions. Stairs lead upward, not only offering an interactive experience but also providing an elevated view of the endless sea.

Honoring local history while reflecting the city’s ever-evolving character, Alkhobar Memory, alongside Alarda, elevates the seafront into a vibrant cultural hub, where past and present converge.

Photography Credit: Mujassam Wattan

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