ACWA Power Supports the First AlMusalla Award at the Bukhara Biennale in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company and a leader in the energy transition, as well as a pioneer in “green” hydrogen, proudly announced its support for the presentation of the winning project of the AlMusalla Award.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and Vision Invest as part of the Bukhara Biennale in Uzbekistan.

This initiative reflects ACWA Power’s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and engagement with the communities in the regions where it operates. Supporting this prestigious cultural platform highlights the company’s belief that its impact extends beyond energy to creativity, heritage, and culture, helping preserve and enhance them for future generations. Through this partnership, ACWA Power builds bridges and strengthens dialogue between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the international community, emphasizing the unifying power of culture and mutual understanding.

The AlMusalla Award is an international architectural competition for designing a musalla—a space for prayer and contemplation in Islamic cultures. The winning project, titled “On Weaving”, was created by EAST Architecture in collaboration with engineering firm AKT II and artist Reeyan Tabet.

The modular musalla is made almost entirely from palm wood waste and designed to be assembled and disassembled as needed, extending its lifespan.

Muhammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of ACWA Power, commented on the initiative’s significance: “ACWA Power has always seen itself as more than just an energy company—we are a partner in shaping a shared future based on creativity and innovation. We are therefore delighted to collaborate with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and participate in the Bukhara Biennale, one of Central Asia’s largest and most diverse art initiatives.

Our support for this cultural platform reflects our belief that ACWA Power’s influence goes beyond energy and encompasses creativity, heritage, and culture. Guided by a strong commitment to Uzbekistan’s development, we have made significant progress by offering world-class educational programs for young Uzbeks through the Shirin Energy College, supported by ACWA Power. Today, the college is an important part of Uzbekistan’s social infrastructure.

Uzbekistan is the largest market in ACWA Power’s investment portfolio outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we are proud to play a key role in supporting the government’s agenda to transform the country into a global leader in the energy transition. We take great pride in this mission, built on strong cooperative ties between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan under the wise leadership of both nations.”

First presented at the 2025 Biennale of Islamic Art in Jeddah and later shown as part of a collateral event at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, the musalla is now traveling to Bukhara, symbolizing the revival of historic connections between Islamic societies. Bukhara, a historic center of knowledge on the Great Silk Road, has a rich heritage of openness and cultural exchange, echoing Jeddah’s role as a key port and gateway for pilgrims.

ACWA Power also sponsors the Bukhara Biennale, helping bring this unique cultural event to life. Among the key initiatives is a panel discussion, “Women of Central Asia,” highlighting the resilience and creative potential of women artists in the region.

This session reflects ACWA Power’s broader commitment to inclusivity and societal development, emphasizing that the values underpinning the company’s renewable energy projects also extend to its cultural partnerships.