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SK chemicals to Establish Waste Plastic Recycling Innovation Center in Korea

  • Accelerating Depolymerization Technology Commercialization through Comprehensive Recycling Solution Center Integrated with Existing Production Infrastructure

  • Validating Waste Resource Material Conversion and Building Complete Resource Circulation System with Various Industries

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SK chemicals, the first company in the world to successfully mass-produce chemically recycled materials, has embarked on establishing a comprehensive plastic recycling solution center in Korea. This center will encompass the production of circular recyclable raw materials, demonstration research, and material production.

Aerial view of SK chemicals' Ulsan plant where the Recycle Innovation Center will be constructed
Aerial view of SK chemicals’ Ulsan plant where the Recycle Innovation Center will be constructed

The company announced on February 18 (KST) that it will establish a Recycle Innovation Center (RIC) at its Ulsan plant where eco-friendly chemical materials are produced. The company will invest in new pilot facilities for the chemical decomposition of waste plastics to produce recycled BHET (r-BHET), linking them with existing commercial copolyester production facilities.

This marks SK chemicals’ first depolymerization technology-based recycling center in Korea.

The newly constructed depolymerization pilot facility will produce recyclable plastic raw materials (r-BHET) from waste plastics. This facility will validate commercialization technology for various types of low-quality waste plastics that were previously difficult to recycle using conventional methods, expanding beyond typical transparent bottles to include fibers, films, and automotive parts. In particular, the recycling of textiles is known to be highly challenging field due to the diverse forms and types of materials mixed in a single garment. This includes not only polyester yarn but also other fibers such as cotton, as well as various accessories like buttons.

The depolymerization pilot facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026 with an annual production capacity of 50 tons. BHET(r-BHET), an intermediate raw material for polyester-based materials such as PET and copolyester, is integral to SK chemicals’ chemical recycling technology.

With the construction of the RIC, SK chemicals will establish an integrated research and production system at its Ulsan plant, covering everything from circular recycled raw materials (r-BHET) to circular recycled materials. All processes from depolymerization to demonstration research, polymerization, and mass production will be organically integrated at one location. This is supported by a polymerization pilot that produces a circular recycled PET and a commercial production facility capable of mass-producing circular recycled copolyester.

SK chemicals explained, “Since different industries such as automotive, electronics, and fashion have varying types of waste plastics and require different plastic qualities and properties, it is crucial to have the technology and capability to quickly validate and commercialize depolymerization and material production processes tailored to each industry. With the establishment of the RIC, we will be able to provide faster and more flexible solutions to the complex challenges demanded by various industries based on our foundational technology.”

Completion of RIC is expected to accelerate implementation of SK chemicals’ Closed Loop solution.

Closed Loop refers to a complete circulation system where waste plastics previously destined for landfills or incineration are subjected to collection, crushing, cleaning, depolymerization, and polymerization to be reproduced in a form identical to petroleum-based plastics, which are then used to manufacture products such as electronics and beverage containers.

While recycled plastics from collected waste PET bottles are primarily repurposed into fibers for initial recycling, most fiber products currently end up being incinerated or landfilled after use.

Depolymerization-based circular recycled materials are recognized as a technology capable of achieving a complete circulation structure. Depolymerization-based technology breaks down waste plastics at the molecular level to achieve properties and quality identical to petroleum-based materials. This enables water bottles to be recycled back into water bottles and waste electronic plastics back into electronic products.

By leveraging RIC, SK chemicals strengthens its cooperation with the beverage, cosmetics, electronics, and automotive sectors to secure waste plastic resource circulation infrastructure and stable waste resource supply chains. The company is strategically developing industry-optimized depolymerization technology and expertise to establish a foundation for large-scale production facilities.

Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK chemicals, stated, “Establishing an integrated research and production system from recycled raw materials to recycled plastics will be a crucial turning point in accelerating innovation in the plastic ecosystem’s circular recycling. Through close cooperation with companies in food and beverage, automotive, electronics, and fashion sectors, we will develop comprehensive resource circulation systems for each industry.”

SK chemicals has a strong track record of innovation in recycling: It was the first globally to commercialize circular recycled copolyester using chemically recycled raw materials (2021); the first in Korea to supply circular recycled PET (2022); and has established a solid production base for recycled waste plastic business by acquiring a stake in the Chinese company Shuye Environmental Technology and establishing SK chemicals Shantou.

Razor Labs Enters Subscription Agreement with SIMEC Mining Following Initial Pilot Phase

SYDNEY, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Razor Labs (TASE: RZR), a leader in AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions, announced today its new subscription agreement with SIMEC Mining, a major industrial and mining operator in South Australia. Building on the promising initial pilot phase, this partnership will see the continued deployment of Razor Labs’ DataMind AI™ Predictive Maintenance system across SIMEC’s critical assets.

John Stewart, Chief Engineering & Reliability at SIMEC Mining, commented: “The initial stages of implementing DataMind AI™ have shown potential in enhancing our site’s operations. By providing early warnings and actionable insights, we aim to prevent equipment failures before they occur, significantly reducing unplanned downtime and maintenance costs. DataMind AI™ also helps us maintain a safer working environment by minimizing the need for manual inspections in hazardous areas. We are optimistic about the continued benefits that this technology will deliver.”

Karl Reichenberg, Innovation & Technology Manager at SIMEC Mining
“The Datamind AI platform complements our existing asset management, downtime detection and conditional monitoring systems and seamlessly integrates with our existing historian data.  At SIMEC, we aim to promote the use of AI while ensuring we maintain a cyber secured environment within our digital technology landscape. The implementation of the Razor Labs solution is utilizing AI to reduce the time our maintenance staff is manually monitoring and reporting the condition of our critical processing assets and in return extending the lifespan of our equipment.”

Tomer Srulevich, Chief Business Officer of Razor Labs, expressed his enthusiasm for the new agreement: “We are pleased to expand our partnership with SIMEC Mining, one of South Australia’s leading mining and industrial operators. The early results have been encouraging, and we look forward to continuing to deliver benefits through this subscription agreement. SIMEC Mining’s commitment to innovation and failure prevention is impressive and allows for improved processes and a significant impact on safety and reliability in the current market conditions.”

About SIMEC Mining

SIMEC Mining operates as part of the global GFG Alliance, specializing in mining and steel production. With a focus on sustainable and innovative practices, SIMEC Mining is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and safety across its operations. The positive early indications from the initial pilot phase have led to the establishment of this comprehensive subscription agreement with Razor Labs.

About Razor Labs

Razor Labs, a leader in the mining tech sector, specializes in predictive maintenance with its flagship product, DataMind AI™. Our Sensor Fusion technology forecasts equipment failures, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, we have a strong presence in key mining regions, including Australia and South Africa, where our solutions have driven significant improvements. Discover how our predictive maintenance system can transform your operations by visiting our website and following us on social media.

Website: https://www.razor-labs.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/razor-technologies-inc
Media Inquiries: Ms. Liel Anisenko, Director of Marketing
Phone: +61.488.860.440
Email: info@razor-labs.com

CGTN: Initiative bridging film and travel launches in Beijing

BEIJING, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The latest Chinese animated blockbuster, Ne Zha II, has taken the global box office by storm, surpassing 12 billion yuan (approximately $1.66 billion) as of February 17, according to the latest data.

This milestone propels Ne Zha II past The Lion King, securing a spot among the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time. Notably, it stands as the only non-Hollywood production in a lineup dominated by cinematic giants like Avatar, Titanic, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

In China, the film has dominated the domestic market, capturing the lion’s share of this year’s box office revenue while setting a new record in Chinese cinema history.

The film’s success is also making waves internationally. Following its North American release on February 14, Ne Zha II broke into the top five of the weekend box office charts, according to U.S.-based global media measurement and analytics company Comscore.

“I’m so impressed on so many different levels with the accomplishments of this particular film,” said U.S. animator Sheila Sofian after watching it in Los Angeles.

“Because I had already seen the previous film, I was sort of expecting the same level, which was brilliant. But this grows even higher in terms of production design, sound design, and music. The story itself was so complicated, and all the twists and turns kept me guessing the entire time. So I was very engaged, sort of on the edge of my seat the whole time,” she added.

Amid the frenzy for the Chinese animation sensation, the “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign was launched on Monday at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, aiming to leverage the international success of the Chinese New Year blockbusters with the series of recent visa-free transit policies to attract more overseas visitors to China.

Hosted by the China Film Administration and China Media Group (CMG) and organized by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and the Film Channel Program Center, the campaign focuses on promoting “film + tourism” by integrating Chinese film screenings, international film festivals, and overseas Chinese film festivals, inviting foreign audiences to experience China through cinematic storytelling.

By fostering innovative collaboration between the film and tourism industries, the campaign seeks to develop themed travel routes that offer immersive experiences in both movie culture and China’s natural and cultural landscapes, bridging media exposure with consumer engagement.

Jiang Qiudi, head of CMG’s Europe Bureau, stated that CMG will leverage its global network of foreign correspondents and partnerships with hundreds of international media outlets and social platforms to promote the campaign. CMG plans to expand the reach and influence of the campaign, strengthen collaborations with international film institutions, and establish flagship events that spotlight outstanding Chinese films to further solidify the global presence of Chinese cinema.

Filmmakers and production teams behind this year’s New Year blockbusters shared the latest updates on box office performance around the world.

The event was attended by representatives from CMG, the Film Bureau of the Publicity Department of Communist Party of China Central Committee, major Chinese film production and distribution companies, film studios, travel agencies, and the Silk Road International Film Festival.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-17/Initiative-bridging-film-and-travel-launches-in-Beijing-1B4uwlc0Je8/p.html

MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES AUSTRALIA CERTIFIED AS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR 2025

SYDNEY, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) is proud to announce that its Australian office has once again been recognised as a ‘great place to work’ through the Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Survey. This prestigious certification is based entirely on feedback from employees, gathered via an anonymous survey conducted by the third-party platform Emprising. The survey evaluated several key areas, including workplace culture, trust, alignment, and connection.

With its global headquarters in Atlanta, Manhattan Associates continues to maintain a strong presence across the APAC region, with Australia playing a pivotal role. As an industry leader in supply chain innovation, inventory management, and omnichannel solutions, Manhattan Associates empowers many of the world’s top brands to optimise operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

“Receiving this recognition is a meaningful validation of the workplace culture we’ve cultivated—a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect,” said Raghav Sibal, Managing Director for Australia & New Zealand at Manhattan Associates. “As Australia’s supply chain and logistics sector continues to evolve, we’re proud that our team remains aligned with the industry’s dynamic pace and priorities.”

Keith Hunter, Head of HR for APAC, highlighted the importance of the certification: “This acknowledgment is especially rewarding because it reflects the perspectives of our employees. Their enthusiasm for innovation, their adaptability, and their commitment to fostering a supportive environment embody the core values we strive for every day. These results provide invaluable insights that will guide us as we further enhance our employee experience in the years to come.”

Manhattan Associates places employee engagement at the forefront of its priorities, offering robust support for personal and professional growth through its Be Your Best Self program. Covering areas such as rewards, wellness, development, family, community, and career, the program includes comprehensive training opportunities, top-tier benefits, community outreach initiatives, and innovative wellness offerings.

“This certification reaffirms our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel genuinely welcomed and empowered from day one,” added Sibal. “It’s not just a celebration of our achievements in Australia but a reflection of the global impact driven by our dedicated team.”

For more information about Manhattan Associates, visit www.manh.com. Receive up-to-date product, customer and partner news directly from Manhattan Associates on XLinkedIn and Facebook.

About Manhattan Associates

Manhattan Associates is a technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. We unite information across the enterprise, converging front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Our software, platform technology and unmatched experience help drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability for our customers.

Manhattan Associates designs, builds and delivers leading edge cloud and on-premises solutions so that across the store, through your network or from your fulfilment centre, you are ready to reap the rewards of the omnichannel marketplace. For more information, please visit www.manh.com.

About Great Place to Work Certification™  

Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognised worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognising outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.   

ClassDojo CTO backs kid-tech gaming app, Polymath in $1M raise

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kid-tech startup Polymath has secured $1M USD in funding with notable investment from ClassDojo CTO Liam Don in their first angel round, followed by a venture-backed pre-seed raise co-led by Blackbird Ventures and GD1. This investment accelerates Polymath’s US market expansion, bringing exciting targeted math learning to over 23 million children.

Polymath is the learning game that kids actually want to play. Despite spending upwards of 4 hours a day on screens outside of school, kids only spend 6 minutes on average on educational apps. Instead, they spend time gaming, watching videos, and using social media. Polymath changes this by merging an adaptive learning algorithm with a sandbox gaming world, keeping thousands of elementary-aged kids engaged for an average of 30 minutes per session. Data shows regular Polymath users learn up to twice as fast as non-users.

Liam Don Backs Polymath

Liam Don, the CTO and co-founder of ClassDojo first invested in Polymath during its angel round. ClassDojo is an edtech unicorn with over 50 million users, namely teachers and families, whose app bridges the gap between home and school.

Don champions Polymath’s ability to create a user-focused product: “Most learning products only have notional educational value. This team has created a cutting-edge product that’s already making a real impact. Their mission to transform education through tech that kids enjoy and a focus on meaningful learning outcomes is truly inspiring and sets a high bar for the future of products made for children.”

An Obsessed Team

Polymath’s founders, Sophie and Christian Silver are obsessed with fighting the drop in mathematics attainment that has been snowballing for the last 20 years. Sophie’s passion for education started with inventing games for children she worked with while studying human learning at UCL. Christian, a Cambridge Computer Science graduate, helped turn those ideas into a dynamic learning app.

“Polymath is kid-first. Our mission is to lift global education outcomes and we can’t do that without enthusiasm from children. We’re rebranding learning as exciting and developing a learning algorithm to simultaneously deliver results”, says Sophie Silver, the CEO and co-founder of Polymath.

Cohesive Learning In and Out of the Classroom 

Polymath is used both in the household and at schools, with the school version engaging students and serving as a gateway to the at-home experience, proving parents can trust Polymath with genuine educational endorsement.

Polymath is used both at home and in classrooms. Teachers can adopt it for free, making it easy to integrate into lesson plans. U.S. teachers in states like AZ, VA, SF, FL, TX, and CA are already raving about the app.

Kids take Polymath home because they enjoy it. At home, they gain access to all game features, reinforcing learning through play. “GD1’s investment in Polymath was driven by the team’s clear user obsession. Their rapid iteration and deep engagement with teachers and parents demonstrated a commitment to creating a product kids genuinely love. This tenacity and strong commitment to drive learnings through understanding the early users was pivotal in enabling us to become early believers. We eagerly look forward to what Sophie, Christian and the team achieve over the coming years” says Vignesh Kumar, Co-Managing Partner at GD1.

Doubling Learning with Fun: What Sets Polymath Apart

Polymath feels like a game—complete with collecting, building, and multiplayer features. At its core, an adaptive algorithm personalizes learning moments to each child’s progress. To finish a house, a child might need to measure its dimensions. They might need to spot when they’re getting a bad deal from a shop. Polymath steers kids towards activities that match their current abilities.

“Watching Christian and Sophie work, I was struck by their ability to iterate quickly, listen to user feedback, and build a game with strikingly long session times given it involved math! This is a scrappy team delivering a product that kids love, and parents love that their kids love,” says Phoebe Harrop, General Partner at Blackbird Ventures.

The team has built a fraction of what Polymath can be. They’re working towards a more dynamic world with activities like farming and looking after pets, as well as multiplayer features so that kids can motivate each other to learn.

“We’re constantly experimenting with new features in our game world. Trying a new character here, a new way to ask questions there. We’re pushing new ideas out almost daily. The whole team, engineers included, work with real kids so we get immediate feedback on what’s fun and what’s not” says Christian Silver, the CTO and co-founder of Polymath.

Looking Ahead

With this funding, Polymath will expand in the U.S. and introduce collaborative play, enhancing the collaborative aspects of learning.

Already played by tens of thousands of children worldwide, Polymath continues to grow in the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, and Australia.

Discover Polymath at https://polymath.how/.

About Polymath Polymath is a kid-focused app that turns screen time into a healthy, productive, and enjoyable experience. Through personalisation and interactive gameplay, Polymath empowers children to learn and grow, while giving parents peace of mind.

 

Cambridge expands Checkpoint test series due to increased demand

A third Cambridge Checkpoint test series to be introduced worldwide from March 2026 

Entries for primary school tests rise by 13% and by 9% for lower secondary school

CAMBRIDGE, England, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge), today announced an expansion of its series of Cambridge Checkpoint tests, valued for their role in helping schools identify the learning needs of primary and lower secondary students. Over 1600 schools in 101 countries used Cambridge Checkpoint tests last year to obtain an international benchmark of their learners’ performance and Cambridge is introducing a third test series in March, as a further option to those in May and October, from 2026 to meet rising global demand. It is also introducing a one-week timetable for each series and moving the May series to a later date to better suit the needs of schools.

Student from Marina Regina School Indonesia
Student from Marina Regina School Indonesia

Cambridge Checkpoint tests assess progress in Mathematics, English and Science and are typically taken by learners at the end of Cambridge Primary (age 10 to 11) or Lower Secondary education (age 13 to 14). The tests are marked by Cambridge examiners and each school receives a diagnostic feedback report to help monitor individual and group performance. The reports enable schools to make informed decisions about their learners’ needs and understand how their learners have performed compared with Cambridge International Schools around the world.

Demand for Cambridge Checkpoint tests has been increasing in line with the growth in international education. Cambridge received over 300,000 entries for Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Checkpoint in 2024, with entries for the primary tests up 13% and entries for lower secondary tests up 9% on 2023. Reflecting the growth in demand, entries for Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests surpassed those for Lower Secondary Checkpoint last year, with entries from schools in Indonesia increasing by 14% and Malaysia by 19%.

The timetable changes are a direct response to feedback from schools, particularly in Southeast Asia & Pacific, South Asia and MENA, who wanted the Cambridge Checkpoint test series to align better with the end of their school year.

Kristine T. Amador, Cambridge Primary Coordinator at Mentari Intercultural School Bintaro, Indonesia said: “At Mentari Intercultural School Bintaro, implementing the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint assessments has proven incredibly beneficial in tracking and understanding each student’s academic progress. Detailed feedback empowers our educators and students alike to focus on key areas for improvement. These assessments can support global learners, offering a consistent benchmark for academic achievement across diverse educational contexts.”

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge said: “Cambridge Checkpoint tests play a crucial role in helping schools track young learner progress and tailor support effectively. Responding to an increased demand from our community, the introduction of a third test series gives more schools the flexibility to test students at a time that best fits their academic schedule, ensuring they get the most from this valuable assessment tool. I am grateful to all the schools who helped us shape these changes with their valuable feedback.”

A Cambridge research study found that schools adopting Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint had a small but significant improvement in their average Cambridge IGCSE grade, compared to schools not adopting Cambridge Checkpoint. The study also showed that Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint scores were a good predictor of performance in Cambridge IGCSEs, particularly in the same or a related subject.

About Cambridge

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world.

We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators.

With recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org

HTX Releases January Security Monthly Report, Sending Over 380,000 Security Reminders to Users

SINGAPORE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX released its January 2025 Security Monthly Report, reaffirming its commitment to platform security. The report highlights the platform’s multi-layered security measures, including the Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves (PoR), which ensure robust account security, transaction security, and asset security.

Since May 2024, HTX has consistently published monthly security reports to enhance transparency, build trust with users, and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to platform security. (Previous reports: May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.)

Account Security: 380,000+ Security Reminders to Prevent Potential Threats

In January, HTX proactively addressed potential security threats by issuing over 380,000 security reminders to users, comprising  339,480 email reminders and 40,523 SMS reminders. The platform actively combats phishing and fraudulent activities, successfully shut down 6 phishing websites and fake app download sites to protect users from falling victim to scams.

Transaction Security: Recovering $70,000+ in User Funds By Intercepting Abnormal Transactions

HTX’s robust risk controls effectively detect and prevent abnormal transactions. In January, the platform intercepted 3 withdrawal attempts to scam addresses, recovering 72,962 USDT in assets for users. Furthermore, by actively investigating user reports, HTX resolved 7 incidents involving stolen assets flowing into the platform, assisting in freezing 193,702 USDT in stolen funds, significantly reducing losses for affected users.

Asset Security: 189 New Addresses Blacklisted to Prevent Illicit Inflows

HTX remains vigilant in preventing the inflow of illicit funds. In January, the platform added 189 new addresses to its blacklist and intercepted 4 deposits from these addresses, totaling 624,190 USDT. These measures effectively prevented the inflow of illicit funds, further enhancing the platform’s financial health.

Reserve Ratio Remains Above 100% with Regular PoR Updates

HTX continues to enhance asset transparency by regularly publishing PoR reports. The platform recently updated its Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves for February 2025, demonstrating that its reserve ratio for major mainstream assets consistently exceeds 100%. The latest proof of reserves data includes: BTC 101%, ETH 100%, TRX 105%, USDT 101%, HTX 104%, XRP 101%, DOGE 100%, SOL 102%. This marks the 28th time HTX has publicly disclosed its Merkle Tree reserve data.

Users can access the monthly updated reports and view the platform’s financial status from the “Assets – PoR Reports” page on the HTX official website.

HTX prioritizes user asset security and transparency. By diligently monitoring and addressing security threats, HTX strives to provide a secure and reliable trading environment for all users. Choosing HTX means choosing a platform that not only offers access to premium early-stage assets but also prioritizes user safety with a robust security framework.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance”, HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

Contact Details
Ruder Finn Asia
htx@ruderfinn.com 

Company Website
https://www.htx.com

Inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial launches second phase with new artwork unveilings across the emirate

  • The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial runs until 30 April 2025 across Abu Dhabi
  • The second phase presents installations by local and international artists including Tarik Kiswanson, Ayesha Hadhir, Arquitectura Expandida, Rand Abdul Jabbar and others
  • The biennial includes eight key routes to explore, alongside a vibrant programme of activities

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial kicked off its highly anticipated second phase with nine new unveilings and installations at iconic locations across the emirate. 

Running until 30 April, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial has transformed Abu Dhabi into an emirate-wide celebration of art, culture and community. The exhibition features site-specific installations by more than 70 artists from the UAE and around the world, including 40 new commissions, thoughtfully exhibited throughout the downtown areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. 

Rand Abdul Jabbar, Crown, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025
Rand Abdul Jabbar, Crown, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025

Following a spectacular launch in November, new unveilings by Anga Art Collective, Arquitectura Expandida, Ayesha Hadhir, Lúcia Koch, Rand Abdul Jabbar, Nnenna Okore, Sophia Balagamwala, and Tarik Kiswanson kicked off the Biennial into full gear this past weekend along with an ongoing piece by Atelier Aziz Al Qatami, which will continue to take shape at the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal. 

New installations by Hussein Sharif, Emily Jacir, Rami Kashou x Emirati Artisans, Alia Farid and Latifa Saeed will further activate the exhibition’s eight routes throughout the remaining months of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. A participatory performance by Mobile Akademie Berlin will round out the Biennial celebrations in April. 

The installations are distributed across the Abu Dhabi Corniche Route, Abu Dhabi Public Parks Route, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal Route, Downtown Abu Dhabi Route, Carpet Souq Route, National Theatre Route, Cultural Foundation Route and Al Ain Oasis Route. The easy-to-follow routes can be explored on foot or by car. 

As part of the second phase, a public programme for visitors will activate the various Biennial sites including the Abu Dhabi Bus Station, a modern-heritage building in the city centre. Events include talks, curator-led tours, screening at the Cultural Foundation of Wael Shawky’s Drama 1882 (2024) – which premiered at the Venice Biennale – and collaborative public performances with artist Christopher Joshua Benton and the community at the Carpet Souq. 

Reem Fadda, Director of Culture Programming at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The launch of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial marks a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s artistic scene. The artworks we unveiled as part of the second phase of the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial present a wide range of perspectives on the concept of ‘public,’ within our distinct cultural context. Together, these installations explore the complex relationships between environment, community, urbanity and indigeneity and how these elements define public spaces within Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.” 

Clémence Bergal, Public Art Abu Dhabi Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is one of the three pillars of the wider Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative. The breadth of artists and artworks on display is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s long-term efforts to integrate art into the fabric of society, and ultimately to make it accessible and available to all. The event also highlights the programme’s contribution to the preservation of significant architectural and urban spaces, for the wider community. With every installation, we are harnessing the power of public art to advance the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure and quality of life within Abu Dhabi through placemaking and collective memory.” 

For more details and the latest timings and locations, please check the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial website at paad.ae and social media channels. 

Full press kit and high-res images available in Google Drive

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism. 

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought. 

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae.

About Public Art Abu Dhabi

Public Art Abu Dhabi is the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)’s new initiative under its ongoing commitment to commissioning public art for the emirate. Integral to this initiative is its community engagement efforts. The initiative advances the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure, liveability, and wellbeing of the UAE capital’s residents through placemaking and collective memory. An investment of over 35 million US dollars is dedicated to the initiative annually, to support the emirate’s wider creative industries through public art. 

Rand Abdul Jabbar, Crown, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025
Rand Abdul Jabbar, Crown, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025

 

Rand Abdul Jabbar, Crown, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025
Rand Abdul Jabbar, Crown, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025