• The AlMusalla Prize is an international architecture competition launched by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for the design of AlMusalla, a space for prayer and contemplation found across Islamic cultures
• Uzbekistan represents ACWA Power’s largest market outside of Saudi Arabia, where the company is advancing both social and economic development

Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan: ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company, and a leader in energy transition and first mover into green hydrogen, is proud to announce its support for the presentation of the winning design of the AlMusalla Prize, in collaboration with Diriyah Biennale Foundation and Vision Invest, at the Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan. Its display at the Bukhara Biennial, delivered in collaboration with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and Vision Invest, reflects ACWA Power’s enduring commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement across the regions where it operates.

ACWA Power’s support for this prestigious cultural platform highlights its conviction that the company’s impact goes beyond energy to embrace creativity, heritage, and culture—helping preserve and enrich them for future generations. Through this sponsorship, ACWA Power is building bridges and strengthening dialogue between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the global community, underscoring the unifying power of culture and shared understanding.

The AlMusalla Prize is an international architecture competition for the design of a musalla, a space for prayer and contemplation found across Islamic cultures. The prize-winning design titled ‘On Weaving’ was created by EAST Architecture in collaboration with engineering firm AKT II and artist Rayyane Tabet. The modular musalla is almost entirely constructed from palm tree waste, and is designed to be disassembled and reassembled as required, thereby extending its functionality.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of ACWA Power, said: “ACWA Power has always seen itself as more than an energy company — we are a partner in shaping a shared future rooted in creativity and innovation. In this spirit, we are delighted to partner with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation to take part in the Bukhara Biennale — one of the largest and most diverse artistic initiatives in Central Asia. Our support for this cultural platform reflects our belief that ACWA Power’s impact extends beyond energy to encompass creativity, heritage, and culture, helping ensure their continuity for generations to come. Through this cultural sponsorship, we are building bridges and strengthening dialogue between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the world — demonstrating the power of culture and shared understanding.”

He added: “Driven by a strong commitment to Uzbekistan’s development, we have made remarkable progress by offering world-class training programs for Uzbek youth through Shirin College, which ACWA Power supports. Today, the college has become a vital part of Uzbekistan’s social infrastructure, graduating hundreds of young people every year who go on to contribute to the country’s ambitious growth plans.”

He continued: “Uzbekistan is the largest market in ACWA Power’s investment portfolio outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we are proud of the pivotal role we play in supporting the government’s vision to position the country among the global leaders in energy transition. We take great pride in this mission, which is firmly rooted in the strong bonds of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Uzbekistan, under the wise leadership of both nations.”

First unveiled at the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, and subsequently exhibited as part of a Collateral Event of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, the Musalla’s journey to Bukhara symbolises a renewal of crucial historical connections between Islamic societies. Bukhara, a historic seat of learning along the Silk Road, shares a rich legacy of openness and cultural exchange with Jeddah, a vital port city and gateway for pilgrims.