UN MENA CLIMATE WEEK 2023

MENA Climate Week – Defining the Vision

MENA Climate Week 2023, held in Riyadh, brought together key stakeholders from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. As a regional event organised by the UN Committee on Climate Change, it was an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its energy transition leadership, with particular emphasis on the Circular Carbon Economy and the Saudi Green Initiative.

Working with delivery partners Filmmasters, ARC was tasked with creating an immersive exhibition to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s actions on emissions reduction, carbon sequestration, and environmental sustainability.

Research, Content Development & Storytelling

ARC’s role began with understanding the diverse audiences attending MENA Climate Week, from climate experts to world media to students. In addition, the event brought together delegates and agendas from the global north and global south in a single ‘story space’.

ARC developed a narrative framework that connected specific Saudi projects to the global energy transition agenda, focusing on the country’s vision for a sustainable future.

The exhibit’s storytelling was built around the core message of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in global climate action and its leadership in the MENA region.

Visitor Journey

The exhibition was structured as a single immersive walkthrough experience, divided into multiple thematic zones, each addressing key aspects of climate action and energy transition.

Visitors entered through a tunnel that introduced them some of the technologies of emissions reduction using dynamic infographics and animated visuals. The next major section featured the Circular Carbon Economy strategy, presented as a powerful media sculpture – a floating cube that visually encapsulated the four core elements: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Remove. This powerful visual element became the focal point of the exhibition, guiding visitors as they moved through subsequent zones.

One zone, Land and Infrastructure, showcased Saudi Arabia’s large-scale projects aimed at mitigating emissions, such as the Greening Riyadh initiative and the development of Neom. Visitors walked across a dynamic map of Saudi Arabia, exploring major projects as they were highlighted on interactive vertical screens.

Bringing the Story to Life

Innovative use of technology and design brought the complex subject matter to life. The exhibition featured cutting-edge media installations, including 3D projections and dynamic infographics, which turned complex data on climate action into visually engaging narratives. The Circular Carbon Economy cube was a standout feature, providing a 360-degree immersive experience that allowed visitors to encounter the concept in an entirely new way.

Away from the display technology, expert-led discussions provided an opportunity for deeper engagement, allowing visitors to converse with specialists about real-world technological innovations in energy transition.

Youth Stocktake

ARC was also privileged to take part in the Youth Stocktake, where over 100 young people from the MENA region debated and shared ideas for the future of the planet. The passion and commitment of this group was inspiring and added a sense of urgency and relevance to the exhibition messaging.

A Landmark Event

Throughout MENA Climate Week the exhibition acted as a powerful platform for Saudi Arabia to communicate its vital role in the North/South energy and climate conversation.

By blending immersive design, cutting-edge technology, and expert knowledge, ARC not only showcased the country’s commitment to sustainability but also reinforced its leadership in driving regional and global energy transition.