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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | February 2026

Stellar Education was proud to partner with ATHR Foundation in bringing The Ship of Tolerance to Jeddah — the 20th edition of the globally renowned artistic initiative conceived by artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, and the first to be presented in Saudi Arabia.

Presented internationally in cities including Venice, Sharjah, London and New York, the project fostered understanding among children through art and music. Its arrival in Jeddah marked a significant cultural and educational milestone for the Kingdom, aligned with the guiding theme:
“Rooted in Our Values. Connected to the World.”

Organized locally by ATHR Foundation in partnership with Stellar Education and supported by the Office of the Governor of Jeddah, and the Jeddah Historic District, the initiative reflected the city’s growing commitment to cultural dialogue, youth empowerment and meaningful educational experiences. Its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s 2025 “Year of the Handicrafts” further reinforced the project’s role in celebrating craftsmanship, heritage and creative collaboration.

Through Stellar’s leadership and coordination, more than 800 students from ten partner schools across Jeddah participated in this global project to explore tolerance, acceptance and cultural understanding through artistic expression.

At Stellar, we believe education extends beyond curriculum. The Ship of Tolerance represented experiential learning in action — empowering students to practice empathy, collaboration and global citizenship in a real-world context. The collaborative artworks from diverse national and international schools in Jeddah formed the sails of the 14-meter vessel, standing 20 meters high, symbolizing unity and shared humanity through collective expression.

A Local Identity with Global Dialogue

In Jeddah, the project took on a distinctive character shaped by the city’s maritime heritage and multicultural fabric. Local artisans collaborated with the Kabakov shipbuilding team to construct the vessel, reinforcing a powerful connection between craftsmanship, community and contemporary art.

The ship was unveiled in Al-Balad — Jeddah’s UNESCO-recognized historic district — during Ramadan 2026. Its placement within the heart of the historic district strengthened the dialogue between heritage and global artistic exchange, positioning Jeddah as a cultural crossroads rooted in tradition yet connected to the world.

The opening program featured a series of student-led performances reflecting the spirit of the initiative. Nahda Academy wrote and composed the Ship of Tolerance Jeddah song, which was presented during the ceremony. Nun Academy delivered the Song of Peace, while Afaq Academy for Fine Arts & Culture presented a theatrical interpretation centered around the theme of tolerance. Additional performances, including musical and cultural expressions from participating schools, underscored the diversity and unity that defined the project. Schools also engaged in guided visits to the installation, extending the educational journey and deepening reflection on art, culture and civic responsibility.

A Collective Effort

The project was realized with the involvement and support of key partners and stakeholders including Lexus Abdul Latif Jameel, Shada Hotels, Design Network, DRB, Wrth, The Saudi Sailing Federation, Del Monte, Destination Magazine and relevant ministries. Together, these collaborations underscored a shared commitment to cultural enrichment and youth engagement.

As the sails rose in Al-Balad, The Ship of Tolerance stood not only as a work of art, but as a testament to the power of education, creativity and collective purpose.

For Stellar, this initiative reaffirmed a core belief:

Learning has no limits — and when rooted in our values, it connects us to the world.

Visit Ship of Tolerance Jeddah Page