Saudi Culture Minister says Riyadh Arts University launch soon

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, says Riyadh University of Arts aims to rank among the world’s top 50 institutions specializing in arts and culture

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, announced that the Riyadh University of Arts will be launched soon to help supply the cultural sector with talent and creators. The university aims to rank among the world’s top 50 institutions specializing in arts and culture.

Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector has undergone a historic transition since the launch of Vision 2030, becoming a key economic driver, the minister said during the Cultural Investment Conference. Its contribution to GDP has risen to 1.6%, the workforce has reached 234,000 employees, and financial support flowing to the sector neared SAR 2 billion in 2024.

Infrastructure investment has also reached historic levels, exceeding SAR 81 billion.

Amid the rapid growth of the creative and cultural industries, the private sector’s role is essential as a strategic partner in developing Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape.

Culture has become an impactful asset with measurable returns, scalable models, and long-term value, Prince Badr said.

The conference will witness the signing of 89 agreements worth over SAR 5 billion, he added.