Saudi hosts 50,000 culture and arts investors, including 1,700 foreigners: Al-Falih

Khalid Al-Falih, Investment Minister

Saudi Arabia is home to more than 50,000 investors in the cultural and creative arts sector, including 1,700 foreign entrepreneurs and small investors, Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said.

Speaking at the Cultural Investment Conference 2025 in Riyadh on Monday, Al-Falih assured that the ministry is working to streamline investment procedures.

Saudi Arabia has a dedicated track for attracting startups across various fields, not only in technology, but also in culture and creativity, he said.

The minister highlighted the impact of major events such as Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season, announcing that Riyadh Season 2025-26 will launch in the coming weeks.

Al-Falih said that foreign direct investment in culture and creative arts sectors surged from virtually nothing to around SAR 1.8 billion ($500 million) last year, adding that the cultural sector is closely interconnected with education, digital industries, and tourism.

Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million tourists — both domestic and international — with culture and creative arts playing a central role in achieving this target, the minister stated.