Every dollar spent in cultural sectors generates $2.5 in other economic sectors: Minister

Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, stated that spending on the cultural sector is important and paves the way for future growth, noting that every dollar spent in cultural and creative sectors generates $2.5 in other economic sectors.

Saudi Arabia aims to triple the sector’s contribution by 2030, emphasizing the Kingdom’s strong potential to export its culture, he added during a panel discussion at the Cultural Investment Conference 2025.

He highlighted that the sector is creating jobs and meeting demand across various other industries, with 235,000 people currently working in cultural sectors and 5,000 individuals undergoing training.

Al-Ibrahim explained that the creative sectors in the Kingdom are central to its development, noting that major achievements have been made in entertainment, arts, and culture. The country moved from a budget deficit to a surplus in a short time, with culture playing a key role in that transformation.

He pointed out that cultural activities and events contributed significantly to creating exportable products and generating added value in the Kingdom, helping to drive economic diversification.