Saudi Culture Minister Honours Winners of Third Edition of National Cultural Awards

Last year's event was organized under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Last year's event was organized under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi Culture Minister Honours Winners of Third Edition of National Cultural Awards

Last year's event was organized under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Last year's event was organized under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture, honored on Saturday evening the winners of the 2023 National Cultural Awards initiative in its third edition.
This ceremony was held in Riyadh in the presence of Minister of Education Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan and Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari along with several dignitaries, intellectuals, writers, and media professionals.
At the beginning of the event, the culture minister delivered a speech in which he described the ceremony as a cultural celebration. "We are delighted to honor the creative minds in the heart of our beloved capital, under the gracious patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister,” he said.
Prince Badr added that the National Cultural Awards initiative aims to spotlight talents, celebrate achievements, appreciate creators, and encourage cultural production.
The minister noted that the newly launched Businessmen and Businesswomen Award for this year reflects the cultural sector's appreciation for the contributions of supporters of cultural activities across various cultural domains and acknowledges their vital role as an integral part of the efforts made by entities within the cultural sector.
Furthermore, the International Cultural Excellence Award aims to celebrate international cultural figures and institutions that have enriched the contemporary international cultural landscape, in addition to recognizing outstanding efforts in the field of global cultural exchange.



Saudi Culture Minister Lauds Cabinet for Naming 2025 the 'Year of Handicrafts'

The Ministry of Culture logo
The Ministry of Culture logo
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Saudi Culture Minister Lauds Cabinet for Naming 2025 the 'Year of Handicrafts'

The Ministry of Culture logo
The Ministry of Culture logo

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has commended the Cabinet's decision to declare 2025 the "Year of Handicrafts,” acknowledging the significant cultural value handicrafts have had in Saudi culture for many years.

The move also highlights the creativity that sets the unique handicraft industry apart and showcases the talent of Saudi craftsmen to the global community.

Prince Badr expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support for culture and arts.

Their patronage, he said, has elevated Saudi culture, solidified its roots and unique elements, and enabled the world to see the best of it.

"At the Ministry of Culture, we are working to instill pride in our national identity and all its associated cultural elements, whether tangible or intangible. This is one of the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, under Saudi Vision 2030, which has prioritized national identity and Saudi culture as ambitious goals," said Prince Badr.

He stressed that the "Year of Handicrafts" initiative will help celebrate this essential component of highly significant cultural and artistic value that is the cornerstone of national identity.

"Saudi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society, encompasses textiles, handicrafts, and artistic creations that have been passed down from generation to generation. These include pottery, clothing, beadwork, copper products, sewing, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry making,” he added.

During the "Year of Handicrafts,” the Ministry of Culture will work to increase the visibility of Saudi handicrafts both at home and abroad, and enable Saudi artisans to display their creations at events and activities in the Kingdom and the world over.

The initiative also aims to increase the contribution of Saudi handicrafts to the local economy and to raise awareness about their cultural, historical, civilizational, and economic significance.