Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has honored the winners of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.
The ceremony - held on Monday under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister - was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Badr said: "We welcome the creators and innovators from various cultural sectors at the conclusion of the 2024 National Cultural Awards initiative, which comes under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the supporter and enabler of our cultural sector."
“Our country is experiencing a great cultural renaissance under the umbrella of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the Ministry of Culture has been keen to adopt a strategy to develop cultural capacities in a comprehensive and integrated journey with partners in various sectors. The National Cultural Awards initiative serves as a supportive and encouraging umbrella for talents and their creativity," he added.
Prince Badr congratulated this year's winners and announced the addition of two new awards, the Cultural Media Award and the Handicrafts Award, to open new avenues for creativity and cultural expression.
Dr. Saad Al-Sowayan received the Cultural Pioneer Award for his significant scientific, literary, and cultural contributions. Writer and artist Diaa Youssef was awarded the Youth Culture Award for her support of culture and young talents.
The Business Owners Award, recognizing support for cultural activities, was given to Badr bin Mohammed Al-Bowardi in acknowledgment of Al-Bowardi family's efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
The International Cultural Excellence Award was presented to the Turquoise Mountain Foundation for its contribution to the protection of cultural heritage and support for artisans. The MBC Group received the Cultural Institutions Award in the private sector track, while King Faisal Foundation (KFF) received the award in the non-profit sector track.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharakh won the National Heritage Award, short story writer and novelist Osamah Al-Muslim won the Literature Award, and Qyadiya Publishing House, specializing in publishing for children, won the Publishing Award.
Dr. Walid Al-Omari received the Translation Award, film director Tawfik Al-Zaidi won the Film Award, and Abadi Al-Johar won the Music Award. Dr. Khalid Azzam received the Architecture and Design Award, Mohammed Al-Tuwaiyan won the Theater and Performing Arts Award, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansouri won the Culinary Arts Award. Taha Al-Sabban received the Visual Arts Award, and Dr. Lailah Al-Bassam won the Fashion Award.
The ceremony marks the culmination of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture annually to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Saudis from various cultural sectors in the Kingdom.
