Saudi Culture Ministry Hosts Yemeni Orchestra in Riyadh

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Culture Ministry Hosts Yemeni Orchestra in Riyadh

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Culture is set to host on Sunday the Yemeni Orchestra at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Yemeni Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

The event will feature Yemeni musicians performing a wide array of music and songs showcasing Yemen’s cultural heritage, including traditional genres from Aden, Sanaa, and Hadramout. Saudi musicians will participate, performing collaborative pieces that celebrate the shared musical heritage between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

As part of the festivities, the Saudi Music Commission, one of 11 sector specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, will host interactive exhibits allowing visitors to explore traditional Saudi music instruments and view archival audio-visual recordings from Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage. Additionally, the Saudi Trouq Meets the World initiative will feature musical performances blending traditional instruments from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

The ALIPH Foundation, in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, will present a photo exhibition documenting their work in preserving Yemen’s cultural and historical heritage sites, in collaboration with various Yemeni institutions and international organizations.

The upcoming event reflects the Ministry’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. It is also a testament to the strong ties between the Kingdom and Yemen, while supporting cultural preservation and furthering the fraternal ties between the two nations.



Saudi Culture Ministry Launches 5th Edition of National Cultural Awards

Saudi Culture Ministry Launches 5th Edition of National Cultural Awards
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Saudi Culture Ministry Launches 5th Edition of National Cultural Awards

Saudi Culture Ministry Launches 5th Edition of National Cultural Awards

The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched the fifth edition of the National Cultural Awards, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to recognizing and honoring outstanding achievements in the Kingdom’s cultural sector.

Nominations for cultural sector awards will soon open to the public and the cultural community. Submissions will be accepted via the dedicated online platform. This will be followed by evaluation and judging processes later begins, culminating in the announcement of winners at the final ceremony.

According to the ministry, this annual initiative celebrates creative excellence and contributions across a wide range of cultural disciplines. Through a growing portfolio of awards, the program highlights both individual and institutional efforts that have helped shape and elevate the national cultural landscape.

For the 2025 edition, two new award categories have been introduced: the Handicrafts Award and the Cultural Media Award. The Handicrafts Award coincides with the ministry’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, spotlighting impactful contributions to traditional crafts, whether in production techniques or cultural knowledge. This category includes one international award that honors initiatives that improve livelihoods and create job opportunities, according to SPA.

The Cultural Media Award recognizes significant work by individuals or organizations in developing cultural discourse and showcasing the cultural sector through various media formats, including print, audio, and digital platforms. It also considers contributions such as literary reviews, cultural reporting, and consistent engagement with cultural events and movements.

These additions join a distinguished set of existing awards: five major prizes reviewed by specialized committees, alongside 11 others across a total of 16 cultural sub-sectors. Together, they reflect the ministry’s commitment to fostering creative talent and honoring cultural heritage.

The National Cultural Awards reflect the ministry’s commitment to supporting cultural production and honoring those enriching the Kingdom’s artistic and creative heritage.