Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan announced on Monday the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts (RUA).
As one of the most significant investments in cultural education, the university aspires to become a hub for cultural education in the Kingdom, offering a range of degrees that equip students to impact the creative industries further and drive growth in the Kingdom’s cultural sector, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, said a statement by the Ministry of Culture.
Speaking at the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference, which kicked off in Riyadh, the minister said: "We are proud to launch Riyadh University of Arts as an extraordinary step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector which enjoys unlimited support from 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.”
“This institution will serve as a cornerstone for creative education and cultural innovation, enabling our students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and vision that will shape the Kingdom’s cultural future,” he added. “By supporting talents and celebrating our heritage, we aim to equip the next generation with the skills necessary to boost the creative economy's growth. Through this pioneering university, we empower Saudi artists and creators to leave their unique mark on the local and international cultural stage.”
The university aims to rank among the world’s top 50 international universities specializing in arts and culture, with a mission to cultivate an innovative education environment that empowers students to discover their passions, develop their talents, promote creativity, and contribute to the creative economy, he went on to say.
RUA will cater to educational levels through gradual phasing, covering all subsectors and offering a comprehensive academic portfolio that ensures continuous education in the fields of arts and culture. RUA’s academic offerings include short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s, higher diplomas, master’s, and PhDs.
Located in its Irqah campus in Riyadh, the university will launch through its first three colleges: Music, Film, and Theatre & Performing Arts. Colleges will gradually expand to thirteen colleges, offering programs across a range of disciplines, including Architecture & Design, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, Heritage Studies, Literature, Cultural Management, Arts Management, Fashion, and more.
RUA will also provide scholarships for cultural talents. Full details of the university will be announced on the university’s official website when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.
The university has built partnerships with leading international institutions to design academic programs, collaborate in research, and offer enriching programs in cultural education and development. With a focus on fostering creativity and building entrepreneurial skills, RUA aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s talent pipeline, empowering artists, scholars, and cultural leaders to drive growth within Saudi Arabia and contribute to shaping the Kingdom’s cultural future.
RUA will directly contribute to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the cultural sector. This field is expected to see 7% annual growth in demand for qualified cultural talents, creating over 300,000 new jobs over the next decade.
With its focus on nurturing talent, RUA will become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic strategy, driving the cultural sector to contribute over SAR80 billion to the national economy by 2030. The university aims to supply the cultural sector with qualified professionals by graduating 25,000-30,000 students by 2040 and training 1,000-1,500 teachers to support this growth.
