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Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with the Royal College of Art for the Riyadh University of Arts

The partnership with RCA will be part of a series of partnerships and MOUs between RUA and its colleges and leading international institutions to co-design academic programs - SPA
The partnership with RCA will be part of a series of partnerships and MOUs between RUA and its colleges and leading international institutions to co-design academic programs - SPA
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Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with the Royal College of Art for the Riyadh University of Arts

The partnership with RCA will be part of a series of partnerships and MOUs between RUA and its colleges and leading international institutions to co-design academic programs - SPA
The partnership with RCA will be part of a series of partnerships and MOUs between RUA and its colleges and leading international institutions to co-design academic programs - SPA

The Ministry of Culture has signed today a partnership with the Royal College of Art (RCA) for Riyadh University of Arts (RUA) 's College of Architecture and Design and College of Visual Arts and Photography. The partnership aims to further develop cultural and artistic talent and to drive cultural exchange.

The signing ceremony took place at the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale on the opening day of its third edition, titled "In Interludes and Transitions", one of the Kingdom's most significant art and cultural events, held at JAX district. Deputy Minister of National Partnerships and Talent Development at the Ministry of Culture Noha Kattan signed for RUA on behalf of the ministry, while RCA was represented by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Christoph Lindner, SPA reported.

Under the terms of the partnership, RCA will work with RUA to co-design and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as foundational programs covering architecture, urban design, and design.

The programs stand as a bridge between heritage and innovation, cultivating Saudi talent to shape the built environments and design, as well as train students across traditional and contemporary visual arts with creativity from a global perspective rooted in the Kingdom's unique cultural identity.

Founded in London in 1837, the Royal College of Art has been ranked the number one art and design university in the world for 11 consecutive years according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015-2025, and is one of the most research-intensive specialist art and design universities in the UK. It offers a wide array of visual arts, design, architecture, communication and humanities programs across its schools, focusing on developing professional competence and pushing the boundaries of practice through teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The partnership with RCA will be part of a series of partnerships and MOUs between RUA and its colleges and leading international institutions to co-design academic programs, collaborate on research, and offer enriching cultural education and development programs.

In December 2025, RUA announced partnerships between RUA's College of Film and the University of Southern California's (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), between SOAS University of London and RUA's College of Heritage and Civilization Studies, AMDA College of the Performing Arts and RUA's College of Theater and Performing Arts, and between ESSEC Business School and RUA's College of Cultural Management.

Riyadh University of Arts was announced in September 2025 at the Cultural Investment Conference by Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan as a cornerstone of creative education and cultural innovation. The university aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to shape the future of Saudi Arabia's creative economy.

Further details of RUA, its colleges, and partnerships will be announced on its official website when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.

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Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Renovates Historic Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Renovates Historic Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s authentic architectural identity.

One of its recent projects is the comprehensive renovation of Al-Qibli Mosque in the old neighborhood of Manfuha in Riyadh. The restoration reflects traditional Najdi architecture and highlights the mosque’s connection to the town’s administrative and social history, SPA reported.

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace. It was historically the closest mosque to the town’s seat of government and was frequented by princes and prominent figures. The mosque spans approximately 500 square meters. It includes an outer courtyard, an inner prayer hall, and a lower prayer room of equal size that dates back to the original construction. Square, plaster-lined windows on the north and south sides provide natural ventilation.

These were added during the mosque’s second reconstruction around 1364 AH (1945 AD).

The covered inner prayer hall measures 15 by 8 meters and rests on 33 columns arranged in three rows. It was built by architect Abdullah bin Masoud upon the order of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman. The roof is constructed using tamarisk and palm trunks, and a minaret stands at the center of the northern façade. Following earlier renovations in 1414 AH (1993 AD), the mosque remains the last mud-brick mosque in old Manfuha.

According to SPA, its design creates a visual connection between the courtyard and the inner hall, alongside a secluded lower prayer room. The site also includes the historic water fountain of Faris bin Abdullah bin Shaalan, who died in 1175 AH (1762 AD), and an old ablution area.

The current renovation uses the same local materials as the original construction, including mud, plaster, tamarisk wood, and palm fronds. Specialized Saudi heritage companies and engineers are overseeing the work to ensure preservation of historical authenticity while meeting modern sustainability standards.

The restoration aligns with the project’s four objectives: preparing historical mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural dimension, and enhancing religious significance. The project supports the cultural and civilizational goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to preserving the Kingdom’s architectural heritage for future generations.

Culture

Qassim Region Principality Illuminated in Green in Celebration of Founding Day

The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
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Qassim Region Principality Illuminated in Green in Celebration of Founding Day

The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA

The Qassim Region Principality building was illuminated in green in celebration of Founding Day.

The scene reflected pride in the historical roots of the Saudi state and embodied feelings of belonging on this cherished national occasion, SPA reported.

The illumination affirms the deep historical significance of Founding Day, marking 299 years since the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

It also reflects the enduring principles upon which it was founded, including unity, stability, and state-building. These foundations culminate in the security, stability, and prosperity that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys today under its wise leadership.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Century-Old Uqlat Al-Suqur Mosque in Qassim

The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)
The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Century-Old Uqlat Al-Suqur Mosque in Qassim

The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)
The renovation utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve the mosque's authentic Najdi architectural style. (SPA)

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of the Uqlat Al-Suqur Mosque in Qassim Region, revitalizing a heritage landmark dating back to 1922, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Originally the only mosque in the area, it served as a vital religious and social hub for education and community governance.

The renovation, executed by specialized Saudi firms, utilized traditional mud, stone, and wood to preserve its authentic Najdi architectural style.

The project increased the mosque's area to 544 square meters, expanding its capacity to 250 worshippers while maintaining its historical identity.

The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 to preserve the Kingdom's urban heritage and boost the cultural and religious significance of its historical mosques for future generations.