Saudi Arabia Participates in UNESCO's 42nd General Conference in Paris

Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is leading Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, held in Paris between November 7 and 22. (SPA)
Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is leading Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, held in Paris between November 7 and 22. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Participates in UNESCO's 42nd General Conference in Paris

Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is leading Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, held in Paris between November 7 and 22. (SPA)
Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is leading Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, held in Paris between November 7 and 22. (SPA)

Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is leading Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, held in Paris between November 7 and 22.

The delegation includes representatives of the ministries of culture and education, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, and other national authorities.

Delivering the Kingdom’s speech at the conference, Prince Badr reviewed the achievements the Kingdom, in cooperation with UNESCO, accomplished in the past two years in the field of education, science and culture.

Minister of Education and Vice-Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Yousef Al-Benyan will deliver a speech at the ministerial session concerned with revising UNESCO's 1974 Draft Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Cooperation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom.

The Saudi delegation is participating in several meetings and committees tackling culture, education, science, communication and information, programs and external relations, as well as several other topics, including UNESCO budget for 2024 and 2025, and the Human Resources Strategy for UNESCO in the period 2023-2027.

Various other Saudi entities are taking part in the events associated with the current session of the conference to showcase the Kingdom's achievements in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Among them is the Royal Commission for AlUla, which has a pavilion highlighting its partnership with UNESCO in conserving heritage, education, building capacity, environment and creative arts.

The Ministry of Culture is participating in the Partners' Forum, organized by UNESCO on the sidelines of the General Conference, to feature the six projects it launched in collaboration with UNESCO through the Saudi Cultural Development Fund.



Cultural Camp at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Showcases Saudi Heritage

The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
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Cultural Camp at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Showcases Saudi Heritage

The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA
The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity - SPA

The cultural camp is a key feature of the 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, held in Al-Sayahid desert. The camp celebrates authentic Saudi heritage and reinforces culture as a cornerstone of national identity, according to SPA.

It offers a range of programs, including live performances and interactive events, that highlight camels' historical significance in Arab culture and illustrate the values of patience, strength, and belonging.

The camp has attracted over 2,000 guests from 71 nationalities, emphasizing its global appeal as a cultural platform for diversity and tradition.

Visitors engage with cultural content through innovative methods that merge authenticity with modern technology, enhancing awareness of the camel's cultural legacy. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by preserving heritage and connecting younger generations with their roots.


Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Announces 25 Participating Artists for Seventh Edition

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
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Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Announces 25 Participating Artists for Seventh Edition

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA
The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program - SPA

Under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, Tuwaiq Sculpture has announced the selection of 25 artists for the seventh edition of the annual sculpture symposium and exhibition, taking place from January 10 to February 22, 2026.

This year’s edition unfolds under the curatorial theme “Traces of What Will Be,” inviting artists to reflect on how sculptural form can express the physical, cultural and conceptual traces that shape the future of cities and communities, SPA reported.

A total of 25 artists from 18 countries, including Saudi artists, have been selected for the seventh edition. Their proposals reflect a diverse range of artistic approaches, responding to the theme through explorations of transformation, place, and materiality.

Director of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium Sarah Alruwayti said: "The seventh edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture received more than 590 applications, reflecting the cultural diversity and global interest in the symposium. The selection of the 25 participating artists was carried out by a jury of industry experts and specialists. Their proposals show meaningful engagement with the theme and reflect the strength and diversity of contemporary sculptural practice. We look forward to welcoming them to Riyadh for the creation of new works that will become lasting additions to the city.”

Building on the evolving material practice of the symposium, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 introduces two sculpting categories: granite with optional stainless-steel integration and reclaimed metal. Twenty artists will work in granite, while five will create new works in reclaimed metal. Over four weeks, they will produce large-scale sculptures that will later be added to Riyadh Art’s permanent public art collection.

The 2026 edition features a month-long live sculpting phase alongside a community engagement program, inviting visitors to witness the creation of artworks and take part in panel discussions and workshops. The symposium will conclude with a public exhibition showcasing the completed sculptures from its seventh edition.


ALECSO Celebrates Opening of Arabic Calligraphy Center in Saudi Arabia

Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
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ALECSO Celebrates Opening of Arabic Calligraphy Center in Saudi Arabia

Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA
Arabic calligraphy adorns wrcades, Walls of the Grand Mosque of Makkah - SPA

The Arab League of Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) congratulated Saudi Arabia on the opening of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy in Madinah on December 22, 2025.

In a statement, ALECSO called the center a significant addition to the Arab and Islamic cultural landscape, noting its role in preserving Arabic calligraphy and enhancing its global presence, SPA reported.

This achievement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to culture and heritage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of fostering cultural creativity and reinforcing Arabic identity.

ALECSO emphasized that such institutions serve as global bridges for cultural exchange and ensure the relevance of traditional arts through dedicated research and training facilities.