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Quality of Life Program Continues to Empower Saudi Cultural Sector

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Quality of Life Program Continues to Empower Saudi Cultural Sector

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

The Quality of Life Program continues to support the transformation of Saudi Arabia's cultural sector, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for arts and culture, as outlined in Vision 2030. This is evident in the reopening of the King Fahd Cultural Center, the historic Qishlah Palace in Hail, and the launch of the teamLab Jeddah museum, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program also bolstered the production of Saudi films and series like "Threads of the Ma'azib," "Al Sharrar," and "Complex 75," while showcasing international films like "Kandahar" and "Dunki," filmed in the Kingdom.
The initiative to develop public libraries resulted in two new libraries in Dammam and Ahad Rufaidah, with plans for 153 cultural centers by 2030. The Saudi Artisanal Company was also established to support the handicraft sector and preserve Saudi heritage, SPA said.
In 2023, the program's cultural initiatives achieved remarkable success. The Cultural Development Fund, with 180 million riyals in funding, was established for over 45 projects. The Aruq Bani Ma'arid was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The King Abdulaziz Historical Palace and Jerash archaeological site in the south of the Kingdom were restored, and the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in Diriyah opened, hosting the Biennale exhibition with over 16,232 visitors.
The "Nuqush Al Uqair" event in Al-Ahsa attracted over 60,000 visitors and highlighted the region's traditional crafts. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts trained over 1,453 individuals and participated in international cultural events, SPA reported.
The Professional Music Association and the Professional Museums Association were established to foster diversity. The initiative to enhance Saudi contributions to culture and the arts presented over 100 diverse performances, and the Culinary Arts Authority hosted three cultural festivals across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar, the news agency added.

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Culture

Saudi Heritage Commission Wins 2025 New York Product Design Award

Saudi Heritage Commission Wins 2025 New York Product Design Award
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Saudi Heritage Commission Wins 2025 New York Product Design Award

Saudi Heritage Commission Wins 2025 New York Product Design Award

Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission achieved a new international milestone after winning the Silver Category at the 2025 New York Product Design Awards for its creative work, Al-Qaayed Craft Mural, one of the most prominent products of the Artisans House in Jazan Region.

This recognition coincides with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, launched by the Kingdom to strengthen the presence of traditional crafts and highlight their cultural and economic value. The award reflects the commission’s ability to present Saudi handicrafts in contemporary forms that keep pace with innovation while showcasing the richness of national identity, SPA reported.

With this achievement, the Heritage Commission has raised its total award count this year to six, including five international honors and one regional distinction, bringing its overall accolades since establishment to 13 across the fields of heritage, handicrafts, and design.

The commission emphasized that this international recognition embodies its ongoing commitment to preserving and developing handicrafts within the framework of the Year of Handicrafts 2025.

It also highlights the integration of efforts by its specialized teams and its effective local and international partnerships to support male and female artisans and enable their products to reach global creative platforms, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Culture

Saudi National Museum Celebrates World Arabic Language Day with Focus on Heritage, Crafts

The Saudi National Museum is organizing a cultural program to celebrate World Arabic Language Day 2025, which is observed annually on December 18
The Saudi National Museum is organizing a cultural program to celebrate World Arabic Language Day 2025, which is observed annually on December 18
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Saudi National Museum Celebrates World Arabic Language Day with Focus on Heritage, Crafts

The Saudi National Museum is organizing a cultural program to celebrate World Arabic Language Day 2025, which is observed annually on December 18
The Saudi National Museum is organizing a cultural program to celebrate World Arabic Language Day 2025, which is observed annually on December 18

Saudi Arabia’s National Museum is organizing a cultural program to celebrate World Arabic Language Day 2025, which is observed annually on December 18.

The program will run over three days, offering visitors a unique experience that combines heritage, arts, and the Arabic language.

The celebration will feature a series of cultural and intellectual dialogues exploring the human and cultural dimensions of the Arabic language.

A key highlight is a session titled "the aesthetics of language in Saudi folk songs," which will examine the relationship between traditional folk songs and highlight the role of language in preserving cultural heritage, connecting tools and crafts to the living heritage of Saudi societies.

The program also offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore literary and cultural works through a book signing session with a conversational style, allowing direct interaction with authors and the exploration of the aesthetics of Arabic in their texts.

The program will conclude its activities with a series of workshops, interactive activities, and artistic performances that reflect the richness and diversity of traditional crafts and arts, providing visitors with an exceptional cultural experience that blends discovery, knowledge, and celebration of living heritage.

Culture

Saudi Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with ESSEC Business School for Riyadh University of Arts

The signing ceremony was held at Fenaa Alawwal, a leading cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. SPA
The signing ceremony was held at Fenaa Alawwal, a leading cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. SPA
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Saudi Culture Ministry Signs Partnership with ESSEC Business School for Riyadh University of Arts

The signing ceremony was held at Fenaa Alawwal, a leading cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. SPA
The signing ceremony was held at Fenaa Alawwal, a leading cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture signed on Sunday a partnership with ESSEC Business School, for Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)’s College of Cultural Management, to nurture creative talent and foster cross-cultural exchange, according to a statement issued by the ministry

The signing ceremony was held at Fenaa Alawwal, a leading cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development at the Culture Ministry Noha Kattan signed for Riyadh University of Arts, while Dean and President of the ESSEC Business School Vincenzo Vinzi signed on behalf of ESSEC Business School.

Under this partnership, ESSEC will collaborate with RUA to co-design and deliver specialized programs for the College of Cultural Management, equipping future leaders with the skills to shape the evolving cultural landscape.

Founded in 1907, ESSEC Business School is among Europe’s most prestigious institutions, recognized for its academic excellence, global reach, and commitment to innovation and ethical leadership. Its programs emphasize experiential learning and empower students to drive meaningful impact across industries.

Riyadh University of Arts will offer a progressive educational framework spanning all levels and disciplines within the arts and culture sectors, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s, higher diplomas, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Further details on RUA, its academic programs, and international partnerships will be available on its official website, set to launch in the first quarter of 2026.

The statement added that the partnership with ESSEC is part of a series of partnerships and MoUs between Riyadh University of Arts and top-tier international institutions, advancing academic excellence, research collaboration, and world-class cultural education.