عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Eight Creative Projects Support 'AlUla Cultural Grants' Initiative

The initiative exemplifies the partnerships forged by the RCU with institutions and artists both within the Kingdom and internationally. (SPA)
The initiative exemplifies the partnerships forged by the RCU with institutions and artists both within the Kingdom and internationally. (SPA)
TT
TT

Eight Creative Projects Support 'AlUla Cultural Grants' Initiative

The initiative exemplifies the partnerships forged by the RCU with institutions and artists both within the Kingdom and internationally. (SPA)
The initiative exemplifies the partnerships forged by the RCU with institutions and artists both within the Kingdom and internationally. (SPA)

The Royal Commission for AlUla, in partnership with the British Council, announced on Tuesday the selection of eight UK–Saudi cultural projects that have been awarded grants under the "AlUla Cultural Grants" initiative to foster creative exchange and long-term cultural collaboration.

The announcement of the selected projects marks a continuation of the cultural partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The initiative contributes to enriching the cultural landscape of AlUla Governorate. It aligns with the Royal Commission for AlUla’s commitment to transforming the region into a world-class destination for arts, heritage, and culture.

A statement by the Commission said the eight selected projects, chosen from a highly competitive pool of 78 applicants, span visual and performing arts, film, archaeology, museums, architecture, design, and fashion.

Each selected project will bring together UK-based artists and cultural practitioners with Saudi counterparts to co-create content, deliver training, and promote sustainable cultural growth in AlUla.

The initiative exemplifies the partnerships forged by the RCU with institutions and artists both within the Kingdom and internationally. It aims to deepen cross-cultural connections and strengthen sustainable global cooperation.

The initiative also reinforces AlUla’s role as a regional hub for cultural leadership and development, rooted in its rich historical heritage and unique natural environment.

Moreover, it supports efforts to build human capacity by promoting sustainable practices across culture, arts, and archaeology.

The Royal Commission for AlUla announced that the grant recipients’ projects will be showcased during the British Council’s 50th anniversary season in the Kingdom, running from November 2025 to February 2026, alongside the launch of the AlUla Arts Festival.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

Makkah Quran Museum Displays Rare ‘Blue Quran’ Manuscript

The Blue Quran is regarded as one of the rarest and most luxurious mushafs in Islamic civilization. (SPA)
The Blue Quran is regarded as one of the rarest and most luxurious mushafs in Islamic civilization. (SPA)
TT
TT

Makkah Quran Museum Displays Rare ‘Blue Quran’ Manuscript

The Blue Quran is regarded as one of the rarest and most luxurious mushafs in Islamic civilization. (SPA)
The Blue Quran is regarded as one of the rarest and most luxurious mushafs in Islamic civilization. (SPA)

The Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah is displaying a rare folio from the famed “Al-Muṣḥaf Al-Azraq” (Blue Quran), featuring verses from Surah Al-Baqarah, from the end of verse 37 to the beginning of verse 42, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The exhibit highlights the richness of Islamic Quranic heritage and its ancient artistic legacy.

The Blue Quran is regarded as one of the rarest and most luxurious mushafs in Islamic civilization. It was written in pure gold ink in early Kufic script on a deep blue background, reflecting a distinctive artistic style that underscores early Muslims’ reverence for the Quranic text and their dedication to the aesthetics of its calligraphy.

Dating back to the 9th century, the manuscript holds exceptional historical and scholarly value. It stands as a testament to the development of Arabic calligraphy and illumination during the early Islamic period.

Surviving pages of the Blue Quran are extremely rare and are now dispersed among a limited number of museums and private collections worldwide.

The display forms part of the museum’s efforts to introduce visitors to the history of the mushaf and the artistic stages of its transcription, offering access to extraordinary examples of Quranic manuscripts.

The initiative aims to deepen cultural awareness and enrich the experience of visitors to the Hira Cultural District from within the Kingdom and abroad.

The Holy Quran Museum serves as a cultural and educational landmark, highlighting the history of the Quran and its journey since the revelation. It houses rare manuscripts and historic copies of the Quran, alongside interactive exhibits and modern technologies that reflect Muslims’ enduring devotion to the Quran throughout the centuries, in a location closely associated with the dawn of the Islamic message.

Culture

Riyadh Art Unveils Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026

The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA
The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA
TT
TT

Riyadh Art Unveils Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026

The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA
The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, via its Riyadh Art program, has launched the Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 exhibition on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia).

Open to the public from February 9 to 22, the exhibition showcases 25 new artworks themed "Traces of What Will Be," exploring transformation and urban renewal.

The sculptures were crafted during a live phase from January 10 to February 5, during which artists from 18 countries used local stone and recycled metals, allowing the public to witness the creative process firsthand.

The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works.

Overseen by a panel of international experts, the exhibition serves as an interactive cultural platform featuring workshops and panel discussions to foster community engagement.

All 2026 pieces will join Riyadh Art's permanent collection, which has hosted over 170 artists since 2019 and already installed more than 60 sculptures across the city to integrate contemporary art into Riyadh's urban fabric.

Culture

Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
TT
TT

Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh visited the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, held from February 6 to 16, where the Kingdom is serving as the Guest of Honor.

He commended the efforts of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in showcasing the rich diversity of the Saudi cultural and literary scene. The pavilion features exhibitions of manuscripts, a Saudi fashion corner, and archaeological replicas, SPA reported.

The minister reviewed the commission's Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi literature comics.

This participation at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair showcases Saudi creativity and fosters cultural dialogue, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of knowledge exchange and cultural leadership.