Aḥwāl Al-Ma‘rifah - Special

A Royal Decree has approved the establishment of Riyadh University of Arts, in accordance with its own regulations, with its headquarters in Riyadh. The university will specialize in culture and the arts and will operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

The establishment of Riyadh University of Arts reflects the leadership’s continued interest in developing the cultural sector and strengthening specialized education in culture and the arts. It aims to prepare national talent in different creative fields and provide an advanced educational environment that supports cultural activities and the growth of cultural and creative industries in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported today, March 14, that Riyadh University of Arts will be an independent educational institution with its own legal identity and financial and administrative independence. It will offer specialized academic programs in several areas of culture and the arts, following international best practices in arts and cultural education.

The university will also help prepare Saudi professionals who can contribute to the development of the cultural and creative sectors, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

SPA added that the Royal Decree authorizes the Minister of Culture to carry out the responsibilities of the university’s Board of Trustees until the board is formally established according to the university’s regulations. This will help complete the necessary administrative and organizational procedures and allow the university to begin its academic and educational activities.

The university is also expected to develop an advanced education system through academic partnerships with respected international educational institutions. These partnerships will support the exchange of academic knowledge, improve educational programs, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural and creative center in the region.

Riyadh University of Arts is expected to become a home for many artistic and cultural fields already present in Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene, including fine arts, sculpture, design and graphic arts, digital art, calligraphy, miniatures, decorative arts, fashion, traditional handicrafts, Arabic calligraphy, architectural and aesthetic design, music, singing, opera, theater, cinema, and many other classical and modern visual and performing arts.

The establishment of Riyadh University of Arts comes just four days after the launch and establishment of the Royal Institute for Anthropology and Cultural Studies, marking a new cultural and intellectual era for the Kingdom