RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will establish the Middle East and North Africa’s first cultural university as it steps up investment in its creative economy.
Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud unveiled the Riyadh University of Arts at the Cultural Investment Conference, saying the institution will begin operations in 2026. The university will focus on practice-based learning and global academic partnerships, with scholarships available to support emerging talents.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to nurture the cultural and creative industries in line with Vision 2030.
On its official X handle, the ministry stated: “During his speech at the Cultural Investment Conference 2025, HH Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud, Minister of Culture, announced the launch of Riyadh University of Arts, the first cultural university in the Middle East and North Africa.”
“RUA aims to champion creative learning with a teaching philosophy grounded in practice and project-based learning, and partnerships with internationally renowned academic partners in the various cultural disciplines,” the post added.
