RIYADH: Saudi Arabia showcased the rising weight of its cultural economy this week as global leaders, investors and creatives convened for the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference.
The two-day event, held Monday and Tuesday in Riyadh, highlighted how the Kingdom is positioning culture as both an engine of growth and a source of national pride under Vision 2030.
For Tarak Ben Ammar, chairman of Eagle Pictures, the significance was clear.
“First of all, it’s a historical moment. There is no cultural investment conference in any country in the world that has ever happened. So mixing culture and investment was a very smart vision by Prince Badr, His Excellency, His Highness. And also because Saudi Arabia is now the leading country with its young population. Remember, five years ago there were no cinemas in Saudi Arabia.” he said.
Ben Ammar, who has more than five decades experience in the film industry, said he has witnessed the transformation of the sector in the Kingdom.
