Riyadh – October 1, 2025
The Ministry of Culture closed the Cultural Investment Conference 2025 last night, held at King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh with the participation of more than 150 speakers and 1,500 participants from cultural and investment leaders and decision-makers at the local and international levels.

Riyadh Arts University Launched, Investments Top 81 Billion Riyals

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, announced the launch of Riyadh Arts University as the first academic institution specialized in creative education and innovation, aimed at supplying the cultural sector with national talent. The ministry also revealed cultural infrastructure investments exceeding 81 billion riyals since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, with contributions from the government, private and non-profit sectors.

Rich Sessions and Strategic Discussions

Over two days, the conference held more than 38 sessions discussing the future of cultural investment as a lever for economic and social development, with participation from Saudi and international ministers and officials. Sessions covered topics including culture as a strategic investment, cultural capital and global creativity, public-private partnerships, and the role of major cultural initiatives and projects in showcasing national identity globally.

Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan delivered a recorded address affirming the role of Saudi culture in shaping an influential global footprint.

89 Agreements and Notable Projects

The conference saw 89 agreements signed, most notably:

At a Glance

  • Second film investment fund launched, worth 375 million riyals.
  • First fashion investment fund established, worth 300 million riyals.
  • Cultural assets fund launched, worth 850 million riyals.
  • Agreements with local and international bodies to develop craft education and establish major cultural projects in Riyadh and AlUla.
  • China's Uni Group announced opening its regional headquarters in Riyadh with investments exceeding 2 billion riyals.

The Ministry of Culture said holding the conference in the Kingdom for the first time reflects its commitment to turning culture into a promising investment opportunity and strengthening creative industries as one of the drivers of Vision 2030's economic diversification. The conference also highlighted culture's role in empowering national talent and cementing the Kingdom's standing as an influential force on the global cultural scene.