Saudi Arabia To Open Regions First Cultural University In 2026

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.   

The university’s vision is “to be the inspiring beacon of knowledge for future generations, integrating culture and arts, empowering students to discover passions and develop talents, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.”  

According to the post, the university's mission is to “cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering cutting-edge programs that foster cultural and artistic engagement, enriching both the Saudi and global communities.”  

RUA’s campus in Irqah district will host 13 colleges across disciplines such as film, music, cultural management, visual arts and photography, culinary arts, heritage studies, and more.   

The first batch of academic programs will be launched under three colleges: the College of Theater and Performing Arts, the College of Music, and the College of Film. These will operate in collaboration with international cultural education institutions.  

The university will offer a wide range of academic credentials, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, Ph.Ds, and short courses. 

The launch reflects the Kingdom’s broader momentum in the cultural sector, which in 2024 attracted nearly 288,000 visitors to heritage-related events. Major attractions included the International Festival of Traditional Games in Riyadh, which drew more than 108,000 participants, and World Heritage Day, which welcomed over 54,000 visitors. Other initiatives such as the Diriyah-based Dirb Zubaida program, heritage village experiences, and traditional arts festivals, underscore the growing appetite for cultural and heritage activities.

These developments highlight the sector’s expanding role in promoting cultural awareness and safeguarding heritage.