Saudi Arabia launches Riyadh University of Arts to boost creative economy

Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the Riyadh University of Arts, a landmark institution designed to become a hub for cultural education and one of the Kingdom’s most significant investments in the creative sector.

The new university will equip students with the skills and knowledge to drive growth in the cultural and creative industries, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.

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Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan unveiled the initiative during the opening of the Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh.

“This institution will serve as a cornerstone for creative education and cultural innovation, enabling our students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and vision that will shape the Kingdom’s cultural future,” he was quoted as saying.

“By supporting talents and celebrating our heritage, we aim to equip the next generation with the skills necessary to boost the creative economy’s growth.”

Structure and academic programs

The university, located at Riyadh’s Irqah campus, will open with three colleges: Music, Film, and Theatre and Performing Arts.

Over time, it will expand to 13 colleges, covering disciplines such as Architecture and Design, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, Literature, Heritage Studies, Cultural Management, Fashion, and more.

Riyadh University of Arts will offer a full spectrum of academic programs – from short courses and diplomas to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs.

Scholarships for outstanding cultural talents will also be provided. The institution’s official website will launch in early 2026, SPA reported.

According to SPA, the university aspires to join the world’s top 50 institutions specializing in arts and culture, with a mission to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the cultural sector.

The Ministry of Culture said the university has partnered with leading international institutions to design curricula, collaborate on research, and provide advanced training in arts and cultural education.

Riyadh University of Arts will directly address the Kingdom’s growing demand for skilled cultural professionals, with the sector projected to expand by 7 percent annually over the next decade. Officials estimate more than 300,000 new jobs will be created, contributing over 80 billion riyals ($21.3 billion) to the national economy by 2030, SPA added.

By 2040, the university expects up to 30,000 students to graduate and as many as 1,500 teachers to be trained to support the creative economy.

The launch of Riyadh University of Arts reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader push to diversify its economy and build a thriving cultural sector as part of Vision 2030.

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