Ministry of Culture (Saudi Arabia)
| وزارة الثقافة | |
Bader bin Abdullah, the current Minister of Culture since 2 June 2018. | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | June 2, 2018 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Saudi Arabia |
| Headquarters | Riyadh |
| Minister responsible | |
| Child agency | |
| Website | Official English Website |
The Ministry of Culture (Arabic: وزارة الثقافة) is a government ministry in Saudi Arabia that oversees the Kingdom’s cultural sector and is responsible for developing policies related to culture in Saudi Arabia, heritage, arts, and creative industries.[1]
History
The Ministry of Culture was established on 2 June 2018, when the Ministry of Culture and Information was split into two independent entities: the Ministry of Media and the Ministry of Culture.[2]
From its founding, the ministry focused on preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, supporting local creative talent, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global cultural destination in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In 2019, it launched the National Cultural Strategy, which identified 16 key cultural sub-sectors such as heritage, film, fashion, music, literature, and culinary arts to guide its work and support economic growth and quality of life.[3]
Since its creation, the ministry has expanded Saudi Arabia’s cultural infrastructure and programs. In 2019, it took over the organization of the Riyadh International Book Fair. In 2021, it established the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts to nurture traditional skills. Also in 2021, the ministry launched the "Cultural Years" initiative, assigning a theme related to Saudi culture to each year to highlight different aspects of the Kingdom’s heritage and arts. In 2025, it introduced initiatives like the development of Saudi Fonts.[4][5][6][7][8]
List of ministers
| No. | Portrait | Minister | Took office | Left office | Time in office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bader bin Abdullah | 2 June 2018 | Incumbent | 7 years, 291 days |
Subordinate agencies
The following list contains the commissions operating under the Ministry of Culture:[9]
Cultural Awards
Cultural Awards are awards presented to Saudi individuals, cultural groups and organizations for their cultural contributions. The awards are presented in an annual event organized by the Ministry of Culture. The Cultural Awards were launched in 2020.[10]
The following is a list of award categories:[11]
Main Awards
- Cultural Pioneer Award
- Youth Cultural Award
- International Cultural Excellence Award
- Business Owners Award
- Cultural Institutions Award (For-Profit)
- Cultural Institutions Award (Non-Profit)
Sector Awards
- Literature Award
- Publishing Award
- Theater and Performing Arts Award
- Culinary Arts Award
- Architecture and Design Award
- Translation Award
- Fashion Award
- Film Award
- National Heritage Award
- Music Award
- Visual Arts Award
Cultural Years
Starting from 2021, the Ministry of Culture started giving a name that relates to Saudi culture to every year.[12][13][14][15] This is a list containing the years and their corresponding names:
| Logo | Year | Name | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Year of Arabic Calligraphy | Official Website | |
| 2022 | Year of Saudi Coffee | Official Website | |
| 2023 | Year of Arabic Poetry | Official Website | |
| 2024 | Year of the Camel | Official Website | |
| 2025 | Year of Handicrafts | Official Website |
See also
References
- ^ "Saudi Culture Ministry formed following a major Cabinet reshuffle". Arab News. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
- ^ Arab News (2 June 2018). "Saudi Arabia announces creation of Ministry of Culture". Eurasia Review. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "Ministry of Culture". Saudipedia. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "Riyadh International Book Fair 2023". Time Out Riyadh. 1 October 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "A Night of Cultural Exchange Through Music: 'Marvels of Saudi Orchestra' Performs in London". english.aawsat.com. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Wrth market to showcase Saudi arts in Riyadh". Arab News. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "Cultural Years". Ministry of Culture (Saudi Arabia). Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "Ministry of Culture unveils two new Saudi typefaces". Time Out Riyadh. 17 April 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "Cultural Commissions". moc.gov.sa. Saudi Ministry of Culture.
- ^ Tashkandi, Hala (1 July 2020). "Saudi ministry launches National Cultural Awards". Arab News. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ^ "About the National Cultural Awards". moc.gov.sa. Saudi Ministry of Culture. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ^ TASHKANDI, HALA (6 April 2020). "Saudi Arabia's Year of Arabic Calligraphy extended into 2021 over coronavirus concerns". Arab News. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Huang, Robyn (9 June 2022). "The country calling 2022 the 'year of coffee'". BBC. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Al Sherbini, Ramadan (2 February 2023). "Saudi Arabia designates 2023 'Year of Arabic Poetry'". Gulf News. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Saudi Culture Ministry reveals 'Year of the Camel' brand identity". Arab News. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.