RISE Launches Arts & Culture Practice to Drive Commercial Growth of the Sector Across MENA
The MENA region's leading independent sports, culture and entertainment commercial agency, RISE Group, has launched a specialist Arts & Culture practice, headed by industry expert from Bahrain, Rayyah Fathalla. RISE's dedicated team of arts & culture specialists will provide strategic and commercial advisory to a sector undergoing rapid evolution. 'Launching a dedicated Arts & Culture practice was a logical and timely progression for RISE,' says Fathalla. 'Our aim is to help cultural institutions and heritage sites realise their full potential by adopting commercial strategies that are both innovative and sustainable. The region's cultural landscape is becoming increasingly sophisticated and plays a huge role in developing local communities, quality of life and tourism. Our niche industry knowledge and deep understanding of the MENA region enable us to provide market–leading solutions.' RISE has supported the commercialisation of groundbreaking cultural projects such as Riyadh Art, including the Noor Riyadh festival, and the first Saudi Grand Opera. The agency has also delivered commercial projects for prominent clients, including the Ministry of Culture, the Heritage Commission, Diriyah Season, Qiddiya, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. With more than a decade of experience delivering high-profile commercial success in the region, RISE is well established as the market leader, guiding organisations through an increasingly competitive market. The new practice will provide specialised services including asset valuations, commercial strategy development, institutional management, sponsorship frameworks, sales activation, and market education. 'We recognise the importance of empowering our clients,' Fathalla added. 'Our role is not only to deliver commercial results but also to ensure organisations across the region are equipped with the knowledge to maintain sustainable growth in the long-term. It's an approach that builds resilient cultural economies.' Fathalla, a highly regarded cultural diplomacy advisor with more than 20 years of international expertise, previously led high-impact projects for major institutions including Expo 2020 Dubai, Brunswick Group, and the British Council, working closely with prestigious organisations such as the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, Christie's, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. With several significant projects underway across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, RISE's new practice is positioned to further strengthen the region's global cultural profile and drive sustained economic growth. For additional information on RISE's services, visit www.risegroupme.com.
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