Latest news with #SaudiCulture
Travel Daily News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Riyadh Air and Ministry of Culture partner to elevate Saudi heritage
Riyadh Air and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture partner to embed authentic Saudi heritage into the airline's operations, enhancing global cultural engagement. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national airline, has signed a landmark strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture to transform the travel experience by embedding authentic Saudi culture into every aspect of its operations. The agreement was signed during an official ceremony at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh, with Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Vice Minister of Culture, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. This collaboration will highlight the Kingdom's unique identity while promoting its diverse heritage to travelers worldwide. Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Vice Minister of Culture, said: 'This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of making Saudi culture a central part of everyday life. Together with Riyadh Air we are transforming air travel into a platform for cultural discovery, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 and ensuring that every traveler experiences the richness of Saudi heritage.' Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, echoed these sentiments: 'At Riyadh Air, we take pride in being more than just an airline—we are ambassadors of Saudi culture. This partnership allows us to bring the beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia to life through every detail of the travel experience, from our branding to the services we provide onboard and in our lounges. Through this collaboration, we are not only elevating the travel experience but also contributing to the broader goals of Vision 2030 by promoting Saudi Arabia's creative economy and supporting local talent.' The agreement includes several key initiatives designed to enrich the passenger journey: Seasonal Cultural Campaigns: Riyadh Air terminals will be transformed into dynamic spaces celebrating Saudi heritage, featuring interactive displays, art installations, and live performances. Immersive In-Flight Content: Travelers will enjoy curated content that showcases Saudi Arabia's historical sites, cultural festivals, and artistic achievements. Special Event Flights: Dedicated flights will coincide with major cultural events, offering passengers exclusive access to Saudi Arabia's most iconic celebrations. As part of the partnership, Riyadh Air will collaborate with Saudi designers, artists, and musicians to incorporate contemporary interpretations of Saudi culture into its operations. Recent examples include the airline's collaboration with renowned Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi, whose work has influenced everything from cabin interiors to staff uniforms. Additionally, Riyadh Air recently unveiled its auditory identity, 'The Sound of a New Era of Travel,' developed in partnership with the Music Commission and performed by the Saudi National Orchestra. This initiative blends traditional Saudi melodies with modern arrangements, creating a soundscape that resonates with both local and international audiences. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air's journey to become a global leader in culturally enriched travel. By aligning with the Ministry of Culture's objectives under Vision 2030, the airline is setting a new standard for how aviation can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Arab News
01-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Japan took part in a panel discussion and networking event during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Hosted by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, the event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia. Titled 'Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage,' the event at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion brought together global investors, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to explore the Kingdom's cultural renaissance. The discussion, moderated by cultural researcher Saba Al-Khamis, featured Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the pavilion; CDF chief credit and investment officer Basil Al-Alola; Darren Barker, founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi artisan design brand Accents. The fund aims to position culture as a catalyst for global partnerships and investment, sharing success stories and sector-specific opportunities, Al-Alola said in a statement. The dialogue emphasized culture as an engine for economic diversification and social growth, highlighting CDF's tailored financing solutions driving the sector's sustainable expansion. The event celebrated Saudi artistic heritage through handicraft displays aligned with the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, alongside a performance by Japanese violinist Ikuko Kawai symbolizing Saudi-Japanese cultural collaboration. 'Our participation translates Saudi cultural assets into economic value,' Al-Alola said. 'We're connecting international investors with local innovators to build a globally integrated cultural economy in line with Vision 2030.' Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia's cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Culture Ministry Launches Research Grants to Enrich Cultural Studies
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of six specialized research grants as part of the inaugural cycle of its Culture Research Grants Program. The initiative aligns with the Ministry's strategic vision to strengthen scientific research in the cultural sector and advance the generation of cultural knowledge. The grants reflect the cultural research priorities announced at the end of last year: culture in its context, cultural contact, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and quality of life, and cultural policies and regulations. The grants are designed to empower researchers and practitioners to contribute to these priorities through high-quality studies that enrich academic knowledge and support the development of the cultural sector. The Anthropological Studies Grant encourages anthropological research focused on the culture of the Arabian Peninsula, aiming to bridge academic gaps in the field, deepen scientific understanding of cultural elements and their social and economic contexts, preserve national memory, and provide a robust scientific foundation for cultural heritage documentation and policymaking. The Saudi Arabia from a Global Perspective Grant invites studies that explore the connections between Saudi culture and global civilizations, highlighting the Kingdom's and the Arabian Peninsula's historical contributions to cultural development and transformation. The Children's Culture Grant addresses research gaps related to cultural production for children. Falling under the theme of diversity and inclusion, it aims to examine participation patterns and determinants, supporting efforts to ensure inclusive engagement across all segments of society. The Rights of Creatives and Artists Grant promotes research into the challenges surrounding intellectual property rights for artists and creators. It aims to build an evidence base to support policymakers in protecting creative works, while identifying innovative ways to safeguard these rights amid rapid technological change. The Creative Economy Grant, aligned with the priority of sustainability and quality of life, seeks to expand scientific knowledge on the contribution of the creative economy to sustainable development. It encourages studies that assess the economic challenges facing cultural institutions and professionals and supports the development of sustainable business models for cultural industries. The Culture and Sustainability Grant supports research on the intersection of culture with environmental, economic, and social sustainability. It aims to evaluate the effects of environmental challenges on the cultural sector and to empower cultural practitioners to adopt sustainable practices. The Ministry's announcement of these grants underscores its commitment to fostering scientific research, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing the body of cultural knowledge, and promoting innovation across the sector. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Ministry's broader research strategy, which aims to strengthen the relationship between cultural production and scientific inquiry at both regional and global levels, while creating a distinguished research environment that elevates the quality and impact of cultural studies.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From Tradition to Modernity: Kingdom Photography Award Frames Saudi Narratives
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, May 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Visual Arts Commission has launched two evocative photography exhibitions at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah— "Hay Ainek – In a New Light" and "When the Fog Whispers"—marking the third edition of the Kingdom Photography Award, a platform celebrating powerful visual storytelling from across Saudi Arabia. The award received over 1,300 submissions and more than 6,000 images, showcasing talent from across the Kingdom. "Hay Ainek – In a New Light" features 30 standout winners who captured Saudi culture through a contemporary lens. Among them, Huda Ali Al Neb reimagined Najdi architecture with vibrant hues, challenging the traditional view of colorless mudbrick homes. Mohammed Aljuraybi portrayed a potter at work, reflecting on craftsmanship as a bridge between generations. Kawthar Ali Ibrahim photographed a man sitting in an empty airport lounge, highlighting quiet introspection in a space built for transience. Hayat Osamah and Sawsan Abdullah used black and white photography to explore serenity, resilience, and the connection between nature and identity—Abdullah's work is especially notable as she overcame physical challenges to tell layered, meaningful stories. Judged by a distinguished panel—Kholood Saleh Al-Bakr, Sara Al-Mutlaq (Saudi Arabia), Rola Khayyat (Qatar/USA), Roi Saade (Lebanon), and Shannon Ghannam (Australia)—the award celebrated images that combined technical craft with emotional depth. Running alongside it, "When the Fog Whispers" features commissioned work from Abdulmajeed Al Roudhan, Elham Al Dawsari, Lina Geoushy, Mohamed Mahdy, and Hicham Gardaf, capturing poetic, personal reflections of the Aseer highlands. A robust public program accompanies the exhibitions, including interactive workshops for photographers of all levels, artist talks, and community events aimed at fostering artistic engagement. These workshops offer a platform for aspiring photographers to gain hands-on experience, receive guidance from industry experts, and enhance their skills in various aspects of visual storytelling. Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, reflected, "The Kingdom Photography Award began as an initiative to spotlight local talent and now reflects a bold, confident visual arts scene in Saudi Arabia. Through exhibitions, mentorship, and storytelling, we're nurturing a generation of artists deeply rooted in identity and ready to engage the world. Photography is capturing the soul of our nation—its heritage, its people, its future—as we build a creative ecosystem where Saudi stories take center stage globally." These exhibitions reaffirm photography's power to preserve, document, and connect—positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising hub for artistic expression. About The Ministry of Culture Saudi Arabia has a vast history of arts and culture. The Ministry of Culture is developing Saudi Arabia's cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents, and visitors. Overseeing 11 sector-specific commissions, the Ministry works towards the support of and preservation of a vibrant culture that is true to its past and looks to the future by cherishing heritage and unleashing new and inspiring forms of expression for all. Find the Ministry of Culture on social media: X @MOCSaudi_En (English) | Instagram @mocsaudi *Source: AETOSWire View source version on Contacts Mohamed Alshiblepr@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Trade Arabia
18-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Construction begins on heritage museum in Diriyah
The Misk Heritage Museum 'Asaan' has announced the start of construction today at the site that will host this prominent cultural landmark in the historic district of Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ground-breaking was held during a special ceremony organised by the museum to coincide with the Kingdom's celebrations of International Museum Day and was attended by representatives from the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Diriyah Company and designers Zaha Hadid Architects. The museum spans an area of 40,000 sq m and moves beyond the traditional museum concept to offer integrated cultural experiences. Through interactive spaces, workshops, and activities rooted in local environments, visitors will be immersed in the daily life of past generations, exploring traditional arts, crafts, stories, customs, and social values. Asaan provides a vibrant window into Saudi culture, showcasing its tangible and intangible dimensions. The museum is an initiative of the Misk Foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting the diversity and authenticity of Saudi heritage. Asaan's contemporary architectural design, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, is inspired by the traditional Najdi style and reflects Saudi Arabia's rich architectural identity. Upon opening, the museum will feature a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory specialising in restoring and preserving heritage artifacts and artworks, a hub for knowledge exchange, and a training ground for the next generation of museum professionals. The launch of Asaan construction marks a significant milestone in developing a cultural landmark that celebrates Saudi heritage and elevates its global standing. It is a living embodiment of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy and strengthening national identity, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, according to a statement from the museum. Khaled Al Saqer, CEO of the Misk Heritage Museum Asaan, stated: "Marking International Museum Day by commencement of construction of Asaan is a historic milestone in our mission to safeguard and celebrate Saudi heritage. Asaan's role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world." "Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts. These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage," he added. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: 'Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah's portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a modern way that strengthens its global presence. 'The museum supports our broader goal of establishing Diriyah as a world-class destination that celebrates history, culture, and national identity. We're excited about the programmes and activities Asaan will bring, as they will offer something truly special for the community and for visitors from around the world.' Asaan's mission is to preserve Saudi heritage and celebrate its authenticity and diversity by showcasing extensive collections of cultural artifacts through immersive exhibitions and inspiring spaces.-
