Saudi Arabia plans to establish the Middle East and North Africa’s first cultural university as part of its growing investment in the creative economy.

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud unveiled the Riyadh University of Arts (RUA) at the Cultural Investment Conference, confirming that the university will begin operations in 2026. The institution will focus on practice-based teaching, foster international academic partnerships, and offer scholarships to support emerging talent.

Located in Riyadh’s Irqah district, the campus will house 13 colleges covering disciplines such as film, music, cultural management, visual arts, culinary arts, and heritage studies.

The first programs will launch under three colleges—Theater and Performing Arts, Music, and Film—developed in collaboration with international cultural education institutions. RUA will offer diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate diplomas, PhDs, and short courses.

On its official X account, the Ministry of Culture described the university’s vision as “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.”

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to expand the country’s cultural and creative industries. In 2024, the sector attracted nearly 288,000 visitors to heritage-related events, including the International Festival of Traditional Games, which drew 108,000 visitors, and World Heritage Day, with 54,000 attendees, highlighting growing public engagement with cultural and heritage activities.