Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed his position, Saudi Arabia has witnessed the launch of Vision 2030, which has brought about a qualitative leap in various sectors. The Saudi cultural movement as one of the most important pillars of this transformation, reflected in the launch of dozens of cultural initiatives and projects that have contributed to building an integrated system and have strengthened the Kingdom's regional and international presence as a growing center for creativity, arts, and knowledge.
Roots of Transformation: From Ancient Heritage to Global Openness
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been a cradle of civilizations and a crossroads of diverse cultures throughout the ages. However, in recent decades, the cultural landscape has lacked an institutional framework to unify its diverse elements and showcase its treasures to the world. The establishment of the Saudi Ministry of Culture in 2018 marked a pivotal turning point, as the Kingdom transitioned from individual efforts to organized, institutional work. Specialized strategies were launched to develop 16 cultural sectors, including literature, theater, cinema, music, visual arts, museums, and heritage, in a move aimed at building an integrated cultural industry that supports creativity and opens new horizons for artists.
Dimensions and impacts of the Saudi cultural movement, both locally and internationally
The impact of the Saudi cultural movement has not been limited to the domestic sphere, but has extended to the regional and international arenas. Locally, these efforts have resulted in a significant expansion of cultural activity, with a rise in the number of events and projects, and an increase in the number of registered institutions, reflecting a growing interest in the sector as an engine for social and economic development. Reports indicate the existence of tens of thousands of commercial registrations related to cultural and creative activities. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom has become a key player in cultural diplomacy, hosting major global events and participating in international exhibitions, thus enhancing its soft power and correcting stereotypes, establishing Riyadh as a capital of Arab and global culture.
An artistic revolution redefines identity
A number of intellectuals and those interested in cultural affairs affirm that what the Kingdom is witnessing today represents a historic transformation. In this context, art critic Wael Saud Al-Otaibi explained that the Crown Prince's "Vision 2030" has brought about a radical shift in Saudi culture, adopting an approach that balances pride in national heritage with global openness.
Al-Otaibi added that art in Saudi Arabia has become a powerful industry, making its mark on the international stage. Saudi artists today are bolder and more open, presenting creative and daring ideas. He noted that the Saudi film scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with Saudi filmmakers competing globally and winning awards, thanks to unprecedented governmental and academic support. He emphasized that culture has become a soft power that fosters global dialogue, and that this shift in the Saudi mindset makes the Kingdom a cultural force that cannot be ignored.
A sustainable cultural project and an investment in creativity
For her part, Elena Grammatica, Italian consultant in public relations and cultural republican communication, explained that the cultural transformations in the Kingdom are “a long-term civilizational project that seeks to build a sustainable cultural industry,” noting that the Kingdom is a land full of civilizations and rich in cultures.
She emphasized that cultural media plays a pivotal role in highlighting these transformations, expressing her pride in working with prominent cultural institutions in the Kingdom since 2023. Grammatica considered the increasing investments in the cultural sector a strategic step towards building a creative economy that contributes to diversifying national income sources and providing ample opportunities for young people to work and create in various fields.
Poetry and literature: spaces for expression and encounter
In the field of literature, Saudi poet and writer Abdul-Ilah Dashisha said that the cultural movement has created a new space for creativity, and has provided poets and creators with wider opportunities to express their experiences and interact with the public locally and globally.
He explained that poetry is the oldest art form in the Arabian Peninsula, and that the Kingdom has been interested in poetry and in sponsoring literature and intellectuals, considering that supporting literary activities represents an extension of Vision 2030. He pointed to the Ministry of Culture’s initiatives such as “The Year of Arabic Poetry 2023” and the launch of cultural satellite channels and documentary programs that document the cultural heritage.
On the anniversary of the Crown Prince's pledge of allegiance, Dashisha wrote:
O youth of my beloved homeland… Let us extinguish the flames with knowledge.
The Crown Prince has called… The homeland is the dearest beloved.
Light candles and shine… The one with the expansive heart.
This falcon resembles his father… O dear ones, support him.
Do not obey the words of a slanderer… Whoever slanders, expose him.
Those who betrayed this land… have no right to dwell in it.
Look at the projects… Their mother is Muhammad and their father.
Nothing remains but strong arms… O beloved ones, roll them up
. Strengthen your resolve and build… And cultivate the lands.
May your life be long, O King… A king after him, with
a brilliant mind. How he confounds… Everyone who opposes him.
We are your strength, your men… We share in good and evil.
Global launch of the visual arts
As for the visual artist Walaa Baazeem, she confirmed that the Saudi presence in international art exhibitions and events has become more evident in recent years.
She stated that institutional support for culture has enabled artists to access international platforms, enhancing the Kingdom's image as a growing center of creativity. She added that what we are witnessing today is a "creative explosion" that has reshaped cultural identity and placed Saudi art at the heart of the global map, transforming cities into open-air museums. She concluded her remarks by renewing her pledge of allegiance, promising that artistic works will remain a mirror reflecting this golden age and documenting a story of boundless ambition.
