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This week marked a significant milestone as ºÚÁÏÉçÇø hosted the first Cultural Investment Conference.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan said culture had become an influential asset with measurable returns, scalable models and long-term value.

The event sent a clear signal to both local and international investors about the scale of governmental backing and the extensive infrastructure now available to support the sector.

Since 2016, the government has allocated more than SR81 billion ($21.6 billion) for cultural infrastructure.

Vice Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez said during the conference that the ministry’s role was to create a dynamic marketplace where genuine demand, services and supply came together.

During the conference, 89 agreements were signed, with a combined value of about SR5 billion.

The Saudi Cultural Development Fund also announced agreements worth about SR3 billion.

About 50,000 companies have investments in the Saudi cultural and creative sectors, of which about 1,700 are from outside the country.

For international investors, access to reliable information is a key factor in decision-making, as is the ability to visit and witness the sector’s potential first-hand — something facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism’s streamlined e-visa system.

The event sent a clear signal to both local and international investors about the extensive infrastructure now available to support the sector.

News and communication updates also play a crucial role, with sources such as the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Investment serving as essential points of reference.

The conference brought together several ministries, reflecting their collective and dynamic approach. Coordination is essential if the sector is to achieve its full potential.
When it comes to international partnerships, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø is increasingly positioning itself on the global cultural map through high-profile events hosted both locally and abroad, including biennales, theatrical performances, cultural exchange programs and art fairs.

Recently, the Saudi Orchestra performed in Versailles, France and several events are planned for Frieze Week 2025 in London.

International interest in Saudi cultural and artistic development is growing steadily. Global auction houses are also increasing their presence in the Kingdom.

Bonhams Middle East, for instance, will host its first initiative in Riyadh from Oct. 8-10, showcasing works by pioneering Saudi modernists. These will then be offered for sale at Bonhams’ Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art auction in London next month.

The question of where the greatest value, or the most significant cultural asset to invest in, lies is increasingly relevant.

A notable example is the Chinese company Ori Group, which recently established its Saudi regional headquarters with an investment of $540 million.

Every nation has its distinctive cultural assets: South Korea with its K culture, Japan with anime, manga and gaming IP, Brazil with music, carnival and creative tourism, Canada with film, television and music production and South Africa with film, music and heritage tourism.

In ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, the momentum appears to be heading toward film, creative innovation and phygital (physical-digital) art and experiences. This cultural transformation reveals vast resources, a promising generation and a bright future.

There is clearly a strong appetite for investment in the sector and what emerges next could redefine how cultural value is understood on both a local and international level.

• Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.ÌýÌýX: @GhadahWA

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