The cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia: Paths of preservation and development
Culture and heritage have received significant attention during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, as they are considered fundamental pillars in strengthening national identity and a promising sector within the Kingdom's future vision. The policies of the Ministry of Culture and its affiliated bodies translate this attention into programs and initiatives that aim to preserve heritage and enhance cultural identity, while remaining open to global experiences and engaging with the international cultural scene.
Quality programs to promote cultural identity
Among the most prominent initiatives launched by the Ministry is the Cultural Scholarship , which allows school students to enroll in specialized cultural institutions outside the Kingdom. This initiative aims to refine skills and enhance national expertise in the arts and humanities. It contributes to long-term efforts to build a qualified human capital capable of shaping the future of the Saudi cultural landscape.
Arts and Cultural Dialogue
The last phase witnessed a remarkable surge in organizing events focused on contemporary and Islamic arts, reflecting the Kingdom's pursuit of a balance between tradition and modernity. Cultural dialogue with countries around the world was also strengthened within the framework of soft diplomacy based on the exchange of knowledge and arts, contributing to enhancing Saudi Arabia's position as an active cultural player on the international stage.
Supporting the film industry
In the same vein, the film industry has received increasing support, with incentives for companies and investors to enter the field and develop its content. This aligns with a strategic direction aimed at building a sustainable cultural and economic industry. A prime example of this is the Red Sea International Film Festival , held in Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival served as a platform to showcase the "new Saudi cinema" and highlight its presence on the global stage.
Historical mosques and urban identity
Alongside the artistic events, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Historical Mosques Development Project , which aims to preserve local architectural identity and reinforce the aesthetics of Saudi architecture. This project combines the spiritual and cultural dimensions, reflecting a deep understanding of the relationship between religious heritage and national identity.
National Heritage and Protection of Archaeological Sites
Regarding the protection of archaeological sites, the Heritage Commission launched an initiative to remove distortions from historical sites across the Kingdom. This initiative aims to preserve the authentic character of these sites and address the damage they have sustained, thereby enhancing their historical and cultural value. The Kingdom also continued its efforts to register more sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List , a move that underscores its commitment to international standards for heritage protection.
Analysis and Implications
These moves indicate that the Kingdom is striving to build an integrated cultural system that combines preserving heritage with embracing the future, within the framework of national development strategies. Supporting the arts and film industry is inseparable from protecting historical architecture and archaeological sites; rather, it forms a blend that reflects a holistic vision of cultural identity. Furthermore, enhancing Saudi Arabia's presence on the international stage through UNESCO registration and the organization of festivals reinforces the Kingdom's image as a rising cultural power, balancing its local heritage with its global presence.
conclusion
It is clear that the cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a qualitative transformation that reflects a strategic vision based on the integration of educational, artistic, and heritage programs. This approach strengthens the Kingdom's position not only as a nation with a rich cultural heritage, but also as a key player in shaping the future of regional and international culture, keeping pace with the major transformations taking place in the region and the world.
