Saudi Cultural Sector Surpasses 2025 Targets with Major Heritage and Cultural Milestones - Business Today Middle East
Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage sector delivered a standout performance in 2025, surpassing key performance targets while launching landmark initiatives that strengthened the Kingdom’s cultural identity,. . .
Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage sector delivered a standout performance in 2025, surpassing key performance targets while launching landmark initiatives that strengthened the Kingdom’s cultural identity, global presence, and contribution to the national economy under theQuality of Life Program. Among the year’s most significant achievements was the inauguration of thePrince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphyin Madinah. The centre serves as an international hub dedicated to the art of Arabic calligraphy, featuring a permanent museum, rotating exhibitions, research grants, a business incubator, and an artist residency programme designed to support calligraphers, emerging talents, researchers, and cultural institutions. The Kingdom also opened theRed Sea Museumin Historic Jeddah, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through the region’s maritime heritage. The museum houses more than1,000 artefacts and artworksdisplayed across23 galleries, including ceramics, incense burners, navigation instruments, historical maps, rare manuscripts, and contemporary works by Saudi and international artists. Saudi Arabia recorded strong growth across several cultural performance indicators during 2025. The number ofcultural event daysreached6,314, more than double the original target of3,010, whilecultural facilitiesincreased to94, exceeding the target of87. Employment within the cultural sector also continued to expand, with the workforce growing to282,709 employees, surpassing the target of247,000. Meanwhile,12,879 bookswere published locally, reflecting the continued development of the Kingdom’s creative and publishing industries. The heritage sector also achieved significant progress. The number ofaccessible heritage sitesincreased to232, while visits to national heritage sites andUNESCO World Heritage Sitesclimbed to14. 1 million, nearly doubling the target of7. 19 million. Saudi Arabia also strengthened its international cultural engagement by participating in71 global cultural events, more than twice the target of34, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing influence on the international cultural stage. The achievements underscore the continued progress ofSaudi Vision 2030, reinforcing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, strengthen national identity, encourage wider public participation in culture, and position Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s leading cultural destinations.