Ministry of Culture

The Ministry of Culture is the entity responsible for approving policies related to the development and regulation of the cultural sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its main tasks include empowering the cultural scene locally and internationally. The main goal is to preserve the Kingdom's identity by promoting and protecting visual arts, performing arts, theater, music, literature, etc.

The Ministry was established in 2018, and it is one of the modern ministries in the Kingdom after separating from the Ministry of Media. A royal decree appoints the Minister and is primarily responsible for it. The Minister is a member of the Council of Ministers, and the position includes chairing the board of directors of the Ministry's entities.

The Ministry's headquarters is located in Historical Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi State, as a testament to its commitment to preserving the country's history. The Ministry oversees the tasks of eleven newly established entities, which are: Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Fashion Commission, Film Commission, Heritage Commission, Architecture and Design Commission, Visual Arts Commission, Museums Commission, Theater and Performing Arts Commission, Libraries Commission, Music Commission, and Culinary Arts Commission.

The Ministry of Culture's vision and roadmap were launched on March 27, 2019. They represent the framework that the Ministry of Culture follows in its mission to develop the cultural sector in the Kingdom.

The Ministry has defined three main objectives for its vision and directions: promoting culture as a way of life, enabling culture to contribute to economic growth, and creating opportunities for international cultural exchange. These objectives align with the strategic pillars of Vision 2030, which involve building a vibrant society, thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.

In this regard, the Ministry of Culture seeks to develop potential, enhance opportunities, and build capabilities in the cultural sector. This is achieved by integrating all aspects of Saudi cultural heritage into the daily lives of citizens and residents, enabling them to enjoy enriched and healthy lives.

Recognizing the importance of the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry launched the first-ever Cultural Scholarship Program in the Kingdom in 2019. This program provides exceptional educational opportunities for studying cultural and artistic disciplines at leading international universities in various fields.

In 2020, the Council of Ministers approved the inclusion of more than eighty cultural professions in the new Saudi Unified Occupational Classification, a move perceived as the first step in the Kingdom's history. This decision grants cultural and artistic professionals in Saudi Arabia recognition and importance within society and government entities.

The Ministry of Culture comprises about sixteen sub-sectors, including heritage, museums, cultural and archaeological sites, theater and performing arts, cultural festivals and events, books and publishing, architecture and design, natural heritage, films, fashion, language and translation, culinary arts, literature, libraries, visual arts, and music.

Ministry of Culture was inspired by the depth of the Kingdom's identity and designed it as a DNA map, using thirteen lines representing the number of regions in the Kingdom, which indicates the comprehensiveness of the Ministry's services in all regions.

The first edition of the Cultural Status Report in the Kingdom for 2019 documented significant milestones in the history of culture in Saudi Arabia. These include establishing the first printing press, the Amiri Press, in Makkah al-Mukarramah in 1882. It also highlighted the publication of the first theatrical play, "The Oppressor of Himself," in 1932 and the founding of the first library in the Kingdom, the al-Masjid al-Nabawai Library, in 1933. Additionally, it mentioned the production of the first Saudi film titled "The Fly" in 1950 and the establishment of the first public museum in Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah Museum of Antiquities, in 1961. The report also documented the first music concert held in al-Khobar in 1962, the establishment of the Antiquities and Museums Department within the Ministry of Education in 1964, and the first exhibition of school activities in the history of government education in 1953. Furthermore, it mentioned the broacdcast of first Saudi film, "Conscience's Reproach," shown on Saudi television in 1966, directed by Saad al-Frieh.

The outset of fashion education is traced back to the teaching of embroidery and textile subjects as part of the Home Economics College curriculum for girls until 1970. In 1972, the Kingdom signed the UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Regarding culinary arts, one of the milestones was the launch of the Janadriyah Festival in 1985, which highlighted traditional and popular cuisine in the Kingdom.