Saudi Arabia's Cultural Transformation: A Report from the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at boosting international tourism and highlighting its cultural heritage. Important developments include the formation of the Ministry of Culture in June 2018, led by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, and the implementation of the 2016 Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. The country has also lifted the compulsory abaya and allowed women to drive. While contemporary art is predominantly enjoyed by the affluent, the Ministry is focused on fostering culture to stimulate economic growth and facilitate global interactions. Key attractions consist of Riyadh's Red Palace, which features Sultan bin Fahad's exhibition, and At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, along with Al-Ula, encompassing 22,561 sq km, which includes Hegra, a UNESCO site since 2008. Jeddah is home to galleries such as Hafez and ATHR, which recently celebrated a decade of international residencies.
Key facts
- Ministry of Culture established June 2018 under Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud.
- Saudi Vision 2030 approved in 2016.
- Women no longer required to wear abaya; granted driving licenses.
- Sultan bin Fahad's exhibition at Red Palace in Riyadh, curated by Reem Fadda, covers seven chapters.
- Red Palace completed in 1944, first building in Riyadh with concrete and steel; will become a hotel after exhibition.
- At-Turaif UNESCO site since 2010; eight museums planned.
- Hegra UNESCO site since 2008; over 100 Nabatean tombs.
- Royal Commission for Al-Ula established July 2017.
- Hafez Gallery moving to Hayy Creative Hub, opening late 2019/early 2020.
- ATHR Gallery co-founded by Mohammed Hafiz and Hamza Serafi, directed by Alia Fattouh; offers international residencies.
- Saudi Art Council's 21,39 project; exhibition 'Al Obour' curated by Effat Abdullah Fadag with 26 artists.
- Zahrah Al-Ghamdi represents Saudi Arabia at Venice Art Biennale 2019 with 'After Illusion'.
Entities
Artists
- Sultan bin Fahad
- Reem Fadda
- Ahmed Mater
- Saeed Gamhawi
- Abdul Rahman
- Marwah AlMugait
- Homoud Al Ataoui
- Rashed Al Shashai
- Zahrah Al-Ghamdi
- Effat Abdullah Fadag
- Jawaher bint Majed bin Abdulaziz
- Andrea Bocelli
Institutions
- Ministry of Culture (Saudi Arabia)
- Saudi Vision 2030
- UNESCO
- Diriyah Gate Development Authority
- Royal Commission for Al-Ula
- Hafez Gallery
- Hayy Creative Hub
- Jameel Art Center
- ATHR Gallery
- Saudi Art Council
- Gold Moor Mall
- Unlimited (New York)
- ISCP (New York)
- Can Serrat (Barcelona)
- Bethanien (Berlin)
- BrickLab
- Padiglione dell'Arabia Saudita
- Biennale d'Arte di Venezia
- Biennale d'Architettura di Venezia
- Artribune
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh
- Red Palace
- King Abdullah Financial District
- Yarmouk Studios
- At-Turaif
- Ad-Diriyah
- Wadi Hanifah
- Al-Ula
- Medina
- Hegra
- Al-Khuraybah
- Dadan
- Jeddah
- Al Balad
- Gold Moor Mall
- Maraya Concert Hall
- Venice
- New York
- Barcelona
- Berlin
- Egypt
- Syria