Culture

Our culture is the mirror of our identity, the living record that reflects our history, represents our aspirations, and shapes the themes of our daily interactions. Our national identity is not embodied in slogans or symbols but rather pulsates in the details of our daily lives; in the food we cook, in the clothes we wear, and in the words we speak. Saudi Arabia has a rich culture shaped by the diversity of its people. With over 34 million inhabitants, Saudi Arabia has 13 regions united by the Arabic language, but each with a unique dialect, heritage, and culinary identity.

At the core of this diversity stand creative poets, artists, historians, architects, etc., who embody a vivid image of our culture and are genuine ambassadors of our cultural heritage. These creative people contribute to highlighting the details of our identity, preserving our authenticity, and enriching it with their experiences and innovations that express the spirit of the age. With these creative people, we see the role of parents who pass down the torch to the future generation, instilling in them the seeds of pride and honor in their cultural inheritance.

The preservation of this cultural heritage is a collective responsibility, as every member of society is a guardian of this inheritance and a partner in its continuity. Just as we cherish our history, we must seek to enhance the presence of our culture in every field, and pass this awareness on to future generations with pride and creativity, so that our identity remains a source of pride for future generations.

Culture is a broad and multidimensional concept that includes a wide range of meanings and manifestations. Culture may be embodied in monuments and architecture that reflect the history and civilization of nations, or manifested in poetry and theatrical arts that express artistic and human creativity. Culture includes tangible elements such as tools, artifacts and buildings, and intangible elements such as traditions, customs, and beliefs. Culture is a dynamic state in constant evolution, combining the past and the present, and focusing on diversity and interaction between different temporal and social dimensions. Over time, it has become necessary for culture to also include digital arts that represent human creativity in the modern era, reflecting the intermingling of the old and the new in an integrated cultural tapestry.

The Common Greeting

In Saudi Arabia, the Islamic greeting “As-Salamu Alaykum”, which means “peace be upon you”, and is more than just words; it is a prayer for well-being, a wish for safety and blessings for the other. This greeting holds out meanings of respect and deep affection. A handshake usually follows it if it is a formal meeting, as a sign of mutual appreciation, or a kiss on the cheek if it has been a while, as a symbol of emotional closeness and strong relationships that bring individuals together. Thus, the greeting becomes more than just the beginning of a meeting; it becomes a cultural language that expresses centuries-old human values.

Social Values 

Hospitality values are deeply rooted in Saudi society as an integral part of the cultural identity that reflects the centuries-old traditions and social heritage that adheres to generosity and benevolence. Hospitality values are not just a social custom, but a principle that is celebrated at every meeting and strengthens the ties of friendship and affection among individuals. Here, hospitality is a language that does not need words, but rather living expressions that are translated into deeds that touch the hearts.

When Saudi coffee is served with dates, it is an invitation full of welcome and respect, and embodies the genuine character of Saudi Arabia where welcoming a guest is a manifestation of pride and honor. The burning of incense (oud) that permeates the entire atmosphere is not just a tradition, but rather it is an invisible message of honor and appreciation, inviting the present individuals to feel comfortable and familiar.

Saudi society does not just provide food and drink, but welcomes every guest, reflecting the depth of traditions that honor and celebrate others, and makes hospitality more than just a transitory act, but a comprehensive experience that is immortalized in memory and lasts in relationships. It is a symbol of social cohesion, a bridge that connects the past to the future, and makes generosity part of the identity of every Saudi.

Annual Celebrations

Saudi Arabia is characterized by a group of annual celebrations that reflect the cohesion and solidarity of society, and combine religious and heritage aspects. The following are the most prominent of these occasions:

The Holy Month of Ramadan

The month of fasting, which witnesses customs and traditions that reflect the spirit of community and solidarity, and culminates with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, where it is customary to buy presents and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives, which strengthens the ties of affection and embodies the meanings of giving and mercy.

The Hajj Season 

The Hajj season, during which millions of Muslim pilgrims worldwide come to Makkah in a scene that reflects unity and pure worship of God. The Hajj season concludes with the Eid Al-Adha holiday, in which it is a tradition to slaughter a lamb to draw closer to Allah.

Founding Day (February 22) 

Saudis celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the first Saudi state, which enhances pride and honor in the nation.

Saudi National Day (September 23)

The Saudi National Day commemorates the declaration of unity and unification under one banner, and is an occasion to celebrate national accomplishments.

Saudi Flag Day (March 11)

It is celebrated to honor the Saudi flag, a symbol of national unity, and to emphasize the Saudi Arabia’s centuries-old history and civilizational journey.

These celebrations are a mix of religious and cultural celebrations, keeping the spirit of pride and solidarity alive in the Saudis, and instilling the values of national pride and dignity. 

Cultural Aspects in Saudi Arabia

Each region in the Saudi Arabia has its own cultural identity – e.g., each region has its own culinary delights and fashion trends. Historians help preserve each region’s heritage and artifacts in museums, and many Saudi artists express their creativity through artwork that they aspire to share with the world.

Poetry 

Poetry is significant to Arabian life and has long been considered one of the highest expressions of literary art. In the days when the Bedouins were constantly traveling, poetry was primarily an oral tradition. Furthermore, people would gather around a storyteller who would spin tales of love, bravery, chivalry, war, and historical events. This was both entertainment and oral preservation of history, traditions, and social values. The Qur'an took the Arab love of language and poetry to new levels, it exemplifies the perfect use of the Arabic language and is the ultimate literary model.

Traditional Performing Arts

Traditional folklore dance is also popular among Saudis, the national dance is the men’s sword dance known as "ardha", which is an ancient tradition with its roots in the country’s central area. The “ardha” is a group performing art and it involves men carrying swords and a poet (or narrator). The men with swords usually stand in two lines or a circle, with a poet in their midst, it also involves the traditional dance. Each region in the Saudi Arabia has its own unique folk dances.

Dress

Saudis prefer traditional clothes to Western styles of dress and generally wear modern adaptations of age-old designs. The loose flowing traditional garments are practical for Saudi Arabia’s hot windswept climate and in keeping with the Islamic ideal of modesty.

Jewelry

Jewelry has been an essential part of Arabian dress for thousands of years. More than just personal decoration, jewelry symbolized social and economic status. For the migrant Bedouins, it was also an easily transportable form of wealth and security.

Traditionally, jewelry was made of silver and gold, but jewelers today use pearls and coral from the coastal regions, as well as stones like turquoise, garnets, and amber from the Saudi Arabia’s mines. Coins, chains, and tiny bells were frequently applied in decorations. Today, contemporary designs are also used with diamonds and other various precious metals.

Cuisine

The foods are tied mainly to the terrain: Saudi Arabia is 95 percent desert, and many traditional dishes reflect the ancient trade caravans and nomadic lifestyles of desert dwellers. Basmati rice and heavy spices from the East were easy to transport on long caravans, dried black limes were carried from neighboring countries, and local dried dates and camel’s milk were essential to the ancient diet. 

Arabic Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a quintessential Islamic art form. Today, calligraphy is a dominant theme in metalwork, ceramics, glass textiles, painting and sculpture throughout Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world.

Saudi Arabia is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its centuries-old history and cultural diversity. Here is a brief look at these sites:

Al-Hijr (Mada’in Salih)

Al-Hijr is the first site in Saudi Arabia that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. It is located 500 km southeast of Petra in Jordan. It is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans, and contains about 50 inscriptions from the pre-Nabataean era, in addition to a number of rock paintings.

At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah

This district was the first capital of the Saudi Dynasty, in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, northwest of Riyadh. It bears witness to the Najdi architectural style, which is specific to the center of the Arabian Peninsula. It is an example of how Saudi Arabia can seamlessly fuse its past, present, and future.  

Historic Jeddah

Historic Jeddah is situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. Historic Jeddah was established as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea and is located in the center of Jeddah. Historic Jeddah is characterized by a distinctive architectural tradition, including tower houses built and historic buildings that reflect the multiculturalism and influences that the city has experienced.

Rock Art in the Hail Region

Jabel Umm Sinman at Jubbah and the Jabal Al-Manjor and Raat at Shuwaymis. They are located in the Hail Region, north of Saudi Arabia. They are characterized by containing rock carvings dating back more than 10,000 years, showing representations of humans and animals, reflecting the continuity of human settlement and interaction with the environment over the centuries.

Al-Ahsa Oasis

Al-Ahsa Oasis is the largest palm oasis surrounded by sand in the world, and includes gardens, canals, springs, historical buildings and archaeological sites. Al-Ahsa Oasis is situated in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahsa Oasis is characterized by representing the continuation of human settlement from the Neolithic era until today, and is an example of human interaction with the desert environment.

Hima Cultural Area

Located in an arid, mountainous area of southwest Saudi Arabia. Ḥima Cultural Area contains a substantial collection of rock art images depicting hunting, fauna, flora, and lifestyles in a cultural continuity of 7,000 years. It is located in the Najran region, southwest of Saudi Arabia. It bears witness to ancient caravan routes and cultural communication, and includes ancient wells that still produce fresh water to date.

Al-Ula City

Al-Ula is characterized by its unique landscapes and inspiring history, and its strategic geographical location has made it a significant commercial center, attracting many cultures of travel. Through our efforts, we aim to share this fascinating story, and invite the world to discover the historical inheritance of Al-Ula. Explore Al-Hijr in Al-Ula, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, where ancient tombs reveal the stories of ancient civilization. Visit the historic Dadan and the centuries-old heritage of Al-Ula, and enjoy a visit to Jabal Ikmah, Al-Ula open library of ancient writings, for a captivating journey through history. Al-Ula is full of landmarks and experiences waiting for you to discover.

Al Masmak Palace

Al Masmak Palace is located in the center of Riyadh, within the old gates of Riyadh. It was called “Masmak” due to the thickness of its walls and floors. It was built during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Saud, may Allah bless his soul. Al Masmak Palace is one of the most prominent national landmarks, as it was the scene of the battle to reclaim Riyadh by His Majesty King Abdulaziz, may Allah bless his soul, and the palace door still preserves some traces of such battle, as the spearhead of Ibn Jiluwi is still stuck there. Al Masmak Palace is one of the centuries-old buildings of Riyadh that still stands to date. Today, Al Masmak Palace contains a museum dedicated to the unification story of Saudi Arabia.

Houses of Al Rifai 

The House of Al Rifai is one of the old Farasan houses, and it reflects the excellent economic status of the people of Farasan. It is also characterized by the presence of a large hall “Majlis” whose walls are decorated with geometric decorations on plaster, which extend to the window arches, in addition to written decorations from Quranic verses. The House of Al Rifai is a model of geometric and written decorations derived from Islamic arts, in addition to the large halls “Majalis”. Traditionally, the house contains a large main gate, and small rooms that were used to cool water and store food.

King Abdulaziz Palace

The Historic King Abdulaziz Palace is located in the Lina Center of the Rafha Governorate on the Northern Borders. Inside it are some archaeological writings that tell of its history and the year of its construction, as it was planned in the style of Saudi palaces in the past.

These centuries-old heritage sites highlight the cultural and historical diversity of Saudi Arabia, and are significant tourist destinations that attract visitors from around the world.

The Saudi Arabia’s Most Prominent Urban Heritage Sites

Saudi Arabia is home to a number of prominent urban heritage sites that reflect its centuries-old history and cultural diversity. These sites are spread across the Saudi Arabia’s regions, telling tales of the civilizations that flourished on its land throughout the ages. From the distinctive Najdi architecture of Ad-Diriyah, to the heritage villages of Aseer, and the historic neighborhoods of Jeddah, these sites embody the evolution of architectural styles and construction methods influenced by the local environment and diverse cultures. Saudi Arabia is doing its utmost to protect and promote this centuries-old heritage as an integral part of its national identity and its contribution to the global human heritage. To view the Law of Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage, click here.

In 2024, the Heritage Commission registered 13,040 new sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage; to preserve and enhance their protection as an integral part of the national heritage.

The Ministry of Culture was created on 17 Ramadan 1439, June 2, 2018, by Royal Order (A/217), under the leadership of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated Minister of Culture. The Ministry is responsible for the Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene on a local and international scale, and it is keen to preserve the Saudi Arabia’s historical heritage while striving to build a prosperous cultural future in which various kinds of culture and arts flourish. The Ministry has a crucial role to play in delivering Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation program, Vision 2030. Its goal is to contribute to building a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. On March 27, 2019, the Ministry of Culture unveiled its vision and approaches that embody its mission and aspirations, as well as reflect its goals of promoting culture as a way of life, enabling culture to contribute to economic growth, and creating opportunities for global cultural exchange. To know the MOC’s vision and directions, click here.

Culture as a way of life

• Culture to promote and entrench national identity.
• Spreading and communicating culture to different regions and segments of society.
• Expanding the impact of cultural changes to include the improvement of societal attitudes.

Culture for economic growth

• The cultural sector can contribute ~3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) support.
• Culture as a primary source of local content production.

Culture for global exchange

• Leading Arab cultural activity.
• Influencing the countries of the Islamic world.
• Raising the Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global community.

The Ministry of Culture has placed diversity and cultural richness as a pillar in building the National Strategy for Culture, and in light of this, it has identified 16 sub-sectors of focus, namely: Music, Visual Arts, Theater and Performing Arts, Fashion, Architecture and Design, Culinary Arts, Film, Heritage, Museums, Libraries, Books, Publications, Literature, Language, Translation, Cultural and Archaeological Sites, Natural Heritage, Cultural Festivals and Events.

This Strategy resulted in the establishment of 11 cultural commissions overseen by the Ministry, the development of key performance indicators and annual objectives to be met by each commission, the monitoring of their performance, the provision of support and assistance during their founding stages, and the follow-up on implementation. It also resulted in the development of a comprehensive conception of the implementation mechanisms of the local cultural sector promotion project managed by the Ministry and its cultural commissions to create an appropriate cultural infrastructure that encourages greater cultural production and reaches all segments of society, consolidating the concept of cultural activities as part of daily life, providing incentives that support production, and implementing programs to develop creative talents from an early age, leading the cultural sector in all its legislative and regulatory aspects through the development of policies and regulations and the alignment of efforts, in addition to encouraging the private sector to attract different talents.

Culinary Arts Commission

The Culinary Arts Commission was established in February 2020 to supervise the development of this sector, enhance its components and develop relevant mechanisms and controls so that the Commission becomes an integrated and effective reference sector. It also seeks to introduce Saudi dishes locally and internationally and celebrate the culinary arts heritage and talents in this sector. Its vision is as follows: top of mind authentic culinary destination; home of incredible culinary experiences; source of livelihood for our people and communities.

Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission was established in February 2020 to contribute to the realization of the Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Culture Strategy: promoting our culture as a way of life, enabling it to contribute to the economic growth, and empower the kingdom's status internationally. The role of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission starts from organizing the three sectors, to the establishments. In addition to motivating practitioners of publishing and translation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, encouraging investment in the third millennium and activating its role.

Theater and Performing Arts Commission

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission was established in February 2020 and is the patron of all types of performing arts, namely: theater, dance, circus, stand-up comedy, street performances, ballet, and opera. This includes activating and managing theater houses and performance venues while ensuring the quality of content, increasing production, and disseminating performing arts as an essential component of national culture.

Fashion Commission

The Fashion Commission was established in February 2020 to empower and support the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia. The Commission’s strategy focuses on supporting the fashion community throughout the entire value chain, from the design process through production, development, and product lifecycle management. 

The Commission recognizes the fashion industry as a pillar of local culture and a valuable asset, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. They work to amplify Saudi heritage and identity within the industry, contributing to fulfilling global needs and achieving a positive impact on the national economy. The Commission’s mission is to enable the development of a thriving Saudi fashion sector that is sustainable, inclusive, and fully integrated to support local talent.

Architecture and Design Commission 

The Architecture and Design Commission was established in February 2020 as one of 11 commissions under the Ministry of Culture. One of the Commission’s key objectives is to regulate the sector, including supporting and encouraging practitioners, organizing exhibitions and seminars, and stimulating creative thinking in the sector. The sub-sectors represented under the Commission include architecture, urban design and planning, and landscape architecture, as well as various design fields such as interior design, graphic design, and industrial design. Our role at the Commission is to achieve the goals of the Ministry of Culture and Vision 2030, and contribute to the national economy, through creating programs and initiatives to support Saudi architects and designers and enrich our national identity. The Commission also seeks to establish national companies and encourage investment in the field. This will contribute to creating job opportunities for qualified Saudis and enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Film Commission

The Film Commission was established in February 2020. The Commission aims to advance the film sector and the production environment in Saudi Arabia, in addition to motivating and empowering Saudi filmmakers, building and fostering the development of a creative Saudi film industry and maximize its potential for local and international markets. Also, the Commission aims to establish Saudi as a world-class film center in the heart of the Middle East.

Heritage Commission

The Heritage Commission was established in February 2020 and is responsible for advancing and preserving the heritage sector in the Saudi Arabia by proposing a sector strategy within the framework of the National Strategy for Culture and following up on its implementation. In addition, it is responsible for developing draft laws and regulations to enhance the sector’s operating environment. Furthermore, the Commissions is responsible for preserving national heritage from extinction, raising awareness about them, and encouraging funding and investment in its fields. The authority's tasks include setting specialized standards and criteria, and supporting individuals and institutions to interact with the heritage sector.  

It also focuses on capacity building by organizing training courses, accrediting vocational training programs, developing educational curricula, and providing scholarships in coordination with the concerned authorities.

Libraries Commission

The Libraries Commission was established in February 2020 as one of the Ministry of Culture’s 11 sector-specific Commissions. The Commission oversees the development of the libraries sector, including proposing and implementing a sector strategy within the National Strategy for Culture framework, proposing draft laws and regulations, and amending and submitting regulations to the Ministry of Culture to complete statutory procedures.

Museums Commission

The Museums Commission was established in February 2020, preserving and promoting the nation’s rich heritage, history, and culture for future generations, while nurturing the creative scene and fostering new forms of artistic expression in Saudi Arabia. The Commission develops and strengthens the museum ecosystem by establishing and operating museums following international best practices, offering an engaging museum experience, and creating career opportunities in the sector. 

The museums established by the Commission are inspiring destinations, offering a compelling learning and educational journey, driving cultural and social engagement, and attracting local audiences as well as domestic and international tourists. To look forward, a nation must know and document its history and heritage. The Museums Commission strives to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s past remains present in the lives of its residents, that both historical and contemporary cultural treasures and practices are preserved and protected, and that knowledge and art are accessible to all.

Music Commission

The Music Commission was established in February 2020 as one of the Ministry of Culture’s 11 sector-specific Commissions. The Commission is overseeing the development of a music sector that provides non-discriminatory access to music education, empowers musical talent and contributes to the local economy. It aims to increase the economic contribution of the music sector through job creation, sector regulation and by building world-class infrastructure. The Commission hopes to discover, develop and empower musical talent by raising awareness of the Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage, in turn elevating its musical identity both within the region and beyond.

Visual Arts Commission

The Visual Arts Commission was established in February and is dedicated to developing the visual arts, empowering and encouraging practitioners to produce and present creative content that positions the Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in this art form. The Commission aims to achieve these goals by launching programs and initiatives that enhances the infrastructure for a sustainable visual arts industry, creates a wide range of local and global opportunities for Saudi talent, and establishes a vibrant platform for all artists and artistic groups. The Commission further focuses on enhancing cooperation and innovation and presenting diverse artworks that contribute to consolidating the status of visual arts nationally and internationally.

Visual arts are considered a crucial part of Saudi culture, encompassing various art forms including drawing, sculptures, photography, calligraphy, digital arts, etc. These art forms reflect authenticity, creativity, and diversity in addressing contemporary issues and thoughts. 

Every year, The Ministry of Culture celebrates a distinctive cultural element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under a specific cultural name, with the aim of focusing attention on this element and introducing its value and cultural connotations through focusing on that element in qualitative projects and events.

Year of Handicrafts

Handicrafts embody a living heritage passed down through generations, serving as a bridge between the past, present, and future. Each piece tells a story, expressing cultural traditions through the skilled hands of artisans who create, weave, and engrave their masterpieces. These handcrafted items carry immense heritage, artistic, and aesthetic significance. They enrich daily life with practical utility while showcasing the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship of Saudi artisans. Rooted in harmony with the local environment, each creation reflects a deep appreciation for noble values and the preservation of cultural identity. To honor and promote the richness of Saudi cultural heritage, both locally and internationally, the year 2025 has been designated “The Year of Handicrafts”.

Year of the Camel

The year 2024 was named “The Year of The Camel” to celebrate the unique cultural value represented by camels in the lives of the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula from the dawn of history up to the present day. Camels were a means of transportation across vast distances, navigating through the wilderness, and combating the isolation of long journeys. Their long companionship has inspired countless poems, tales, and proverbs, and their unwavering loyalty to humans has been a constant source of inspiration. Today, camels remain a living witness of authenticity and a core cultural component of Saudi identity.

Year of Arabic poetry

For decades, Arabic poetry held a cultural position in Arab culture, as Arabic poetry as Arabic poetry is considered as one of the most important civilizational components of Arab culture. Even in our contemporary time, Arabic poetry is at the forefront on the literary forums. As a result, and in order to consolidate this civilizational component, Saudi Arabia seeks to make it part of the daily life of Saudi and Arab culture. Accordingly, 2023 has been designated as “The Year of Arabic Poetry”.

Year of Saudi Coffee

For centuries, coffee has played a central part in Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted culture and traditions. It is interwoven in the Saudi values of generosity and hospitality. It is also linked to human, aesthetic and artistic presence in songs, poems and paintings, to the point that it is recognized as a main element of Saudi culture and folk heritage. It is a long-standing heritage that characterizes the Saudi Arabia, whether in its cultivation, preparation, or presentation to guests. Based on the high status of this cultural and national symbol, 2022 will be designated as “The Year of Saudi Coffee”.

Year of Arabic Calligraphy

Building upon the vision of the Ministry of Culture and its role in advancing the culture and arts sectors in their various fields, and in light of the deep significance of Arabic calligraphy to the Arabic language, as well as the historical and aesthetic value it possesses in its structure, details, and forms, which highlight a creative cultural treasure that reflects the richness of Arab culture, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, announced 2020 as “The Year of Arabic Calligraphy”, which was extended for an additional year to include 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cultural events are a key pillar for promoting cultural movement, as they are organized by the relevant bodies in each sector, in addition to companies and independent artists. The Ministry of Culture is committed to supporting these efforts by providing resources and facilities for events that are consistent with the Saudi Arabia’s values and ambitious vision, which contributes to highlighting the national cultural identity and enhancing creativity and innovation in various fields.

International Events and Partnerships

The Saudi Arabia of Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen cultural ties with friendly countries by establishing partnerships and joint activities, with the aim of bringing the most prominent features of global culture to Saudi Arabia, while at the same time exporting the rich and diverse Saudi culture to the world. 

The Ministry of Culture has contributed to organizing or participating in a number of events of national importance, including:

Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia is preparing to participate in the international exhibition that will be opened in April 2025. The sections of the national pavilion consist of, which provides knowledge content for the three pillars, including the history of Saudi Arabia in the form of a story that takes participants on a journey to explore the cultures, traditions, and values of the Saudi Arabia that form the key pillars of its identity. The pavilion highlights the major radical transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia today, and its contribution to creating a better future for the world. 

The design of the Saudi Arabia’s pavilion participating in Expo 2025 embodies the natural environment of Saudi Arabia, blending desert formations with modern architectural elements in a reference to the close connection between historical heritage and future development. The design, inspired by the concept of environmental responsibility, includes elements with low carbon emissions, contains an energy-saving lighting system, employs rainwater collection technologies, and is equipped with solar panels to produce clean energy.

G20 Summit in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia assumed the G20 presidency in December 2019, and hosted the Leaders’ Summit virtually on 21-22 November 2020. The Ministry worked in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive Saudi cultural experience for visitors and participants, highlighting the national heritage and culture on the global scene.

EXPO 2020 Dubai

Saudi Arabia participated in “EXPO 2020 Dubai” with a pavilion that is the second largest after the host country, through which it showcased the society, heritage, nature and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The pavilion achieved three Guinness World Records, reflecting the global interest in Saudi culture.

Through these participations, Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its cultural presence internationally, and build bridges of communication with different peoples of the world, which contributes to achieving its ambitious vision towards a thriving and diverse future.

Janadriyah Festival

The most famous cultural event in Saudi Arabia is the Jenadriyah Annual Heritage and Cultural Festival. For two weeks a year, the festival gives over a million Saudis a glimpse into the past. First held in 1985, the festival highlights the Saudi Arabia’s commitment to keeping the traditional culture and crafts of Saudi Arabia alive. The festival includes almost every aspect of Saudi culture - Artisans, such as potters, woodworkers, and weavers, demonstrate their traditional crafts in shops with palm-frond-roofed porches. Folklore troupes perform the ardha and other national dances, while singers around Saudi Arabia’s perform traditional songs and music. Literary figures from across the country participate in poetry competitions between contemporary poets reciting historic verses. Visitors can also stroll through the past in a heritage village, which resides permanently in Jenadriyah.

The Saudi Ministry of Culture pays great attention to children as a key pillar for building the future and strengthening national identity. Through its various cultural initiatives and programs, MOC seeks to develop children’s skills, enhance their imagination and creativity, and connect them to their heritage and centuries-long values. It also focuses on providing a comprehensive cultural environment that motivates them to participate and learn through innovative artistic, literary, and scientific activities that suit their ages and needs.

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