First batch of students began their semester as classes commence at Riyadh University of Arts
RIYADH — The first batch of students began their first semester as the classes commenced on Sunday at the Riyadh University of Arts. The university opened its doors for admission and registration in May following a royal order issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts in March this year. The opening of the university is…
Riyadh — As the new semester commenced on Sunday, the inaugural class of students began their academic journey at the Riyadh University of Arts. Established in March following a royal decree, the university's opening marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's cultural and arts landscape, reflecting the government's commitment to investing in human capital and the creative economy.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah, the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, announced that the university had received thousands of applications for its cultural programs and academic degrees, reflecting a strong demand since registration opened.
The university's ambition is bold, rooted in its commitment to a Saudi identity with global standards, according to Prince Badr. The Ministry of Culture's projections anticipate a more than 7 percent annual growth in demand for cultural jobs, with employment in Saudi Arabia's cultural sectors potentially reaching 346,000 by 2030.
Regionally, the demand for jobs in arts, technology, and design is growing at an annual rate of 40 percent, while cultural tourism saw a remarkable 109 percent increase between 2019 and 2022. Riyadh University of Arts aims to become a leading cultural university in the Middle East and North Africa and aspire to join the world's top 50 universities in the cultural field.
The university envisions itself as a global hub for academic education, scientific research, and cultural and knowledge exchange, connecting Riyadh with the broader world.
Human capability development initiatives have accounted for over a quarter of all initiatives by the Ministry of Culture and its cultural commissions since its inception in 2018, benefiting more than 63,000 individuals across various cultural sectors. The university's academic programs encompass a wide array of disciplines, including cultural management, filmmaking, music, museum management, theater, performing arts, design, architecture, fashion, visual arts, photography, heritage, cultural studies, culinary arts, and cultural education.
The university, presently enrolling students in four initial colleges and eight academic programs—Music, Film, Theater and Performing Arts, and Cultural Management—plans to expand to 13 colleges, offering diverse educational programs across various cultural fields.
Riyadh University of Arts has forged partnerships with leading international institutions, empowering artists, researchers, and cultural leaders to contribute to the creative economy and the Kingdom's cultural future. As an independent educational institution under the Ministry of Culture's supervision, the university stands ready to drive Saudi Arabia's cultural trajectory forward.
Written by urgent.news from Saudi Gazette's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
