Fostering Vision 2030: Uniting Forces for Cultural Enrichment and National Development in Saudi Arabia

In a significant move to foster cooperation and integration among government entities, the private sector, and the voluntary sector, a strategically visionary project has been launched to advance the ambitious goals set forth in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By leveraging the distinct expertise of each partner, this unique collaboration seeks to enhance national development through the enrichment of the Kingdom’s cultural landscape.

The alliance between the Ministry of Culture and Alwaleed Philanthropies underscores a shared commitment to promoting cultural convergence and fostering civilizational harmony.

At the heart of this initiative is a concerted effort to align the objectives of both entities, fueling the growth and elevation of the cultural sector across the Kingdom. The project embraces a broad spectrum of activities, including the creation of promising opportunities for skill development among cultural practitioners. By expanding their creative horizons and nurturing their talents, this partnership aims to inspire the production of culturally significant works.

A vital component of the collaboration is the creation, development, and widespread dissemination of diverse cultural content throughout Saudi Arabia, amplifying its cultural footprint nationally and internationally.

This comprehensive initiative extends to academic exploration and knowledge exchange, fostering research and cultural studies in collaboration with world-renowned institutions such as Oxford, Berlin, and Harvard. These partnerships facilitate a global intellectual dialogue that enriches cultural discourse.

Central to the project’s impact are the artisans — the skilled custodians of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. Through enhanced training, increased production capacity, and strategic marketing efforts, artisans gain comprehensive empowerment. Their creativity and heritage are celebrated through prominent events and exhibitions that spotlight their invaluable contributions.

The initiative focuses on nurturing cultural talents and capacities via training programs, business incubators, and specialized workshops designed to foster the growth of small-scale cultural enterprises.

This endeavor thrives on the dynamic synergy among its prominent partners:

• Aseer Development Authority
• Heritage Commission
• Ministry of Culture
• Jordan River Foundation

In 2023, significant progress was made through the partnership with the Heritage Authority. A joint field visit to Abu Malha Palace was conducted alongside the Ministry of Culture. Subsequently, a contract for the operation of Abu Malha Palace was successfully signed, and engineering plans were finalized by the Heritage Authority team.

Additionally, all contractual arrangements with the Jordan River Foundation and other operating entities across Saudi Arabia were successfully addressed.

These milestones reflect the partners’ unwavering dedication to enriching Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape and advancing the Kingdom’s cultural vision.

Heritage Authority:

• The Jordan River Foundation team developed all craft designs, including training manuals, trainer curricula, and artisan training programs. Comprehensive operational plans for the project were also completed.
• In response, the Heritage Authority proposed relocating the artisan creative house to Al-Muftaha House in Asir Village instead of Abu Malha Palace. This proposal was based on Al-Muftaha House’s readiness, suitability for preparation, and its strategic location at the heart of Al-Muftaha Village — a vibrant hub of heritage activities coordinated with the Aseer Development Authority.
• The Alwaleed Philanthropies team, together with representatives from the Heritage Authority and Aseer Development Authority, conducted a site visit to Al-Muftaha House in the Asir region.