Under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Ministry of Culture will host the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh on 29-30 September. This landmark event will gather global leaders in investment, public policy, and culture to discuss the future of cultural investment.
The Ministry of Culture emphasized that the conference aims to explore how cultural investment can drive cultural production, economic growth, and social development. Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan expressed gratitude to the Crown Prince for his unwavering support and leadership. He stated, “The Cultural Investment Conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global cultural investment and inclusive growth that benefits everyone.”
Culture as an Economic Driver
Prince Bader highlighted the importance of culture, saying, “We believe that culture not only reflects heritage and identity but is an essential form of investment. It can drive economic opportunities, foster mutual understanding, and shape a more connected and creative global future.” The conference will showcase how culture serves as a powerful driver of economic diversification, innovation, and international cooperation.
This two-day annual event will analyze investment opportunities across emerging markets worldwide as attendees can expect to explore new partnerships and sustainable funding mechanisms. The program will feature insights from prominent figures in the cultural investment sector, along with a series of roundtables and curated discussions that will focus on the evolving role of culture in economic planning and national identity.
Central to the conference will be the exploration of new investment pathways, including public-private partnerships, cultural investment funds, and the growing role of philanthropy in advancing creative economies. Additionally, the conference will address themes such as cultural entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and the economics of inclusion.
Attendees will have numerous opportunities for networking, shaping international policy, and forging new collaborations. The program will feature 38 panels with cultural experts and more than 100 speakers. This diverse lineup will ensure rich discussions and valuable insights.
Supporting a Sustainable Cultural Market
The Cultural Investment Conference underscores the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to create a sustainable cultural market that supports the national economy. The ministry has issued over 9,000 cultural licenses to professional practitioners. It has also provided support and incentives for cultural production across various creative fields. Furthermore, the ministry has increased the number of cultural associations, institutions, and clubs in the non-profit sector from 28 in 2017 to 993 in 2024.
The ministry has also launched cultural insurance products that offer encouraging solutions for investors. This conference will further advance these initiatives and help expand the scope of cultural investment, providing sustainable opportunities for growth in the creative economy.
