Interviewed and published by Boudou Gueffai | Editor-in-Chief
Leading Discussions in Cultural Investment – September 2025, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
At the Cultural Investment Conference 2025 in Riyadh, Her Highness Princess Fahda B. Al Saud led Panther Holdings’ participation in key discussions shaping the future of culture and tourism in the Kingdom. Alongside her partners, she advanced new collaborations that reflect the company’s growing influence in the creative and cultural economy. Princess Fahda took part in a pivotal panel titled “Investing in Emerging Creators: The Next Generation of Cultural Entrepreneurs,” emphasizing the importance of empowering young talent and fostering cultural innovation.
Strategic Alliance and Collaborations
During the conference, STTA and DBRA, represented by Princess Fahda and her partners, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a strategic alliance that bridges culture, education, and innovation. As Princess Fahda remarked, “Yesterday we dreamed, today we signed & tomorrow we build.” This partnership exemplifies her commitment to translating vision into action — creating sustainable projects that leave a lasting cultural and educational legacy.
Her Highness’ Reflections on the Conference
The Saudi Times asked Her Highness about her experience at the Cultural Investment Conference, to which she responded:
“This conference has been an incredible platform for collaboration and progress. The energy and vision shared across the cultural and creative sectors reflect the exciting transformation happening in Saudi Arabia today. We’re proud to have formalized new partnerships under Panther Holdings that build on this momentum, expanding opportunities for investment and sustainable growth within culture and tourism. I extend my sincere thanks to the Ministry of Culture for driving this movement and creating an ecosystem that truly empowers innovation and entrepreneurship in the cultural world,” she told The Saudi Times.
Acknowledging the Ministry of Culture’s Role
In her remarks, Princess Fahda acknowledged the critical role of the Ministry of Culture, which organized the Cultural Investment Conference, enabled the launch of investment projects worth billions, and is central to building the infrastructure and policy framework that supports the cultural sector’s growth.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The Saudi Times also spoke to Shahid Khan, Senior Partner and Global Head of Media, Entertainment, Sports, and Culture at Arthur D. Little (ADL), who attended the Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh on September 29th and 30th, 2025. Shahid Khan shared his insights on the conference:
“Under the patronage of HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the conference was a first-of-its-kind milestone for the Kingdom. In two days, 89 agreements worth about SAR 5 billion were signed, including funds backed by the Cultural Development Fund with SAR 850 million dedicated to culture and SAR 300 million to fashion. The conference also announced the Riyadh University of Arts, and the Ministry of Culture signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to fast-track flagship cultural projects. These landmark steps turn culture into investable infrastructure and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for cultural investment. Saudi Arabia has a bright future in culture and tourism, and Arthur D. Little is proud to support this journey.”
A Visionary Leader in Cultural Transformation
Her Highness Princess Fahda B. Al Saud thus continues to be a driving force behind the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism transformation — a visionary leader whose work bridges creativity, heritage, and economic innovation. Through Panther Holdings and her broader initiatives, she embodies a new era of leadership that is redefining how the world experiences Saudi Arabia.
