Former UK Minister of Culture, Lord Ed Vaizey, has praised Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in culture and the arts under Vision 2030, describing the Kingdom as a global model for linking cultural development with economic and social transformation.
Speaking at the International Culture Forum in Riyadh, Lord Vaizey highlighted that Saudi Arabia is taking confident strides toward building an integrated cultural ecosystem—encompassing visual arts, music, cinema, and heritage—and emphasized that such progress reflects a deep understanding of culture’s role as a driver of growth and diversification.
He noted that the initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, such as the establishment of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, and the Museums Commission, have created a vibrant creative environment and new opportunities for local talents to engage on the global stage.
Lord Vaizey stressed that the Kingdom’s cultural investment extends beyond entertainment, aiming to strengthen Saudi national identity and present its rich heritage through a modern lens that balances authenticity with innovation.
He added that this direction aligns perfectly with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation—positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading cultural and tourism destination in record time.
He concluded by noting that the world now views Saudi Arabia as a rising cultural powerhouse driving transformative change across the region, citing initiatives like the Red Sea International Film Festival and the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale as shining examples of Saudi creativity blending tradition with global engagement.
