Riyadh University of Arts is a new Saudi institution dedicated entirely to culture and the arts, established by Royal Decree on March 14, 2026. Based in the Irqah district of Riyadh, it operates under the Ministry of Culture and aims to build a generation of Saudi talent across film, music, design and heritage studies.
Mission and structure
Riyadh University of Arts was created as an independent institution with its own legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy. Its regulations call for specialized academic programs built through partnerships with international academic institutions, alongside efforts to nurture creativity and build practical skills among Saudi students.
Until a permanent Board of Trustees is formed, the Royal Decree authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the board’s powers and complete the procedures needed to begin academic operations.
Colleges and programs
The university is planned to include thirteen colleges spanning culinary arts, architecture and design, heritage studies, visual arts, cultural management, literature, fashion, and arts management. It launched with three colleges: film, music, and theatre and performing arts, offering diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs alongside short courses and scholarships.
International partnerships
Riyadh University of Arts has signed academic partnerships with several international institutions. The Conservatory of Performing Arts at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AMDA) in New York and Hollywood partners with the College of Theatre and Performing Arts, while the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London supports the College of Heritage and Civilizational Studies. ESSEC Business School collaborates on programs for the College of Cultural Management.
Vision and goals
The university aims to rank among the world’s top fifty arts and culture institutions, offering a gradual academic path that covers all major cultural sectors. It forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider push to develop the creative economy and reinforce the country’s position as a cultural hub in the region.
Frequently asked questions
When was Riyadh University of Arts established?
A Royal Decree approving its establishment was issued on March 14, 2026.
Which authority oversees Riyadh University of Arts?
The university operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.
What colleges did the university launch with?
It began operations with the College of Film, the College of Music, and the College of Theatre and Performing Arts.
The university’s language-focused peers include the National Policy for the Arabic Language in Saudi Arabia, another 2026 initiative supporting the Kingdom’s cultural identity, while its performing arts programs echo the tradition behind long-running Saudi productions such as the Tash Ma Tash series.
Updates on the university’s progress are published by the Ministry of Culture. For more Saudi culture and education news, follow KsaPoint on WhatsApp.
