RIYADH — Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Riyadh University of Arts Prince Badr bin Abdullah announced that the university will open its doors for admission and registration in May, and classes will commence in September this year. “The university aims to be a leading center for cultural education in the Kingdom. The university offers a wide range of academic specializations that will enable students to enrich the creative industries and contribute to the development of the Saudi cultural sector, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030,” he said. Prince Badr emphasized that this university will be a cornerstone for creative education and cultural innovation, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and vision that will qualify them to contribute to shaping the future of culture in the Kingdom. “The goal of supporting talent and celebrating our cultural heritage is to empower the next generation to contribute to the growth of the creative economy and leave their unique mark on the local and international cultural scene,” he said. The university aspires to be among the top 50 international universities specializing in arts and culture worldwide by providing an innovative learning environment that motivates students to discover their passions, develop their talents, and actively contribute to realizing a creative economy. The university will adopt a phased approach that meets the needs of different educational levels and encompasses all cultural sectors. It will offer integrated academic programs that ensure continuity of education in the fields of culture and arts, including short courses, diploma programs, bachelor's degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Riyadh. The university will begin accepting students in four initial colleges and eight academic programs across the College of Music, the College of Film, the College of Theater and Performing Arts, and the College of Cultural Management when classes commence in September. It will then gradually expand to 13 colleges offering diverse educational programs covering various cultural fields and sectors. The university has recently established partnerships with leading international institutions. It will empower artists, researchers, and cultural leaders to drive the creative economy and the Kingdom’s cultural future. Two weeks ago, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued a royal order approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts. The university will be an independent educational institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.The university is a key initiative of the National Culture Strategy, aimed at developing Saudi competencies to meet the growing demand in the cultural sectors. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the university's vision focuses on global leadership in arts and culture, striving to enhance the cultural, scientific, and economic landscapes through specialized academic programs and advanced research initiatives.