SOAS and the Saudi Ministry for Culture announce partnership for Riyadh University of Arts
SOAS has signed a partnership with the Ministry of Culture for Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)’s College of Heritage and Civilization Studies to support creative development and drive cultural diversity through exchange.
The signing took place during Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Digital Heritage Conference, a national event dedicated to digital preservation and heritage innovation. The conference was selected in recognition of its role as a forum for dialogue on documentary heritage and as a reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing digital preservation practices and innovation.
Noha Kattan, Deputy Minister of National Partnerships and Talent Development, signed on behalf of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, while SOAS was represented by Professor Graeme Earl, Dean of the College of Humanities.
SOAS will collaborate with RUA’s College of Heritage and Civilization Studies to design and deliver specialised academic programmes that promote excellence in heritage and cultural education.
As part of the partnership, SOAS will collaborate with RUA’s College of Heritage and Civilization Studies to design and deliver specialised academic programmes that promote excellence in heritage and cultural education. RUA stands as Saudi Arabia’s premier institution for arts and culture, offering a dynamic learning environment founded on academic excellence.
SOAS is part of a series of strategic partnerships to be signed by Riyadh University of Arts with leading international institutions for the development of academic programmes, research collaboration and the creation of enriching opportunities for cultural education and professional development.
The partnership reflects the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing international cultural cooperation and developing creative talent in line with the key objectives of the National Cultural Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.
Riyadh University of Arts is a new university and is scheduled to open in 2026. It aims to be a cornerstone for creative education and cultural innovation, empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and vision to shape the Kingdom’s cultural future.
Image above L-R: Professor Graeme Earl, Dean of the College of Humanities at SOAS; Dr Jasir Alherbish, CEO of the Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and Ms Noha Kattan, Deputy Minister, National Partnerships and Talent Development, Saudi Ministry of Culture.
