The Saudi Ministry of Culture recently held a ceremony in Riyadh to honor the first batch of graduates of its prestigious Cultural Scholarship Program. A total of 157 young Saudi men and women graduated in various cultural specializations from reputable institutions around the world. The program aims to create a distinguished generation of cultural pioneers and equip them to contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez emphasized the importance of developing cultural capabilities to enhance effective dialogue between cultures, exchange knowledge, and compete globally in creative industries.
During the ceremony at the King Fahd Cultural Center Theater, graduates showcased their cultural specializations through performances such as short films, artistic and musical works, portraits, and creative sculptures. Major cultural performances including a play and a musical performance by an orchestra band were also held. The event highlighted the success of the Cultural Scholarship Program, with interviews conducted with graduating students to review their experiences in their respective countries of scholarship. The graduates were honored for their achievements, marking an important milestone in their cultural education and development.
The Cultural Scholarship Program was launched in 2019 as a part of the National Strategy for Culture under Saudi Vision 2030. The program offers unique educational opportunities for male and female students to study cultural and artistic specializations in world-class universities abroad. Fields of study include archaeology, design, museums, music, theater, filmmaking, literature, visual arts, and culinary arts. The program aims to nurture creative talents in Saudi Arabia and provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the cultural sector.
Deputy Minister Hamed Fayez highlighted the significance of the Cultural Scholarship Program in enabling graduates to contribute to the prosperity of the Kingdom in various cultural domains. He encouraged individuals passionate about cultural specializations to enroll in the program to enrich their experiences and careers. The program aims to support cultural exchange, promote cross-cultural dialogue, and foster global competitiveness in creative industries. By investing in cultural education, Saudi Arabia is preparing a new generation of cultural leaders who can drive innovation and creativity in the cultural sector.
The Cultural Scholarship Program has been instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia by providing young talents with opportunities to study abroad and gain international exposure. Graduates of the program have demonstrated their skills and talents through performances and creative works, showcasing the new dimensions added to their awareness, skills, and perception. The program has successfully equipped graduates with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive world of cultural industries, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the Kingdom’s cultural development.
In conclusion, the Cultural Scholarship Program by the Saudi Ministry of Culture has played a pivotal role in nurturing cultural talents and promoting cross-cultural dialogue in Saudi Arabia. The recent graduation ceremony honored the achievements of the first batch of graduates, marking a significant milestone in their cultural education and development. The program has provided unique educational opportunities for students to study cultural and artistic specializations abroad, shaping them into cultural pioneers who can contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural prosperity. By investing in cultural education, Saudi Arabia is preparing a new generation of cultural leaders who can compete globally in creative industries and drive innovation in the cultural sector.