Riyadh – 9 December 2025:
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has signed a partnership with SOAS University of London for the Riyadh University of Arts (RUA) College of Heritage and Civilization Studies. The agreement aims to advance creative development and promote cultural diversity through academic and cultural exchange.
The signing took place during Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Digital Heritage Conference, a national platform dedicated to digital preservation and heritage innovation. The event was chosen in recognition of its role in fostering dialogue on documentary heritage and its alignment with the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing digital preservation and innovation.
Ms. Noha Kattan, Deputy Minister of National Partnerships and Talent Development at the Ministry of Culture, signed on behalf of Riyadh University of Arts, while SOAS was represented by Professor Graeme Earl, Dean of the College of Humanities.
Under this partnership, SOAS will collaborate with RUA’s College of Heritage and Civilization Studies to design and deliver specialized academic programs aimed at excellence in heritage and cultural education.
SOAS is a globally renowned academic and research institution specializing in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — the only university in Europe with such a distinctive regional focus. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, offering globally informed perspectives on cultural, social, and intellectual traditions.
This partnership is part of a series of agreements and MOUs to be signed by Riyadh University of Arts with leading international institutions to support its academic program development, research collaboration, and the creation of enriched opportunities for cultural education and professional growth.
Riyadh University of Arts was announced last September at the Cultural Investment Conference by His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, Minister of Culture. The university serves as a cornerstone of creative education and cultural innovation, empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and vision to shape the Kingdom’s cultural future.
RUA will offer a comprehensive academic structure across cultural and artistic disciplines, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, master’s and doctoral programs—ensuring continuous learning opportunities at all levels.
More details about RUA, its colleges, and its international partnerships will be revealed when its official website launches in the first quarter of 2026.
