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Classes commenced on Sunday at the Riyadh University of Arts as the first cohort of students began their academic programs across four founding colleges. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan congratulated the new enrollees in a commentary published by Arab News and stressed the institution’s importance for building cultural capabilities. The university was established by royal decree in March 2026 with applications opening in May and attracting thousands of requests from across the Kingdom.
The university’s spokesperson Abdulmajid Al-Assaf told Arab News that students will work on live projects with cultural partners and complete cooperative training as a graduation requirement in select programs. Mentorship from professionals shaping the Kingdom’s creative output forms a core part of the curriculum. This hands-on model supports the goal of preparing graduates to lead in global creative industries.
According to university information the four initial colleges cover music film theater and performing arts and cultural management with eight programs ranging from a bachelor of music to a master of screenwriting. Three additional colleges in heritage and civilization studies design and architecture and visual arts and photography are set to open by 2027. The long-term plan calls for expansion to 13 colleges by 2030.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan stated “I congratulate all the creative men and women who began their academic journey today at Riyadh University of the Arts.” He continued “Because education is the foundation for building cultural capabilities the university has arrived to strengthen the development of the cultural sector achieve global excellence in culture and arts education and elevate Saudi culture and its presence both locally and globally.” The minister’s comments tie directly to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Culture has described the university as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated solely to arts and cultural education. It provides scholarships for the first cohort of students and delivers instruction in both Arabic and English depending on the specialization and its requirements. Admission involves program-specific criteria that can include auditions portfolios or interviews.
Riyadh University of Arts was officially launched under royal decree number 73620 on March 5 2026 as an initiative of the Ministry of Culture. Partnerships with leading global academic institutions will underpin its programs which span short courses diplomas bachelor’s master’s and doctoral levels. The establishment forms part of broader efforts to position the Kingdom as a global leader in the creative economy.
