Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Sector Emerges as a Strategic Economic Engine in Partnership with France
French ambassador highlights how culture is driving bilateral economic cooperation and enhancing Riyadh’s global attractiveness
Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is rapidly assuming a central role in the Kingdom’s economic transformation and its partnership with France, with cultural cooperation now cited as a new engine of economic growth and exchange.
The French ambassador to Saudi Arabia said this sector has moved beyond symbolic cultural ties to become a substantive pillar of bilateral cooperation that connects with tourism, entertainment and broader economic objectives, underscoring its importance to both Riyadh and Paris.
The remarks were made during the launch of La Fabrique, a collaborative artistic workspace in Diriyah’s Jax district, created through a partnership between Saudi cultural institutions and the French Institute.
The initiative offers artists a shared environment to develop work across performance, digital and interactive arts, photography, music and cinema, while also opening the creative process to public engagement.
The ambassador emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030 has encouraged the emergence of a new generation of artists and creative professionals, alongside growing domestic interest in international cultural exchange.
He described cultural relations between the two countries as deep and mutually reinforcing, with sustained interest from both Saudi and French institutions strengthening long-term ties between Riyadh and Paris.
This cultural momentum aligns with broader investment in Saudi Arabia’s creative economy, which has expanded its contribution to economic diversification through public and private funding, new cultural venues and international partnerships.
Long-term cooperation agreements with French cultural organisations are supporting skills development, institutional capacity and the global visibility of Saudi creative industries.
As initiatives such as La Fabrique continue to attract artists and audiences, cultural leaders view the sector as a strategic bridge between artistic expression and economic development.
The growing integration of culture with tourism and investment strategies is positioning Saudi Arabia as a global creative hub and reinforcing its economic and cultural partnership with France.
The French ambassador to Saudi Arabia said this sector has moved beyond symbolic cultural ties to become a substantive pillar of bilateral cooperation that connects with tourism, entertainment and broader economic objectives, underscoring its importance to both Riyadh and Paris.
The remarks were made during the launch of La Fabrique, a collaborative artistic workspace in Diriyah’s Jax district, created through a partnership between Saudi cultural institutions and the French Institute.
The initiative offers artists a shared environment to develop work across performance, digital and interactive arts, photography, music and cinema, while also opening the creative process to public engagement.
The ambassador emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030 has encouraged the emergence of a new generation of artists and creative professionals, alongside growing domestic interest in international cultural exchange.
He described cultural relations between the two countries as deep and mutually reinforcing, with sustained interest from both Saudi and French institutions strengthening long-term ties between Riyadh and Paris.
This cultural momentum aligns with broader investment in Saudi Arabia’s creative economy, which has expanded its contribution to economic diversification through public and private funding, new cultural venues and international partnerships.
Long-term cooperation agreements with French cultural organisations are supporting skills development, institutional capacity and the global visibility of Saudi creative industries.
As initiatives such as La Fabrique continue to attract artists and audiences, cultural leaders view the sector as a strategic bridge between artistic expression and economic development.
The growing integration of culture with tourism and investment strategies is positioning Saudi Arabia as a global creative hub and reinforcing its economic and cultural partnership with France.
