RIYADH: Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim on Monday participated in the Cultural Investment Conference 2025.
During a panel session titled “From Policy to Prosperity – Culture as a Strategic Investment,” the minister described the multifaceted role culture plays in the economy.
Commenting on the role of culture, Alibrahim said “This is serious business, this is serious investment, and this is serious job creation.”
He added: “Culture is about three things. Our objective under Vision 2030 is to accelerate diversifying the economy. Culture played a significant role in driving the first wave of growth in new sectors – tourism, culture, entertainment, and sports.”
Culture’s second role is in economic participation, Alibrahim said, with new sectors creating jobs and inspiring entrepreneurs.
“This is very important for the economy – it signals a healthy economy. It’s not just about people entering jobs, it’s about what they’re learning in these areas. Culture is at the heart of creative sectors.”
Alibrahim said the third role of culture is as a connector, with the Kingdom’s cultural ecosystem actively showcasing Saudi Arabia to global audiences through diverse cultural initiatives.
These efforts not only link international talent communities to the Kingdom but also serve as gateways for investors to discover and engage with the Kingdom’s growing opportunities.
The minister concluded by saying culture is “paving the way for future growth and multipliers of growth” with every investment in creative sectors having a multiplier effect on the economy.
He added that “the Ministry of Culture and its ecosystem are actively training around 5,000 people in addition to sponsoring students in the thousands to get many degrees in these sectors since the start of Saudi Vision 2030.”
