As part of its cultural elevation, Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its network of creative spaces and cultural institutions across the Kingdom. From Riyadh to AlUla, these venues are redefining how the public engages with art, music, film, and heritage. These cultural hubs are nurturing creativity, empowering local talent, and inviting international collaboration through digital technology, arts, and exhibitions.
Riyadh
- JAX District, Diriyah – It was once an industrial site and now serving as a creative hub for artists, galleries, studios, and cultural events.
- Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) – The first digital art hub in the Middle East, dedicated to new media, AI, and immersive exhibitions.
- Saudi Music Hub – A centre offering music education and resources to support the Kingdom's growing music scene. It has additional branches in Dammam and Jeddah.
Jeddah
- Hayy Jameel – A multidisciplinary arts centre featuring exhibitions, studios, and educational programmes.
- ATHR Gallery – One of the region’s leading contemporary art galleries showcasing regional and international artists.
Eastern Province
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Dhahran – A landmark cultural complex featuring a museum, library, cinema, theatre, children's museum, and innovation labs, designed to foster creativity and cross-cultural engagement.
- Culture House, Dammam – Located within the Dammam Public Library, this facility offers a café, children's area, theatre, innovation spaces, and a women's learning zone.
- Cinematheque Al Khobar by Cinema Association: a newly inaugurated cultural hub in Al Khobar, dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of films.
AlUla:
- Maraya – The world's largest multi-purpose mirrored building, serves as a venue for hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events in a striking desert setting.
- Cinema AlJadidah – An open-air cinema offering a mix of art-house films, blockbusters, and Arabic movies under the stars.
- Wadi AlFann – A forthcoming 65-square-kilometre cultural destination featuring monumental land art installations by renowned international artists.
- Madrasat Addeera – An arts and design centre offering workshops in traditional crafts like palm weaving, pottery, and jewellery-making. desertx.org
- AlUla Music Hub – A space dedicated to music education and performances, nurturing local talent and hosting international artists.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural facilities are more than just venues; they are engines of transformation, shaping a creative future. By blending heritage with innovation and supporting artistic expression across disciplines, the Kingdom is building an inclusive cultural landscape for both citizens and visitors. As these spaces continue to grow, they highlight Saudi Arabia’s determination to be a regional and global leader in arts and culture.
