Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 (CIC) concluded in Riyadh after two days of discussions, partnerships, and announcements reinforcing culture as a key pillar of sustainable growth.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event brought together more than 100 speakers and 1,500 participants from across the world, as per a recent press release.

Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, opened the conference, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to building a vibrant cultural economy that empowers talent and drives innovation. A ministerial session featuring Faisal Alibrahim, Economy Minister, and Khalid Al-Falih, Investment Minister, outlined a national roadmap integrating culture into Saudi Arabia’s economic and development strategies.

The conference produced tangible outcomes with the signing of 89 agreements worth SAR 4.3 billion, including investment funds in film and fashion in partnership with BSF Capital and Merak Capital, as well as the launch of the Cultural Assets Fund. The Cultural Development Fund also introduced Saudi Arabia’s first CMA-regulated art investment fund through Audi Capital, while Colnaghi, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, announced its first Middle East branch in Riyadh.

A major partnership between Google Arts & Culture and Jeddah Historic District was unveiled to digitize the UNESCO World Heritage site using Street View technology, showcasing Saudi heritage to global audiences.

The conference positioned Saudi Arabia as a global hub for cultural investment and innovation, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the national economy and establishing culture as a strategic driver of growth.