Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector has emerged as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s economic, social, and environmental initiatives, as outlined in the Ministry of Culture’s "Report on the State of Culture 2023: Sustainability in the Cultural Sector."
Oxford Business Group (OBG), a global research and advisory company, has undertaken an in-depth analysis of this report, offering a secondary perspective on its findings and implications.
The analysis sheds light on key themes from the ministry’s report, including the advancement of sustainability through the integration of heritage preservation with environmental practices, as well as efforts to enhance cultural participation and foster a thriving creative economy.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is emerging as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s development, with the potential to drive economic diversification and enhance quality of life. Through initiatives led by the ministry, the sector is preserving Saudi Arabia’s vast heritage while fostering innovation and collaboration.
Efforts to further develop the cultural sector are projected to contribute 3% to GDP by 2030, generating $20bn in revenues and creating 100,000 jobs.
Notable examples in the report include the Saudi Green Initiative’s impact on cultural preservation, the adoption of eco-friendly conservation practices and the sector’s focus on expanding creative output through initiatives in literature, film and music. The Kingdom’s commitment to long term growth is evidenced by its investment in further empowering knowledge and technical skills in cultural practitioners.
Busra Karacadag, OBG’s Country Director for Saudi Arabia, emphasised the importance of examining the ministry’s report to illuminate the cultural sector’s contributions.
“By analysing Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape through the lens of the ministry’s report, we provide insights into the sector’s pivotal role in economic diversification and global cultural sustainability. This secondary analysis underscores the transformative potential of cultural initiatives,” she said.
