During her participation in the Cultural Investment Conference,

Vice Minister of Education: Qualitative programs and initiatives to enhance cultural education and develop talent

Her Excellency, the Vice Minister of Education, Dr. Enas bint Sulaiman Al-Issa, participated in a panel discussion today titled "Culture as a Catalyst: Enabling Growth and Competitiveness." This event was part of the Cultural Investment Conference 2025, taking place at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Dr. Al-Issa underscored that cultural education in the Kingdom depends on a balance between clear policies and sound planning, on the one hand, and providing space for creativity and innovation, on the other. She pointed out that this balance represents the foundation for the sector's future development.

Her Excellency highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, which has led to the integration of cultural and artistic curricula into the education system. This partnership has also facilitated regulatory developments that have expedited the licensing process for new academies. Furthermore, she added that artistic talent is now an integral component of the national framework aimed at nurturing gifted and creative individuals.

The Vice Minister of Education clarified that Saudi universities have introduced 49 academic programs across various cultural disciplines, along with 18 colleges dedicated to culture. Furthermore, these institutions have promoted creative entrepreneurship to assist students in transforming their ideas into viable projects and job opportunities. She also mentioned that the Cultural Scholarship Program currently supports over 500 male and female students studying abroad, with 130 of these students enrolled in the 30 most prestigious academic institutions worldwide.

Her Excellency added that the National Talent Competition attracted well over one million students, reflecting the passion and enthusiasm of Saudi students. She emphasized that these indicators position the Kingdom as a leading regional hub for cultural education and talent development, contributing to long-term added value, a qualified workforce, a thriving creative economy, and an environment that is attractive to both local and international investment.

Dr. Al-Issa concluded her remarks by emphasizing that integrating culture into education contributes to the development of students' talents and creativity, strengthens their national identity, and prepares them to compete both locally and internationally. She noted that education is the foundation, while culture contributes to enhancing its meaning and value, transforming it into qualitative opportunities that support comprehensive development.

It was noteworthy that the panel session witnessed the participation of Mr. Hamad bin Mohammed Fayez, the Vice Minister of Culture; Eng. Ammar bin Mohammed Nagadi, the Vice Minister of Economy and Planning; and Mr. Bader bin Abdulrahman Al-Kadi, the Vice Minister of Sports.