The Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science (ALECSO) announced the selection of Diriyah as the capital of Arab culture for 2030, due to its immortal symbolism at the level of culture locally and regionally, and its remarkable history with a civilized legacy that is still influential till Monday.
The announcement came after the endorsement of the Arab Ministers of Culture at their annual meeting under the umbrella of the ALECSO, which was held in Dubai between December 19 and 20, 2021, to choose Diriyah as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2030, after the organization's permanent committee for culture approved the vote, so that this became the second time that a Saudi city is chosen as the Arab capital of culture, after Riyadh was named in 2000.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, for the great support that the Saudi culture receives in all its fields, which resulted in naming Diriyah, which enjoys a high status in the hearts of Saudis, to be a sign of Arab culture.
The Minister of Culture stressed that choosing Diriyah as the capital of Arab culture for 2030 is a culmination of the journey of the capital of the first Saudi state, and what it produced throughout centuries of historical and civilization richness that made it among the most prominent historical sites that are full of great movement with a cultural impact that lasts forever, especially that this choice comes after the announcing Riyadh as the capital of Arab culture in 2000.
He added that these achievements enhance the status of both cities for their prestigious values at the cultural and knowledge levels, noting that announcing Diriyah as the capital of culture in 2030 in particular embodies several meanings, especially that 2030 is associated with the targets of the comprehensive national development for the Saudi Vision 2030.
Today, Diriyah is enduring a major workshop with the Royal Order to establish the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in 2017 to include it as one of the largest major Saudi projects, in return for its cultural and knowledge position, which made it the most prominent capital that is full of all its elements, which will become one of the most important global cultural tourism destinations.
The selection of Diriyah as the capital of Arab culture in 2030 will include organizing many events that include all elements of culture, artistic workshops and special performances in theater and cinema, festivals, competitions and cultural weeks, exchanging delegations and artistic teams, rehabilitating existing cultural institutions and developing their performance, fostering creativity and encouraging creators, as well as supporting intellectuals and activating the cultural arena.