Saudi Cultural Fund Deploys SAR 770 Million in Q1 2026

Financial support to the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia exceeded SAR 770 million (USD 205 million) by the end of the first quarter of 2026, according to the Cultural Development Fund.

The funding was allocated to 165 cultural projects across the Kingdom, with more than 1,630 creatives and entrepreneurs benefiting from the fund’s development programmes.

The fund reported a 30% increase in financial returns compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting continued expansion in cultural financing activity.

Officials said the supported initiatives are expected to contribute over SAR 4.1 billion to gross domestic product, generate more than 12,540 jobs and mobilise approximately SAR 1.1 billion in private sector investment.

The latest figures build on growth recorded in 2025, when total financing exceeded SAR 752 million, marking a 93% increase year-on-year. Financing performance rose 273%, while financial returns increased by 5% over the same period.

During 2025, the fund expanded its activities across 11 cultural sectors in seven regions, supporting more than 150 projects and enabling over 1,500 entrepreneurs.

Private sector participation surpassed SAR 1 billion, with the fund also strengthening its partnership network through collaborations with 10 strategic partners and eight financial partners.

Established in 2021, the Cultural Development Fund supports 16 sectors including film, music, heritage and fashion, and operates under the umbrella of the National Development Fund.