The National Cultural Awards: investing in Saudi creativity

Around the world, culture is widely recognised as a form of soft power—one that can shape the Kingdom's image on the world stage, help build a society that is proud of its identity and aware of its contemporary reality, and foster a sense of belonging. The Kingdom recognises its importance and has pledged support for creators, of which the awards are just a part.

Often seen as 'architects of the future,' cultural creators are an element of the latter-day Saudi story—one that began with transformations in infrastructure, but was accompanied by a reconstruction of the emotional, intellectual, and moral fabric of society, forming a cultural bedrock built on sustained knowledge production that supports the Kingdom's vision for a globally engaged future.

Diverse recipients

The awards recognised Arab music icon Mohammed Abdu as Cultural Personality of the Year. This was both a tribute to his long and distinguished career and an acknowledgement of the shared memory his songs have created. For decades, his voice and melodies have accompanied people in moments of celebration and hardship, becoming part of the emotional fabric of the Arab world. 

Abdu is more than a celebrated singer; he is a chronicler, giving voice to people's stories, dreams, and struggles. From his early beginnings in the 1960s, through the golden decades of the 1970s and 1980s, he forged a distinctive musical signature that came to define modern Saudi song. His work introduced the Kingdom to Arab audiences, shaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia far beyond its borders.

Beyond his impactful voice and the refined musical choices he makes, Abdu has the rare ability to reach across generations, appearing relevant to each, while preserving his authentic roots, embracing innovation but without compromising tradition, meaning that his performances—from the Janadriyah Festival to Riyadh Season events—draw audiences of all ages. Crucially, he has avoided a retreat into nostalgia. This honour shows that lasting art becomes part of the collective memory, timeless and unfading.

The Youth Culture Award went to emerging poet Yahya Rayani, part of a new generation of Saudi talent. His poetry handles language with freshness and awe, drawing on heritage but conveying meaning in a modern, resonant voice.

Poetry in the Kingdom, therefore, has a new sound but a long history. There is an old Saudi saying that "poetry is the Arab's book." Long before the development of writing, Arabian tribesmen gave important information to others using oral poetry, which they also used to share stories, experiences, beliefs, and history, passing it down through the generations.

Institutional support

While the awards mainly went to individuals, institutions were also honoured, among them Awamaki, which works with women in impoverished mountain communities in Peru by offering training in traditional weaving. This lets them transform simple threads into textiles, the sale of which can help sustain rural communities.

In Saudi Arabia, institutions such as the Al-Midad Foundation, the Abdulmonem Al-Rashed Foundation, Makzan 7—a visual and television production company—and Manga Productions exemplify the breadth of cultural investment. Through anime, publishing, and youth-oriented content, these institutions draw upon Saudi heritage and history to craft work that is contemporary and meaningful.

From artisans reshaping memory with their hands to archaeologists unearthing stories from beneath the sand and fashion designers weaving Saudi identity into contemporary design, the awards shone a light on some of the best work. Among those highlighted were Abdullah Al-Suhaibani (for his work with Stone Age relics), Fahad Al-Hussein (for his writing), Abdullah Al-Buraidi (for his philosophy), and Abdullah Al-Wulaie, a researcher and translator who carried the heritage of his homeland into world languages.

Also honoured were Princess Noura bint Mohammed Al-Faisal, who founded Saudi Fashion Week in 2018, musician Abdulrab Idris, and Saleh Abdulwahid, leader of the Diriyah Ardah troupe, who helped secure the tradition's place on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2015.

An open invitation

One of the key messages from the awards was that creativity can often defy categorisation and is not bound by a single standard. It is therefore an open invitation to all who carry the spirit of art and the idea of beauty to persevere and push themselves to become one of the celebrated talents of the future.

Cultural journalism has a key role in bringing creativity to prominence and is seen by the Kingdom as an important branch of media, helping creators to thrive. In this vein, veteran Saudi journalist Saad Al-Humaidin was honoured, having dedicated nearly five decades of his life to cultural media, shaping public opinion, refining aesthetic sensibilities, and bringing cultural narratives to a wider audience.

Over the years, Al-Humaidin has increasingly been seen as a guardian of beauty and meaning, having borne witness to numerous cultural eras, from the print age to the digital era, ensuring a steady editorial compass throughout. His recognition shows that journalists can be both intellectual and vital partners in cultural life.

Related to journalism, the role of publishing has not gone unnoticed. For years, Saudi authors had to look beyond the Kingdom to find platforms for their work. Only recently has this begun to change, with the emergence of Saudi publishing houses, set up in part to support national authors and their creative output.

Many of these publishing houses have been recognised in previous editions of the awards. This year, Dar Tashkeel for Publishing and Distribution was highlighted for its unique integration of publishing and cultural community initiatives. It has evolved into a multifaceted platform, offering services that streamline the publishing process for Saudi authors, making the publishing journey more accessible, and transforming it into a collective cultural experience of empowerment.