Saudi Arabia Partners with Paris Pompidou to Boost Culture

Paris – Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), met with France’s minister of culture, Rachida Dati, in Paris on Wednesday to discuss expanding cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France.

The discussions marked a significant step in strengthening international cultural exchange and fostering creative partnerships between the two nations.

The Royal Commission for AlUla announced a landmark agreement to establish a Saudi section within the Center Pompidou in Paris, which is currently undergoing refurbishment.

The renovated museum is expected to reopen to the public in 2030, providing a dynamic platform to showcase Saudi contemporary art and culture alongside international works.

Under this partnership, the RCU will contribute 50 million euros to support the renovation of the Center Pompidou, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global art and culture.

This collaboration is part of a broader Saudi-French initiative to develop the Museum of Contemporary Art in AlUla, located in the western Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia.

The new museum will serve as a hub for artistic innovation, providing a space where local, regional, and international artists can showcase their work, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects.

By creating this bridge between Paris and AlUla, the initiative strengthens cultural ties and encourages dialogue across borders.

The partnership will also establish a multi-year cultural and artistic program running until 2030, focusing on modern and contemporary Saudi artists.

By using resources from the Center Pompidou, the program will facilitate professional exchanges between Saudi and French cultural experts, offering opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and creative collaboration.

This initiative aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s vibrant contemporary art scene while promoting sustainable cultural development.

RCU emphasized that culture serves as a bridge for international dialogue and plays a key role in advancing sustainable development.

By investing in global artistic institutions and fostering cross-cultural initiatives, Saudi Arabia is positioning AlUla as a leading destination for creativity and innovation.

The collaboration also underlines the importance of sharing knowledge, celebrating heritage, and promoting arts education, both locally and internationally.

In addition to the Center Pompidou partnership, RCU announced the Arduna exhibition, which will take place during the AlUla Arts Festival in January 2026.

Organized in collaboration with Arts AlUla, the Center Pompidou, and the French Agency for AlUla Development, the exhibition will feature workshops, live performances, and programs designed to support emerging talent.

Arduna will showcase contemporary Saudi artistic expression while providing an immersive cultural experience for visitors.

Prince Bader highlighted the importance of building AlUla’s reputation as a global hub for creativity, where heritage, innovation, and knowledge intersect.

The city has been rapidly developing its cultural and artistic infrastructure, hosting world-class events and exhibitions, and nurturing emerging talent.

Through initiatives such as the Pompidou partnership and the Arduna exhibition, AlUla is emerging as a center for inspiration, attracting artists, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.

The collaboration also reflects a shared commitment between Saudi Arabia and France to promote culture as a tool for dialogue, understanding, and peace.

By fostering international artistic exchanges, both countries are demonstrating that art can transcend borders and create opportunities for mutual learning and inspiration.

Through this landmark agreement, Saudi Arabia is not only supporting the global arts community but also enriching its own cultural landscape.

AlUla’s transformation into a vibrant center for contemporary art is a testament to the Kingdom’s vision of blending heritage with modern creativity.

The initiative promises to inspire future generations of artists, strengthen international partnerships, and solidify Saudi Arabia’s role on the world stage as a leader in cultural innovation.

With the reopening of the Center Pompidou in Paris and the development of AlUla’s contemporary art museum, this partnership signals a bright future for artistic collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and global creative growth.