Saudi and Uzbek ministers strengthen cultural cooperation at UNESCO conference
London – Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their growing cultural partnership during high-level meetings held on the sidelines of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with Gayane Umerova, chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture, to discuss expanding cultural cooperation and promoting artistic collaboration between the two nations.
Prince Badr congratulated Uzbekistan on successfully hosting the UNESCO conference and commended its vital role in fostering global dialogue around culture, heritage, and creative industries.
He also praised the organization of the ongoing Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, which runs until November 20, describing it as a key platform for cultural exchange and international artistic engagement.
During his meeting with Umerova, Prince Badr expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit between both nations’ cultural institutions.
The discussions highlighted shared priorities in areas such as heritage preservation, creative innovation, and mutual participation in international cultural events.
The two sides emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships to promote both traditional and contemporary art forms on a global scale.
Prince Badr also noted Uzbekistan’s active participation in the Riyadh International Book Fair held in October, where the country showcased its diverse artistic traditions and craftsmanship.
He further acknowledged Uzbekistan’s contributions to the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah in 2023 and 2025, particularly through the loan of significant Islamic art artifacts that reflect the shared heritage and cultural legacy of the Islamic world.
In a separate meeting, Prince Badr and Nazarbekov reaffirmed their ministries’ joint commitment to advancing cooperation in cultural exchange, heritage protection, and the creative economy.
Both ministers welcomed closer collaboration between the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, a partnership aimed at deepening artistic dialogue between the two nations.
One of the key highlights of this collaboration is the display of the Diriyah Biennale’s Al-Musalla Prize-winning design at the Bukhara Biennale.
The Al-Musalla design, created in 2024, reimagines a musalla — a space traditionally used for prayer and gathering — through a modern and architectural lens.
This project symbolizes the cultural and artistic exchange between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, illustrating how shared heritage can inspire contemporary creativity.
The Al-Musalla installation was first presented at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah earlier this year and later showcased at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice before making its way to Bukhara.
Its journey reflects the growing global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s creative vision and its active engagement in international cultural platforms.
Prince Badr expressed his gratitude to the Uzbek government for its hospitality and for its efforts to strengthen bilateral ties through art and culture.
He conveyed his best wishes for Uzbekistan’s continued success in fostering cultural growth, creativity, and international collaboration.
The meetings mark a significant step forward in the expanding cultural relationship between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, built on mutual respect and a shared dedication to preserving heritage while encouraging modern artistic expression.
Both nations see cultural cooperation as a key driver of people-to-people connection, creativity, and sustainable development in the region.
