Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places arts, culture and entertainment at the heart of building a vibrant society, strengthening national identity while enriching quality of life and supporting economic diversification. Across the Kingdom, this ambition is reflected in the growth of cultural performances, heritage destinations, creative industries, festivals and artistic experiences. These efforts also complement global goals, such as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which recognizes the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage and creating inclusive spaces that strengthen communities. Within this developing cultural landscape, KAUST contributes by creating opportunities for its residents and neighboring communities to engage with the arts, celebrate cultural heritage and participate in diverse cultural experiences both on campus and beyond.
Throughout 2025, KAUST delivered and supported over 35 distinct public arts, culture and heritage events, programmes and workshop series, spanning cultural celebrations, live performances, music, visual arts, film, literature, as well as Saudi and international heritage. Together, these activities showcased local and international talent, celebrated the Kingdom’s cultural identity and created opportunities for both the local and wider communities to participate in cultural life.
Saudi heritage remained an important part of this year’s programme. For Saudi Founding Day, KAUST organized three days of activities celebrating the Kingdom’s history and cultural traditions including a heritage journey for children, traditional dress, alongside live Ardah performances. Celebrations extended across campus and beyond, with a community trip to the Islamic Arts Biennale. Later in the year, KAUST marked the Kingdom’s 95th Saudi National Day through celebrations both on campus and in its neighboring city, Thuwal. National and local heritage continued to be celebrated through events such as Discover Thuwal Fishing Heritage and Culture, which highlighted the coastal identity the Thuwal community through traditional wooden-boat craftsmanship, historic fishing tools and photographs, and a recreated fish market. Cultural exchange extended beyond Saudi traditions, reflecting the international character of our community with the first-ever Flavors of the Nations bringing together more than 3,000 attendees from KAUST and beyond, with over 40 nations sharing their traditions and cuisine through community performances and idedicated food stalls.
Music, performing arts and creative participation provided further opportunities for community engagement. KAUST Got Talent showcased community creativity, while music classes for all ages and participation in the KAUST Orchestra, Chorus and Angklung Ensemble encouraged musical expression and cultural exchange. Creative learning extended into the visual arts through KAUST Art Club workshops and the SAAI 2025 – Hackathon on Art and AI, which brought together artistic expression and emerging technologies. Meanwhile, the Delicate exhibition by Saudi artist Daniah Alsaleh connected contemporary art with themes inspired by nature.
Beyond campus, KAUST expanded access to cultural and educational experiences through partnerships and community visits. As an Education Partner for the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah, KAUST collaborated with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation on educational workshops and facilitated community visits celebrating Islamic artistic heritage. Engagement also extended to the Jeddah Book Fair, connecting community members with literature, cultural performances and creative activities.
These activities not only provided entertainment but also developed artistic skills, promoted Saudi and Islamic heritage, supported local and international artistic expression, encouraged intercultural understanding and celebrated the cultural diversity of KAUST and its neighboring communities. By aligning its activities with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for a vibrant society and contributing to SDG 11’s call to preserve cultural heritage and create inclusive communities, KAUST continued to demonstrate how academic institutions can serve as enablers for social development, cultural exchange and creative expression.
