Saudi Arabia Launches Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 in China
Riyadh, March 6, 2025 – The Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 in the People’s Republic of China, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
The initiative will feature a series of cultural events, reinforcing bilateral ties and offering a platform for cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China. The year-long program aims to enhance mutual understanding and celebrate the rich traditions, heritage, and artistic innovations of both countries.
Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy
The Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 builds on decades of diplomatic and cultural engagement. Last month, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Saudi Embassy in Beijing, hosted a Founding Day celebration, which featured artisan demonstrations, traditional Saudi handicrafts, and Arabic calligraphy exhibits, offering Chinese audiences a glimpse into Saudi heritage.
Ahmed Mater’s Shanghai Exhibition
As part of the celebrations, the Visual Arts Commission, in partnership with UCCA (Ullens Center for Contemporary Art), is hosting a major exhibition of renowned Saudi contemporary artist Ahmed Mater. Titled Antenna, the exhibition will be held at UCCA Edge in Shanghai from March 8 to July 8, 2025, marking Mater’s first major solo show in China.
Featuring over 100 artworks, Antenna traces Mater’s artistic evolution, offering a compelling narrative of Saudi cultural identity, modern transformation, and contemporary art expressions. The Saudi artist, whose works have been exhibited in Christie’s London in 2024 and other international venues, is widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary Saudi art.
A Year of Cultural Engagement
The Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 will serve as a catalyst for deeper cultural engagement, with upcoming events spanning visual arts, music, literature, film, and heritage exhibitions. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy, fostering creative dialogue, and expanding its global cultural presence in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.