Saudi Ministry of Culture Launches Six Specialized Research Grants to Advance Cultural Knowledge

Photography: Courtesy of SPA

Riyadh, May 23 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Ministry of Culture has launched six specialized research grants as part of the first cycle of its new Culture Research Grants Program, the ministry announced on Thursday. The initiative is designed to strengthen scientific research in Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector and support the development of evidence-based cultural policy.

The program aligns with the ministry’s strategic objectives to generate and disseminate high-quality cultural knowledge, reflecting priority themes announced last year: culture in its context, cultural contact, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and quality of life, and cultural policies and regulations.

The Anthropological Studies Grant focuses on research into the cultures of the Arabian Peninsula, with the aim of preserving national memory and enhancing scientific understanding of local cultural elements in their social and economic context. The Saudi Arabia from a Global Perspective Grant supports studies on the Kingdom’s cultural exchanges and its historical influence on global civilizations.

The Children’s Culture Grant encourages research on cultural production for children and aims to address participation gaps while promoting diversity and inclusion in the cultural sector. The Rights of Creatives and Artists Grant will support studies on intellectual property rights and the legal and policy frameworks needed to protect creators in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Aligned with the ministry’s sustainability goals, the Creative Economy Grant will investigate the economic role of cultural institutions and professionals, contributing to the development of sustainable business models for cultural industries. Meanwhile, the Culture and Sustainability Grant will examine the impact of environmental, social, and economic factors on the cultural sector and explore strategies for integrating sustainability into cultural practice.

The Ministry said the grants are intended to empower researchers and practitioners to address pressing cultural challenges and expand the national body of academic knowledge.

“These grants reinforce our commitment to research-driven cultural development and support the integration of cultural heritage and innovation in national growth,” the ministry said in a statement.

The initiative forms a central pillar of the Ministry of Culture’s broader research strategy, which aims to cultivate a dynamic research environment and elevate the Kingdom’s leadership in regional and global cultural studies.

Applications and further details are available via the Ministry’s official website: https://www.moc.gov.sa/en/Modules/Pages/Initiative/InitiativeDetail?id=7744B044-E8AA-4789-A20B-BA714D5C021D