Saudi Fund Launches AI Incentives for Cultural Projects

Saudi Arabia's Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has launched a new incentive programme offering eligible cultural businesses up to SAR 500,000 to develop or integrate artificial intelligence technologies into their projects.

Introduced in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program, and in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the initiative marks the first track under the Nama' Incentives programme, which supports cultural projects aligned with national priorities.

The funding is available to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating across the cultural sector. Eligible projects include those developing or adopting AI solutions in areas such as creative production, heritage preservation, content development, cultural experiences, project management, governance and intellectual property.

According to the Cultural Development Fund, the initiative is intended to accelerate the adoption of AI across the cultural value chain, helping organisations improve operational efficiency while developing new cultural products, services and experiences.

The programme coincides with Saudi Arabia's Year of AI and builds on a trilateral agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Development Fund and SDAIA to expand the use of advanced technologies across the Kingdom's cultural industries. The partners said the initiative supports broader efforts to strengthen the sector's long-term sustainability and contribution to the creative economy.

Applications opened on August 10th and will remain open until September 29th, 2026. Eligible organisations can review the programme's requirements and submit applications through the Cultural Development Fund's website.