UK–Saudi Year of Culture Set for 2029

The United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have designated 2029 as the UK–Saudi Year of Culture, following the official visit of The Prince of Wales to the Kingdom. The announcement was made jointly by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

The programme will run for a full year and is intended to celebrate creative dialogue and shared heritage between the two countries. Officials stated that the initiative will promote collaboration across cultural sectors while creating new opportunities for young people in both nations to connect.

The Year of Culture is positioned within the broader framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aligns with the United Kingdom’s ongoing focus on cultural innovation and the creative industries.
The announcement also comes as the two countries approach nearly a century of formal diplomatic relations. Cultural cooperation has expanded in recent years through joint initiatives spanning heritage conservation, visual and culinary arts, architecture and higher education. The 2029 programme is expected to build on these foundations with a structured calendar of exchanges and events across both countries.