Riyadh University of Arts was officially launched by Royal Decree number 73620 on 16 Ramadan 1447 H, corresponding to 05 March 2026, as the Kingdom's pioneering institution for arts and culture. Established in the heart of Riyadh, it offers a dynamic academic environment defined by excellence and ambition. It is the first university of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
With thirteen colleges spanning the full spectrum of cultural disciplines, the university transforms passion into mastery and talent into impact. It launched with 4 colleges and will expand step by step until all thirteen are complete by 2030.
In partnership with the world's foremost academic institutions, RUA delivers programs at every level of study, from short courses and diplomas to bachelor's, master's, higher diplomas, and doctorates.
Established by the Ministry of Culture as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh University of Arts is committed to building capacity, nurturing talent, and advancing the Kingdom's cultural leadership. Its mission is clear: to elevate cultural education and accelerate Saudi Arabia's rise as a global cultural powerhouse.
To be an inspiring knowledge beacon for future generations, combining culture and the arts, empowering students to discover their passion and develop their talents to foster creativity and cultural exchange.
To cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering cutting-edge programs that foster cultural and artistic engagement, enriching both Saudi and global communities.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Riyadh University of Arts (RUA), a landmark institution crowning the Kingdom’s cultural ambition, and a beacon for excellence in the education and preservation of arts and culture, nurturing the talents of creatives and dreamers.
As the first of its kind in the MENA region, RUA serves as a center of creativity, knowledge, and innovation, contributing to shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem and creative economy, driving the growth of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The university will offer advanced academic, professional, and vocational programs across all creative disciplines, including arts and cultural management, to ensure our creative talents possess the necessary skills to lead and innovate.
Our mission is to nurture the next generation of cultural leaders and practitioners by providing world-class education in an environment that fosters exploration, collaboration, and innovation. As a symbol of the Kingdom’s cultural ambition, RUA will showcase both heritage and creativity on the world stage to strengthen cross-cultural connections. Our programs will enable students to become cultural ambassadors, bridging tradition and innovation to inspire global creative dialogue and mutual understanding.
By fostering strategic partnerships with world-renowned institutions, RUA will establish a global network of creative excellence centered in Riyadh, in line with our belief in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, educate, and drive social, economic, and cultural progress.
RUA represents a platform for discovery, a space where talent is nurtured, and a gateway for Saudi art and culture to the world. I warmly welcome all aspiring students, faculty, and partners to join us on this exceptional journey. Together, we will shape the ambitious cultural future of the Kingdom and inspire the world.
His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed
bin Farhan Al Saud
Minister of Culture
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Riyadh University of Arts is redefining what creative education means for the Kingdom and the region. Here, arts, technology, and innovation come together in a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. By uniting disciplines and encouraging collaboration, we empower students with the skills, mindset, and vision to excel, to create, and to lead in the fast-evolving world of global creative industries.
RUA introduces a fresh approach to arts and cultural learning in the Middle East. Our methodology connects disciplines and fosters intellectual exchange, opening new possibilities for innovation and discovery.
We champion the principles of creative thinking and equip students to adapt to rapid change across cultural sectors. From vision to execution, our graduates are prepared to shape industries, create impact, and drive transformation.
RUA is a global hub that strengthens connections between Saudi culture and the world. Through international partnerships, our students take part in cultural dialogue that crosses borders and defines the future.
Guided by a commitment to excellence, we collaborate with the world’s leading institutions across every cultural discipline. These partnerships ensure that our students experience an education shaped by global best practice and enriched by hands-on training that connects knowledge with real-world skills.
The impact goes far beyond the classroom. Each partnership brings international expertise directly to our students, raising their cultural output to global standards and opening pathways for Saudi culture to engage with the world. Together, we are building bridges of knowledge, creativity, and cultural exchange.
The partnership between Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)’s College of Theater and Performing Arts and AMDA College of the Performing Arts supports the development of world-class academic programs within the College of Theater and Performing Arts, furthering the growth of the Kingdom’s theater and performing arts sector while advancing performance education regionally and globally.
Founded in 1964, AMDA has long been a leader in higher education and professional training in theater and the performing arts. With campuses in New York and Los Angeles, AMDA is recognized for its practice-based, career-focused curriculum and its connections to the theater, film, television, and entertainment industries worldwide.
The partnership integrates academic rigor with professional practice through the co-development and co-delivery of academic programs, contributes to assessments for auditions and admissions, faculty training and knowledge exchange, and intensive student instruction across the College’s specializations. The academic offering spans a broad portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in theater and film acting, performing arts, musical theater, dramaturgy, and other related disciplines.
For more information on academic programs under this partnership, please visit:
At Riyadh University of Arts, creative learning is an experience shaped by practice, dialogue, and the integration of theory with application. The Diriyah and Irqah campuses are designed to bring this vision to life, offering facilities that enrich every stage of the student journey and provide the tools to transform ideas into experiences and creations.
Our campuses will feature specialized studios across discipline, from film and animation to sound recording, painting, and sculpture. Alongside theaters, workshops for wood and metal, digital labs, and spaces dedicated to writing and artistic exploration, students will find an environment built to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation.