Paris, November 14, 2024 – In a significant step towards deepening cultural relations, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud met with French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati in Paris to explore new avenues for collaboration across various cultural sectors. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of Saudi Arabia and France to enhance cultural exchange and bolster cooperation in areas such as museums, libraries, theater, culinary arts, film, heritage, and visual arts. Prince Bader and Minister Dati, who oversee 11 sector-specific commissions, outlined potential partnerships designed to enrich the cultural landscapes of both nations.
Among the key areas of cooperation discussed was an exchange of Islamic and Arabic manuscripts for future exhibitions, providing both countries with unique opportunities to showcase rare and historic works. Plans were also proposed for joint international art residencies, aimed at integrating Saudi talent into the French art scene, as well as an exchange program with the Paris National Opera, fostering dialogue in theater and performing arts. "Meeting with Rachida Dati reaffirms our mutual commitment to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France," stated Prince Bader. "I look forward to the many new initiatives and programs that will enrich the cultural landscape in both countries."
This meeting builds on Dati's earlier visit to Saudi Arabia in March, where she toured prominent cultural venues and events, including the Diriyah Biennale for Contemporary Art and the Irqah Cultural Center. Saudi Arabia and France have continued to deepen their cultural partnership, marked by a number of successful collaborations. In May, the Saudi Film Commission established a Saudi Arabia pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, with the Saudi film Norah becoming the first to be screened at the prestigious event, promoting Saudi talent on the global stage.
The longstanding cultural partnership between the two countries has also highlighted the field of archaeology. In 2022, the Saudi Heritage Commission, the French embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (AFALULA) commemorated two decades of archaeological collaboration with a special symposium in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, in 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Culture will host a selection of Islamic artifacts from the Louvre Museum at the Islamic Arts Biennale, further underscoring this fruitful partnership.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance, led by the Ministry of Culture, continues to recognize the importance of building global cultural bridges. Through an expanding portfolio of international partnerships with France, the Kingdom is actively fostering cultural understanding and mutual appreciation. The depth and diversity of these collaborations reflect the shared commitment of both nations to advancing cultural exchange and enhancing global connectivity in the realms of art, heritage, and beyond.