Saudi Gazette report

PARIS — Saudi Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Prince Badr bin Abdullah met with his French counterpart Rachida Dati in Paris. They discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and exchange in the cultural field. It was agreed that a section of the Centre Pompidou museum, which is currently undergoing refurbishing, will be dedicated to Saudi Arabia.

The RCU announced in a press statement that upon the reopening of the Centre Pompidou, a section of the museum will be named in gratitude to Saudi Arabia. The specifics will be finalized in alignment with the museum's new layout. In addition, a cultural and artistic program will be implemented from now until 2030.

It will feature the launch of a research program focused on modern and contemporary Saudi artists, drawing on the resources and expertise of the Centre Pompidou. This initiative will also include support to familiarize young audiences with art history, as well as a program for the transfer of expertise and exchanges between cultural professionals.

The RCU stated that the agreement is an extension of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the cultural and creative sectors, established under the leadership of Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RCU Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening culture as a bridge for international dialogue and advancing sustainable development.

Under the agreement, the RCU will provide 50 million euros to support Centre Pompidou 2030, a project to renovate and develop the Centre Pompidou. This initiative aims to enhance its facilities and expand its educational and artistic programs, reinforcing its role as a leading global cultural institution.

The partnership is part of the broader Saudi-French collaboration to develop the Museum of Contemporary Art in AlUla, as cultural cooperation between the two nations has been rapidly growing in recent years.

RCU also announced the Arduna exhibition, scheduled to take place during AlUla Arts Festival in January 2026. Organized in collaboration with Arts AlUla, the Centre Pompidou, and the French Agency for AlUla Development, the exhibition will feature new artworks and foster dialogue among artists from around the world. It will also include workshops and live performances designed to support emerging talent and enrich AlUla’s evolving cultural landscape.

The commission affirmed that this collaboration with leading international cultural institutions reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting culture and the arts as essential pillars of comprehensive development under Saudi Vision 2030. It further strengthens AlUla’s position as a global hub for creativity, where heritage, innovation, and knowledge come together to inspire future generations.