Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan announced the inclusion of Riyadh and Madinah in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Riyadh joined the network in the design category, while Madinah was recognized for culinary arts, continuing Saudi Arabia’s growing representation among the world’s most creative and innovative cities.
The announcement follows UNESCO’s approval of the 2025 evaluation results, officially adding the two Saudi cities to the global network that celebrates cities leveraging creativity as a driver for sustainable urban and cultural development.
The Architecture and Design Commission announced Riyadh’s inclusion after leading a comprehensive nomination effort in collaboration with government entities, academic institutions, and private-sector partners.
The nomination showcased Riyadh’s dynamic design landscape — spanning architecture, urban, industrial, interior, product, and digital design — reflecting its growing position as a regional hub for innovation.
Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, described the milestone as “a historic step that reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to make Riyadh a global model in harnessing creativity for urban and cultural development.”
She emphasized that the recognition is the result of the National Architecture and Design Strategy, which fosters innovation, empowers Saudi talent, and promotes design as a tool for sustainable growth and improved quality of life.
Al-Sulaiman added that the Commission aims to cement Riyadh’s position as a global design capital, inspiring other cities through initiatives that support creative practices, strengthen public-private-academic collaboration, and empower Saudi designers to play a leading role in achieving Vision 2030 objectives.
Riyadh’s selection reflects its unique architectural identity — a blend of heritage and modernity — supported by major design and urban development projects and world-class research centers advancing innovation in architecture and design.
UNESCO also announced the inclusion of Madinah as a Creative City of Gastronomy, the second Saudi city to be recognized in this field after Buraidah.
The nomination was led by the Culinary Arts Commission in collaboration with the Madinah Region Development Authority, the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, and a network of public, private, and nonprofit entities.
Madinah’s culinary heritage reflects its historical role as a crossroads of cultures and trade routes.
The city is known for its fertile volcanic soil, diverse agricultural products, and traditional dishes passed down through generations.
This recognition highlights Madinah’s position as a center of cultural diversity and culinary innovation, opening new opportunities for international cooperation and sustainable local development.
Madinah is home to Saudi Arabia’s first culinary market, Souq Al-Tabbakhah, which supports partnerships between local chefs and private businesses to develop the city’s food industry while preserving its authenticity.
The city also focuses on documenting traditional recipes, reducing food waste, and empowering entrepreneurs in gastronomy.
Saudi Arabia now has five cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network:
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, established in 2004, includes 350 cities in over 100 countries, across eight fields: crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, music, and architecture.
The network promotes global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the integration of culture and creativity into sustainable urban development.
