FaceOf: Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Maziad, CEO Saudi General Authority for Culture

Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Maziad
Updated 06 November 2018
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FaceOf: Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Maziad, CEO Saudi General Authority for Culture

  • Al-Maziad was executive vice president of Saudi-based investment company Tharawat Holding Co. from 2015 to 2017
  • Al-Maziad took a bachelor’s degree from the College of Industrial Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukeee in the US

Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Maziad has been the CEO of the General Authority for Culture (GAC) since October 2017. 

The GAC is a government body with responsibility for literature, film and content, theater, performing arts, music and visual arts. 

Before his appointment, Al-Maziad was executive vice president of Saudi-based investment company Tharawat Holding Co. from 2015 to 2017.

Al-Maziad took a bachelor’s degree from the College of Industrial Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukeee in the US and a master’s degree in public administration from King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. 

He also took a number of executive courses at Columbia University, MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Stanford University and Harvard University.

Under Al-Maziad’s leadership, the GAC has signed a memorandum of understanding with King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) to enhance cooperation in various cultural fields.

The MoU covered setting up programs at KAEC with the aim of attracting global expertise to strengthen and empower national local talent.

Al-Mazeed said: “The signing of the memorandum comes from the authority’s keenness to build goal-oriented and fruitful partnerships with KAEC.”


Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.