Saudi Arabia launches new media education program for artists 

Dedicated center for interdisciplinary art and media to open in Diriyah. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 January 2024
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Saudi Arabia launches new media education program for artists 

  • Dedicated center for interdisciplinary art and media to open in Diriyah 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture on Wednesday called for applications for its Emerging New Media Artists program, set to take place at the soon-to-open Diriyah Art Futures center.

The program will provide local and regional artists with access to cutting-edge professional equipment, production financing, and a wide range of multidisciplinary learning opportunities, including personal mentorship from prominent international digital artists. 

The program is a part of a wider partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Diriyah Co. which will be launching the Diriyah Art Futures center, the world’s first facility dedicated to new media creatives.

New Media Arts is a term that encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary artistic practices that integrate technology, computer-generated elements and interactive experiences.

Successful applicants will be able to study digital art, interactive installations, AI, video, net art, generative art, virtual reality, augmented reality, sound art, data visualization, 3D printing and fabrication, cinema and animation.

Applicants should be under 35 and have a degree with some experience in developing and creating digital art. Applications can be submitted at http://daf.moc.gov.sa/en.


KSrelief, UN highlight key goals in 2026 humanitarian plan 

Updated 09 February 2026
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KSrelief, UN highlight key goals in 2026 humanitarian plan 

  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah meets UN Yemen coordinator for aid reviews
  • German lawmakers praise KSrelief for humanitarian projects globally

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief held a briefing session at its headquarters in Riyadh on the UN’s 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview, which is a diagnosis of the support needed by communities in crisis across the world. 

The session was organized in cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

The session included senior officials from KSrelief and the UN, as well as representatives from Saudi government agencies and nonprofit organizations. 

The participants discussed mechanisms for preparing the 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview and highlighted key differences from previous years.

The participants also addressed the need for funding in crisis-hit areas including Yemen, Sudan, Gaza, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Afghanistan.

These measures aim to strengthen focus on critical priorities, enhance the efficiency of humanitarian responses, support localization efforts, and promote work based on humanitarian principles.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, met with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they discussed relief and humanitarian affairs, as well as updates on projects in Yemen. Harneis praised the efforts provided by the Kingdom through KSrelief to support communities in Yemen. 

Separately, Al-Rabeeah also held a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed Belal, managing director of the UN Common Fund for Commodities, to discuss relief issues. 

Belal commended Saudi Arabia for assisting those affected around the world, highlighted the center’s strong international reputation. 

Meanwhile, a delegation from Germany’s parliament, headed by Alexander Radwan, a member of the nation’s foreign affairs committee, visited KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the visit, the German lawmakers met with several KSrelief officials to discuss relief efforts.

The German officials praised KSrelief for planning and implementing relief projects worldwide, and highlighted the agency’s reputation globally in the field.