Agreement to boost Saudi music sector

The agreement was formalized in Riyadh by Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, right, and Guido Zimmermann, president of Steinway & Sons EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 11 December 2025
Follow

Agreement to boost Saudi music sector

  • Music Commission’s deal with Steinway & Sons to empower, accelerate development
  • Guido Zimmermann: Saudi Arabia is entering an extraordinary chapter in its cultural journey, and we are honored to support this transformation

RIYADH: The Saudi Music Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, has signed an agreement with Steinway & Sons, the piano manufacturer. The deal aims to empower and accelerate the development and professionalization of the Saudi music sector.

The agreement was formalized in Riyadh by Paul Pacifico, the CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, and Guido Zimmermann, president of Steinway & Sons EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Both entities are to collaborate to empower talent, enhance professional training, and expand access to world-class musical instruments.

The collaboration will advance artistic and educational plans and will serve as a foundation for enabling significant commercial partnerships and business investment in the Kingdom’s music sector. These efforts reflect the Music Commission’s continued participation in supporting and fostering sustainable growth.

The Saudi Music Commission and Steinway & Sons will explore joint initiatives to develop apprenticeship programs for piano technicians; enable joint participation in Music Commission initiatives and events; and facilitate connections with cultural, educational, and retail partners across Saudi Arabia.

Pacifico said: “This partnership with Steinway & Sons is a milestone in our mission to further empower musical talent across Saudi Arabia. By combining global expertise with local creativity, we are building a lasting framework for education, performance, and craftsmanship.

“Our work at the Saudi Music Commission is not only nurturing talent and creativity but is also actively shaping a music market that welcomes industry leaders, generates investment, and supports sustainable growth for businesses and practitioners alike. Together, we remain committed to nurturing music’s enduring role at the heart of Saudi life and culture, inspiring generations to come.”

Zimmermann said: “Saudi Arabia is entering an extraordinary chapter in its cultural journey, and we are honored to support this transformation. This partnership with the Saudi Music Commission reflects our long-term commitment to education, talent development, and the craft of music making.”


Saudi Arabia intercepts more drones over the kingdom, UK affirms support for the region

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia intercepts more drones over the kingdom, UK affirms support for the region

[11:51 AM, 3/4/2026] Dalal Awienat: RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense official spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the Kingdom intercepted 9 drones on Wednesday, reported state news agency SPA. 

All-Maliki also said a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region of the kingdom and two cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed in Al-Kharj Governorate. 

A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Iran’s attack on the United States Embassy building in Riyadh after preliminary assessments indicated two drones targeted the facility. 

The Saudi Defense Ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. The incident caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the embassy, with no reported injuries.

Reports from early Tuesday described a loud blast and visible flames at the American embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where many foreign missions are located.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in an X post, reckless attacks targeting innocent civilians are unacceptable and destabilizing, affirming her country's support for Saudi Arabia and its partners in the region in confronting these attacks.

“Iranian strikes on Riyadh, including on the US Embassy, are completely unacceptable. We condemn these reckless and destabilising attacks that target innocent civilians. We stand with Saudi Arabia and our other partners across the region in the face of these attacks,” said Cooper.