Deal signed to nurture Saudi Arabia’s creative talent

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Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development Noha Kattan signed for RUA, while ESSEC Business School President Vincenzo Vinzi signed on behalf of the school. (SPA)
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Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development Noha Kattan signed for RUA, while ESSEC Business School President Vincenzo Vinzi signed on behalf of the school. (SPA)
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Updated 14 December 2025
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Deal signed to nurture Saudi Arabia’s creative talent

  • The signing took place at Fenaa Alawwal, a cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture signed a partnership with the ESSEC Business School for Riyadh University of Arts’ College of Cultural Management to nurture creative talent and promote cross-cultural exchange.

The signing took place at Fenaa Alawwal, a cultural hub in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development Noha Kattan signed for RUA, while ESSEC Business School President Vincenzo Vinzi signed on behalf of the school.

Under the partnership, ESSEC will collaborate with RUA to co-design specialized programs for the College of Cultural Management, equipping future leaders with skills to shape the evolving cultural landscape.

Founded in 1907, the ESSEC Business School is one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, renowned for academic excellence, global reach, and a commitment to innovation and ethical leadership.

Its programs emphasize experiential learning, empowering students to make a meaningful impact across industries, the SPA reported.

RUA will offer a progressive educational framework across all levels and disciplines in the arts and culture sectors, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s, higher diplomas, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Further details on RUA, its programs, and international partnerships will be available on its official website, launching in the first quarter of 2026.


Saudi-Yemen program provides $81.2m to operate more than 70 power plants

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi-Yemen program provides $81.2m to operate more than 70 power plants

  • Grant will improve reliability of electrical power to critical facilities, including hospitals, medical centers, roads, schools, airports and ports
  • Move follows last week’s announcement by the SDRPY of a larger aid package totaling $506 million to support Yemen

LONDON: A tripartite agreement was signed on Wednesday between the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, the oil company Petromasila, and Yemen’s Ministry of Energy and Electricity to supply petroleum derivatives for the country’s power plants.

SDRPY is supporting the Yemeni government with an $81.2 million grant to purchase 339 million liters of diesel and mazut from Petromasila to operate more than 70 power plants across various Yemeni governorates.

The grant follows last week’s announcement by the SDRPY of a $506 million aid package to support Yemen’s education, health, government and infrastructure sectors.

The SDRPY highlighted that the grant will improve the reliability of electrical power to critical facilities, including hospitals, medical centers, roads, schools, airports and ports. Additionally, the funding will stimulate the Yemeni economy and support the Central Bank of Yemen by easing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

It reduces the Ministry of Finance’s fuel-related financial burden and supports the Ministry of Electricity and Energy in improving the efficiency of power plants in Yemen, the SDRPY said.

In 2018, the SDRPY provided $180 million, in addition to $422 million in 2021 and another $200 million in 2022, as grants to Yemen to purchase oil derivatives and operate vital sectors of the country.