- The Saudi Ministry of Culture hosted the closing ceremony of the third National Cultural Awards, which included an international category for the first time
- The awards celebrated the nation’s flourishing arts and culture ecosystem and honored the exceptional cultural contributions of individuals and institutions around the world
- International Alliance for Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) wins first-ever International Cultural Excellence Award
Riyadh, 13 September 2023 – The third edition of the National Cultural Awards took place yesterday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, where individuals and entities were presented with awards in honor of their valuable contributions to the Kingdom’s cultural sector. Following the success of previous years, the Saudi Ministry of Culture expanded the awards to the international community in its 2023 edition, honoring individuals and institutions from around the world that have demonstrated excellence in their field.
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the National Cultural Awards were presented in 16 categories, which encompassed a diverse range of honors including a Cultural Pioneer Award, Youth Cultural Award, International Cultural Excellence Award, Business Owners Award and a Cultural Institution Awards; as well as sector-specific awards for achievements in film, fashion, music, literature and other cultural sectors.
The International Cultural Excellence Award was won by the International Alliance for Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), an organization which selects, finances and steers protection and rehabilitation projects of monuments, sites, museums, collections of artefacts or manuscripts, places of worship, and intangible heritage. The Foundation has supported approximately 400 projects in over 35 countries on 4 continents and has launched 4 emergency action plans.
His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Culture, said: “The Ministry of Culture is committed to preserving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s diverse art and cultural heritage while inspiring and supporting the next generation of artists and innovators. The National Cultural Awards are pivotal to this ambition, celebrating the remarkable achievements of individuals and institutions who are at the forefront of our Kingdom’s art and culture today.”
“The first ever International Cultural Excellence Award aligns with our Kingdom’s ongoing efforts and commitment to working with the international community to protect and preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage across the world.”
The National Cultural Awards mark a significant event in the cultural year, providing an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the great achievements of various sectors of the cultural community.
A full list of all award winners is below:
| Award Category | Winner |
| Literature Award | Mohammad Ibrahim Yaqoub, award-winning Saudi poet |
| Publishing Award | Dar Adab for Publishing and Distribution, a publishing house known for its initiatives to support emerging Saudi authors |
| Translation Award | Maha Alfalih, Saudi translator and founder of the “Ana Mutarjem” (I am a translator) platform |
| Fashion Award | Charmaleena Jewellery, Saudi luxury jewelry design house based in Jeddah |
| Film Award | Ibrahim Alhasawi, Saudi actor, producer and poet |
| National Heritage Award | Dr. Abdullah Masri, an accomplished historian and heritage consultant who has made contributions to archaeological excavation projects across various regions of Saudi Arabia. |
| Music Award | Abdulrahman Mohammad, Saudi singer famous for his rendition of classical Arabic poetry |
| Visual Arts Award | Manal Aldhawian, Saudi artist and photographer |
| Cultural Institution Award | Abdulrahman Alsudairy Cultural Center, one of the Kingdom’s most prominent cultural entities, based in the Al-Jouf region |
| Cultural Institution Award | Saudi Research and Marketing Group, Riyadh-based integrated media house |
| Theater and Performing Arts Award | Riyadh Band, Saudi performance troupe presenting traditional dances including Alardah Alnajdiyah (sword dance accompanied by drumming and chanting poetry) |
| Culinary Arts Award | Bateel, Saudi F&B brand specialized in gourmet dates, chocolates and culinary experiences |
| Architecture and Design Award | Kholoud Attar, Saudi designer and entrepreneur |
| Cultural Pioneer Award | Abu Abdulrahman bin Aqeel Al Dhaheri, Saudi Quranic scholar, writer, and interpretation expert. |
| Youth Cultural Award | Lubna Alkhamis, Saudi journalist, novelist, and award-winning podcast host “Abajora.” |
| International Cultural Excellence Award | International Alliance for Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) |
| Business Owners Award | Abdulrahman bin Mahfouz, Saudi businessman and the Chairman of Al Marjan Holding Group |
