National Cultural Awards winners honored in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah honored the Winners of the Fourth National Cultural Awards in Riyadh Monday evening.

The event, which was held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saw the creation of two new awards for cultural media and handicrafts.

Cultural Pioneer Award went to Dr. Saad Al-Suwaian, in recognition of his great scientific, literary and cultural contributions over many years in the field, while author and artist Diaa Youssef won the Youth Cultural Award.

Badr Al-Buwardi took home the Business Owners Award, for his family’s efforts in preserving cultural heritage.

The International Cultural Excellence Award went to “Turquoise Mountain“ for their work in protecting heritage and communities around the world. 

As for institutions, MBC Group won the Cultural Institutions Award (for-profit). King Faisal Foundation won the award for the non-profit category.

Winners in other cultural sectors were also honored during the ceremony.

To mark the occasion, Prince Badr said that the awards are a supportive and encouraging umbrella for talent and creativity.

“The Ministry of Culture has been keen to adopt a strategy to develop cultural capabilities, in an extended and integrated journey with partners in various sectors,” the minister added.

The awards celebrate the achievements, contributions, and cultural productions of Saudi intellectuals in various cultural sectors every year.