Skip to content
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Latest:
  • Misk Creative Forum Drives Global Cultural Dialogue and Showcases Local Talent
  • Former UK Minister Praises Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Investments Under Vision 2030
  • Saudi Crown Prince Honors Japan’s Legacy with Condolence Message
  • ICICI Bank Surpasses Profit Forecasts, Strengthens Growth Outlook
  • IndusInd Bank Reports Quarterly Loss Amid Leadership Transition
millichronicle

Factual Version of a Story

  • News
    • Asia
    • Middle East and North Africa
    • World
  • Featured
  • Young Researchers
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Technology
    • Inspirational
    • Education
    • History
    • Faith
    • Variety
  • Opinion
  • Blogs
  • About Us
LatestMiddle East and North AfricaNews

Former UK Minister Praises Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Investments Under Vision 2030

NewsDesk Milli Chronicle October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 AI translation, arab news, arts and creativity, British-Saudi relations, creative industries, creative sector expansion, cultural cooperation, cultural development, cultural initiatives, cultural innovation, cultural investment, cultural transformation, digital media, economic diversification, economic growth, Ed Vaizey, global engagement, global partnerships, international collaboration, knowledge transfer, Middle East economy, non-oil sector growth, regional stability, Saudi Arabia culture, Saudi diplomacy, Saudi Vision 2030 reforms, UK-Saudi partnership, University of Westminster, vision 2030

London – Former UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, now a member of the House of Lords, has commended Saudi Arabia for its growing emphasis on culture and creativity, highlighting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms as a driving force behind these developments.

His remarks came during an event at the University of Westminster on October 17, which included a special screening of “Rewriting Arab News,” a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Saudi newspaper and its digital transformation.

Vaizey emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration between nations, describing culture as “the soul of the country.”

He noted that cultural investment brings both economic and social benefits, praising Saudi Arabia for taking a proactive approach to fostering its creative sector.

“For someone who has been a culture minister in the UK, where it is often a challenge to communicate the value of culture, seeing Saudi Arabia make culture a core part of Vision 2030 is remarkable,” he said.

The event included a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas and University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Dibyesh Anand.

Vaizey highlighted Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion creative industries sector, projected to contribute 3 percent of GDP and grow to $48 billion by 2030.

He described it as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors and a significant opportunity for international collaboration, particularly with the UK.

Vaizey also discussed his ongoing involvement in projects linking British and Saudi cultural initiatives, including work with the cultural consulting firm BOP, Riyadh-based arts organization Edge of Arabia, and the Saudi-UK Creative Forum.

He stressed the importance of bringing changemakers from both countries together on an equal footing to share ideas and foster innovation.

“Saudi Arabia has the potential to offer valuable lessons to cultural institutions worldwide on innovation and creative development,” he noted.

During the event, Vaizey reflected on his recent visit to the inaugural Cultural Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on culture as a driver of economic growth.

He said, “By investing in culture, Saudi Arabia is strengthening not only its economy but also the identity and vitality of its society.

The Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is an economically and culturally dynamic region, and it is inspiring to witness this ambition and confidence.”

University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dibyesh Anand highlighted the role of universities in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

He noted the challenges faced by institutions in navigating global tensions while promoting diversity, open dialogue, and mutual respect. Anand said the university aims to equip students with the skills to navigate complexity while maintaining respect for differing perspectives.

Abbas, a 2009 Westminster graduate, spoke about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an outward-looking plan requiring international partnerships.

He emphasized the value of knowledge transfer and collaboration in areas ranging from cultural industries to technology and energy.

Abbas also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role in regional and global affairs, citing efforts to mediate conflicts and promote stability as integral to both economic and societal development.

Looking ahead, Abbas shared plans for Arab News’ new AI-powered translation system, developed with regional startup CAMB.AI.

The platform will allow the newspaper to publish content in 50 languages, reaching nearly 80 percent of the global population, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and international engagement.

The event, attended by academics, students, diplomats, and professionals from the UK and Arab world, underscored the growing cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

  • Saudi Crown Prince Honors Japan’s Legacy with Condolence Message
  • Misk Creative Forum Drives Global Cultural Dialogue and Showcases Local Talent

You May Also Like

Indian refiners seeking 6-month Russian oil import deal

NewsDesk Milli Chronicle April 30, 2022April 30, 2022

Iran navy seizes tanker near Oman that was on way to Houston

NewsDesk Milli Chronicle April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Over 800,000 tickets sold for World Cup in Qatar in first phase, says FIFA

NewsDesk Milli Chronicle March 31, 2022March 31, 2022

OPINION

OPINION: How the Yunus Interim Government Weaponized Justice in Bangladesh
Opinion

OPINION: How the Yunus Interim Government Weaponized Justice in Bangladesh

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Advocate Shahanur Islam

Statistics cannot capture the sound of a cell door closing on a lawyer who once argued for others’ freedom. It

OPINION: Pakistan’s Double Game on Afghanistan, Iran, and Palestine Has Hit a Dead End
OpinionTop Stories

OPINION: Pakistan’s Double Game on Afghanistan, Iran, and Palestine Has Hit a Dead End

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 Omer Waziri
OPINION: Why the Taliban Is Choosing India Over Pakistan
OpinionTop Stories

OPINION: Why the Taliban Is Choosing India Over Pakistan

October 2, 2025 Omer Waziri
OPINION: Trump’s Gaza Plan Could Redefine Middle East Peace
OpinionTop Stories

OPINION: Trump’s Gaza Plan Could Redefine Middle East Peace

September 30, 2025 Maria Maalouf

YOUNG RESEARCHERS

Deoband’s Hug for the Taliban: What It Says About Faith and Fear
FeaturedYoung Researchers

Deoband’s Hug for the Taliban: What It Says About Faith and Fear

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Osama Rawal

Deoband’s embrace of the Taliban foreign minister is dangerous — but also offers an opening. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister

Indian Muslim Women Enjoy Greater Rights than Those in Islamist States
FaithLatestLifestyleYoung Researchers

Indian Muslim Women Enjoy Greater Rights than Those in Islamist States

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 Ayesha Hannath
OPINION: Why Pasmanda Muslims Reject Pakistan’s “Ummah Unity” Narrative
OpinionTop StoriesYoung Researchers

OPINION: Why Pasmanda Muslims Reject Pakistan’s “Ummah Unity” Narrative

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Adnan Qamar
AI, Drones, and Cyber: India’s New Military Edge
FeaturedYoung Researchers

AI, Drones, and Cyber: India’s New Military Edge

September 27, 2025September 27, 2025 Shoeb Siddiqi

EDUCATION

Applicant boom drives record first-year law school classes
EducationFeaturedLifestyle

Applicant boom drives record first-year law school classes

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 NewsDesk Milli Chronicle

Law firms are already projecting a reduced need for entry-level lawyers due to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in

Afghan Refugee Children—The Silent Crisis We Cannot Ignore
AsiaEducationLatestLifestyleNewsVarietyYoung Researchers

Afghan Refugee Children—The Silent Crisis We Cannot Ignore

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 Umme Hanee Shaikh
Why We Must Speak Urdu and Vote in Hindi: Embracing India’s Beautiful Complexity
AsiaEducationLifestyleNewsOpinionTop Stories

Why We Must Speak Urdu and Vote in Hindi: Embracing India’s Beautiful Complexity

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 Zoha Fatima
OPINION : Beyond the Rusted Narrative—Indian Muslims Are Rising
EducationInspirationalLifestyleOpinionTop StoriesYoung Researchers

OPINION : Beyond the Rusted Narrative—Indian Muslims Are Rising

July 21, 2025July 21, 2025 Zoha Fatima

HISTORY

Mosul’s Mosque and Churches Restored After Years of War Damage
HistoryLatestLifestyleMiddle East and North AfricaNews

Mosul’s Mosque and Churches Restored After Years of War Damage

October 19, 2025 Millichronicle

Mosul – Three historic places of worship in Mosul’s Old City — the Al-Raabiya Mosque, the Mar Toma Syriac Orthodox

Ancient AlUla Treasures Take Center Stage in China, Celebrating Millennia of Cultural Exchange
FeaturedHistoryLifestyle

Ancient AlUla Treasures Take Center Stage in China, Celebrating Millennia of Cultural Exchange

October 2, 2025October 2, 2025 NewsDesk Milli Chronicle
“People are going back to basics”: Blacksmith Brings Ireland’s Ancient Past to Life
FeaturedHistoryLifestyle

“People are going back to basics”: Blacksmith Brings Ireland’s Ancient Past to Life

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 NewsDesk Milli Chronicle
Sudan’s Cultural Heritage Recovery Gains Momentum After Conflict
FeaturedHistoryLifestyle

Sudan’s Cultural Heritage Recovery Gains Momentum After Conflict

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 NewsDesk Milli Chronicle
When Propaganda Rewrites History: Jalal al-Din & al-Mukhtar
HistoryLatestLifestyleMiddle East and North AfricaNewsTop Stories

When Propaganda Rewrites History: Jalal al-Din & al-Mukhtar

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 Mostapha Hassan Abdelwahab
Shia Theology Denies Earthly Al-Aqsa—Iran Exploits It as Political Bait
FeaturedHistoryLifestyleTop Stories

Shia Theology Denies Earthly Al-Aqsa—Iran Exploits It as Political Bait

June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 Millichronicle

BLOGS

A Morning of Pride, Discipline, and Integrity at Mount Fort Academy
BlogsInspirationalLifestyle

A Morning of Pride, Discipline, and Integrity at Mount Fort Academy

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Col. Mayank Chaubey

The “josh”, that unmistakable spirit of enthusiasm, was palpable right from the start. It was an honour and a privilege

Turkish Citizenship: What Indian and Pakistani Muslims need to know before rushing
BlogsLatestTop Stories

Turkish Citizenship: What Indian and Pakistani Muslims need to know before rushing

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Millichronicle
BLOG: COVID—19 and Social Media
BlogsTop Stories

BLOG: COVID—19 and Social Media

March 31, 2020March 31, 2020 Millichronicle
  • News
    • Asia
    • Middle East and North Africa
    • World
  • Featured
  • Young Researchers
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Technology
    • Inspirational
    • Education
    • History
    • Faith
    • Variety
  • Opinion
  • Blogs
  • About Us

Archives

Disclaimer

The Milli Chronicle is an independent, non-profit online news portal committed to delivering original reporting and analytical content on political, economic, and socio-religious issues.

Views expressed in the Opinion section are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Milli Chronicle. Responsibility for Op-ed content rests entirely with the respective columnists.

The Milli Chronicle operates under Milli Chronicle Media Limited, England (Company Number 13684582).

© 2025 The Milli Chronicle Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Registered in UK, Company No. 13684582.