Royal College of Art announces programme design partnership with new Riyadh University of Arts

The collaboration will bring the RCA’s global leadership in art and design education to Riyadh, supporting RUA’s mission to build a world-class creative institution that grows cultural talent, cultivates international exchange, and contributes to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic transformation. The agreement is part of a wider series of partnerships between the Riyadh University of Arts and global institutions to co-design academic programmes, collaborate on research and expand cultural education opportunities.

UK Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant said of the announcement: "Partnerships like this demonstrate the strength of the UK's phenomenal creative education sector and the growing opportunities for collaboration between our two nations. By sharing British expertise in art and design, we are also creating valuable opportunities for UK institutions to expand their global reach, a key part of our recently launched International Education Strategy."

Professor Christoph Lindner, President & Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art said: “This represents a unique opportunity for the Royal College of Art to contribute to the establishment of a new university that places culture at its core and recognises the transformative power of global art and design education. The creation of Riyadh University of Arts is an important step in addressing the growing demand for specialised art and design education in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region, building on other recent initiatives to develop art and design talent. Our collaboration reflects the Royal College of Art’s commitment to sharing its expertise in creative education on a global scale.”

Ms. Noha Kattan, Deputy Minister of National Partnerships and Talent Development, Saudi Ministry of Culture, said: “This partnership with the Royal College of Art marks an important milestone in Riyadh University of Arts’ mission to build world-class cultural education in the Kingdom. By collaborating with a globally recognised leader in art and design, we are strengthening our ability to develop future creative talent that is rooted in Saudi culture and connected to international best practice.”

UK Government International Education Champion and Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for Education Professor Sir Steve Smith added: “I am delighted that the Royal College of Art will be working in partnership with Riyadh University of Arts. The UK Government is committed to supporting partnerships in education and culture between our two Kingdoms. As UK Government Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for Education, I am thrilled that this collaboration will bring the RCA’s world-leading expertise in art and design education to Riyadh, supporting the development of Saudi creative talent through international perspectives and best practice, while still rooted in the Kingdom’s cultural identity.”

Riyadh University of Arts was announced in September 2025 as a cornerstone for creative education and cultural innovation in the region. The university aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s creative economy.

For the College of Visual Arts and Photography, RUA will be working with the RCA to develop two programmes: a Foundation in Visual Arts degree and a BA Visual Arts degree with eight pathways in Art History and Theory, Traditional Crafts and Contemporary Art, Photo and Film, Painting, Digital Arts, Printmaking, Sculpture and 3D Making, and Animation and Moving Image.

For the College of Design and Architecture, RUA will be working with the RCA to develop MAs in Architecture and Urban Design and a BA Design degree with six pathways in Communication Design, Interior Design, Interaction Design, Service Design, Product Design and Landscape Design.

The RCA will be one of a number of partners for RUA’s Colleges. In December 2025, RUA announced partnerships between their College of Film and the University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (SCA); between SOAS University of London and their College of Heritage and Civilization Studies; AMDA College of the Performing Arts and RUA’s College of Theater and Performing Art; and between ESSEC Business School and RUA’s College of Cultural Management.

Further details of RUA, its colleges, and partnerships will be announced on its official website when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.