Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah on Monday honored the winners of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh. The event, which was held under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals.

The minister presented the Cultural Pioneer Award to Dr. Saad Al-Sowayan in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the scientific, literary, and cultural fields. Writer and artist Diaa Youssef was awarded with the Youth Culture Award for her support of culture and young talents.

Prince Badr congratulated this year's winners and announced the addition of two new awards, the Cultural Media Award and the Handicrafts Award, to open new avenues for creativity and cultural expression.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Prince Badr welcomed the creators and innovators from various cultural sectors at the conclusion of the 2024 National Cultural Awards initiative, saying that the initiative comes under the generous patronage of the Crown Prince, the supporter and enabler of our cultural sector.

"Our country is experiencing a great cultural renaissance under the umbrella of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the Ministry of Culture has been keen to adopt a strategy to develop cultural capacities in a comprehensive and integrated journey with partners in various sectors. The National Cultural Awards initiative serves as a supportive and encouraging umbrella for talents and their creativity," he said.

Prince Badr presented the Business Owners Award to Badr bin Mohammed Al-Bowardi in recognition of his support for cultural activities as well as in acknowledgment of Al-Bowardi family's efforts to preserve cultural heritage. The International Cultural Excellence Award was presented to the Turquoise Mountain Foundation for its contribution to the protection of cultural heritage and support for artisans. The MBC Group received the Cultural Institutions Award in the private sector track, while King Faisal Foundation (KFF) received the award in the non-profit sector track.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharakh has won the National Heritage Award while short story writer and novelist Osamah Al-Muslim bagged the Literature Award. Qyadiya Publishing House, which is specialized in publishing for children, won the Publishing Award. Dr. Walid Al-Omari received the Translation Award while noted film director Tawfik Al-Zaidi won the Film Award, and Abadi Al-Johar bagged the Music Award.

Dr. Khalid Azzam received the Architecture and Design Award and Mohammed Al-Tuwaiyan bagged the Theater and Performing Arts Award, while Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansouri was the winner of the Culinary Arts Award. Taha Al-Sabban received the Visual Arts Award, and Dr. Lailah Al-Bassam won the Fashion Award.

The ceremony marks the culmination of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture annually to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Saudis from various cultural sectors in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Culture is dedicated to nurturing the cultural sector, supporting creative people, and encouraging a dynamic cultural environment that aligns with the goals of the National Culture Strategy and objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.