RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched its first specialized institution for arts education at King Saud University in Riyadh, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The inauguration of the College of Arts took place at the university theater on Sunday. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez and King Saud University President Dr. Badran Al-Omar, as well as culture and arts enthusiasts from across the country. Fayez, in his speech, emphasized the significance of the new institution. He said this reflected Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan’s commitment to education in the growing culture and arts sector, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Fayez said the college would have departments focused on design, performing arts, and visual arts. He emphasized this would be the “beginning of an ongoing scientific and cultural collaboration with national universities.” The officials and others present later toured the facility and were briefed on the details of the internationally-recognized curriculum, including its focus on research in the arts and culture sector.