Public art preservation in Saudi Arabia

Overview

Efforts to integrate and preserve artistic heritage are underway across Saudi Arabian cities. In Riyadh, the Riyadh Art program has permanently installed six sculptures by the late artist Mohammed Al-Saleem at the West Station of the Riyadh Metro network. These works, dating from the 1980s, were restored under the supervision of the artist's daughter to reflect local identity and Najdi architecture.

In Jeddah, the municipality is working to protect existing public sculptures amidst urban transformation and infrastructure improvements. The ‘Bride of the Red Sea’ initiative, launched in April 2026, aims to document the history and locations of these works through photographic exhibitions and digital resources to ensure the city's artistic legacy is maintained during developments such as the Prince Sultan Road project.

Entities

Riyadh Art · Royal Commission for Riyadh City · Julio Lavonte · Riyadh · Hubert Minnebo

Timeline

1 day ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Jeddah sculptures serve as artistic heritage amidst urban transformation
Jeddah's public sculptures, designed by international artists, are being preserved and documented through new municipal initiatives as the city undergoes urban development.
2 days ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Riyadh Art installs sculptures by late artist Mohammed Al-Saleem
Riyadh Art has installed six sculptures by late Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem at a Riyadh Metro station, bringing works created in the 1980s to public view for the first time.

Sources

ahwal.sa · annahar-news.com · arriyadiyah.com