Minister of Culture Announces Fashion Degrees at Istituto Marangoni Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fashion Commission, Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, announced on October 8, 2026, that Istituto Marangoni will expand its academic programs in Riyadh to include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fashion. The move follows the opening of the institute’s Riyadh campus, which initially offered diploma programs and professional courses, and marks a significant step in advancing specialized fashion education in the Kingdom. Applications for the new degree programs open on October 8, 2026, and will remain open until November 4, 2026, with the first academic semester beginning in January 2027.

Context and Background

The expansion builds on a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the Saudi Fashion Commission and Istituto Marangoni, a renowned Italian fashion school with over ninety years of academic excellence. Under the Cultural Scholarship Program, a Ministry of Culture initiative supporting Saudi students in cultural and creative disciplines, the Riyadh campus has been designated by Royal Order as an approved institution for domestic scholarships. This designation ensures that eligible Saudi students can pursue world-class fashion education within the Kingdom.

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan said, “We look forward to this partnership further empowering Saudi talent and strengthening the Kingdom’s engagement with leading cultural academic institutions, contributing to the continued growth and sustainability of the cultural sector and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for creativity and culture.” His statement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing local talent and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a cultural leader.

Key Details

The Bachelor’s program will offer four academic majors: Fashion Design & Accessories, Fashion Communication & Image, and Fashion Management & Digital Communication. At the graduate level, a Master’s degree in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management will be available. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the global fashion industry.

Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, remarked, “Building a world-class fashion ecosystem requires investing in talent at every stage of the journey. This next phase of our partnership with Istituto Marangoni strengthens the pathways available to creatives, connecting advanced education with international expertise, industry, and opportunities.” Stefania Valenti, Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, added, “Being entrusted with the opportunity to offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Saudi Arabia is both an honor and a significant milestone for Istituto Marangoni. This important achievement will further enable us to offer students at Istituto Marangoni’s Riyadh campus the same academic excellence, globally recognized degree qualifications, and international network that have distinguished Istituto Marangoni for over ninety years.”

Implications and Impact

This expansion is expected to have a profound impact on Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry and cultural landscape. By providing advanced education locally, it reduces the need for students to travel abroad and ensures that Saudi talents are equipped with international standards of expertise. The initiative also strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for creativity and culture, attracting international attention and fostering cross-cultural exchange.

The partnership aligns with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and empower youth. It supports the growth of a skilled, internationally connected fashion workforce, capable of driving innovation and contributing to the sector’s sustainability. As the fashion industry continues to grow in the Kingdom, such educational initiatives will be crucial in building a robust ecosystem that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The launch of these degree programs is a clear reflection of Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to enhance education, empower women and youth, and promote cultural development. By investing in human capital and fostering partnerships with leading international institutions, the Kingdom is paving the way for a vibrant creative economy. This initiative not only advances the fashion sector but also contributes to the broader goals of economic diversification and global engagement, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a leader in culture and innovation.

20 Questions

Q1. What did the Minister of Culture announce regarding Istituto Marangoni?

A1. The Minister of Culture announced that Istituto Marangoni will expand its Riyadh campus programs to include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fashion, starting in 2027.

Q2. Who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fashion Commission?

A2. Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fashion Commission and is also the Minister of Culture.

Q3. When did applications for the new degree programs open?

A3. Applications opened on October 8, 2026, and will remain open until November 4, 2026, with the academic semester beginning in January 2027.

Q4. What programs are being offered at the undergraduate level?

A4. The Bachelor’s program offers majors in Fashion Design & Accessories, Fashion Communication & Image, and Fashion Management & Digital Communication.

Q5. What master’s degree is available?

A5. A Master’s degree in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management will be offered at the graduate level.

Q6. What is the Cultural Scholarship Program?

A6. It is a Ministry of Culture program that supports Saudi students pursuing education in cultural and creative disciplines at approved institutions.

Q7. Has Istituto Marangoni been approved for domestic scholarships?

A7. Yes, the Riyadh campus has been designated by Royal Order as an approved institution for domestic scholarships under the Cultural Scholarship Program.

Q8. What did Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan say about the partnership?

A8. He said the partnership aims to empower Saudi talent, strengthen engagement with leading cultural academic institutions, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the cultural sector.

Q9. Who is the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission?

A9. Burak Çakmak is the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission and has highlighted the importance of investing in talent at every stage.

Q10. What did Stefania Valenti say about this milestone?

A10. She expressed honor and called it a significant milestone, emphasizing that it enables students to receive the same academic excellence and international network that Istituto Marangoni has offered for over ninety years.

Q11. When was the MoU between the Fashion Commission and Istituto Marangoni signed?

A11. The MoU was signed in 2024 to advance fashion education and development in Saudi Arabia.

Q12. How does this expansion support the National Culture Strategy?

A12. It reflects the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to advancing creative education and strengthening opportunities for local talent across cultural sectors.

Q13. What is the significance of Istituto Marangoni’s Riyadh campus?

A13. It initially offered diploma programs and professional courses, and now expands to degree programs, enhancing specialized fashion education in the Kingdom.

Q14. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A14. It supports economic diversification by building a skilled workforce in the creative industries and empowering youth and women.

Q15. What benefits will students gain from these programs?

A15. Students will receive globally recognized degrees, international exposure, and skills needed to succeed in the global fashion industry.

Q16. Will the programs be taught in English or Arabic?

A16. The language of instruction is not specified, but Istituto Marangoni typically offers programs in English to maintain international standards.

Q17. Are scholarships available for these programs?

A17. Yes, through the Cultural Scholarship Program, eligible Saudi students can receive scholarships to attend the approved institution.

Q18. What impact will this have on the local fashion industry?

A18. It will nurture local talent, reduce the need to study abroad, and help build a sustainable fashion ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

Q19. How does this partnership strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global position?

A19. By collaborating with a leading international institution, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a global hub for creativity and culture.

Q20. What are the next steps after the application period closes?

A20. After applications close on November 4, 2026, the academic semester will begin in January 2027, with enrolled students starting their studies at the Riyadh campus.

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