Riyadh Creative District (RCD), an initiative of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), has announced the launch of five bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in partnership with Istituto Marangoni, aimed at developing Saudi talent and meeting the growing demand for specialist skills across the Kingdom’s creative industries. The programs, offered at the institute’s campus in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), are now accepting applications until November 4, 2026, with the first cohort set to begin classes in January 2027. This expansion marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a sustainable creative economy aligned with Vision 2030.
Have you ever wondered how a nation can transform its cultural landscape into a thriving economic sector? The new degree offerings—four bachelor’s degrees in Interior Design; Fashion Design & Accessories; Fashion Communication & Image; and Fashion Management, Digital Communication and Media, plus a master’s in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management—are designed to do exactly that. They form part of Istituto Marangoni’s academic expansion and transition to a branch university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The initiative builds on a strategic partnership between RCRC and Istituto Marangoni, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing local talent and attracting world-class educational institutions.
Context and Background
Why is Riyadh investing so heavily in creative education? The answer lies in Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification strategy. Launched by RCRC’s Board of Directors in February 2025, Riyadh Creative District brings together talent and local and international organizations across media, culture, and media technology. Its first phase is based at KAFD, a major financial hub in the capital. The district aims to localize content production and increase the creative industries’ contribution to the economy, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of reducing oil dependence and fostering knowledge-based sectors.
Since joining the district in 2025, Istituto Marangoni has offered specialized diplomas and professional training. The addition of degree programs strengthens the district’s educational offering and its capacity to prepare talent for careers in the creative industries. Founded in Milan in 1935, Istituto Marangoni has more than 90 years of experience in fashion, design, and luxury management education, with campuses in cities including Paris and London. The institution ranked 45th worldwide for Art & Design in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Its Riyadh campus gives Saudi students access to this academic expertise and international industry network within the district’s growing creative community.
How does this fit into the Kingdom’s long-term vision? The creative industries are seen as a key driver of economic growth and cultural enrichment. By attracting leading international institutions like Istituto Marangoni, RCRC is creating an ecosystem where education, business, and innovation converge. This approach not only equips young Saudis with marketable skills but also positions Riyadh as a regional hub for creativity and design.
Key Details
What exactly do the new programs entail? The five degree programs are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the creative economy. The four bachelor’s degrees cover Interior Design; Fashion Design & Accessories; Fashion Communication & Image; and Fashion Management, Digital Communication and Media. The master’s degree in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management targets professionals seeking advanced expertise. Applications are open until November 4, 2026, and the first cohort will begin classes in January 2027. The institute also hosted a virtual open day, giving prospective students an opportunity to explore its facilities and learn more about the new degree programs.
Assistant to the CEO of RCRC for Strategic Affairs and Initiatives Eng. Khalid AlSultan said the expansion demonstrates RCRC’s approach to economic and cultural development: attracting leading international institutions and creating the conditions for them to grow. He noted that the district brings education and talent development closer to business and innovation, supporting the creative economy and opening up lasting opportunities for the next generation of creative professionals. Executive Director of Riyadh Creative District Jorge Urteaga added that education and talent development are central to the district’s vision. He explained that the new programs will strengthen ties between academic institutions, creative businesses, and industry professionals, helping students develop the skills employers need and contributing to the long-term growth of Riyadh’s creative industries.
Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni Stefania Valenti welcomed the milestone and credited RCRC’s support and the district’s creative environment with helping the institution establish and expand its presence in Saudi Arabia. She said the district’s emphasis on connecting education, businesses, and talent aligns with Istituto Marangoni’s commitment to preparing the next generation of industry professionals and contributing to Riyadh’s creative landscape. Further details about the programs are available at: https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/schools/riyadh-school-of-fashion-and-design.
International and Regional Impact
How will this development resonate beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders? The presence of a globally ranked institution like Istituto Marangoni in Riyadh signals the Kingdom’s growing appeal as an education destination. It also strengthens regional collaboration, as students from across the Gulf and beyond may seek to enroll. The programs are designed to meet international standards, ensuring that graduates are competitive in the global creative economy. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a leader in culture and innovation, attracting talent and investment from around the world.
What does this mean for the Middle East’s creative sector? By localizing world-class education, Riyadh Creative District is helping to retain and nurture regional talent that might otherwise seek opportunities abroad. This can lead to a more vibrant creative ecosystem, with homegrown designers, communicators, and managers contributing to the region’s cultural output. Furthermore, the collaboration with the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission highlights the government’s integrated approach to developing the creative industries, from education to industry support.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why is the creative economy so important to Saudi Arabia’s future? The creative industries encompass a wide range of activities, from fashion and design to media and digital content, and they are increasingly recognized as drivers of economic diversification. By investing in education and talent development, RCRC is laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining creative sector that can generate jobs, attract investment, and contribute to GDP. The partnership with Istituto Marangoni also brings international expertise and networks, which can help Saudi businesses and entrepreneurs connect with global markets.
How does this initiative support Saudi talent? The programs are specifically designed to equip students with the skills employers need. By offering degrees in fields such as fashion management and digital communication, the curriculum addresses gaps in the market and prepares graduates for careers in a rapidly evolving industry. The district’s location at KAFD places students at the heart of Riyadh’s financial and business hub, facilitating internships, mentorship, and job placements. This integration of education with industry is a key factor in building a robust creative economy.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does this align with Vision 2030? Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, develop human capital, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. The launch of these degree programs directly supports these goals by fostering a skilled workforce in the creative industries, which are identified as key growth sectors. The initiative also contributes to the Kingdom’s cultural transformation, as outlined in Vision 2030, by promoting creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange. Riyadh Creative District exemplifies how strategic partnerships and investment in education can drive sustainable development.
What does the future hold for Riyadh’s creative landscape? With the first cohort starting in January 2027, the impact will be felt in the coming years as graduates enter the workforce and contribute to the creative economy. The district’s ongoing development and the expansion of educational offerings are expected to attract more international institutions and businesses, further solidifying Riyadh’s position as a regional hub for creativity and design. This initiative is a clear demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a vibrant, diversified economy that honors its cultural heritage while embracing the future.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Riyadh Creative District?
A1. Riyadh Creative District is an initiative by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, launched in February 2025, that brings together talent and organizations across media, culture, and media technology. Its first phase is based at King Abdullah Financial District and aims to localize content production and boost the creative economy.
Q2. Which institution is offering the new degree programs?
A2. Istituto Marangoni, a prestigious Italian institution founded in Milan in 1935, is offering the programs at its campus in King Abdullah Financial District. It has over 90 years of experience in fashion, design, and luxury management education.
Q3. What are the five degree programs being launched?
A3. The programs include four bachelor’s degrees: Interior Design; Fashion Design & Accessories; Fashion Communication & Image; and Fashion Management, Digital Communication and Media. There is also a master’s degree in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management.
Q4. When is the application deadline for these programs?
A4. Applications are being accepted until November 4, 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the deadline to secure a place in the first cohort.
Q5. When will classes begin for the first cohort?
A5. The first cohort will begin classes in January 2027. This gives students time to prepare for their studies and for the institute to finalize arrangements.
Q6. Where will the programs be located?
A6. The programs will be offered at Istituto Marangoni’s campus in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. KAFD is a major financial and business hub, providing students with a dynamic environment.
Q7. Who is Eng. Khalid AlSultan?
A7. Eng. Khalid AlSultan is the Assistant to the CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City for Strategic Affairs and Initiatives. He commented on the expansion, highlighting RCRC’s approach to economic and cultural development.
Q8. What did Eng. Khalid AlSultan say about the expansion?
A8. He said the expansion demonstrates RCRC’s approach to attracting leading international institutions and creating conditions for them to grow. He noted it supports the creative economy and opens opportunities for the next generation of creative professionals.
Q9. Who is Jorge Urteaga?
A9. Jorge Urteaga is the Executive Director of Riyadh Creative District. He emphasized that education and talent development are central to the district’s vision and that the new programs will strengthen ties between academia and industry.
Q10. What is the role of the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission?
A10. The Fashion Commission collaborates with RCRC and Istituto Marangoni to support the development of the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration ensures alignment with national cultural and economic goals.
Q11. How does Istituto Marangoni rank globally?
A11. Istituto Marangoni ranked 45th worldwide for Art & Design in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. This recognition underscores its academic excellence and international reputation.
Q12. What is the significance of Istituto Marangoni’s transition to a branch university?
A12. The transition means it will offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Riyadh, expanding its academic offerings beyond diplomas and professional training. This enhances the educational landscape and provides more opportunities for Saudi students.
Q13. How does this initiative support Saudi talent?
A13. The programs are designed to equip students with skills demanded by the creative industries, preparing them for careers in fashion, design, and media. They also provide access to international expertise and networks.
Q14. What is the virtual open day mentioned in the announcement?
A14. Istituto Marangoni hosted a virtual open day to allow prospective students to explore its facilities and learn about the new degree programs. This event helped students make informed decisions about their education.
Q15. What is the economic goal of Riyadh Creative District?
A15. The district aims to localize content production and increase the creative industries’ contribution to the economy. It seeks to attract talent and organizations, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Q16. How does this align with Vision 2030?
A16. Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the economy and develop human capital. By building a skilled workforce in the creative sector, this initiative supports economic diversification and cultural enrichment, key pillars of the vision.
Q17. What career opportunities will graduates have?
A17. Graduates can pursue careers in interior design, fashion design, fashion communication, fashion management, digital media, and luxury brand management. They may work in design firms, fashion houses, media companies, or start their own ventures.
Q18. How does the district attract international institutions?
A18. RCRC creates a supportive environment with infrastructure, partnerships, and a strategic location at KAFD. This attracts institutions like Istituto Marangoni, which see opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Q19. What is the long-term vision for Riyadh Creative District?
A19. The district aims to become a regional hub for creativity and design, integrating education, business, and innovation. It seeks to nurture talent, support entrepreneurs, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic development.
Q20. How can interested students learn more about the programs?
A20. Further details are available on Istituto Marangoni’s website at https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/schools/riyadh-school-of-fashion-and-design. Prospective students can also contact the institute directly for more information.
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