Art has always been a means of expressing the region's rich cultural heritage and celebrating its diverse communities. From ancient cave paintings to modern street art, the Middle East has always had a strong artistic tradition.
Another reason why Art is important in the region is that it will bring significant economic benefits by helping to develop tourism. Contemporary Art, in particular, has become a major driver of tourism growth in the region, with the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia investing heavily in large-scale public art projects and cultural events.
To capitalize on this trend, it is essential that these countries focus more on contemporary Art and develop long-term strategies to foster fit in their #vision2030. This means bringing in international expertise and creating partnerships with leading artists and institutions from around the world. By doing so, Middle Eastern countries will keep on creating vibrant cultural scenes that attract visitors from all over the world, while also supporting local artists and fostering new talent.
One of the most successful examples of this approach can be seen in the UAE, which has invested heavily in large-scale public art projects in recent years. For example, the Dubai Mall featured stunning works of contemporary art, including works by leading artists such as Damien Hirst and Takashi Murakami. The Abu Dhabi Louvre is another major cultural landmark, featuring a world-class collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Qatar has also invested heavily in contemporary art, with the establishment of the Qatar Museums Authority. This institution has brought together some of the world's most renowned artists to create large-scale public art installations throughout the country. One of the most impressive examples of this is the "East-West/West-East" installation by Richard Serra, which features four massive steel plates set in the middle of the Qatari desert.
Saudi Arabia has now recognized the importance of investing in the arts, with the establishment of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran (Eastern Province). This center features a range of exhibitions showcasing both traditional and contemporary art from around the world. Riyadh Art and AlUla are other major Art projects.
 
The condition of success is to bring in international teams to design long-term strategies in accordance with their local “2030 Vision” to create vibrant cultural scenes that both support local artists and attract visitors from around the world.

The Saudi Heritage Series by Eric Adelheim can be seen here : Gallery