Cultural spending is a significant indicator of a nation's dedication to developing its creative and artistic sectors. It bolsters national identity, stimulates cultural industries, and fosters innovation. However, cultural spending in the Arab world remains low compared to global averages, despite efforts by some Arab countries to increase this spending.

Accordingly, the focus lies on analyzing the level of cultural spending in certain Arab countries against international standards while highlighting the challenges that impede its growth. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE serve as exemplary models in the region by allocating substantial budgets to support the cultural sector and initiating successful programs such as promoting arts and creativity through international festivals and exhibitions, as well as nurturing cultural and creative industries to amplify their cultural presence on the global stage.

1. Level of Cultural Spending in Arab Countries

Available data shows that cultural spending in many Arab nations remains limited, ranging from 0.03% to 0.29% of GDP in some countries, according to the World Bank. Comparatively, the global average for cultural spending is estimated at around 6.1% of the global economy, highlighting a significant disparity between Arab countries and global peers.

1. Challenges Facing Cultural Spending in the Arab World:
2. Limited Budgets: Despite the crucial role of culture in building individuals and reinforcing national identity, most Arab nations prioritize other sectors like security, health, and education over culture, hindering the development of cultural infrastructure and innovation.
3. Lack of Strategies: The absence of integrated cultural visions leads to uncoordinated spending and weak collaboration between relevant entities.
4. Low Private Sector Contribution: Government funding dominates cultural activities in the Arab world, with limited private sector involvement and insufficient partnerships, undermining support for creative initiatives.
5. Weak Infrastructure: Many Arab countries lack sufficient cultural institutions and face inadequate resources, trained personnel, and maintenance, limiting the growth of cultural industries and opportunities for investment and employment.
6. Outdated Legislation: Legal frameworks are outdated, lacking incentives and intellectual property protections, which deters investments.
7. Centralized Decision-Making: Policies are centralized, with limited community and creative participation, diminishing the effectiveness and sustainability of initiatives.

III. Future Prospects: How to Enhance Cultural Spending

1. Increase Government Budgets for Culture: Arab governments should allocate higher financial resources to the cultural sector, viewing it as a long-term investment that plays a vital role in comprehensive development. Arts and creativity drive economic and social growth, strengthen national identity, develop human capital, and create new job opportunities.
2. Encourage Private Sector Investment: Governments can provide tax incentives to companies that invest in arts and culture, encouraging private sector support and expanding the scope of cultural projects.
3. Adopt Sustainable Cultural Policies: Long-term cultural strategies that include enhanced funding and the development of cultural infrastructure are essential to ensure the sustainability of the cultural sector, fostering innovation and preserving heritage.
4. Promote Cultural and Creative Industries: Industries such as cinema and music could become major income sources if invested in correctly, with support for creatives and the marketing of cultural products locally and globally.
5. Develop Cultural Infrastructure: Enhancing cultural activities requires building cultural centers like theaters, museums, and modern publishing houses to create a conducive environment for creativity and attract cultural tourism.

Despite the challenges, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have begun strengthening the role of culture within their economies. However, there is a pressing need to adopt policies that ensure the sustainability of this sector and enhance its developmental contributions. Investing in culture is essential for building advanced societies capable of competing globally. In this context, the "Smart Cultural City" project is proposed as an innovative model demonstrating the integration of technology and innovation to develop culture and achieve sustainable economic and social impact.

References:

1. Elena Raevskikh, Usman Khalid, Jorge Pinto, “The Share of the Culture Sector in Abu Dhabi’s GDP Introductory Report,” Submitted on September 23, 2022, p. 17.
2. “Preserving the Past, Building the Future: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Heritage and Business Synergy,” March 28, 2025.
3. World Bank Data.
4. Eurostat, “Government Expenditure on Cultural, Broadcasting, and Publishing Services.”
5. “The Vibrant Culture of Saudi Arabia Today,” August 5, 2024.