Yousif Alharbi
Crafting Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Renaissance
Director of the Culture and Arts Association in Dammam, Author, Journalist, and Cultural, Arts Consulting
Yousif Alharbi, a prominent Saudi cultural consultant, writer, and organiser of major arts festivals, stands as a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s flourishing cultural evolution. For years, he has collaborated with talented individuals across diverse disciplines, all while advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—a blueprint for cultural and economic transformation. With an illustrious career spanning journalism, art education, and cultural management, Alharbi has become a beacon of creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic heritage preservation. His profound contributions, both locally and internationally, have cemented his status as a trailblazer in the Kingdom’s burgeoning arts scene.
A Journalist’s Journey into the Arts
Alharbi’s foray into journalism began in 2004, marking the genesis of his remarkable career as a writer and art critic. Fueled by an unrelenting passion for cultural discourse, he penned numerous articles on visual arts and cultural issues for leading Saudi publications, including Al-Watan. His writings resonated widely, addressing the interplay between art and societal transformation.
Notably, Alharbi founded an online platform exclusively dedicated to visual arts—a pioneering initiative that explored global artistic trends and fostered in-depth cultural dialogue. This endeavour not only expanded his influence but also laid the groundwork for his transition into academia and consultancy, where his expertise would shape the Kingdom’s cultural policies.
From Educator to Cultural Visionary
Alharbi’s transition from art educator to cultural consultant was a seamless evolution rather than a career shift. “Art education was my gateway to understanding cultural and societal needs,” he reflects. His classroom experience, which nurtured creativity and critical thinking, became the foundation of his later work in cultural management.
Today, Alharbi collaborates with cultural institutions to develop initiatives that integrate art into public life. His consultancy focuses on cultural policy, the promotion of Saudi artists, and the development of artistic infrastructure. For him, consultancy extends beyond advisory work—it is about inspiring new generations of artists and cultural leaders.
A Multifaceted Leader in the Arts
One of Alharbi’s distinguishing traits is his ability to seamlessly juggle multiple roles. As a consultant, writer, and festival organiser, he has consistently delivered impactful results. His projects range from curating art exhibitions and organising large-scale festivals to authoring thought-provoking weekly columns on the intersection of art and culture.
“I love what I do, and that passion fuels my ability to balance everything,” Alharbi explains. His meticulous planning and unwavering dedication to creating unique cultural experiences have made him a respected figure both locally and internationally.
Pioneering Cultural Discourse Through Literature
Alharbi’s literary contributions are equally groundbreaking. His upcoming book, Artistic and Cultural Tourism, explores how tourism can preserve cultural heritage, promote the arts, and foster meaningful connections. The book aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasises tourism as a pillar of economic diversification.
Previously, Alharbi authored the first Arabic book on video art, published in 2017 and revised in 2020. This seminal work not only introduced the medium to the Arab world but also established a framework for its appreciation. The book’s success spurred the creation of the International Video Art Forum, a platform that bridges Saudi artists with the global arts community, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
Shaping a Sustainable Cultural Economy
Alharbi’s philosophy underscores the symbiosis between art and economics. In his second book, he examines how cultural assets can drive economic growth, drawing parallels with global hubs like Paris and New York. He envisions Saudi Arabia leveraging its artistic heritage to create a sustainable cultural economy that benefits both creators and communities.
“Art is a powerful economic engine,” Alharbi asserts, urging young cultural entrepreneurs to innovate and build on the unique qualities of Saudi culture rather than replicate foreign models. His advice is clear: “Listen, study, innovate, and collaborate. Flexibility and patience are key to success.”
A Holistic Approach to Cultural Management
Inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration form the cornerstone of Alharbi’s approach to cultural management. His curated events integrate multiple art forms—music, theatre, film, and visual arts—into cohesive cultural experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. This multidisciplinary ethos not only enriches Saudi Arabia’s cultural dialogue but also bridges gaps between local and international communities.
An Architect of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Future
Yousif Alharbi’s unwavering commitment to the arts has made him a pivotal figure in Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance. His contributions as a writer, consultant, and organiser exemplify the transformative power of art in shaping societal and economic landscapes.
As the Kingdom continues its cultural and economic transformation under Vision 2030, Alharbi’s work serves as a testament to the profound impact of creativity and cultural exchange. He is not merely an observer of Saudi culture—he is its architect, forging connections that inspire and innovate for generations to come.
by Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili
