Cultural institutions, artists, and individuals play a crucial role in reinforcing intellectual security and preserving national identity, panelists emphasized during the closing session of the Security and History Dialogue Conference held in Riyadh. The three-day event explored the intersections of security, history, business, technology, heritage, and culture.
The panel, titled “Culture and Arts and Strengthening Intellectual Security: The Role of Cultural Institutions and Artists in Building Awareness,” featured Princess Haifa bint Abdulmohsen, director of development and partnerships at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts; artist and producer Meshal Al-Mutairi; and Abdulrahman Al-Sayed, CEO of the Translation Association. The discussion focused on how culture extends beyond preservation to actively shape collective consciousness.
Princess Haifa stressed that security is a collective responsibility spanning all sectors and levels of society. She underscored cultural institutions’ obligation to transform historical ideas and heritage from archives into lived experiences accessible to the public. “The cultural field is one of the most important channels shaping collective thought,” she said, adding that ensuring intellectual security is essential for maintaining authenticity and passing it on to future generations without distortion.
Highlighting the engagement of younger generations, she noted the importance of making heritage experiential rather than confined to archives or institutional spaces. “Culture builds awareness, and the arts transmit the values contained within that awareness,” Princess Haifa said.
Artist Meshal Al-Mutairi challenged the notion that cultural pride contradicts openness to global influences. He argued that a strong connection to local culture provides a foundation for meaningful interaction with other cultures. “The more grounded and secure you are in your own culture, the more prepared you are to engage and communicate with cultures around the world,” he said.
Al-Mutairi called for the production of authentic Saudi artistic works rooted in local culture, particularly in theater and cinema, to showcase the kingdom’s unique realities rather than replicating external models. He emphasized that global resonance begins with local authenticity.
Abdulrahman Al-Sayed framed culture as central to the dialogue’s broader themes. He linked history and culture closely to national security, arguing that a strong sense of cultural belonging influences the country’s stability. Al-Sayed described cultural institutions as custodians charged with preserving knowledge and acting as bridges to society. They should make archives accessible by converting them into engaging products that resonate with diverse audiences, whether through research, experiences, or meaningful communication.
The panel’s insights highlighted a holistic approach to intellectual security that integrates cultural heritage with contemporary expression, aiming to foster national cohesion and global cultural engagement.