The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with the Global Istituto Marangoni, a leading institute specializing in fashion and design education. This agreement officially marks Istituto Marangoni’s integration into Riyadh’s Creative District. This strategic move is part of RCRC’s ongoing efforts to solidify Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and creative industries, and an international destination for knowledge and innovation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to support the creative economy and develop its vital sectors.

RCRC’s Board of Directors launched the Creative District initiative last February, with King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) hosting its first phase. This initiative is designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s creative economy by enhancing collaboration opportunities between local and international talents and companies, and by attracting global firms across three core sectors:

• Media: (including gaming, TV production and distribution, and music recording and distribution).
• Culture: (encompassing performing arts and visual arts).
• Media: Technologies (such as social media platforms, and software for media, advertising, and public relations technology).

The Institute is set to officially commence its activities in August 2025. Its inclusion in the Creative District is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Fashion Commission, under the Ministry of Culture. This partnership follows comprehensive market studies aimed at identifying the needs of both the local and global fashion sectors and establishing the foundation for high-level educational programs. These programs are designed to empower national competencies and meet the aspirations of new generations of Saudi designers and creatives.

Istituto Marangoni, founded in 1935 in Milan, Italy, stands as one of the most prominent global academic institutions in fashion, design, and luxury product management. It boasts branches in major international cities, including Paris, London, and Miami, and hosts students from over 100 nationalities, underscoring its international stature and authority in arts and fashion education.

At its new Riyadh headquarters, the Institute will offer advanced academic programs specifically tailored to meet the demands of both the Saudi Arabian and global fashion markets. A key focus will be the integration of local cultural heritage with international standards of creativity and design. The Institute will also provide a modern, interactive learning environment, enabling students to benefit from Riyadh’s dynamism as a growing center for creative industries.

Eng. Mazen Ahmed Tammar, Acting Vice President of City Marketing and Investment Promotion at the RCRC, explained: “Istituto Marangoni is one of the most prominent specialized educational institutions in fashion worldwide, boasting over 90 years of experience in preparing creative leaders and developing technical skills. This enables it to adopt programs that blend Saudi identity with global education, aiming to build a new generation of designers capable of leading the future of the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia.”

His Excellency Carlo Baldocci, Ambassador of Italy to Saudi Arabia, Stated:“This agreement between the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Istituto Marangoni marks a very significant milestone towards the creation of a strong creative industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Italy. I am sure this is the beginning of a very promising future for Riyadh’s creative ecosystem.”

Ms. Stefania Valenti, Group Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, expressed her gratitude for the project’s robust support. She extended her thanks to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Fashion Commission, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Investment for their substantial backing and commitment to investing in Saudi talents. She noted that the Institute will leverage its global expertise to empower a new generation of Saudi fashion leaders and contribute to building a dynamic sector that reflects Saudi Arabia’s national identity.

In partnership with the Fashion Commission, the Institute is offering a three-year diploma training program specifically designed for Saudi students aspiring to advance their careers in the fashion industry. This program includes 50 partial scholarships for high school graduates or equivalent, based on a competitive selection mechanism officially launched on March 17, 2025, via the Institute’s website.

The opening of the Institute represents a pivotal step towards establishing an integrated environment for the fashion industry in the Kingdom. This project is a direct investment in human capital, contributing to qualifying national competencies capable of competing globally within a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.