Kilmitain, the leading creative and cultural forum launched by Khaleejesque, is proud to announce its debut in the Saudi capital. Co-produced by AlMashtal and with strategic partnerships with Culture Development Fund. Scheduled for June 16-17, 2026, at Misk City, this landmark 7th edition marks a strategic shift toward an investment-oriented format tailored for the evolving Saudi and regional creative economy.
Under the theme of “Developing Sustainable Ventures,” Kilmitain Riyadh moves beyond broad creative gatherings to serve as a high-signal platform connecting creative businesses with capital, institutions, and growth pathways. The forum aims to support creators and creative business owners across the Arab Gulf region as they transition from project-based practices to sustainable, investment-ready ventures.
The 2026 edition arrives as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sets ambitious targets, including a 3% GDP contribution from the creative economy and the creation of 234,000 jobs. Kilmitain Riyadh addresses the structural gap where many creative ventures remain culturally strong but commercially unclear, providing the business acumen and operational maturity required to attract long-term growth capital.
HRH Princess Noura bint Saud Al Saud, Founder of AlMashtal
“Riyadh is the epicenter of the Arab Gulf’s creative transformation,” said HRH Princess Noura bint Saud Al Saud, Founder of AlMashtal. “Our mission is to help local creators break out of the ‘gig trap’ of low margins and weak contracts. By providing a platform for bold interventions and actionable business models, we are ensuring that Gulf creators can own their intellectual property and narratives on a global stage, especially as the world turns its eyes toward the region for upcoming major events like the Expo and World Cup.”
“Our vision at Kilmitain extends beyond individual success; we are building a future where the Arab Gulf’s creative industries serve as a powerful engine for economic diversification, job creation, and cultural enrichment ,” said Sheikha Fouz Fahad Al-Sabah, Founder of Kilmitain and Khaleejesque. “By upskilling talent and providing businesses with the tools to build sustainable models, we are cultivating a vibrant and innovative ecosystem that positions our region as a global hub for creativity and entrepreneurship.”
Sheikha Fouz Fahad Al-Sabah, Founder of Kilmitain and Khaleejesque
The realization of Kilmitain’s strategic vision is made possible through a robust ecosystem of forward-thinking sponsors and partners. Leading the initiative is Investment Partner One Heart Investments, driving the forum’s shift toward sustainable capital matching. The event is further enhanced by Supporting Partner Riyadh Art, alongside Empowerment Partners Tourism Development Fund, Monshaat, 1932 Hub, and Evento, who are collectively bridging institutional resources with emerging creative enterprises. Delivering critical industry insights and strategic guidance are Knowledge Partners Misk Foundation Entrepreneurship Community and Ivy & Company, while regional alignment is deepened through Community Partner NCCAL (National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters) and Media Partners Sayidaty and Her Story. Together, these partners underscore a shared commitment to building a resilient infrastructure for the region’s creative economy.
The two-day event will feature strategic panels on investment realities, masterclasses on scalability, and a creative business showcase, where creative founders engage directly with potential partners and investors.
Kilmitain Riyadh will take place June 16-17, 2026 at the Visitors Center at Misk City. For registration, please visit http://kilmitain.me/kilmitain-riyadh/
