The language of color reflects the nation’s soul.
The organizing committee of the Dhiaa Aziz Dhiaa Portrait Award has announced that the theme of the 9th edition will be:
“King Salman: The Man and the Achievement.”
Artists are invited to create a portrait of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – in a creative tribute that reflects pride and admiration for the leader of the nation’s journey.
This edition, sponsored by Layan Cultural and Abaq Al-Thaqafa, is set to be exceptional, with the introduction of incentive cash prizes for outstanding artworks.
Since its inaugural edition, the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting visual arts and celebrating Saudi creativity. The organizing committee has succeeded in establishing a distinguished competitive platform that brings together visual artists from across the Kingdom, offering them broad horizons for artistic expression and contemporary interpretations of national identity.
The award has earned its status as the most prominent and consistent visual arts prize in the region, held annually and on schedule. It remains the only award of its kind in the Middle East.
A look at the award’s journey reveals that winners have come from various regions and cities across the Kingdom — including Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Al-Baha, Madinah, Abha, Hail, Al-Qurayyat, Dammam, Qatif, Khafji, and Al-Qassim. Prominent and well-known names in the visual arts scene have emerged alongside new talents, proving the award’s success in reaching artists and inspiring a spirit of creativity and competition nationwide.
Through this unique initiative, the Society continues its active role in stimulating cultural and artistic movement, highlighting exceptional artistic experiences, and reinforcing its position as an incubator for talent — aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture and the arts as key drivers of national development.
The award’s themes have consistently promoted national identity and inspired visual creativity. Previous editions have explored topics such as Saudi women, national figures, the Arabian horse, the COVID-19 pandemic (reflecting the role of art in times of crisis), Green Saudi Arabia (in response to the Crown Prince’s initiative), a portrait of the founder King Abdulaziz – may he rest in peace, and the camel, in line with the Ministry of Culture’s efforts and the Year of the Camel initiative.
