In recent years, Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has pursued an ambitious investment strategy, with projects like NEOM representing its commitment to future cities. At the same time, the kingdom has been an active player in the art market, generously funding cultural institutions around the world. However, recent signals indicate that Saudi Arabia is reconsidering this policy of cultural patronage, potentially impacting museums and galleries in Europe that have long relied on Saudi financial support.

For many years, substantial funds from Saudi Arabia have flowed into Western cultural institutions. This financial support has created a mutually beneficial relationship: museums and galleries received funding that public sectors could not provide, while Saudi Arabia worked to reshape its image as a modern art patron rather than being solely seen through the lens of fossil fuel revenues. The reduction in financial support may force these institutions to seek alternative sources of funding, potentially leading to a decrease in the scale or quality of their exhibitions and programs.

This shift in Saudi funding policy comes at a time when many cultural institutions are still recovering from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible retraction of Saudi funds could lead to a reassessment of their operational budgets and long-term projects. As cultural institutions navigate this challenging landscape, the implications of Saudi Arabia's decision may extend beyond finances, influencing cultural diplomacy and international artistic collaborations as well.