Alliance Française Arrives At Misk City To Establish Cultural And Linguistic Hub In Riyadh

The Alliance Française of Saudi Arabia is preparing to open a new centre in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, also known as Misk City, following a lease agreement signed on 5 March. The move integrates a French language and cultural institution into the city’s growing educational network and supports wider cultural goals in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia.

The official signing ceremony took place in the presence of Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave, CEO of Misk City Eng. Samy Al Jasser, and President of the Alliance Française of Saudi Arabia Zaher Al Munajjed. Their attendance highlighted support from diplomatic, educational, and organisational partners for this new stage in cooperation.

Within Misk City, the upcoming Alliance Française facility is planned as a shared space for language learning and cultural exchange. It is designed to host French courses alongside a curated programme of cultural activities, offering residents and visitors a place that encourages dialogue, social connection, and community participation throughout the year.

This new location is expected to bring internationally recognized teaching standards to Misk City, alongside structured cultural programming. The centre will give learners access to certified language pathways and organised events, while supporting the city’s aim to create an environment where education, creativity, and cultural dialogue are central to urban life.

Founded in 1884, the Alliance Française operates as a worldwide network of French language and cultural centres. The organisation now includes more than 800 centres on several continents, linking local communities with French language education and cultural events, and cooperating with public and private partners in many different national contexts.

In Saudi Arabia, the Alliance Française has been active for more than 25 years and currently runs five branches. These include two centres in Riyadh and additional locations in Jeddah, Al-Khobar, and AlUla. Each branch offers language courses and cultural programmes tailored to varied audiences across the Kingdom.

Across these Saudi branches, the Alliance Française teaches French to more than 2,000 learners every year. It is also the only examination centre in the country authorised to issue official French language certificates that are recognised by the French Ministry of National Education, which gives students access to internationally accepted proof of language level.

Alliance Française, Misk City and Mishraq district development

The agreement with the Alliance Française forms part of Misk City’s broader activation strategy, with a particular focus on Mishraq, the city’s central district. Mishraq is planned as a dynamic mixed-use destination that combines workspaces, housing, leisure, and services in one integrated urban area.

Mishraq brings together Grade A office buildings, selected retail outlets, cafés, and restaurants alongside residential units. This mix is intended to support a lively setting where work, daily life, and community activities interact across different times of the day, providing a consistent flow of people and events within Misk City.

The arrival of the Alliance Française supports Misk City’s ambition to attract institutions with an international profile. This aligns with the city’s vision of shaping an innovative urban setting that prioritises education, creative activity, and cultural dialogue, while remaining accessible to varied groups within Riyadh and the wider Saudi community.

This partnership strengthens Misk City’s cultural and educational offer and contributes to its activation through structured, high-value programmes and experiences. The new centre will provide central, easily accessible access to French language learning and certified courses, while also hosting events that encourage intercultural dialogue and reinforce international cultural exchanges in Riyadh.

The agreement with the Alliance Française forms part of Misk City’s ongoing efforts to develop its overall ecosystem. By integrating language teaching, cultural programming, and urban design, the city seeks to confirm its role as a leading platform for learning, cultural exchange, and the development of purposeful urban experiences within Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA