A high-level committee, headed by Prince Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, is going ahead with plans to put Dirriyah town, on the outskirts of Riyadh city, on the Kingdom’s tourist map.
Museums will be opened in Dirriyah, Al-Baha and Hail this summer, as part of a national plan to set up a museum in each of the country’s 13 regions. The Kingdom currently has 15 museums, and is planning to establish a further 10 museums.
Dr Saad Al-Rashed, Deputy Minister of Antiquities and Museums, told the press that the National Museum at King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre was encouraging private collectors to register their exhibits with the museum and establish their own galleries for public viewing. The move is part of a public awareness campaign to educate people on the importance of preserving antiquities and other items related to the national heritage.
Referring to the tourism promotion plan for Dirriyah, the Deputy Minister said that the plan would involve both modern and historical Dirriyah. The plan calls for the restoration of historic buildings and their conversion into museums to house various exhibits. Cultural programs, local handicrafts and descriptions of ancient and modern Dirriyah will provide the backdrop for the Kingdom’s new tourist site. A sound-and-light show will provide insights into ancient Dirriyah, which had a significant role in shaping the Kingdom’s history and culture.
The Deputy Minister also announced plans to train Saudis for careers in the management and maintenance of museums, which will serve the twin purpose of promoting Saudi nationals to be employed in the sector and developing a cadre of Saudis qualified to act as museum guides, he explained.
Source: SPA
