2003 News Story

Museums encouraged as part of push for tourism

Governor of Riyadh Province Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz is supporting plans to promote as a tourist attraction the ruins of Dirriyah, the Kingdom's former capital, located just outside the modern city of Riyadh. The plan calls for restoring historical buildings and converting them into museums; and for establishing cultural programs and handicraft exhibits. One proposal is for a sound-and-light show to provide a flashback of ancient Dirriyah, which played an important role in shaping the Kingdom's history and culture.

Meanwhile, two new museums are opening this summer, one in Al-Baha and one in Hail, as part of a national plan to have at least one museum in each of the country's 13 provinces. There are currently 15 museums nationwide, with 10 more in the planning stages. The National Museum at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center is encouraging private collectors to register their exhibits with the museum and establish their own galleries for public viewing, a move that reflects the public awareness campaign to educate people on the importance of preserving antiquities and other items related to the nation's heritage. There is also a plan to train young Saudis for careers in the management and maintenance of museums.