Museums in the Kingdom

Article

6 min Reading time

10/08/2021

copied!

Museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are specialized entities that gather diverse facets of human cultural heritage spanning the ages within the Kingdom. The interest in museums began with a resolution issued by the Council of Ministers in 1964, approving the establishment of the Antiquities Department affiliated with the Ministry of Knowledge (currently the Ministry of Education), alongside specialized departments dedicated to archaeological activities. The Antiquities and Museums Department began its first tasks in 1976, with the basic works of the antiquities sector. It prioritized the establishment of a national museum to exhibit the archaeological and heritage artifacts in the Kingdom's possession, as well as newly discovered artifacts.

Preserving the museum sector in the Kingdom

The development of the antiquities and museums sector continued, with development plans allocating budgets to preserve heritage and antiquities across all regions of the Kingdom. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (currently the Ministry of Culture) identified natural attraction sites, including 111 museums showcasing various natural, historical, and cultural aspects and features of the Kingdom and comprising forty-nine cultural and heritage museums, thirty-two historical museums, twenty-five science museums, four educational museums, and a museum on military landmarks.

The Ninth Development Plan worked to improve and develop six regional museums in al-Hufuf, Najran, al-Ula, Tayma, al-Jawf, and Sabya. Additionally, it involved the establishment of five new regional museums in Abha, al-Bahah, Tabuk, Dammam, and Hail. Furthermore, the plan included the establishment of five specialized museums: the Camel Museum, the Palm and Dates Museum, the Arabian Horse Museum, the Folk Costumes and Jewelry Museum, and the Falcons Museum.

Preservation of museums began with the implementation of the first five-year plan for the development of the antiquities and museums sector in 2007. In 2008, the antiquities and museums sector were transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (currently the Ministry of Culture). This transition facilitated the development of numerous museums through the expansion and enhancement of their exhibitions, alongside the development of a plan to establish new regional and specialized museums.

Regulations continued to support the preservation of antiquities, and in 2003, a royal decree was issued stipulating the transfer of the Antiquities and Museums Agency from the Ministry of Education to the Supreme Commission for Tourism. This move aimed at the time to prepare a strategic vision for the antiquities sector to develop, preserve, protect, introduce, and highlight archaeological and historical heritage.

There was another expansion in the preservation of museums with the issuance of the royal order in 2014, approving the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program to Preserve the Kingom's Cultural Heritage. This is currently being implemented as part of the important initiatives of the Saudi Vision 2030 with more than SAR5 billion, including the establishment of eighteen museums in the Kingdom's regions.

The Antiquities and Museums Law in the Kingdom

With the growth in exploration and excavation work and the emergence of more antiquities, both fixed and movable have become subject to the Antiquities Law issued by royal decree since 1972. Subsequently, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (now the Ministry of Culture) has drafted a new Law of Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage to align with present circumstances. This draft includes stricter penalties to deter encroachments on and theft of antiquities.

Ministry of Culture initiatives in the museum sector

As part of the Ministry of Culture's contribution to realizing the strategic objective of 'enhancing Saudi contributions to the arts and culture', the ministry has launched several initiatives, including an initiative to build and equip cultural assets, targeting nineteen cultural assets including museums and exhibitions. In this context, the ministry announced the establishment of several museums in 2021 as part of the initiative, including the Black Gold Museum, the Red Sea Museum, the Time Lab Museum, and the Diriyah Biennale Museum. Additionally, over two hundred private museums have been licensed, along with the rehabilitation and operation of several others.

In 2020, the Ministry of Culture announced the formation of the Board of Directors of the Museums Commission, working to implement several tasks aimed at advancing the museum sector. These include proposing a strategy for the museum sector aligned with the National Culture Strategy, fostering funding and investment in relevant areas, and recommending standards and measures for the museum sector.

429 Too many requests

Error 429 Too many requests

Too many requests