The Saudi Ministry of Culture signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) to enhance cooperation between the Ministry, its related bodies, and the authority.
The Memorandum covers a detailed agenda encompassing the coordination, development, and implementation of projects, initiatives, and events in the cultural sector.
It was signed by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan, the secretary-general, and DGDA’s Board of Directors Ahmed al-Khateeb.
The agreement will also include the provision to jointly implement cultural and heritage initiatives and develop educational assets within the Diriyah Gate master plan, including academies for creative writing, performing arts, music, architecture, Arabic calligraphy, culinary traditions, and a museum for digital art as well as a contemporary art museum.
Prince Badr said the agreement attests to the synergies and strong collaboration between the two teams. He asserted that partnerships are fundamental to the collective mission to support the development and preservation of the cultural ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
“We enter the next stage of development where we add value to this precious historic site while protecting the cultural heritage and identity of its people,” he said.
The Minister noted that the agreement with DGDA reflects the shared commitment to preserving the unique history of Diriyah and creating opportunities to promote and celebrate this national treasure.
Prince Badr stressed that this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
“We will continue to work with our partners at DGDA to meet the objectives of this MoU with a plethora of cultural and heritage events, activities, and megaprojects in the pipeline aimed at attracting investment and achieving short and long-term sustainability,” the Prince pointed out.
Khateeb said: “We are honored to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Culture covering various aspects of Diriyah’s development.”
He described the partnership as a critical accomplishment in the continuous efforts to transform the historic city into a major tourism and cultural destination, capitalizing on the Ministry’s numerous initiatives to fulfill Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
He noted that the partnership will take Diriyah’s cultural and heritage events and activities to the next level, and will also create a solid platform for investment opportunities by attracting businesses of every kind.
“It is with great ambition that we look forward to making Diriyah Gate a tourist attraction that combines a historic feel with modern features to become the greatest gathering place. We will work with our partners at the Ministry of Culture to make this strategic goal a reality.”
Diriyah, the Arab Capital of Culture for 2030, will be home to the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters.
The partnership will also allow both entities to collaborate on establishing awareness programs as well as events and marketing initiatives for film, music, visual and performing arts, literature, culinary, and design.
The Ministry of Culture and DGDA aim to attract and promote investment opportunities by creating incentives to support the private sector, implement various cultural activities and link them to the historical depth of Diriyah, which will enhance Diriyah’s position as a global cultural tourism destination.
