RIYADH: The National Museum in Tokyo is the third Asian stop of the “Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia” exhibition, and the 14th stop internationally.
Commenting on the inauguration of the expo in Tokyo, Japan’s deputy culture minister said the close and historic relations between his country and the Kingdom have continued to grow and expand.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), sponsored the opening ceremony of the exhibition in Tokyo. It was inaugurated in cooperation with the museum’s administration and the Saudi embassy.
The exhibition has received much attention in Japan, where it is considered the largest of its kind to introduce Saudi antiquities and the civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula.
The exhibition aims to strengthen cultural communication among the peoples of the world. It includes 466 rare archaeological pieces that highlight the Kingdom’s rich civilization, history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula in general, and of Saudi Arabia in particular.
They span the paleolithic period (1 million years BC) to the reign of the late King Abdul Aziz.
After Japan, Roads of Arabia will be staged in Istanbul before moving on to the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the latter part of the year.
‘Roads of Arabia’ expo receives Japanese attention
‘Roads of Arabia’ expo receives Japanese attention
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Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and community
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
