Four new Saudi museums costing SR224m to open in 2020
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) says the new buildings, located in Asir, Hail, Tabuk and Jouf
Updated 10 November 2020
SPA
RIYADH: The construction of four showpiece Saudi regional museums costing more than SR224 million ($59.7 million) has been completed, tourism chiefs announced on Tuesday.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) said the new buildings, located in Asir, Hail, Tabuk and Jouf, would be opened soon as part of an initiative driven by King Salman to promote the country’s cultural heritage.
Coming under the umbrella of the National Transformation Program 2020, the project aims to establish, expand and develop 13 regional museums throughout the Kingdom.
As well as building new museums, the initiative includes designing exhibition displays using the latest international visual presentation techniques.
Backed by the SCTH president, Ahmed Al Khateeb, and Saudi regional governors, the job of preserving the Kingdom’s heritage and history is seen as a major component in helping to boost the national tourism economy.
More than 1,000 jobs are expected to be created in the museums and the commission has lined up qualified university graduates to work on specialized tasks and in fields such as marketing and museum-related events.
Architecturally, the new museums have been designed and built to reflect the urban and cultural identity of each region, and exhibits will be displayed in chronological order, starting from prehistoric times and the emergence of early civilizations in each region and concluding with the modern era, including crafts and traditional industries.
Regional history will also be explained to visitors through special programs and exhibits focused on specific categories.
In addition, social, cultural and scientific events and activities will be highlighted along with tourism investment opportunities.
During early 2020, the SCTH will transfer its national heritage section to the Ministry of Culture, which will in turn complete the implementation of the initiative.
The museum in Jouf cost more than SR61 million to build and occupies 12,000 square meters in Dumat Al-Jandal, overlooking an important archaeological area that includes Marid Castle and Umar Mosque. It is also adjacent to Al-Nuwaiser Museum and other Jouf landmarks.
Asir’s SR31 million regional museum covers more than 7,000 square meters in the center of Abha city, while the one in Hail was constructed on 11,000 square meters of land near to the Prince Sultan Cultural Center at a cost of SR66.5 million.
The regional museum in Tabuk is on a 12,854-square-meter plot and SR65.6 million was spent on building and equipping it. It is located within the site of the historic railway station in the center of Tabuk.
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurates 3rd World Defense Show in Riyadh
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12
Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives, including the launch of several defense firms and signing of cooperation deals
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors
Updated 49 min 45 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurated the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) on Sunday on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12, showcasing the Kingdom’s rapid strides toward strategic independence and technological leadership in the defense sector.
The 2026 edition features a purpose-built venue with a 2,700-meter runway for live air and land demonstrations, underscoring the show’s status as a premier global defense event.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali emphasized that the show reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to localizing over 50 percent of military spending in line with Vision 2030, fostering an integrated ecosystem where government bodies and international partners collaborate on innovation.
The event brings together official delegations, government entities, and leading international companies specializing in the defense and security sectors. (SPA)
Strategic agreements and major launches
The opening day witnessed significant activity at the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, where Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives:
• New entities: The inauguration of SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, and the SAMI Land Industrial Complex.
• Supply chain: The unveiling of the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN) and the HEET Program.
• International cooperation: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development to cooperate on advanced military research.
• Defense deals: The Minister signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.
Defense Minister Prince Khalid signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia. (SPA)
Technological debuts & innovations
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors:
AI-Powered Lucid Gravity: Public Security debuted its advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle at the Ministry of Interior's pavilion. The vehicle integrates state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and specialized security equipment designed to accelerate emergency response times and support field operations.
Public Security’s advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle is displayed at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion. (SPA)
This high-tech addition highlights Public Security’s shift toward smart, sustainable security solutions. By leveraging predictive intelligence and advanced command-and-control systems, the Lucid Gravity exemplifies the ministry’s commitment to protecting the Kingdom through integrated technological innovation and sustainable mobility.
Smart Helmet: Also at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion, the General Directorate of Civil Defense unveiled its smart helmet. Designed to revolutionize public safety and emergency response, the helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations.
The device serves as a mobile command node, delivering live video feeds directly to command-and-control centers. By enabling real-time data analysis and faster decision-making, the smart helmet significantly reduces incident response times and enhances personnel safety in high-risk environments.
The smart helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations. (SPA)
Border Security: The General Directorate of Border Guard (GDBG) showcased an integrated security system featuring radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure.
It also functions as an early warning system for critical facilities and border areas and is fully integrated with command and control systems.
Border Guard's ntegrated security system features radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure. (SPA)
Counter-Terrorism: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) presented a comprehensive framework integrating intellectual, media, and military domains to combat extremism and terror financing.
Visitors are briefed on specialized programs designed to raise the readiness of national personnel and foster sustainable institutional cooperation among member states to combat extremism. On the event’s opening day, the pavilion hosted high-level delegations, including ministers, military leaders, and ambassadors who reviewed the coalition's pivotal role in coordinating international security efforts and commended its initiatives that support regional and global stability.
A view of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition pavilion. (SPA)
Meteorology: The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) displayed advanced weather systems essential for ensuring the safety of the event's air shows and military operations.
At its dedicated pavilion, the NCM is showcasing its latest advanced meteorological technologies and systems. These solutions serve both the military and civilian sectors, providing accurate data to support beneficiary entities' operational processes and highlighting the center's pivotal role in national security and safety.
NCM's latest meteorological technologies and systems serve both the military and civilian sectors
World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey noted that participation is expected to surpass previous records, reflecting the event's growing importance on the international stage. The show continues through February 12.
