RIYADH: Government will continue to support public and private museums, to protect the country's heritage and culture, it was announced Friday by Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). He also announced the establishment of a Trustees Council for the National Museum in Riyadh under the presidency of Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh, with membership of top businessmen. In a speech at the inauguration of a forum for owners of private museums at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center in Riyadh, Prince Sultan said the owners of these museums have protected the country's heritage. The forum is being organized by the SCTA in collaboration with the College of Tourism and Antiquities at King Saud University. He stressed that the country's heritage is a major concern of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; the Crown Prince and the Second Deputy Premier. He lauded the state's support for the cultural initiatives being adopted by the SCTA and executed by a number of government authorities. Prince Sultan pointed out that the SCTA wanted to ensure citizens are linked to their history and national heritage. He said the SCTA was working on plans to ensure the development of private museums and increasing its share of visitors. “The Kingdom is an open museum that has a wealth of archeological and heritage sites in different regions.” The forum is being held to mark International Museum Day and brings together the owners of private museums, SCTA officials and other related authorities. This is to provide owners with the necessary support, exchange of expertise and experiences to protect and display antiquities.
