RIYADH — The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has embarked on a major project to convert 15 antique buildings into heritage museums in various parts of the Kingdom. This is in addition to setting up five full-fledged regional museums in Dammam, Baha, Abha, Hail and Tabuk. At present there are 29 museums under the SCTH. "We are now in the process of developing six museums in Taima, Najran, Jazan, Al-Ahsa, Al-Ula and Al-Jouf," said an SCTH official who requested anonymity. Speaking about the plan to transform antique buildings into museums, he said it would be established in Madinah (Madinah Museum), Dawadmi (King Abdul Aziz Palace), Wadi Al-Dawasser (King Abdul Aziz Palace), Al-Wajh (Al-Souk Castle), Shaqra (Subaie House), Dhuba (King Abdul Aziz Castle), Qurayyat (Kaf Palace), Haj Road (Al-Hajar Castle), Hejaz Railway (Train workshop in Al-Hajar), Majmaa (Rabeeah House), Jeddah (Khozam Palace) and Badeea (King Abdul Aziz Palace). "The Khozam Palace in Jeddah will be developed into an Islamic heritage museum and will be named after King Abdul Aziz," said the official. Meanwhile, the SCTH launched the 18th issue of its English magazine titled "Saudi Voyager" that promotes Saudi tourism and highlights the Kingdom's tourist attractions. The new issue of the magazine includes a voyage into the Red Sea with whales, a report on Bajeri historical district in Diriya, SCTH's Ramadan activities, renovation of the Shafie Mosque in downtown Jeddah, a report on the best health resorts in Riyadh and another report on Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski. The issue also features the latest developments in the Saudi tourism industry, distribution of tourism excellence awards, World Heritage Day, and education and training opportunities for young Saudi men and women in the travel and tourism sector of Saudi Arabia.
