Okaz/Saudi Gazette DAMMAM — Saudi Arabia has 22 government museums and 113 private museums, in addition to a national museum titled "First Islamic Cultural Capitals," which highlight the country's noble history and rich cultural heritage. Sheikh Sami Al-Maghlouth, author of Islamic Atlas, said the preservation of the existing museums and construction of others covering all regions would create more jobs for Saudis. He also said construction of more hotels would create new jobs for Saudis as tourist guides. He emphasized the need to improve transport facilities to the Kingdom's tourist destinations, saying the transport sector offers another lucrative investment opportunity. "Saudi Arabia has preserved its heritage including relics, engravings and coins. Some of them date back to the pre-Christian period," he said. "Islamic engravings have been preserved. There is a special museum for the two holy mosques, in addition to the Makkah Museum. "The Makkah Museum contains relics and historical documents and manuscripts since the arrival of Islam until today and the different phases of the Haram Mosque since the time of caliphs until the expansion projects carried out by Saudi kings," Al-Maghlouth said. The Madinah Museum dates back to the launch of Hijaz Railway, which was constructed by Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hameed II to link Istanbul with Madinah. The railway passed through Syria. The first train arrived in Madinah in 1908 and a big ceremony was held to mark the historic occasion. The Masmak Museum in Riyadh holds an important position in the Kingdom's history as it represented the first military campaign by King Abdul Aziz to unify the Kingdom and establish modern Saudi Arabia. The Masmak Fort played a significant role in recapturing Riyadh by Al-Saud on Jan. 15, 1902. Riyadh also accommodates the Currency Museum and Al-Jazirah Aviation Palace Museum. There are also several private museums owned by individuals and non-governmental agencies, Al-Maghlouth said. The SCTH extends technical support to these museums by issuing licenses and publicizing them through its website.
