The government plans to convert 16 palaces built during the reign of King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the modern Saudi state, into museums and heritage centers, said Prince Sultan Bin Salman, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has already approved the handover of Saqaf Palace in Makkah for this purpose, said Prince Sultan. The SCTA will use the museums to showcase photographs and rare documents. “These palaces will document the Kingdom's heritage and tell future generations about the glorious history of their forefathers. In other words it links them to the history of their country.” A company called the Heritage Hospitality Company, in collaboration with national and Spanish companies and the General Investment Fund, will finance the conversion of these palaces into cultural and heritage centers. The plan includes a number of palaces in different parts of the Kingdom including Masmak and Al-Maraba Palaces in Riyadh; King Abdul Aziz Palace in Al-Dawadmi; King Abdul Aziz and Abu Jafan Palaces in Al-Kharj; Al-Zahir Palace in Makkah; and Shobra Palace in Taif. __
