Saudi Museums Commission Signs MoU with the AEON Collective

The agreement aims to promote sustainability in museums through the implementation of sustainable operational strategies. (SPA)
The agreement aims to promote sustainability in museums through the implementation of sustainable operational strategies. (SPA)
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Saudi Museums Commission Signs MoU with the AEON Collective

The agreement aims to promote sustainability in museums through the implementation of sustainable operational strategies. (SPA)
The agreement aims to promote sustainability in museums through the implementation of sustainable operational strategies. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission signed on Sunday a memorandum of understanding with the endowment fund AEON Collective at the National Museum in Riyadh.

The agreement aims to promote sustainability in museums through the implementation of sustainable operational strategies. It also addresses local environmental issues, strengthening the connection between museums and their surrounding communities.

Signed by Museums Commission Acting CEO Ibrahim Al-Sanousi and Princess Noura bint Turki Al Saud and Princess Mashael bint Saud bin Fawaz Al Shalan, the founding partners and endowment administrators of the AEON Collective, the memorandum outlines cooperation in areas of mutual interest to both parties.

The memorandum emphasizes promoting sustainable practices within museums, focusing on optimizing the use of eco-friendly resources and improving energy efficiency. It also seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues and contribute to environmental protection through educational and outreach initiatives.

The signatories of the memorandum aim to showcase the authentic Saudi identity, build knowledge through a culturally informed approach, and strengthen capabilities in the field of sustainable development.



Saudi Cultural Sector Sees Growth Across Various Fields

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 (SPA)
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 (SPA)
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Saudi Cultural Sector Sees Growth Across Various Fields

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 (SPA)
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 (SPA)

A recent report on Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector shows that 2023 saw significant growth in cultural activities, including theater, film, and performance arts.
This growth is attributed to strong support and empowerment within the sector.
“The Cultural Status in Saudi Arabia 2023” report by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture noted that 2023 was marked by steady, gradual development rather than a sudden burst of activity.
The cultural sector has been growing steadily, reflecting the long-term impact of institutional efforts that began a few years ago.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector, as per the report, has grown its economic contribution by over 20%.
The sector has recovered well from the pandemic’s impact, with its contribution reaching 35 billion riyals, or 1.49% of non-oil GDP, almost back to pre-pandemic levels.
The report also revealed increased cultural activity and rising demand for cultural services and products, and highlighted promising prospects for turning cultural projects into financially successful and sustainable ventures.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s publishing and translation sectors had mixed results.
Literary publishing and Saudi authors’ publication rates fell to their lowest since 2019. However, Saudi authors’ international publications increased, making up 22% of the year’s literary output.
Research and scientific publishing hit a four-year high, with 405 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Of these, 82% were by researchers from Saudi universities. International research made up 36% of contributions, while independent researchers added 7%.
The report identified several challenges requiring more effort, centered around comprehensive sustainability.
These include balancing economic, social, and environmental factors, such as addressing geographic centralization, uneven distribution of cultural activities, and ensuring equitable access for all social groups.
There is also a need for better regulations to boost investment in the cultural sector.
A major environmental challenge is protecting cultural and natural heritage from climate change.
The report highlighted the growing recognition of climate change’s threat to heritage sites and the need for proactive steps to preserve these valuable cultural and historical sites.