Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Amazon Sign MoU to Boost Cultural, Technical Collaboration

Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Amazon Sign MoU to Boost Cultural, Technical Collaboration
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Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Amazon Sign MoU to Boost Cultural, Technical Collaboration

Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Amazon Sign MoU to Boost Cultural, Technical Collaboration

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and Amazon have signed a MoU to boost cooperation in cultural and technical fields. The collaboration aims to enrich the visitor experience at historical sites in Diriyah and expand cultural and historical content through Amazon Alexa.

The MoU was signed by Group Chief Executive Officer of DGDA Jerry Inzerillo and Amazon Saudi Arabia Country Manager Abdo Chlala.

Group Chief Executive Officer Jerry Inzerillo remarked: “We are pleased to have signed this MoU with Amazon, opening a wide range of technological opportunities for us to explore. This day represents the beginning of an ongoing collaboration that will help make Diriyah a global destination for culture and heritage as we connect the past to the future by investing in modern technologies, highlighting the rich heritage of Diriyah and the authentic culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Amazon's Managing Director of Alexa International for EMEA & APAC Eric King stated: “We are excited to team up with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority to celebrate the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will showcase the Kingdom’s rich traditions and history through our innovative technology that continues to delight our customers and enhance their experiences.”

The MoU aligns with DGDA’s efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 by contributing to the tourism, cultural, and historical sectors. By utilizing Amazon’s technology platforms, comprehensive information about the rich heritage of Diriyah will be made available to a wider audience.

The partnership will also support local content development for the Diriyah community by highlighting regional products and enabling sellers to offer these items on Amazon.sa.

Furthermore, the initiative will enhance the experience of visitors to Diriyah’s historical sites through the development of interactive applications designed to deepen their understanding of the area’s significance.



Saudi Culture Minister Meets with Indonesian Minister of Creative Economy

The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA
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Saudi Culture Minister Meets with Indonesian Minister of Creative Economy

The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan on Tuesday met with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya in Jakarta.

The ministers discussed cooperation in the creative economy between the two countries through the exchange of artistic and technical expertise in film, fashion, and handicrafts.

They also explored opportunities for collaboration to promote innovation and sustainability.


‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ Exhibition Showcases British Royal Photography

“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)
“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)
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‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ Exhibition Showcases British Royal Photography

“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)
“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)

A photography exhibition showcasing more than 100 photographs taken of and by the British Royal Family is on tour following its launch at Kensington Palace.

The “Life Through a Royal Lens” exhibition explores the enduring relationship between the Crown and the camera over 200 years.

It was first launched at Kensington Palace and is now on tour, starting at The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells, according to the BBC.

Jeremy Kimmel, arts, heritage and engagement director at The Amelia Scott, said: “Royal Tunbridge Wells has been shaped by centuries of royal connections, from the first royal visit in the early 1600s to what was then just woodland, to becoming the favorite summer retreat of Princess Victoria.”

He said “Life Through a Royal Lens” was not just about royalty.

“The images reflect moments of national identity, cultural change, and shared experience,” said Kimmel.

The royal family are one of the most photographed families in the world and the exhibition captures state ceremonies and royal tours as well as personal images which share a glimpse of life behind the scenes.

It also features the last public photograph taken of Elizabeth II taken on 6 September 2022, just two days before she died at the age of 96.

Kimmel said: “It was taken at Balmoral Castle before the historic 'kissing of hands' ceremony in which she publicly appointed her 15th British Prime Minister, Liz Truss.”

The public can also view portraits and press photographs from the first three years of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's reign.

The exhibition was created by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Kensington Palace.

Eleri Lynn, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said the display of images spanning 300 years of family photoshoots, commissioned portraiture and official engagements would embark on a tour planned to span the UK.

“We are thrilled that visitors to ‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ at The Amelia Scott will be able to explore the history behind the iconic image of modern monarchy we know today,” she added.

“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7.


French Lawmakers Pass Bill Simplifying Return of Colonial-era Art

People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
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French Lawmakers Pass Bill Simplifying Return of Colonial-era Art

People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French lawmakers on Monday passed a bill to simplify the return of artworks looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin, AFP reported.

France still has in its possession tens of thousands of artworks and other prized artefacts that it looted from its colonial empire.

The draft legislation to return them was unanimously approved by the lower house National Assembly late on Monday.

The upper house had unanimously passed the measure in January.

President Emmanuel Macron has made it a political promise to return the cultural items, and has gone further than his predecessors in admitting past French abuses in Africa.

Speaking on a visit to the Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou shortly after taking office in 2017, Macron vowed that France would never again interfere in its former colonies and promised to facilitate the return of African cultural heritage within five years.

Designed to streamline the process, Monday's bill specifically targets property acquired between 1815 and 1972.

Former colonial powers in Europe have slowly been moving to send back some artworks obtained during their imperial conquests -- but France is hindered by its current legislation, which requires every item in the national collection to be voted on individually.

France has been flooded with restitution demands, including from Algeria, Mali and Benin.