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 The collaboration aims to enrich the visitor experience at historical sites in Diriyah and expand cultural and historical content through Amazon Alexa.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.



UAE Culture Ministry Organizes ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ Exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM
The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM
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UAE Culture Ministry Organizes ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ Exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM
The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM

Under the patronage of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and as part of the activities accompanying the ceremony for honoring the winners of the 18th edition of Al Burda Award 2024, the Ministry of Culture organized an art exhibition titled “As the Sun Appears from Beyond" at the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

This exhibition, running until January 19, showcases Islamic art's evolution over two decades. It features award-winning pieces from the Ministry of Culture's collection and highlights the UAE's leadership in fostering artistic innovation, WAM said.

The exhibition focuses on the concept of “light,” which explains the title of the exhibition and links to the core theme of this year’s Al Burda Award. The theme draws inspiration from Surat Al-Ma’idah, verse 15: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.”

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields, including Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and poetry.

It offers Islamic art enthusiasts an immersive interactive experience that brings to life the ability of Islamic art to blend classical methods of expression with the spirit of modern creativity, creating a unique harmony, WAM said.

The exhibition is the result of the first edition of Al Burda Grant program and the "Capacity Building Program," and the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties. It showcases works that illustrate the evolution of Islamic arts across time and space, ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary interpretations.

Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi said: “The exhibition ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate Islamic art and its development throughout the ages, and an affirmation of the UAE’s commitment and belief that art is a vital tool for promoting cultural dialogue between peoples, which is reflected in this exhibition.

“We are proud to be part of this distinguished artistic journey provided by this exhibition, which exemplifies how art influences the strengthening of communication between civilizations and constitutes an opportunity to contemplate the light that Islamic art reflects across various generations. Art is not just an expression of beauty; it is also a means of transmitting spiritual and faith values that lead humanity towards unity and brotherhood,” he added.