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 The collaboration aims to enrich the visitor experience at historical sites in Diriyah and expand cultural and historical content through Amazon Alexa.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 Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition

The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition

The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA

In the presence of Japan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) at Jax District inaugurated on Wednesday the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, will run until February 8, 2025.
This international exhibition, which has been on tour since 2016, is presented for the first time in an Arab country. Driven by its commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and dialogue, SAMoCA is hosting the exhibition at a significant time, as 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, SPA reported.
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, a key figure in traditional Japanese art. It highlights his collection called Hokusai Manga, first published in 1814. With more than 4,000 sketches across 15 volumes, the collection depicts various aspects of daily life, landscapes, and whimsical creatures, signalling a new era in Japanese illustration art.
Hokusai's works became popular during the Edo period (1603–1868), and his volumes were published until 1834. Even after his passing in 1849, his work continued inspiring artists in Japan and globally, shaping modern manga art.
The exhibition aims to showcase the history and development of manga, highlighting how Hokusai's classical illustrations have impacted modern visual arts. It offers visitors a journey through the evolution of this art form, from its classical origins to its modern and innovative expressions.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is the first contemporary art museum in Saudi Arabia. It plays a significant role in the nation's cultural renaissance under Vision 2030, serving as a platform for local and international artists to exchange, connect, and grow, shaping the future of contemporary art in the Kingdom and beyond.
Tickets for the exhibition are available through WeBook.