The Museums Commission organized a virtual open talk on Monday titled “The Red Sea Museum: A Window into the Cultural Heritage of the Red Sea Region,” held as part of the commission’s monthly series designed to raise awareness of national museum projects, according to a press release, SPA reported.
The panel featured a distinguished lineup of experts and researchers in the museum and cultural heritage sectors, including the former Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt; Director of the Red Sea Museum Eman Zidan; and Director of Underwater Heritage at the Heritage Commission Dr. Majed Alanazi. The talk was moderated by Director of Public Relations and Content at the Museums Commission Attia Alrajhi.
The discussion highlighted the key features of the Red Sea Museum’s cultural identity and heritage, as well as the ongoing developments at the museum. This cultural and tourism landmark aims to document the region’s history, with a particular focus on Bab Al-Bunt, a site of significant historical importance in Historic Jeddah.
The meeting provided an overview of the design phases for the Red Sea Museum, which is planned to become a cultural and tourism hub in the area. The museum will narrate the building’s history to visitors and document both tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting its key collections, stories, and temporary exhibits. Besides its future role in safeguarding culture and heritage, the museum will also host a public program that features workshops, training sessions, open dialogues, and seminars.
These activities range from training artisans through the “Made in the Red Sea” initiative to sustainable art projects such as “Red Sea Art” and musical performances that celebrate the region’s heritage, including the “Red Sea Symphony,” which explores horizons that blend authenticity with societal customs.
The museum offers a cultural experience that meets international standards, blending modern technologies, research practices, and collection preservation, enhanced by collaboration with local and global institutions. It also provides visitors with interactive pathways that deepen their understanding of the Red Sea as a space for intellectual, artistic, and social exchange, along with educational content tailored to different age groups.
The meeting highlighted the collaborations established between the Red Sea Museum and other cultural sectors and institutions, such as the Heritage Commission to organize the International Red Sea Conference to be held at the Red Sea Museum in April 2026, and the Music Commission and Tariq Abdulhakim Museum to produce a symphony reflecting the cities along the Red Sea coast. Zidan noted that the museum’s cooperation extends to cultural institutions, indicating that these collaborations reflect the efforts of cultural institutions to foster art and culture in the region.
The Red Sea Museum is set to open on December 6 as part of the Quality of Life Program initiatives to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The project embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage through a sustainable approach that enriches knowledge and enhances development in Historic Jeddah.
The museum stands as a landmark housing a collection of exceptional importance that ranges from archaeological discoveries to artistic masterpieces, offering perspectives on the tangible, intangible, and natural treasures of the Red Sea. Through its programs and activities, the museum seeks to enhance awareness of the environmental and cultural diversity of the Red Sea region, providing an environment that inspires creativity and contributes to building communication between local and global communities.
