Saudi Museums Commission Launches 'Virtual Reality Competition for Museums'

Saudi Museums Commission Launches 'Virtual Reality Competition for Museums'
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Saudi Museums Commission Launches 'Virtual Reality Competition for Museums'

Saudi Museums Commission Launches 'Virtual Reality Competition for Museums'

Saudi Arabia's Museums Commission has opened applications for the "Virtual Reality Competition for Museums," aimed at enabling talents to create interactive educational experiences within museums. This initiative is part of the commission's ongoing efforts to promote education and innovation in the museums sector.
The competition seeks to support young talents by equipping them with skills in virtual reality design and programming. These competencies are intended to advance museum capabilities, enhance their societal role, and highlight cultural identity by creating virtual reality experiences that reflect the Kingdom's heritage, SPA reported.
Target participants include students and graduates specializing in information technology, computer science, digital design, and fine arts. Developers and programmers interested in virtual reality technologies are also encouraged to apply. The competition welcomes artists and designers eager to integrate technology with art, as well as culture enthusiasts with a technological background who wish to explore virtual reality applications in museums. Storytellers with the ability to creatively narrate their city or region's history and civilization are also invited to participate.
Applications are open from December 6, with a training program scheduled to run for four months. The competition will unfold in four phases: selection of trainees, virtual reality training and development, creation of interactive educational experiences, and evaluation and judging. Winners will be recognized through regional ceremonies held in their respective areas.
The Museums Commission urges all eligible individuals to contribute to shaping the future of regional museums in Saudi Arabia by creating innovative, interactive platforms that inspire future generations and foster an appreciation for museums and cultural heritage.
Registration for the "Virtual Reality Competition for Museums" is available through the Museums Commission website or its official social media channels.



Farasan Islands Showcase Cultural Heritage at Jazan Festival

The exhibition serves as a cultural window into the unique character of the Farasan Islands - SPA
The exhibition serves as a cultural window into the unique character of the Farasan Islands - SPA
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Farasan Islands Showcase Cultural Heritage at Jazan Festival

The exhibition serves as a cultural window into the unique character of the Farasan Islands - SPA
The exhibition serves as a cultural window into the unique character of the Farasan Islands - SPA

The Farasan Islands, renowned for their rich cultural and human heritage, are prominently featured in a dedicated section at the Cultural Street during Jazan Festival 2026.

This exhibition serves as a cultural window into the unique character of the Farasan Islands, showcasing traditional crafts and professions practiced by islanders in the past and preserved today, SPA reported.

The exhibits highlight elements of maritime heritage and traditional lifestyles, including tools used in pearl diving, a historical profession, and handicrafts that demonstrate the skill of local artisans in transforming natural materials into art.

The Farasan Islands section captivated visitors at the Cultural Street, offering a comprehensive view of the islands and reflecting the richness of their cultural identity.


Culture Ministry, ALIPH Foundation Partner on Regional Headquarters in Riyadh

Culture Ministry, ALIPH Foundation Partner on Regional Headquarters in Riyadh
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Culture Ministry, ALIPH Foundation Partner on Regional Headquarters in Riyadh

Culture Ministry, ALIPH Foundation Partner on Regional Headquarters in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH) have signed an agreement establishing ALIPH’s first regional headquarters in Riyadh, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage.

The new office will play a pivotal role in the foundation’s efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage in conflict, post-conflict, and crisis areas.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Altouq, on behalf of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and Chair of the ALIPH Foundation Board Bariza Khiari, SPA reported.

According to a ministry press release, Saudi Arabia has been a member of ALIPH since its establishment in 2017. ALIPH has partnered with international organizations such as UNESCO and operated in countries affected by conflict, environmental disasters, and instability, providing support to hundreds of institutions across the world.

The new agreement between Saudi Arabia and ALIPH underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage.


Arts AlUla Unveils Vision for Contemporary Art Museum with 'Arduna' Exhibition Launch

The Arduna exhibition features over 80 artworks from Saudi, regional, and international artists. (SPA)
The Arduna exhibition features over 80 artworks from Saudi, regional, and international artists. (SPA)
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Arts AlUla Unveils Vision for Contemporary Art Museum with 'Arduna' Exhibition Launch

The Arduna exhibition features over 80 artworks from Saudi, regional, and international artists. (SPA)
The Arduna exhibition features over 80 artworks from Saudi, regional, and international artists. (SPA)

Arts AlUla has inaugurated the Arduna (Our Land) exhibition as part of the fifth AlUla Arts Festival 2026. The initiative marks a new chapter in AlUla’s artistic journey and offers a glimpse into the future vision of the Contemporary Art Museum of AlUla, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

At the opening, the Contemporary Art Museum of AlUla's name and vision were announced, aiming to boost AlUla’s presence in the global art scene and establish it as a hub for contemporary cultural dialogue, rooted in its rich heritage. The museum is scheduled to open at a later date.

Developed in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou, the Arduna exhibition serves as a preparatory showcase for the museum, providing insights into its philosophy and anticipated cultural role through research-driven themes.

The museum will bridge cultural heritage with contemporary artistic practices, acting as a platform for exhibitions, art commissions, research, and residency programs. This ecosystem will foster artistic knowledge exchange, vital to AlUla’s social and creative landscape.

The Arduna exhibition features over 80 artworks from Saudi, regional, and international artists, reflecting humanity’s evolving relationship with nature. It also includes new commissions inspired by AlUla’s unique landscape, reinterpreted in a contemporary context.

The launch of the exhibition and museum marks a significant milestone in AlUla’s cultural trajectory, underscoring Arts AlUla’s commitment to contemporary arts and cultural exchange.