France and Saudi Arabia Forge Cultural Bonds in Historic Diriyah
In a move to strengthen cultural ties, France and Saudi Arabia have signed nine action programs aimed at boosting collaborations between their cultural institutions. The agreements were inked during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the historic Turaif district in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, finalized the joint programs in Diriyah’s Al-Bujairi area. The signing was witnessed by President Macron during his official visit to the Kingdom.
President Macron received a warm welcome from Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, along with the Minister of Trade, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, who, alongside French Minister of Culture Rashida Dati, accompanied the French President during his exploration of Turaif.
The historic area, credited as the birthplace of the Saudi state, impressed Macron. "
President Macron and his delegation were shown various facets of Saudi Arabia and France’s burgeoning cultural partnership, with a particular focus on the potential for future collaborations.
Among the numerous agreements reached, three were between Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Authority and several prominent French institutions. One focuses on exchanging expertise in the development and management of heritage sites, with the aim of enhancing visitor experiences, evaluating archaeological and heritage sites, and learning from best practices in research activities. This initiative will involve the National Center of Antiquities of France (CMN).
The second program involves a collaborative effort with the French Center for Project Management and Cultural and Heritage Products (OPPIC). This program seeks to create a comprehensive capacity building program, provide specialized support services, and train artisans and experts in the fields of craftsmanship and art restoration. Expertise will also be shared on the study and review of royal palaces.
Lastly, a program with the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) emphasizes the evaluation of archaeological sites and the publication of scientific research on excavations.
These collaborations will aid the Heritage Authority in its ongoing efforts to document, protect, and manage Saudi Arabia’s valuable cultural heritage sites.
In the realm of museums, the Museum Authority signed four action programs, one of which is with the École Nationale Supérieure d’Industrial Design in France (ENSCI), focusing on educational support.
This blossoming cultural partnership represents a significant step forward in strengthening relations between France and Saudi Arabia, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation for each other’s rich cultural heritages.
