King Abdul Aziz palace to become historical center

Authorities in Riyadh are planning to rehabilitate King Abdul Aziz Palace and its surrounding area in Al-Kharj, with the aim of transforming it into a historical center named after the founding king.
“Riyadh governorate and Al-Kharj municipality in collaboration with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and Ar-Riyadh Development Authority (ADA) are preparing a study to rehabilitate King Abdul Aziz Palace and its surrounding area in Al-Kharj,” sources said here on Thursday.
“The project includes establishing a museum for Al-Kharj municipality inside the King Abdul Aziz palace,” sources added.
The SCTA and local authorities are coordinately together to preserve the museum’s culture and have organized a number of exhibitions and festivals to highlight the rich cultural and historical heritage in the region.
The SCTA with the help of local authorities has undertaken the establishment of five regional museums in Al-Dama, Al-Baha, Abha, Hail and Tabuk.
]Furthermore, work is underway to develop and upgrade six existing museums in Tem’a, Najran, Jazan, Al-Ahsa, Al-Ula, and Al-Jouf, sources said, adding that work underway includes the development of museum buildings.
Besides establishing new museums and developing existing ones, many heritage and historic buildings have been restored and transformed into museums across many municipalities.
The SCTA has also been raising awareness about the importance of cultural and touristic sites as an economic resource and employment opportunity for the Saudi youth. The commission has urged the public and private sectors to finance and invest the Kingdom’s tourism sector.