The five-year MoU aims to enhance collaboration in the fields of historical documentation, conservation and restoration of artifacts, knowledge exchange, and capacity building for Saudi talent in the heritage sector.

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 8^th September 2025 – Misk Heritage Museum “Asaan,” supported by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk,” today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the King Abdulaziz Foundation “Darah,” the national institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, geography, literature and heritage of Saudi Arabia. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations in support of national efforts to safeguard and celebrate the Kingdom’s cultural legacy and pass it on to future generations.

As part of this five-year collaboration, Asaan and Darah will explore opportunities for cooperation in historical documentation, with Darah providing supporting content and oral histories to help shape Asaan’s exhibition storylines. The foundation will also offer advisory expertise and technical support in the conservation, restoration, binding, and digitization of historical materials.

The two institutions will also collaborate on training and professional development programs for Asaan’s staff and will jointly develop educational initiatives for children and youth in coordination with Darah’s “Antame” program, which introduces younger generations to the Kingdom’s historical, geographic, and cultural depth through modern digital tools.

Khaled Al Saqer, CEO of Asaan, emphasized, “The partnership with Darah marks a pivotal step in our mission to preserve Saudi Arabia’s national heritage. It aligns with our vision of fostering meaningful and strategic collaborations with leading national institutions across the cultural sector. Darah’s expertise in documentation, evaluation, and preservation will enrich the narratives presented in our exhibitions and strengthen the capabilities of our team. Ultimately, this will enhance the quality of experiences we offer our visitors and advance Asaan’s mission to keep heritage alive, inspiring all generations to engage with it, protect it, and carry it forward.”

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Turki bin Mohammed Al-Shuwaier, CEO of Darah, said: “We are pleased to sign this MoU with Asaan as we join forces to serve the history and heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition to Darah’s role as a key national reference for historical knowledge, this agreement highlights the importance of institutional collaboration within the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. It will strengthen our national identity, showcase the richness and diversity of our heritage, and inspire the next generation to embrace this legacy with creativity and purpose.”

Other areas of cooperation include the joint review and verification of Asaan’s public programming and marketing content, along with expert evaluation and description of artifacts in the museum’s collection.

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