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Asaan is a vibrant museum founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sara bint Mashhour Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, rooted in the vision of preserving Saudi Arabia’s rich and diverse heritage and fostering a society committed to honoring and sustaining its cultural legacy.

Intangible heritage encompasses the non-physical aspects of culture that are vital for preserving identity, traditions, customs, and knowledge across generations—such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, and craftsmanship.

According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage refers to “the practices, traditions, knowledge and skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interactions with nature and their history. It provides communities with a sense of identity and a sense of continuity, and thus fosters respect for cultural diversity and for human creativity.

Tangible heritage refers to physical elements that hold historical, cultural, or social value for a people or community. It includes buildings, monuments, historical sites, and artifacts that represent a concrete and enduring legacy through time. Tangible heritage serves as a living testament to history, acting as a bridge that connects different generations to their past, thereby reinforcing cultural identity and a sense of belonging.

According to UNESCO, tangible heritage encompasses “places, monuments, landscapes, buildings, as well as artifacts and objects of cultural, historical, or scientific significance.” This heritage is represented by physical items that highlight civilizational achievements and human developments, reflecting the cultural identity of any people.

Examples of Tangible Heritage:

Historic buildings: Castles, mosques, churches, and traditional markets.
Archaeological sites: Such as Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh) in Saudi Arabia.
Archaeological collections: Including ancient coins, handmade tools, and manuscripts.
Cultural landscapes: Oases, agricultural terraces, and historic trade routes.

We are always looking for passionate individuals interested in heritage preservation. Announcements regarding volunteer opportunities or job openings will be shared through our official social media accounts, and we welcome your applications.

The Asaan is located in the heart of Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant historical sites. It is scheduled to open within the next few years. In the meantime, we invite you to engage with community activities and training programs, which will be announced via the museum’s official social media accounts.

The Mohamad Bin Salman Foundation (Misk) aims to empower society in various fields, including culture and social sciences, by fostering an engaging environment. Asaan’s mission to preserve and celebrate Saudi heritage aligns with MiSK’s goals, making it one of its affiliated entities.