Saudi DGDA, RITA sign joint MoU to enhance cooperation
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed recently a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (RITA).
The signed MoU aims to enhance strategic cooperation in the implementation of many joint projects and initiatives in the field of training and education in traditional arts, urban heritage, and the protection of heritage sites.
The aforementioned MoU also aims to document tangible and intangible heritage, conduct studies, and exchange experiences, in addition to activating the role of the local community through preserving the heritage of Diriyah and providing programs and services to the Saudi craftsmen community.
The MoU was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Dr. Suzan Al Yahya, Acting Director-General of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts.
According to the memorandum, the two parties will work to cooperate in the development of educational, cultural, and community initiatives of common interest, to provide specialized courses in traditional crafts and arts that were practiced in Diriyah, including wicker, jewelry making, stone, and woodwork, brickwork, and others.
Inzerillo expressed his happiness at strengthening cooperation with the Royal Institute, which includes areas of innovation in the management and preservation of heritage and culture, presenting workshops in programs of common interest and linking them to the labor market, in addition to cooperating in proposing an action plan for graduates of the Institute by linking them with parties interested in preserving heritage and culture.
Dr. Suzan Al-Yahya confirmed that the memorandum of understanding comes within the framework of strategic cooperation through which the circle of joint work will be expanded to include the exchange of research, statistics and related studies, cooperation in the dissemination of educational materials related to traditional architecture, the establishment of a unified platform for collecting heritage and culture data, and coordination.
Diriyah is considered the capital of Arab culture for the year 2030, and the Diriyah Gate project, upon completion, is scheduled to include a group of cultural, entertainment, commercial, hotel, educational, institutional, and residential areas.
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is the destination to highlight the national identity and to enrich Saudi traditional arts locally and internationally.
The Institute provides a variety of services in 5 main areas, including support and appreciation, training and education, awareness, international communication, and research.
