RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is taking over from the principality of Asir responsibility for the operation, preservation and development of Al-Muftaha village. “The ministry will work on developing Al-Muftaha village and revitalizing it with constant events and activities that satisfy the citizens and meet their aspirations,” said ministry spokesman Abdulkareem Al-Hameed. “The work will be done in cooperation with all concerned people in the cultural sector in the area”. He added that the ministry will work with the principality to preserve the important cultural value of the village, and with official organizations such as the Development Authority of Asir region and the Public Investment Fund. The joint framework will include assessments of accessibility and infrastructure, and of previous difficulties and obstacles that have affected the village. Al-Hameed said that meetings with official bodies in Asir region have been productive, and they are working together to achieve common goals. Al-Muftaha dates back hundreds of years and is one of the most significant tourist attractions in the Kingdom. Tourism investment in the village began in 1990 when it became a creative hub that is home to the King Fahd Cultural Center, Al-Muftaha archaeological center, craft shops, and Al-Muftaha Theater, which is one of the Kingdom’s biggest public performance venues. It has 3,500 seats and hosts annual celebrations in the area. The Ministry of Culture plans to develop the village and its attractions as part of a comprehensive project to develop the Saudi cultural sector, as set out in Vision 2030.a