Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has appointed Dr. Jasir Al-Herbish as CEO of the Heritage Commission. The appointment comes in line with the ministry’s efforts to organize and develop the heritage sector. Al-Herbish was the general supervisor of the National Handicrafts Program (Bari), and participated with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) in the establishment and operation of the program, as well as the implementation of the first phase’s projects, which included the draft of the national crafts system, the launching of the national register of artisans and craftsmen, and approving the establishment of the National Crafts Company. Al-Herbish, who has a master’s degree and a doctorate in computer engineering and sciences from the University of Connecticut in the US, has also contributed to founding Torathuna Social Responsibility Company, owned by Saudi Aramco, in addition to playing a part in projects for the documentation, marketing and institutional building of the crafts and handicrafts sector. The Heritage Commission is tasked with organizing and developing the heritage sector, such as building its development strategy, and following up on its implementation under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. Its tasks also include licensing heritage-related activities, laying down regulations for the sector, and encouraging financing and investment in areas related to the Commission’s work. The Commission will also organize training courses, in addition to supporting the protection of intellectual property rights in heritage-related areas.