The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabian National Committee of The International Council on Monuments and Sites (Saudi ICOMOS). The agreement aims to promote collaboration between the two parties regarding partnership in matters related to cultural and natural heritage sites in the Kingdom. Signed by CEO of DGDA Jerry Inzerillo and Princess Dr. Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi ICOMOS, the partnership will particularly focus on protecting the World Heritage site in the historic At-Turaif district in Diriyah, as well as preserving other exceptional heritage sites to be identified in the future.It will also help elevate the level of coordination and cooperation between DGDA and Saudi ICOMOS, enhancing their respective efforts to preserve heritage sites in line with the best practices of ICOMOS and in accordance with the UNESCO World Heritage Conventions. Commenting on the signing of the memorandum, Princess Dr. Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahd lauded the cooperation between the two sides and highlighted the benefits of Saudi ICOMOS’s support to DGDA’s efforts to build capacity and knowledge. She added that the partnership with Saudi ICOMOS would enhance DGDA’s position as a center for international expertise through its global network, and that the collaboration would include an exchange of expertise to professionally assess the conservation and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites in Diriyah in line with global best practices. To this end, both sides will conduct specialized scientific research on culturally significant areas in Diriyah and formulate joint recommendations to preserve the values and characteristics of such sites. For his part, Jerry Inzerillo emphasized the importance of the MoU and coordination between DGDA and Saudi ICOMOS in promoting joint efforts to achieve shared goals and objectives. “We are extremely excited to have partnered with Saudi ICOMOS, as it enables future cooperation and collaboration on projects, initiatives, and strategies that are focused on preserving the rich heritage of sites located in Diriyah by applying the the World Heritage Convention criteria,” Inzerillo said. “Not only does this partnership cover the World Heritage area in the At-Turaif district in Diriyah, but it will also include other cultural and natural heritage sites in the future. We will work hard to establish a solid knowledge base related to preservation and control of the World Heritage sites in At-Turaif and boost future cooperation in events, exhibitions, conferences, and delegation visits.” — SPA