The Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities signed a rehabilitation and development contract with a consultation company on Tuesday for the first phase of the expansion of Najran Regional Museum. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of SCTA Chairman Prince Sultan bin Salman and Najran Gov. Prince Mishal bin Abdullah. Vice-Chairman of SCTA for Supportive Affairs Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh signed the contract on behalf of the SCTA while Abdullah Abdulkareem, director general of Saudi Architects & Engineering Consultation Office, signed on behalf of the contractor, according to a SCTA statement. The project is the second of its kind and was carried out by SCTA after the Al-Jouf Museum project, part of the strategic project to develop museums that includes those in Jazan, Al-Ahsa, Al-Ula and Tema. This new museum will be in addition to those that are to be established in Dammam, Asir, Hail, Tabuk and Baha. On this occasion, Prince Sultan said: “Najran province’s antiquities are national treasures that deserve to be preserved in a developed museum that can host the largest portion of them and highlight their value.” “This museum will be one of the distinguished museums as it holds rare pieces of historical value,” Prince Sultan said, adding that more pieces that exploration teams discover in the area will be added to the existing items. Prince Sultan praised the efforts of Prince Mishal and the Tourists Development Council in boosting programs and activities related to tourism and national heritage. “Museums will change following these development projects, and will house and present the artifacts comprehensively in architecturally-sound buildings, and we’ll be able to maintain the antiquities in their own environment,” said Prince Sultan, adding that the commission is looking forward to the participation and cooperation of citizens and residents in realizing the commission’s awareness and educational efforts. Prince Sultan also pointed out that SCTA is working toward making the museums’ role interactive alongside educational and cultural centers. With the museums housing many elements of history, education and heritage, they can turn the whole experience into a live and active one. “Najran museum will hold a great value as it is considered a civilized front for the area and an attractive destination for visitors,” said Prince Mishal, adding that the SR28 million project is one of the most important ones in the province as it will help preserve antiquities.