Science Museum signs deal for new Saudi hub

The Science Museum has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Culture for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to create a "museums hub" located in Riyadh.

The announcement follows a number of discussions between senior politicians and Saudi ministers. Last week, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer met Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan during a visit to the UK.

Earlier this month, Arts Professional reported that fresh talks over possible collaborations on arts and culture between the UK and Saudi Arabia had taken place after Arts Minister Lord Parkinson flew to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on 10 September, staying three nights before flying on to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

READ MORE:

• DCMS Minister in Saudi Arabia for 'cultural collaboration' talks
• Activists target Science Museum over fossil fuel sponsorship

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) previously signed a Cultural Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2022.

Science Museum Group (SMG) said that the new partnership builds upon the 2022 deal, with Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, adding that it will “help support positive change in Saudi Arabia, helping to build science engagement and grow a strong, sustainable museums sector.”

'Centre of excellence'

The new hub is intended to be a “centre of excellence for science and culture and support the wider museum sector” and help SMG engage with museum professionals, researchers and educators in Saudi Arabia.

A number of key Saudi cultural institutions are located in Riyadh, including the National Museum, King Abdulaziz Historical Center and Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum.

The deal was signed by Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Tawq and Blatchford on 15 February as part of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan's official visit. 

Earlier this month, the Science Museum faced fresh criticism over its sponsorship deals with fossil fuel corporations BP, Equinor and Adani after a group of climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, protested the museum’s partnerships at a public panel debate. The museum came under fire for signing a 10-year partnership with BP last December after ending a 27-year relationship with the oil giant earlier in the year.