Saudi Arabia is planning to set up a number of museums as part of a plan to develop its heritage tourism industry.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), said the move came as the kingdom was making several archaeological finds.
In comments published by Saudi daily Arab News on Monday, he said: “The SCTA is making quantum leaps in the antiquities and museums sector...in addition to establishing a number of new museums in various parts of the country in line with increased numbers of archaeological discoveries.”
Prince Sultan highlighted the important archaeological discovery at Al-Magar site, where recent excavations revealed the domestication of horses in the Arabian Peninsula 9,000 years ago.
The site also includes remains of mummified skeletons, arrowheads, scrapers, grain grinders, tools for spinning and weaving, and other tools that are evidence of a civilization that is skilled in handicrafts.
Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, is trying to diversify its economy away from oil and hopes to increase its tourism.
Last year the SCTA launched exhibitions in Barcelona's CaixaForum museum and Paris's Louvre museum showcasing historic findings of the Arabian Peninsula.
Due to the importance of this discovery, the rare artefacts found will soon be displayed across Europe and the US, the paper added.
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