Saudi institutions celebrate World Audiovisual Heritage Day

Saudi Arabian cultural institutions are highlighting their efforts to preserve national memory in observance of World Audiovisual Heritage Day.

The King Abdulaziz Public Library is utilizing modern technologies to maintain, restore, and digitize its audiovisual collections. Its archives include over 30,000 rare historical photographs documenting holy sites, landmarks, and Saudi cities, alongside more than 10,000 rare audiovisual items such as microfilms, slides, and recordings. Notable holdings include a rare film documenting the 1938 visit of Princess Alice to the Kingdom.

Similarly, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) manages an extensive archive containing over one million photographs and more than 10,000 hours of oral history interviews. Through its specialized center, ‘Raqman’, the foundation focuses on digitizing historical films and audio tapes to ensure long-term accessibility for scientific research.

In the Jazan region, cultural efforts have focused on documenting local heritage through photography and sound, specifically emphasizing the preservation of traditional folk arts, songs, and regional costumes through visual exhibitions.