Prince Sultan, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, and Najran Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah on Wednesday jointly laid the foundation for the expansion of the Najran museum at a cost of SR 56 million.

The two princes were briefed on the project that would be implemented on an area of 4,500 sqm. They also watched a documentary on the project.

Prince Sultan later signed an agreement with the University of Najran and honored citizens who had donated a number of valuable antiquities to the SCTA.

Speaking to reporters, Prince Sultan said that the tourism and antiquities sector in Najran will witness qualitative development in the coming months, with the implementation of a number of projects, including a college for tourism and a heritage hotel.

The SCTA chief, meanwhile, visited the historical governorate palace in Najran and toured its heritage buildings.

Najran Mayor Faris Al-Shafaq briefed Sultan on his department’s efforts to develop the city’s historical region and develop the popular souk in the Aba Al-Saud district.

Prince Sultan later visited Al-An historical palace in Najran, which was established 334 years ago. He toured the four-story palace made of mud located on a mountain.

He also emphasized the need to renovate the palace as part of the SCTA’s efforts to preserve built heritage and promote tourism.

Prince Sultan, accompanied by senior officials, also visited Al-Munjim heritage village, which was built 350 years ago, as part of his visit to historical sites in the region.