The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) announced recently that museums in the Kingdom would be open during the Haj holidays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

"Government museums in various cities and provinces across the country will open for visitors throughout the Haj holidays,” said Ali Al-Ghabban, vice-president for antiquities and museums at the SCTA.

He said Prince Sultan bin Salman, SCTA's president, has ordered officials to open the museums for the weeklong vacation. The plan is to promote the country's heritage and culture.

Al-Ghabban said guides would help visitors at 20 of the nation's museums including the National Museum and Musmak Palace in Riyadh, and others in Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah,

Taif, Baha, Hail, Jazan and Najran.

Meanwhile, domestic tourists from other parts of the country are expected in Riyadh for the holidays to take advantage of the city's shopping malls, restaurants, tourist spots and mild weather at this time of the year.

The newly opened King Abdullah Malaz Park and other big parks in the city such as Wadi Hanifa Al-Nammar in the south are likely to be major attractions this year.