WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding between museum professionals and scholars in the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This historic collaboration, signed May 14 by Chase Robinson, the museum’s director, and Abeer AlAkel, the CEO of RCU, during a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, builds upon the commitment of both institutions to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage and cultural exchange between the two nations.

This collaboration will foster new research, deepen understanding of ancient Arabian art and culture through exhibitions and strengthen the skills of museum professionals in AlUla and at the Smithsonian. These shared efforts will focus on Dadan, the ancient capital of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations and significant hub of trade and agriculture on the Incense Route dating back to 500 B.C.E.

Key Initiatives under this agreement will include:

• Conservation and Collaborative Research: Joint conservation and research projects in art, history, archaeology and scientific study to deepen understanding of the site and culture of Dadan

• Exhibitions and Object Loans: Collaborative exhibition design and object exchanges to showcase cultural heritage to broader audiences

• Knowledge Exchange and Professional Skill Building: Staff exchanges focused on conservation, exhibition design, curatorial research, storytelling and museum management to enhance professional expertise

“The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art’s mission is to deepen the understanding of the arts and cultures of Asia and the Middle East, and this collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla is a milestone in advancing that mission,” Robinson said. “Over the past two years, our curatorial and conservation teams have been collaborating with their counterparts in AlUla on a plan to research and study recently discovered statues at the site of Dadan in AlUla. We are eager to move into the next stage of our partnership with RCU, which over the next four years will allow us to contribute to the ongoing research in the region, build professional networks and create opportunities for cultural engagement.”

“AlUla is home to over 200,000 years of human history,” AlAkel said. “Through this important collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, we will enhance the conservation of AlUla’s heritage and share its significance with the world. Uniting the shared expertise of RCU and NMAA, the collaboration is a testament to the value of cultural exchange to forge mutual understanding and connections globally.”

This agreement marks a new chapter of cooperation between the two organizations, underscoring the vital role of art and heritage in connecting people and nations.