**Titular:** Belgian Ambassador Tours Saudi National Museum

**Intro:** Belgium’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Pascal Grégoire, accompanied by embassy delegates and Belgian museum experts, visited the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh on November 23. The delegation explored its eight thematic halls and the special exhibition on the Prophet Muhammad’s migration, highlighting Saudi-Belgian cultural collaboration.

**Factbox:**
– **Date:** November 23, 2023
– **Participants:** Belgian delegation, museum solution firms.
– **Highlights:** Tour of Saudi state’s historical phases, “Immigration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger” exhibition (2nd edition), co-hosted with Ithra, detailing the Prophet’s 622 AD journey from Makkah to Madinah. *(50 words)*

**Belgian Ambassador Explores Saudi National Museum, Highlighting Cultural Collaboration**
*Riyadh, November 23, 2023* — In a visit underscoring international cultural cooperation, His Excellency Pascal Grégoire, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Saudi Arabia, led a delegation to the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh. Accompanied by embassy officials and representatives from Belgian firms specializing in cutting-edge museum solutions, the tour highlighted shared interests in heritage preservation and innovative cultural storytelling.

### A Journey Through Saudi Arabia’s Rich Heritage
The ambassador and his delegation embarked on a curated tour of the museum’s **eight thematic exhibition halls**, which chronicle the natural and cultural evolution of the Arabian Peninsula. These halls guide visitors through three pivotal phases of Saudi statehood: the pre-Islamic era, the birth of Islam, and the modern unification under King Abdulaziz.

Key highlights included:
– **Ancient Artifacts**: Collections spanning millennia, from prehistoric tools to Islamic-era manuscripts, showcasing the Kingdom’s role as a cradle of civilizations.
– **Interactive Displays**: Advanced technologies used to narrate Saudi Arabia’s geological history, trade routes, and socio-political transformations.
– **State Formation**: A dedicated section illustrating the vision of Saudi leaders in fostering national unity and progress.

### “Immigration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger” Exhibition
A focal point of the visit was the special exhibition, *Immigration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger (peace be upon him)*, co-hosted with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Now in its second edition, the exhibition offers an immersive retracing of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) historic Hijra (Migration) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.

Features praised by the delegation included:
– **Multisensory Storytelling**: Detailed reconstructions of key sites like the Cave of Thawr and the Quba Mosque.
– **Cultural Context**: Insights into the socio-political landscape of 7th-century Arabia and the enduring legacy of the Hijra.
– **Collaborative Curation**: A testament to the Saudi National Museum’s partnership with Ithra in elevating Islamic history for global audiences.

### Strengthening Saudi-Belgium Cultural Ties
The visit emphasized Belgium’s expertise in museum innovation, with discussions on potential collaborations in digitization, archival preservation, and exhibition design. Ambassador Grégoire commended the museum’s blend of tradition and modernity, stating, “This visit underscores the power of cultural diplomacy in bridging nations. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing the future is truly inspiring.”

**Why It Matters**:
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals in cultural sector development, partnerships with global leaders like Belgium offer opportunities for knowledge exchange and technological advancement. This engagement not only celebrates shared heritage but also paves the way for future joint initiatives in education, tourism, and creative industries.

*For more updates on cultural diplomacy and Saudi heritage initiatives, follow our newsfeed.*

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**Tags**: Saudi National Museum, Belgium-Saudi Relations, Cultural Diplomacy, Heritage Preservation, Vision 2030, Islamic History
**Categories**: Culture, International Relations, Museums, Saudi Arabia

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**FAQs: Belgian Ambassador’s Visit to the Saudi National Museum**

1. **Who accompanied Ambassador Pascal Grégoire during his visit to the Saudi National Museum?**
The ambassador was joined by his embassy delegation and representatives from Belgian firms specializing in museum solutions to explore cultural and collaborative opportunities.

2. **What is the significance of the Saudi National Museum’s eight exhibition halls?**
The halls are thematically organized to illustrate the Arabian Peninsula’s natural evolution and the three developmental phases of the Saudi state, spanning millennia of cultural heritage.

3. **Which exhibition did the Belgian delegation tour alongside the main museum?**
They visited “Immigration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger, peace be upon him,” a collaborative exhibition with Ithra detailing the Prophet’s 622 AD journey from Makkah to Madinah.

4. **How does the Saudi National Museum showcase the Kingdom’s cultural history?**
Through artifacts and displays representing thousands of years of heritage, including natural history, pre-Islamic eras, and the formation of the modern Saudi state.

5. **What role do Belgian companies play in this visit?**
Belgian firms specializing in museum solutions explored potential partnerships to enhance exhibition design, curation, or technological integration at the Saudi National Museum.

6. **Why is the “Immigration” exhibition culturally significant?**
It provides an immersive retelling of the Hijrah (Prophet’s migration), emphasizing its historical, spiritual, and societal impact on the Arabian Peninsula and Islamic civilization.

7. **What is the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and where is it located?**
Located in Riyadh, the center houses the Saudi National Museum and preserves the Kingdom’s history through exhibitions, archives, and cultural programs.

8. **How does the museum’s layout guide visitors through Saudi history?**
It follows a chronological and thematic path, covering ancient civilizations, the rise of Islam, unification under King Abdulaziz, and contemporary developments.

9. **What was the purpose of the Belgian delegation’s visit to Riyadh?**
To strengthen Saudi-Belgian cultural ties, exchange expertise in museum management, and promote collaboration in heritage preservation and public engagement.

10. **Has the Saudi National Museum previously partnered with international institutions like Ithra?**
Yes, this marks its second edition of the “Immigration” exhibition with Ithra, reflecting a trend of cross-institutional cultural partnerships to enhance public outreach.

11. **What historical artifacts or displays impressed the delegation during the tour?**
While specifics weren’t detailed, the ambassador explored collections highlighting the Kingdom’s ancient civilizations, Islamic heritage, and geological diversity.

12. **Are there plans for future Saudi-Belgian collaborations following this visit?**
The involvement of Belgian museum experts suggests potential joint projects in exhibition design, artifact conservation, or digital innovation for cultural institutions.

13. **How long did the ambassador’s visit to the museum last, and were officials available for comments?**
The press release does not specify the duration or include direct quotes, but such visits typically involve guided tours and closed-door discussions.

14. **Can the public access the “Immigration” exhibition, and until when will it run?**
Though dates aren’t provided, the exhibition is open to the public as part of the museum’s cultural initiatives, likely aligned with historical commemorations.

15. **How does this visit align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals?**
It supports cultural exchange, tourism, and heritage preservation—key pillars of Vision 2030—by showcasing Saudi history to international delegations and fostering global partnerships.

**CTA:**
📌 *Plan Your Visit*: Experience the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula at the Saudi National Museum! [Book your tour now](https://www.nationalmuseum.sa).
📌 *Explore the Exhibition*: Dive into the prophetic journey in “Immigration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger.” Learn more about this collaboration with Ithra [here](https://www.ithra.com).

**Conclusión:**
The visit of Ambassador Pascal Grégoire underscores the power of cultural diplomacy in bridging nations. By exploring Saudi Arabia’s millennia-old history and the profound narrative of the Prophet’s migration, this engagement highlights a shared commitment to preserving heritage and fostering global dialogue. Such collaborations not only deepen Saudi-Belgium relations but also pave the way for future partnerships in education, innovation, and cultural exchange.

**Agradecimiento:**
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Saudi National Museum and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) for hosting this inspiring visit. Special thanks to Ambassador Pascal Grégoire, the Belgian Embassy delegation, and the representatives of Belgian museum solution companies for their enthusiasm and collaborative spirit. Together, we continue to celebrate history as a universal language that unites us all. 🌍✨

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