The Minister of Culture and Tourism reviews the status of the cultural and tourism sectors in Hadramaut Coast.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Reviews Cultural and Tourism Sectors in Hadhramaut
Mukutla Visit Highlights Sector Conditions
Today, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mutee Dhamaj, conducted separate visits in Mukutla to assess the conditions of the Culture and Tourism Offices, the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums branch, Mukutla Museum, and the Balfaqih Cultural Center.
Assessing Progress and Challenges
During the visit, Minister Dhamaj, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut for Coastal and Plateau Affairs, Hassan Al-Jailani, engaged with Abir Al-Hadrami, the Deputy Governor for Women’s Affairs, and Majdi Bashadi, the Director of the Tourism Office in Coastal Hadhramaut. They discussed the current status of operations in both offices, the efforts to implement cultural and tourism activities, and the significant challenges hindering their performance. Solutions to enhance both sectors were also explored.
Emphasizing Cultural and Tourism Development
Dhamaj stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to activate and promote cultural and tourism aspects, particularly during the upcoming Town Season Festival. He highlighted the need to support creative individuals and praised the growing cultural and tourism activities in the province. He acknowledged the local authority’s commitment to supporting these sectors.
Collaboration for Cultural Advancement
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s dedication to collaborating with the local authority in Hadhramaut to improve cultural institutions and enhance tourism while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. He urged the directors of the Culture and Tourism Offices to propose a festival celebrating Yemeni music in Hadhramaut, featuring artists from various provinces and honoring pioneers and creatives.
Tour of Balfaqih Cultural Center
During his visit to the Balfaqih Center, Dhamaj toured its sections and facilities. He reviewed ongoing rehabilitation and restoration projects aimed at restoring the center’s status as a prominent cultural and administrative landmark in Hadhramaut.
Insights from the Antiquities Authority
In related activities, Dhamaj met with Dr. Mohammed Hussein, the Director of the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums in Coastal Hadhramaut. He toured the Mukutla Museum located in the Sultan Al-Qaiti Palace, where he listened to Nasser Bani, the museum’s curator, explain the first-floor exhibits showcasing Hadhramaut’s historical and cultural heritage. The second floor features the royal wing, displaying artifacts from the Al-Qaiti Sultanate era.
Restoration Efforts Supported by UNESCO
Additionally, Dr. Abdullah Ba Ghamyan, the Executive Director of Dawan Architecture Foundation, briefed the Minister on ongoing restoration efforts in the western wing of the Sultan Al-Qaiti Palace, supported by UNESCO and executed by Dawan Architecture Foundation.
Honoring Cultural Pioneers
Today, Minister Dhamaj also participated in a ceremony honoring cultural pioneers in the arts sector in Mukutla, organized by the Hadhramaut Culture Foundation. The event recognized Dr. Ahmed Ben Abidoun and poet Salem Ben Salman for their significant contributions to enriching the cultural landscape of Hadhramaut and Yemen.
Celebrating Literature and Thought
Dhamaj stated, “Honoring pioneers reflects our appreciation for literature, culture, and thought, emphasizing the role of words in the growth and development of societies. History often immortalizes writers and thinkers.” He expressed the Ministry’s happiness with this initiative by the Hadhramaut Culture Foundation.
Local Authority’s Commitment to Culture
Dr. Murad Ba Alawi, the Assistant Deputy Governor for Youth and Civil Society Organizations, confirmed the local authority’s commitment to reviving this cultural initiative, which enhances the status of writers and poets.
Annual Recognition of Cultural Figures
Engineer Shurooq Al-Ramadi, the Executive Director of the Hadhramaut Culture Foundation, explained that the annual recognition project aims to honor two pioneers from Hadhramaut, reflecting the foundation’s vision to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to writing and creativity through various literary programs and projects.
Event Highlights
The ceremony featured a poem recited by poet Salem Ben Salman, a speech by Dr. Ahmed Ben Abidoun, and the screening of two documentaries documenting the honorees’ journeys.
For more information, visit Yemen TV.
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