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Saudi Arabia donates $52m for Paris Pompidou Centre renovation

By Neil Halligan
Saudi Arabia Pompidou Centre Tromp Willem van Urk/Alamy
Tourists outside the Pompidou Centre. Saudi Arabia's donation towards its renovation is the result of a cultural partnership that has grown since 2018
  • Five-year renovation planned
  • 10 Saudi-French deals agreed
  • Cultural partnership since 2018

Saudi Arabia has agreed to donate €50 million ($52 million) towards the renovation of the Pompidou Centre, one of the landmark buildings in Paris. 

Officially named Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, the building is closing next year for five years for renovation works. Famous for its inside-out architecture and colourful exterior, it is a centre for modern and contemporary art in the French capital. 

As part of its commitment to support French heritage, Saudi Arabia will contribute the money over the next five years, Rachida Dati, France’s minister of culture, said following a meeting with her Saudi counterpart, Prince Bader bin Abdullah. 

The agreement was one of ten announced following discussions between the ministers. 

Most of the deals relate to supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector, including the implementation of major projects and the training of its professionals.

The work includes the restoration and enhancement of Saudi heritage sites, including royal palaces, the development of museums, the cinema sector and archaeological projects in the new city of Qiddiya.

French support for its cultural projects dates back to 2018 when the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement for the development of the AlUla region in north-western Saudi Arabia, known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich heritage.

The French Agency for AlUla Development has helped its companies win over 170 contracts with a total value of more than $200 million.

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