Musical Heritage Center Opens in Saudi Arabia 

The opening of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center celebrates Saudi Arabia’s musical and cultural heritage

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture has launched the Tariq Abdulhakim Center (TAHC) as a hub for musical innovation and cultural exchange, promoting the knowledge and cultural awareness of Saudi and regional music.

Located in Al-Balad — Jeddah’s historical area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the TAHC features a museum dedicated to the late Saudi musician, educator, and collector Tariq Abdulhakim, who was also founder of the Saudi military band.

The exhibits include rare artifacts and personal belongings of Abdulhakim’s donated by his family, including costumes, musical notes, photographs and posters, plus footage of him performing his music and interviews with cultural figures who knew him.

The TAHC also houses specialized research and archive units for the preservation, documentation, analysis, and the reintroduction of Saudi music. Collected resources include a collection of traditional Saudi instruments, music scores, and recordings. 

As an education center, the venue offers workshops, seminars, conferences, and interactive programs on the history and evolution of Saudi music; the venue is also open to live traditional and contemporary music events. 

“The objective of the center is to preserve the musical heritage of Saudi Arabia, particularly the intangible cultural aspects. Tariq Abdulhakim was a prominent figure, a musician, researcher and artist who greatly contributed to the development of Saudi Arabia’s national music identity,” said ministry spokesperson Abdulrahman Almotawa in Arab News. 

“As a family, we are deeply honored by this extraordinary museum that has surpassed all our expectations,” added Abdulhakim’s granddaughter, Rasha Khayat. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for bringing my grandfather’s dream to life … Through this museum, we not only celebrate my grandfather’s legacy but also honor the legacy of our nation.”