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Arab News
23-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has registered 5,969 new architectural heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total to 34,171. These sites reflect the richness and diversity of architectural heritage across the Kingdom's regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The newly registered sites are: 3,893 in Asir, 761 in Qassim, 499 in Baha, 483 in Makkah, 258 in Riyadh, 60 in Hail, eight in Jazan, four in Jouf, and three in the Eastern Province. The commission said its registration efforts are ongoing and cover all regions. The process is based on heritage regulations and follows a board decision authorizing the commission's CEO to register sites. The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations, the SPA reported. Registering new sites is part of a broader effort to identify, document and manage cultural sites. The sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation. A comprehensive database is being built, including documentation and photographic archives. The commission encouraged citizens and enthusiasts to report urban heritage sites through its reporting platform, X account, or regional branches. It also praised public awareness and participation in preserving national heritage. Last week, the commission also announced the addition of 744 new archeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061. The new archeological sites are distributed as follows: Riyadh (253), Madinah (167), Najran (86), Tabuk (72), Asir (64), Qassim (30), Jazan (23), Eastern Province (13), Hail (13), Makkah (11), Jouf (10). and Northern Borders (2).


Zawya
18-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Heritage Commission registers over 700 new archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH — The Heritage Commission revealed that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom. This milestone highlights the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage and reflects the commission's continuous commitment to documenting and preserving these sites. The newly registered sites span various regions of the Kingdom, including Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Al-Jouf (10). The registrations comply with the Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage Law, issued by Royal Decree on 9/1/1436 AH, and follow a resolution by the Heritage Commission's Board of Directors authorizing its CEO to register archaeological and heritage sites. This initiative aims to strengthen protection for sites of historical and cultural value and ensure proper documentation. Emphasizing that community participation is a key pillar in preserving and promoting the Kingdom's national heritage, the Heritage Commission called on citizens and residents to support these efforts by reporting unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, official social media channels, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dakhliyah records 415,000 tourists visiting in 2024
Nizwa – The Governorate of Dakhliyah welcomed more than 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a growth of over 32% compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Home to iconic heritage sites such as Nizwa Fort, Jabreen Castle and the Unesco World Heritage site of Bahla Fort, the governorate continues to solidify its position as one of the country's key cultural tourism hubs. Fakhriya bint Khamis al Ghassaniyah, Director of the Department of Tourism Product Development and Experiences at the ministry, confirmed that 2025 will see the rollout of an ambitious tourism development plan focused on diversifying tourism offerings and enriching visitor experiences. The ministry, in coordination with governors' offices across the sultanate, is implementing a series of qualitative projects as part of its wider tourism strategy. 'These projects aim to enhance the quality of the tourism product and broaden the range of experiences available to visitors, positioning Oman as a well-rounded and integrated tourist destination,' said Fakhriya. She added that the ministry remains committed to promoting cultural tourism as a cornerstone of its diversification strategy, with a strong focus on preserving and celebrating national identity. In line with this, the ministry has launched the Omani Food and Culinary Tourism programme, which includes initiatives such as documenting traditional Omani cuisine and developing culinary tourism itineraries. These experiences feature guided visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic local dishes. 'The culinary programme not only highlights Omani gastronomy as a unique tourism attraction but also boosts the local economy,' Fakhriya said.