Heritage Commission placing Saudi history at forefront of Vision 2030

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Updated 08 November 2021
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Heritage Commission placing Saudi history at forefront of Vision 2030

  • “Saudi Arabia is focusing on developing new specialized museums, focusing on archaeological discoveries involving Saudi competencies and experts from research centers that have experience in dealing with antiquities and heritage”

JEDDAH: Since its inception, Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has worked on strategic projects to protect the Kingdom’s national heritage and achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

The programs will promote culture as a way of life, enabling it to contribute to economic growth through 150 projects and education through the Cultural Scholarship program.

Recently, the commission organized a virtual forum titled “Archaeological Discoveries in Saudi Arabia” under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, minister of culture and chairman of the Heritage Commission.

Several archaeology specialists took part and highlighted discoveries made in the Kingdom, raising awareness of the rich and diverse heritage of Saudi Arabia.

By providing an open platform for the public in which experts and participants can learn about the Kingdom's position in history, the forum aims to exchange expertise on the results of archaeological excavation projects implemented by the commission.

HIGHLIGHT

In 2021, the Heritage Commission established the National Antiquities Register to record, manage and preserve archaeological and historic sites in the Kingdom. There were 624 new archaeological and historic sites recorded this year, with more than 8,000 locations registered so far.

In 2021, it established the National Antiquities Register to record, manage and preserve archaeological and historic sites in the Kingdom. There were 624 new archaeological and historic sites recorded this year, with more than 8,000 locations registered so far.

Dr. Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the commission, said that the new archaeological sites include 38 in Makkah, five in Madinah, 48 in Hail, 54 in Jouf, 52 in Asir, 35 in Tabuk, four in the Northern Borders region, 342 in Riyadh, 25 in the Eastern Province, 18 in Qassim and three in Jazan.

Dr. Saad Abdulaziz Al-Rashed, member of the board of trustees of the Saudi National Museum, told Arab News that the ministry has been adopting several measures to develop the sector.

“Saudi Arabia is focusing on developing new specialized museums, focusing on archaeological discoveries involving Saudi competencies and experts from research centers that have experience in dealing with antiquities and heritage,” he said.

The forum included presentations of scientific papers on archaeological discoveries around the Kingdom, “covering prehistoric archeology, Islamic re-archeology, rock art, art and architecture, pilgrimage and trade routes, ancient and Islamic writings, archaeology of pre-Islamic Arabia and underwater cultural heritage,” as reported by the commission.

According to Al-Rashed, the archaeological excavation project discussed during the forum is the result of years of work in several different projects across the Kingdom.

It comes as part of efforts to advance the commission’s vision to preserve the heritage of Saudi Arabia as a cultural treasure for future generations.

“When we look at Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, we find it puts great emphasis on taking care of the heritage and cultural aspects of the Kingdom. The Ministry of Culture adopted 16 programs under its umbrella to develop the cultural sector. If we look at the 16 programs, we find the National Museum, archaeological sites and other museums, in which many of the components of the different sectors are derived from cultural heritage,” said Al-Rashed.


Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine's full membership

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Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine's full membership

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations assembly's resolution supporting Palestine's full membership, the Saudi State Agency reported.

The council of ministers emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military escalations and violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.

Minister of Information, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to global security, active participation in international relief efforts, and advocacy for issues affecting Arab and Islamic nations.

The council also discussed the recent reception of pilgrims arriving for Hajj.

Directives were issued to maintain high standards of procedures and services at entry points in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Sites.

The council also received a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic dialogues with various nations, including discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of Ukraine.


Saudi foreign minister calls for resuming Sudan talks

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Saudi foreign minister calls for resuming Sudan talks

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom’s grave concerns over an escalation in military tensions between Sudanese factions discussed the repercussions of the current situation on the Sudanese people. 

The minister made his remarks while participating at the 33rd Arab League Summit held in the capital  of Bahrain, Manama.

Bin Farhan urged the Sudanese warring parties to commit to a ceasefire, reiterating the Kingdom's call for the necessity of returning to dialogue.

He also called for an end of further civilian suffering and limit the aggravation of the devastating humanitarian situation. 

Saudi Arabia, alongside the United States, is leading mediation efforts to urge the two military commanders to end the war.

On the Gaza war, Bin Farhan said Saudi Arabia has warned of the dangerous repercussions of the Israeli occupation forces’ widening the scope of war as part of its ongoing bloody and brutal campaign on the Gaza Strip.

He reiterated the Kingdom’s calls on the international community to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli war on Gaza.

Regarding Yemeni, Bin Farhan affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for efforts to achieve peace in Yemen, and to reach a comprehensive political solution through dialogue and consultation between the Yemeni parties, which allows the beginning of the process of economic development and recovery.


Saudi project clears 935 Houthi mines in Yemen

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Saudi project clears 935 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 935 mines in Yemen in one week from May 4 to May 10, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s specialist teams destroyed 876 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 47 anti-tank mines, seven anti-personnel mines and five improvised explosive devices.

The explosives, planted by the Houthi militia across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

A total of 440,067 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines, according to the Project Masam website.

Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Saudi minister attends G20 judicial meeting in Brazil

Updated 14 May 2024
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Saudi minister attends G20 judicial meeting in Brazil

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani took part in the G20 Summit of Supreme Courts and Constitutional Courts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from May 12-14.

Discussions focused on integrating technology, particularly AI, in justice systems, and exploring innovative technologies used by G20 courts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The summit discussed promoting citizenship and social inclusion, climate litigation and sustainable development, and digital transformation to enhance judicial efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Family Affairs Council delegation, led by its secretary-general, Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, took part in the Women’s Empowerment Working Group meeting of the G20 in Brazil from May 14-15.

The first day’s session was titled “Equality, Economic Independence and the Care Economy,” while the second session focused on “Equality and Confronting Violence and Discrimination against Women.”

The meeting will conclude on the second day with the topic “Equality and Climate Justice.”

The Family Affairs Council represents Saudi Arabia in the G20, focusing on women’s empowerment.

The Women’s Empowerment Working Group, initiated under the Indian presidency in 2023, began its work under the Brazilian presidency this year.


Saudi Arabia continues Makkah Route Initiative

Updated 14 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia continues Makkah Route Initiative

  • Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, Initiative involves dedicated team to receive travelers
  • Includes special buses to transport pilgrims comfortably on journey through Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative, implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, continues to streamline pilgrims’ journeys from international airports in their own countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, set up to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom, involves close cooperation between the ministry and various partner agencies.

Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, it involves a dedicated team to receive the travelers and includes special buses to transport them safely and comfortably on their journey through Makkah and Madinah.

Services include biometrics, Hajj visas and electronic luggage coding.