Heritage Rangers’ visitor-guide team helping preserve AlUla’s rich past, historic sites

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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 September 2023
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Heritage Rangers’ visitor-guide team helping preserve AlUla’s rich past, historic sites

  • Trfan Al-Khamali, the rangers’ team leader, told Arab News: “Heritage Rangers is a team composed of specialists and experts in heritage and antiquities

MAKKAH: A specially trained team of Heritage Rangers is playing its part in promoting and preserving AlUla’s historic sites.

The Royal Commission for AlUla’s crack group of visitor guides provides in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of the area.




Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)

Trfan Al-Khamali, the rangers’ team leader, told Arab News: “Heritage Rangers is a team composed of specialists and experts in heritage and antiquities.

“Established by the Royal Commission for AlUla in 2018, our mission is to cater to archaeological sites and their visitors, who come from all corners of the world, including Saudi visitors.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Heritage Rangers team was established by the Royal Commission for AlUla in 2018.

• The commission had a five-year plan in place to train and upskill teams.

He noted that while some tourists were avid history buffs others had little knowledge about the conservation work that was taking place in the desert area’s natural and archaeological sites.

He said: “We provide instructions at the entrances and exits of these historical and archaeological sites, especially since they may be susceptible to deterioration.




Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)

“Every conceivable effort must be made to preserve this human heritage, ensuring it remains a significant testament for future generations.”

He pointed out that the commission had a five-year plan in place to train and upskill teams to deal with the millions of tourists expected to visit AlUla over the coming years.




Trfan Al-Khamali, Heritage Rangers team leader

He described the Heritage Rangers as “heroes” in defending the cultural and historical heritage of the area.

“We take pride in this remarkable team and in contributing to the preservation of our past and rich history,” he added.

Every conceivable effort must be made to preserve this human heritage, ensuring it remains a significant testament for future generations.

Trfan Al-Khamali, Heritage Rangers team leader

The Heritage Rangers were also involved in raising awareness about AlUla among the local population.

David Vela, a former US national park service director, said the fundamental duty of any park ranger was to serve and protect.




Heritage rangers provide in-depth knowledge on the natural and cultural highlights of alula’s historical and archaeological sites. (Supplied)

“There is no question in my mind that the leadership team here on the ground is committed to doing that and assessing every opportunity to talk to people to explore new ideas to make that happen.

“Park rangers around the world have a consistent mission and message, and that is to protect their nations, their Kingdom, their world’s history, their heritage, but most important of all, the stories that they can save for posterity, but especially for younger generations yet to come,” he added.

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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SEC strengthens infrastructure readiness for Aramco Stadium ahead of World Cup

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SEC strengthens infrastructure readiness for Aramco Stadium ahead of World Cup

  • Project contributes to enhancing stability, efficiency of site’s electrical supply

RIYADH: Saudi Electricity Company has announced the completion of a power transmission station for Aramco Stadium in Alkhobar, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The step provides a pivotal role in enabling energy infrastructure for major national projects and supporting the readiness of vital facilities to host international events.

The project was implemented by the National Grid Company, the operational arm of Saudi Arabia’s electricity transmission system, under the supervision of the Saudi Electricity Project Development Company and within an integrated framework that meets the highest standards of reliability and operational sustainability.

The project contributes to enhancing the stability and efficiency of the stadium’s electrical supply, ensuring its operational readiness during sporting events and peak times. This aligns with national efforts to improve readiness as the Kingdom progresses its preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Work has included the construction of a 115/13.8 kilovolt substation and its connection to the electrical grid via more than 2.4 km of underground cables.

The project has also incorporated advanced protection and operational systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and communications technologies, to enhance supply reliability and ensure service continuity, in line with international best practices.

The company said that the project was completed within an 18-month timeframe in accordance with approved technical and regulatory requirements, with national engineering and technical teams participating in all phases from design to operational testing, underscoring the Kingdom’s expanding capabilities in power transmission.

According to the SPA, the project’s completion reflects Saudi Electricity Company’s commitment to developing the power transmission system, supporting the operation of sports and service facilities, and enhancing infrastructure readiness in the Eastern Province.

This aligns with the Kingdom’s long-term objectives and its vision to host world-class events to the highest standard.