Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register

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The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations. (SPA)
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The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations. (SPA)
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Updated 23 June 2025
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Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register

  • Total is now 34,171, reflecting the cultural richness, diversity of all regions
  • Sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation

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).


Documentary shines light on Saudi Arabia’s progress, development

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
Updated 58 min 25 sec ago
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Documentary shines light on Saudi Arabia’s progress, development

  • Movie celebrates political, economic, cultural, sporting advancements

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s transformation toward its Vision 2030 goals has been documented in a new film by the Ministry of Media.

Launched by the ministry’s Konoz initiative, “The Destination” highlights the progress made in the political, economic, medical, sporting, cultural, media and artistic fields.

Mirroring the film's title, Saudi Arabia has become a global destination for investment, tourism, and much more. (Supplied)

Its title reflects the Kingdom’s path toward becoming a global destination for tourism and investment.

Konoz CEO Abdullah Al-Ahmari credited megaprojects and upcoming events such as the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo Riyadh 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

HIGHLIGHT

‘The Destination’ includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

“The Konoz initiative aims to document the Kingdom’s achievements through creative productions,” he said, describing the country as a “model admired by the world.”

The film reflected the progress being made on the ground and highlighted the initiative’s focus on Saudi talent in shaping the Kingdom’s future, he said.

“The Destination” includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

The Konoz initiative is part of the Human Capacity Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to promote Saudi Arabian culture around the world by highlighting the contributions and success stories of its citizens.

 


Grant helps nonprofits to create green jobs

Updated 07 July 2025
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Grant helps nonprofits to create green jobs

  • Funding available for projects that equip low-income individuals with vocational and technical skills for green sectors
  • Initiative is aligned with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and green investment

JEDDAH: The King Khalid Foundation has opened applications for the fourth round of its Green Grant, aimed at empowering nonprofit organizations across Saudi Arabia.

Applications for the grant are open until Aug. 9, with funding available for projects that equip low-income individuals with vocational and technical skills for green sectors, improving livelihoods through sustainable jobs.

The initiative is aligned with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and green investment, and enables nonprofits to drive sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Eligible projects include organic farming, ecotourism, recycling, energy efficiency, renewable energy, reforestation, and wildlife protection.

The grant fosters job creation and income opportunities, while preserving the environment and reducing ecological impact, the SPA added.

Launched in 2022 by Princess Nouf bint Mohammed, CEO of the foundation, the program has since expanded nationwide, offering workshops on the green economy and emerging environmental careers.

This cycle accepts proposals only from nonprofit organizations; individual applications are not eligible. Grant amounts vary by project scale and feasibility.

Successful applicants will join workshops from Aug. 18–24, with final recipients announced in October 2025. For guidelines, applications, and more details, visit kkf.org.sa/greengrants.


Israeli attacks on health infrastructure violate international law, Saudi FM tells BRICS summit

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses a plenary session of the BRICS summit underway in Rio de Janeiro.
Updated 53 min 32 sec ago
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Israeli attacks on health infrastructure violate international law, Saudi FM tells BRICS summit

  • Prince Faisal is attending BRICS summit on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • Kingdom’s expertise in hosting pilgrimages enhances its position as regional center for preparedness and response to health emergencies, minister says

RIYADH: Israeli attacks on health infrastructure and the targeting of civilians constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told the BRICS summit underway in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.

Prince Faisal called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He said that the human suffering in Gaza cannot be overlooked and that the international community must work diligently to end the crisis and achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace for all, based on the two-state solution in accordance with international law.

In a speech to a plenary session entitled “Environment, COP30, and Global Health,” the foreign minister affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, calling for a practical and balanced approach that takes into account the diverse circumstances of different countries.

He explained that the Kingdom, as a country suffering from water scarcity, has developed advanced methods and technologies to manage environmental challenges and water resources, and has led efforts that led to the establishment of the Global Water Organization which aims to ensure equitable access to the vital resource.

With regard to the health sector, Prince Faisal said the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 includes comprehensive reforms focused on prevention and integrated care.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s experience in managing major gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah, and developing and planning early warning systems.

Its expertise in hosting Hajj and Umrah enhances the Kingdom’s position as a regional center for preparedness and response to health emergencies, the minister said.


Cultural gathering calls for youth engagement to preserve traditions

Updated 07 July 2025
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Cultural gathering calls for youth engagement to preserve traditions

  • Event, titled Asir … We Are the Living Heritage, was attended by experts and enthusiasts from the fields of culture and the arts
  • Attendees discussed various issues, including how to engage young people in cultural issues through social media

RIYADH: The Intangible Heritage Association held a workshop to encourage better preservation of cultural heritage in the digital age and urged young people to become the nation’s future storytellers.

Held at the Al-Abo Sarrah Palaces, northwest of Abha, the capital of Asir Province, the event, titled “Asir … We Are the Living Heritage,” was attended by experts and enthusiasts from the fields of culture and the arts.

Othman Al-Seeni, the association’s chairman, described the workshop as part of a broader national effort to safeguard intangible heritage across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“We are gathering the opinions and ideas of researchers and enthusiasts, whether on customs, traditions, handicrafts or performing arts, and using them in initiatives to document and preserve this heritage as a vital part of Saudi culture,” he said.

The attendees discussed various issues, including how to engage young people in cultural issues through social media. One concern was how misinformation about folk tales, customs and traditional narratives was being spread online.

The workshop’s conclusion was that heritage endures not through documentation alone but through active, daily practice. Young Saudis should be seen as future storytellers, not just passive recipients, they said.

The organizers also warned against fully automated documentation, recommending “cultural verification” protocols when using AI tools. Digital heritage efforts must retain human oversight from experts to ensure their authenticity, they said.

The association has already completed phase one of a comprehensive heritage inventory with the Heritage Commission, cataloging more than 10,000 cultural elements across six regions, and a second phase is planned.


Saudi program to train future tourism leaders

Updated 07 July 2025
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Saudi program to train future tourism leaders

  • Tourism Oluo Program is a key initiative to attract talented university graduates
  • Program equips graduates with hands-on training aligned to local and global tourism market

RIYADH: The Tourism Development Fund has opened applications for its fourth leadership training program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The Tourism Oluo Program is a key initiative to attract talented university graduates from local and international institutions for careers in the sector, a vital part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.

Implemented with Spain’s IE University, the program equips graduates with hands-on training aligned to local and global tourism market needs, the SPA added.

Participants will receive practical training at the fund’s Riyadh headquarters and attend specialized courses in the Kingdom and abroad with leading academic and training institutions. 

The program provides social insurance, medical coverage, monthly stipends, paid annual leave, and opportunities to contribute to strategic tourism projects.

Targeted fields include finance, accounting, business administration, information technology, and engineering, according to the report. 

This initiative supports the National Tourism Strategy’s aims to meet evolving market demands and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global destination.