Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Heritage Commission announced on Sunday the registration of 5,969 new urban heritage sites in the National Urban Heritage Register, bringing the total number of registered sites to 34,171. This reflects the richness and diversity of architectural heritage in various regions of the Kingdom.

The new registration list included several sites across various regions of the Kingdom. The Riyadh Region has 258 sites; Makkah Region: 483 sites; Qassim Region: 761 sites; Asir Region: 3,893 sites; Al-Baha Region: 499 sites; Hail Region: 60 sites; Jazan Region: 8 sites; Al-Jouf Region: 4 sites; and the Eastern Province: three sites.

This registration was made in accordance with regulations related to antiquities and urban heritage, and in accordance with the decision of the Heritage Commission's Board of Directors to delegate the authority's CEO to register urban heritage sites. This is intended to enhance the protection of these sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations.

The commission emphasized that this step is part of its strategic plan to expand the scope of legal protection for heritage sites and enable their rehabilitation in a way that enhances national identity and highlights their cultural and historical value as living testaments to the Kingdom's architectural heritage.

The commission called on all members of society to support its efforts to monitor and register heritage sites by reporting them via the "Balagh" service, communicating with the commission through its official social media channels, or by calling the number of the Unified Security Operations Center 911. The commission emphasized that community participation is a key component in preserving and activating the national urban heritage.