Saudi Arabia Registers Al-Faw Cultural Landscape on UNESCO World Heritage List
The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region has become the eighth location in Saudi Arabia on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Successful Registration
On Saturday, the Saudi Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Heritage Commission, and Chairman of the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, announced that the Kingdom succeeded in registering the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a cultural site with distinctive universal value for human heritage.
The announcement came during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, running from July 22-31, 2024.
Heritage Support
The Minister of Culture emphasized that the registration of Al-Faw Cultural Landscape underscores the unwavering support given to Saudi heritage by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
Moreover, the Minister pointed out that the registration of tangible and intangible elements of cultural heritage stresses the Kingdom’s deep historical roots. It also highlights its leadership in serving universal human heritage under Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the significance of national identity, of which national heritage is a key component.
Prince Badr said: “The Kingdom recognizes the importance of heritage, its preservation, and promotion in order to establish a solid foundation for the present and chart a path for the future.” Furthermore, he noted that the Heritage Commission supports the efforts of developing national heritage assets to increase awareness and ensure their sustainability for future generations.
Al-Faw Area
Al-Faw Archeological Area is located in Wadi Al-Dawasir Governorate, south of the Riyadh Region, over a protected area of 50 square kilometers. It is surrounded by a buffer zone of 275 square kilometers. The area is located at the intersection of the Empty Quarter desert and the Tuwaiq mountain range, forming a narrow corridor called Al-Faw.
The area features nearly 12,000 archaeological remains that reflect three different populations interactions and adaptation to their environment. These include archeological remains dating back to prehistoric times, rock carvings, the oasis and its ancient water management system, as well as the traces of the Qaryat Al-Faw city.
The inclusion of Al-Faw Archeological Landscape adds to other Saudi heritage sites on the UNESCO list, including Al-Hijr (2008), At-Turaif in Diriyah (2010), Historic Jeddah (2014), Rock Art in the Hail Region (2015), Al-Ahsa Oasis (2018), Hima Cultural Area (2021), and Uruq Bani Maarid Protected Area (2023).
