Saudi Minister of Culture, UNESCO Official Discuss Cooperation in Preserving World Heritage

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan receives the director general of UNESCO in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan receives the director general of UNESCO in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Minister of Culture, UNESCO Official Discuss Cooperation in Preserving World Heritage

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan receives the director general of UNESCO in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan receives the director general of UNESCO in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan met on Sunday with Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on the sidelines of the 45th extended session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Prince Badr commended the efforts of UNESCO contributing to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage around the world.

He confirmed the Kingdom's keen interest and aspiration to host the forthcoming UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT), scheduled for the year 2025.

In addition, the meeting discussed cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO in preserving and protecting world heritage and the Kingdom’s backing for the organization’s efforts to support small island developing states.

Prince Badr also reviewed the projects funded by the Kingdom at UNESCO in support of the protection and promotion of culture and heritage.

The minister reiterated the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting the projects and programs championed by UNESCO.



Makkah Heritage Returns to Home Designs with Traditional Architectural Details and a Modern Touch

Some contemporary designs are also reviving the internal courtyard, a key feature of traditional Makkah homes - SPA
Some contemporary designs are also reviving the internal courtyard, a key feature of traditional Makkah homes - SPA
TT

Makkah Heritage Returns to Home Designs with Traditional Architectural Details and a Modern Touch

Some contemporary designs are also reviving the internal courtyard, a key feature of traditional Makkah homes - SPA
Some contemporary designs are also reviving the internal courtyard, a key feature of traditional Makkah homes - SPA

More Makkah residents are turning to the city’s traditional architectural style for inspiration when designing homes and villas, reflecting the community’s enduring connection to its architectural heritage.

Features of traditional Makkah architecture are becoming increasingly prominent in modern home designs. These include wooden rawashin (ornate bay windows) featuring geometric patterns, architectural arches, ornate wooden doors, mashrabiyas (projected wooden balconies), and internal courtyards, SPA reported.

Some contemporary designs are also reviving the internal courtyard, a key feature of traditional Makkah homes. It provides an open family space at the center of the house, balancing privacy with natural ventilation.

In this context, some architecture enthusiasts are combining heritage elements with modern technologies by preserving exterior designs inspired by old Makkah houses while incorporating contemporary engineering solutions for space planning, lighting, thermal insulation, and air conditioning systems. This approach meets modern comfort and sustainability requirements without compromising the building’s visual identity.

Architecture and heritage enthusiasts believe reviving the Makkah architectural style is one way to preserve the city’s urban identity, particularly amid rapid urban expansion and the growing diversity of modern construction styles.


Jazan Cinema Club Launches Film Accelerator to Support Filmmakers

The initiative targets films that have completed filming or are nearing completion - SPA
The initiative targets films that have completed filming or are nearing completion - SPA
TT

Jazan Cinema Club Launches Film Accelerator to Support Filmmakers

The initiative targets films that have completed filming or are nearing completion - SPA
The initiative targets films that have completed filming or are nearing completion - SPA

Jazan Cinema Club has launched a film accelerator initiative to help filmmakers complete their projects and improve their technical readiness, increasing their chances of participating in film festivals, particularly the Saudi Film Festival.

The initiative targets films that have completed filming or are nearing completion.

A technical committee will evaluate each project, identify its needs, and provide development feedback and technical support to help bring it to completion, along with guidance on preparing festival submission requirements, SPA reported.

The initiative is part of the club’s efforts to support local talent and provide a practical pathway to help filmmakers move their projects from filming to festival participation, contributing to the growth of the film scene in Jazan Region.


AlUla Hosts Nature-Inspired Experiences in November

AlUla will host a series of experiences from November 6 to 15. (SPA)
AlUla will host a series of experiences from November 6 to 15. (SPA)
TT

AlUla Hosts Nature-Inspired Experiences in November

AlUla will host a series of experiences from November 6 to 15. (SPA)
AlUla will host a series of experiences from November 6 to 15. (SPA)

AlUla will host a series of experiences from November 6 to 15, inviting visitors to explore its natural landscapes, ancient heritage, and extraordinary scenery in a variety of ways through a curated program that blends nature, adventure, culture, and entertainment, the Saudi Press Agency said Sunday.

The program features a mix of aerial adventures and evening events, including hot air balloon rides with panoramic views of AlUla's unique terrain, expert-led stargazing sessions, and open-air cinema screenings. Visitors can also witness the Leonid meteor shower, which can reach approximately 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

The 10-day program also includes the "HUSAAK" initiative, which adds further experiences such as guided walks beneath a star-studded sky.

These activities combine outdoor adventure with opportunities to discover the destination's natural and cultural heritage after dark.

AlUla's status as a premier stargazing destination is further reinforced by its recognition as the first "Dark Sky" site in the region.

DarkSky International has designated four locations as "International Dark Sky Places": AlUla Manara, AlGharameel Nature Reserve, Sharaan National Park, and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve. These protected areas underscore the commitment to preserving natural environments, curbing light pollution, and supporting sustainable tourism, while offering exceptional conditions for observing the night sky.