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Royal Commission for AlUla Launches Hegra Conservation Project

RCU has launched the Hegra Conservation Project. SPA
RCU has launched the Hegra Conservation Project. SPA
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Royal Commission for AlUla Launches Hegra Conservation Project

RCU has launched the Hegra Conservation Project. SPA
RCU has launched the Hegra Conservation Project. SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has launched the Hegra Conservation Project in collaboration with the Italian company Estia, which has 30 years of experience in this field.

Hegra is the first Saudi archeological site on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The project is part of the commission efforts to renovate and preserve antiquities that abound in this land of civilizations.

Led by Prof. Mauro Matteini, former director of the Italian National Research Council (CNR), a team of scientists, experts, and cultural heritage conservation technicians are investigating the factors leading to the deterioration of the ancient carved tombs in Hegra, which are over 2,000 years old.

The primary goal of the project is to identify the causes of degradation and devise measures that ensure their long-term preservation; the project will end by 2025.

Hegra Conservation Project gives the chance to share the beauty of antiquities in AlUla.

Hegra Archeological Site is one of the most distinguished historical sites in the Kingdom, whose carved tombs date back to the Nabatean time.

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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.