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Saudi Arabia Registers 'Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area' on UNESCO World Heritage List

The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA
The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Registers 'Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area' on UNESCO World Heritage List

The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA
The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA

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, has announced that the Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site of outstanding universal value to humanity.

The announcement was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, from July 22 to 31.

The Al-Faw Archaeological Area is located in Wadi Al-Dawasir Governorate, south of the Riyadh Region. It spans a protected area of 50 square kilometers, surrounded by a buffer zone covering 275 square kilometers. The site lies at the intersection of Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert and the terrain of the Tuwaiq Mountain, forming a narrow corridor known as "Al-Faw."

Prince Badr said that the inscription of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw reflects the strong support and attention given to Saudi heritage by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He explained that the registration of cultural heritage elements, both tangible and intangible, with UNESCO is a testimony to the deep historical roots of the Kingdom and its pioneering role in serving the shared global human heritage under the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of celebrating the national identity, with tangible and intangible cultural heritage being one of its major components.

"The Kingdom recognizes the importance of heritage, its preservation, and its promotion worldwide in order to establish a solid foundation for the present, chart a roadmap for future endeavors, and support the Heritage Commission in developing national heritage assets," the Prince said.

With the registration of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area, the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia includes: Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape (2018), At-Turaif District in ad-Diriyah (2010), Hegra Archaeological Site (2008), Ḥima Cultural Area (2021), Historic Jeddah (2014), and the Rock Art in the Hail Region (2015).

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Culture

Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
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Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA

The Riyadh Cultural House celebrated the Kingdom’s Founding Day with a range of cultural programs that highlighted national values and showcased the nation’s heritage in a modern, creative spirit.

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, all emphasizing the history and principles on which the Saudi state was founded.

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity, fostering pride in the Kingdom’s history, and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Renovates Historic Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Renovates Historic Al-Qibli Mosque in Riyadh

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA
Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s authentic architectural identity.

One of its recent projects is the comprehensive renovation of Al-Qibli Mosque in the old neighborhood of Manfuha in Riyadh. The restoration reflects traditional Najdi architecture and highlights the mosque’s connection to the town’s administrative and social history, SPA reported.

Al-Qibli Mosque is named for its location west of Manfuha and near the Principality Palace. It was historically the closest mosque to the town’s seat of government and was frequented by princes and prominent figures. The mosque spans approximately 500 square meters. It includes an outer courtyard, an inner prayer hall, and a lower prayer room of equal size that dates back to the original construction. Square, plaster-lined windows on the north and south sides provide natural ventilation.

These were added during the mosque’s second reconstruction around 1364 AH (1945 AD).

The covered inner prayer hall measures 15 by 8 meters and rests on 33 columns arranged in three rows. It was built by architect Abdullah bin Masoud upon the order of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman. The roof is constructed using tamarisk and palm trunks, and a minaret stands at the center of the northern façade. Following earlier renovations in 1414 AH (1993 AD), the mosque remains the last mud-brick mosque in old Manfuha.

According to SPA, its design creates a visual connection between the courtyard and the inner hall, alongside a secluded lower prayer room. The site also includes the historic water fountain of Faris bin Abdullah bin Shaalan, who died in 1175 AH (1762 AD), and an old ablution area.

The current renovation uses the same local materials as the original construction, including mud, plaster, tamarisk wood, and palm fronds. Specialized Saudi heritage companies and engineers are overseeing the work to ensure preservation of historical authenticity while meeting modern sustainability standards.

The restoration aligns with the project’s four objectives: preparing historical mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural dimension, and enhancing religious significance. The project supports the cultural and civilizational goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to preserving the Kingdom’s architectural heritage for future generations.

Culture

Qassim Region Principality Illuminated in Green in Celebration of Founding Day

The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
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Qassim Region Principality Illuminated in Green in Celebration of Founding Day

The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA
The Qassim Region Principality illuminated in green marking Founding Day - SPA

The Qassim Region Principality building was illuminated in green in celebration of Founding Day.

The scene reflected pride in the historical roots of the Saudi state and embodied feelings of belonging on this cherished national occasion, SPA reported.

The illumination affirms the deep historical significance of Founding Day, marking 299 years since the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

It also reflects the enduring principles upon which it was founded, including unity, stability, and state-building. These foundations culminate in the security, stability, and prosperity that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys today under its wise leadership.