Saudi Culture Ministry to Hold Cultural Insurance Conference in Riyadh Next Week

The Ministry of Culture will sign an insurance policy on cultural assets during the event
The Ministry of Culture will sign an insurance policy on cultural assets during the event
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Saudi Culture Ministry to Hold Cultural Insurance Conference in Riyadh Next Week

The Ministry of Culture will sign an insurance policy on cultural assets during the event
The Ministry of Culture will sign an insurance policy on cultural assets during the event

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Insurance Authority, will organize the Cultural Insurance Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday to introduce the recent cultural insurance product that helps owners of artworks and other cultural assets in the Kingdom secure their holdings, protect them, and preserve them.

It also ensures financial compensation in case of accidents that lead to the loss or damage of these cultural assets, commensurate with the damage and fair value of the assets.

The conference, which will be held at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter, will bring together officials and CEOs specialized and interested in the cultural and insurance fields. It will consist of dialogue sessions of leaders in the cultural and insurance systems in the Kingdom, specialists and individuals interested in these fields, to highlight the notion of "cultural insurance" and its role in creating an environment that helps protect heritage assets.

The Ministry of Culture will sign an insurance policy on cultural assets during the event.

The ministry is organizing the conference with the aim of shedding light on the cultural insurance product, presenting the risk management of cultural assets and sites, and promoting awareness about the importance of preserving cultural assets as part of the Kingdom's heritage.



Thee Ain Village: Architectural Masterpieces on the Brink of World Heritage Status

Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Thee Ain Village: Architectural Masterpieces on the Brink of World Heritage Status

Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Nestled in the highlands of Tihamah, the Saudi village of Thee Ain captivates with its unique characteristics and meticulously paved streets and alleys.
As visitors wander through, the village’s architectural history unfolds, revealing the legacy of its 49 pyramid-shaped palaces built by skilled artisans centuries ago.
These structures have become a focal point for researchers and heritage enthusiasts intrigued by traditional construction methods.
The village’s rich cultural and natural heritage is now eagerly awaiting its potential inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Saudi Heritage Commission has worked diligently to prepare Thee Ain for this prestigious designation, transforming it into a tourist destination that attracts history enthusiasts and researchers.
The village’s geographical location adds to its historical and cultural significance, enhancing its appeal to visitors.
To fully grasp the beauty of Thee Ain’s structures, it’s essential to know they were built on a rocky hilltop 800 meters above sea level. Ancient builders carefully planned every detail, using early forms of “blueprints” to ensure that the buildings, some reaching up to four stories, fit perfectly with the available space.
Despite centuries of change and harsh weather, these buildings have remained sturdy and resilient. Today, they draw tourists from around the world, showcasing a rich architectural heritage that has evolved from a local gem to a global attraction.
Yahya Aref, a heritage expert and member of the Saudi Urban Heritage Association, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Thee Ain, spanning 15,354 square meters, was once called the “Marble Village” due to its rich marble deposits.
The village, built centuries ago, sits on a white cliff and features colorful, layered marble stones.
Aref explained that the village is designed in a pyramid-like shape with three levels. The top level includes forts for watching over farmland and providing protection. The central area houses the palaces, buildings, pathways, and a mosque.
He added that Thee Ain’s construction style is influential across the Arabian Peninsula.
Heritage buildings in the village start with a broad base that narrows by about 7 inches as it rises.
This design boosts the building’s durability. Additionally, small openings in the walls, which are wide inside, allowed residents to use sunlight to confuse and deter attackers.