ICESCO Issues Study on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property in Arab Countries

ICESCO issues study on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property in Arab countries. (SPA)
ICESCO issues study on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property in Arab countries. (SPA)
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ICESCO Issues Study on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property in Arab Countries

ICESCO issues study on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property in Arab countries. (SPA)
ICESCO issues study on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property in Arab countries. (SPA)

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on Monday issued a new study entitled "Legislative Mechanisms for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property in Arab Countries".

The study aims to provide a legal framework for protecting cultural properties in the organization's member states.
It offers practical solutions to strengthen the legal and institutional capacity of Arab countries in light of the growing challenges. It aims to foster coordination and the exchange of expertise in the best legislative practices, and to address gaps in national laws.
ICESCO stressed its commitment to protecting cultural heritage and strengthening laws used to combat the growing threat of illegal trafficking of cultural assets.



Abu Al-Waul: Saudi Arabia's Longest Cave Beckons Adventure Seekers

Abu Al-Waul, the Kingdom's longest cave beckons adventure seekers. (SPA)
Abu Al-Waul, the Kingdom's longest cave beckons adventure seekers. (SPA)
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Abu Al-Waul: Saudi Arabia's Longest Cave Beckons Adventure Seekers

Abu Al-Waul, the Kingdom's longest cave beckons adventure seekers. (SPA)
Abu Al-Waul, the Kingdom's longest cave beckons adventure seekers. (SPA)

Situated in the Harrat Khaybar volcanic field, in the Khaybar Governorate of the Madinah region, Abu Al-Waul Cave has become a popular destination for caving enthusiasts, researchers, and adventurers. It is the longest basalt cave in Saudi Arabia, stretching some 5 kilometers, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) is working on projects to improve caves and other tourist sites, focusing on their geological and tourism potential. Cave tourism is attracting visitors to the Kingdom.
An SPA reporter's tour with cave exploration enthusiast Hassan Al-Rashidi revealed that Harrat Khaybar is home to many caves formed thousands of years ago. Recently uncovered by the SGS, Abu Al-Waul Cave derives its name from the abundance of ibex skeletons discovered within (waul being the Arabic plural for ibex).
Al-Rashidi highlighted the tourism potential of Harrat Khaybar, due to its many caves and volcanoes, which offer the opportunity to study their geological formations and rock structure.
Al-Rashidi documents his explorations to provide valuable information for researchers, enthusiasts, and adventurers. This includes detailing cave locations, types, access routes, preservation methods, and organizing trips to these sites.