King Abdullah Projectfor Cultural Heritage

1. It is the birthplace of Arabism and Islam and the home of the Two Holy Mosques.

2. It possesses a cultural depth that dates back to more than one million years as corroborated by numerous archeological and heritage monuments found all across the nation.

3. The various kingdoms and states founded on its lands have contributed to the development of human civilization.

4. Its distinct geographic location has enabled it to become a crossroads for international trade over the ages.

5. It is a melting pot of cultures and a bridge for cultural communication.

Cultural Dimension Kingdom of Saudi Arabia • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds a very prominent place among

the nations of the world, with its distinct status as the birthplace of Islam and the home of the Two Holy Mosques. The Kingdom has been graced with natural wealth and an abundance of human resources and plays a pioneering and constructive role in the political arena.

• Saudi Arabia also has a rich cultural dimension in addition to its religious, economic and political dimensions.

Its cultural dimension is reflected in the following:

King Abdullah Project for Cultural Heritage • The leadership of Saudi Arabia has taken a special interest in

cultural heritage. One expression of this interest is the National Festival of Culture and Heritage which has been graced with the special patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and has now become an annual event attended by Saudi citizens and residents alike.

• Many significant resolutions have recently been adopted in favor of cultural heritage in the Kingdom. Among them is the Royal Decree issued to take special care of historical Islamic sites in both Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, as well as the resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers dated 121435/3/ AH, approving the King Abdullah Project for Cultural Heritage, which it described as a historically and nationally significant project.

• The history of Saudi Arabia has also received extensive interest from HRH Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, through the programs and events organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation and Historical Center in various provinces across the country.

Vision: Protect, rehabilitate and develop the components of national cultural heritage; educate, raise awareness, and create interest in the cause and make it an integral part of Saudis’ lives and identity. In addition, it seeks to emphasize a sense of pride and to institute it into the daily routines of the Saudi community, reconnecting citizens to their country by making history and heritage sustainable components, and emphasizing a sense of belonging among the nation’s youth.

Objectives: 1. Emphasizing an awareness of the foundation and history of Saudi Arabia.

2. The rehabilitation and operation of historical buildings and palaces belonging to the state during the reign of the late King Abdulaziz in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Foundation, MoMRA, other related public bodies, and the private sector.

3. The protection and preservation of antiquities, national and international showcasing, and the repatriation of artifacts.

4. Promote a special interest in Islamic historical sites.

5. The rehabilitation and restoration of archeological sites and historical routes, and their utilization in comprehensive development.

6. The establishment, development and operation of museums in various provinces and regions.

7. The development of heritage villages, historical city centers, and traditional markets in collaboration with MoMRA, other related public bodies, and the private sector.

8. The preservation of built heritage buildings.

9. The development of handicrafts.

Shareholders: SCTA is working with the following shareholders on this project:

Antiquities

Built Heritage

Museums

Handicrafts

Components of national heritage that fall under the King Abdullah Project for Cultural Heritage:

1. The promotion of interest in sites associated with Islamic history

2. The restoration of the palaces of King Abdulaziz

3. The restoration of historic government buildings

4. The preservation of built heritage

5. The development of heritage towns and villages

6. The registration and protection of antiquities

7. Archeological exploration and excavation

8. The rehabilitation of archeological sites and historical routes

9. The establishment, development, and operation of museums across regions and provinces

10. The development of handicrafts

11. Cultural heritage events

12. Raising awareness and knowledge of national heritage

13. The development of human resources in the field of cultural heritage

14. Live Saudi Arabia

Project Outline: The King Abdullah Project for Cultural Heritage includes more than 140 sub-projects to be implemented over the course of three years. This project was granted a budget of more than 4.6 billion Saudi riyals , as per the following outline:

1

• Restoration projects of major battle grounds (Badr, Uhud, and al-Khandaq) in collaboration with the Municipality of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and the al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Development Commission.

• Development project of both Hira Cave and Thawr Cave, in collaboration with Makkah al-Mukarramah Municipality, and the Development Commission of Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Holy Sites.

• Museum of Major Battles in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense

• Restoration project for historic wells

• Restoration project for historical mosques in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah and Guidance, as well as the ancient mosques program.

• Restoration project for sites associated with significant historical events.

Interest in Islamic Historical Sites

2

• The development of Khuzam Palace in Jeddah and its adaptation into a museum of Islamic heritage.

• Museum of historical photos at Badia Palace.

• The restoration of royal palaces in Ma’abidah, and their renovation into a museum for Makkah al-Mukarramah, a bazaar, and a heritage hotel.

• The development of display methods at Murabah Palace.

• The restoration of King Abdulaziz’s Palace in Kharj in order to transform it into a cultural center and museum at the heart of the city.

• The restoration of King Abdulaziz’s Palace in Dawadmi and its development into a local museum.

• The restoration of King Abdulaziz’s Palace in Mwayh.

The Restoration of the Palaces of King Abdulaziz

3

• Amara Palace Museum Project in Ghat

• Wadi al-Dawasir Museum Project at Amara Palace

• Dhiba Museum Project at King Abdulaziz Fort

• al-Wadjh Museum Project at Souk Fort

• Unayzah Museum Project at Bassam House

• Shaqra Museum Project at Subayi House

• Majma’ah Museum Project at Rabi’ah House

• Qurayat Museum Project at Kaff Fort

• Zulfi Museum Project at Heritage House

• Bayt al-Bayah Museum Project at al-Ahsa

• Ibrahim Fort Museum Project in al-Ahsa

• Babtayn House Museum Project in Yanbu

• Aynuna Museum Project at the Khuraybah Municipality Building

• Ottoman Fort Museum Project in Farasan

• Ushayqir Museum Project at Amiriyyah School

• Restoration Project for the Amiryyah School in Najran

• Restoration Project for the Municipality Palace in Lina

• Restoration Project for the Municipality Palace in Umm Aqla’

• Restoration Project for King Abdulaziz’s Palace in Banta’

• Restoration Project for Khuzam Palace in Hafuf

• Restoration Project for Sahud Palace in Hafuf

• Restoration Project for Mihayris Palace in Hafuf

The Restoration of Historical Government Buildings

4

• Classification and registration of built heritage buildings

• Documentation of built heritage buildings

• Development of Saudi construction codes for cultural heritage sites

• Recovery efforts and treatment of dilapidated built heritage buildings

• Development of historical city centers in collaboration with MoMRA

• Renovation and development of built heritage at historical ports on the Red Sea littoral (Yanbu, Umluj, Wadj, Dhiba, Lith, Qunfudhah).

• Built heritage expo project

• Restoration of private heritage buildings granted to SCTA

Preservation and Development of Built Heritage

5

• Restoration of the heritage town in Ghat

• Restoration and development of Rijal Alma Heritage Village

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Sadus

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Jibbah

• Restoration and development of Dhi Ayn Heritage Village

• Restoration and development of al-Ula Heritage Town (Dirah District)

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Midhnib

• Restoration and development of Dir’ District in Dumat al-Jandal

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Majma’ah

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Shaqra

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Aqlan, Tabuk

• Restoration and development of the heritage town in Haiet, Ha’il

• Restoration and development of Hamra Village in Taif

• Restoration and development of Kiladi Village in Taif

• Restoration and development of al-Khalaf Village in Asir

• Restoration and development of Qasr Village in Farasan, Jazan

• Restoration and development of Darin Town, Eastern Province

• Restoration and development of Tarut Town, Eastern Province

• Restoration and development of Jalajil Town, Riyadh

Development of Heritage Towns and Villages

6

• Perimeter fencing projects and warning posts at archeological sites

• Institution of an archeological monitoring program

• Retrieval of national artifacts

• Expropriation of archeological and heritage sites owned by Saudis

• Archeological log and digital archeological map

• Artifacts and heritage log

• Registration of Saudi sites into the World Heritage List

Registration and Protection of Antiquities

7

• Joint archeological survey and excavation project with international missions

• Specialized archeological studies

• The development of scientific research with local universities and other organizations

• Scientific publications and the development of publication tools and methods

• Green Arabia Center

• Survey of underwater archeological sites

Archeological Exploration and Excavation

8

• Rehabilitation of archeological and heritage sites along tour itineraries (30 projects)

• Rehabilitation of historical routes – Hijrah Route, Unification Route, Darb Zubaydah, Levant Hajj Route, Egyptian Hajj Route, Yemeni Hajj Route (6 projects)

• Rehabilitation of sites inscribed and nominated for inscription in the World Heritage List (Madain Salih, Historic Diriyyah, rock inscriptions sites in Ha’il, al-Ahsa oasis), (6 sites).

Rehabilitation of Archeological Sites and Historical Routes

9

• Construction of New Museums 1. Construct seven new museums in Aseir, Baha, Hail, Tabuk, the Eastern

Province, Qasim, and the Northern Borders Province.

2. Development of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Museum at the Hijaz Railway Station

• Develop Current Museums 1. Develop the museum of Ula

2. Develop the museum of Tyima

3. Develop the museum of Hafuf

4. Develop the museum of Jawf

5. Develop the museum of Jazan

6. Develop the museum of Najran

Establishment, Development, and Operation of Museums across Regions and Provinces

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• Development project of the National Museum with the addition of three new galleries

• Support and Development Project for Private Museums • Specialized Museums

1. Holy Quran Oasis in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah and Guidance, and the al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Development Commission

2. Transportation Museum Project

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10

• Handicrafts System

• Audio-visual documentation of handicrafts

• Development of handicrafts at artisan creativity centers

• Development of handicrafts at heritage villages and traditional markets

• Development of handicrafts at the artisan center at Riyadh Mud Homes

• Craft Benchmarking Project

Development of Handicrafts

11

• Souk Okaz Project

• 80 events and festivals of which 50 are held at built heritage sites

Cultural Heritage Events

12

• Raising awareness and knowledge project directed at academic institutions, such as: 1. Highlighting the cultural dimension in public education curricula

2. Museum Education Project

3. Teachers Guide to Museums and Heritage

4. Produce a national heritage series for youth

• Raising awareness and knowledge project directed at the community, such as:1. Media campaigns

2. Documentary films on heritage and artifacts

3. Media flashes on heritage and artifacts

4. Archeology and heritage expos directed to society

5. Seminars and lectures

Raising Awareness and Knowledge of National Heritage

6. Periodical forums on archeology and heritage

7. News articles, TV and radio programs

8. Reinforcing social media content with regards to archeology and heritage

• Raising awareness and knowledge project directed internationally, such as:1. Routes of Arabia Expo

2. Artifact loan project

3. Participation in international conferences

4. Lecturing in universities and academic centers.

13

• Attracting students on scholarships abroad and training them to work in the fields of archeology and heritage in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education

• Training national workforce working in the museums and antiquities sector of SCTA

• Training heritage and antiquities officials in English

• Joint training project with international museums

• Development of outputs of heritage and antiquities departments at local universities

• Academic training project in built heritage

• Development of built heritage teaching standards followed in Saudi universities.

• Train the trainers project in handicrafts

Development of Human Resources in the Field of Cultural Heritage (project operation)

14

• An open invitation for all Saudis, especially young school students, to discover their country through SCTA organized trips to enjoy reconnecting with Saudi. It is expected that more than a million people take part in this project over the course of three years.

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