SCTA to preserve Islamic sites

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities has begun on a strategic program to preserve the Kingdom’s Islamic historical sites as part of its efforts to spread the message of Islam, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTA.
He described the Islamic sites as an important element of the Kingdom’s history and identity. “These sites will be preserved for people to learn lessons and strengthen their link with Islam,” he said.
He said the preservation of Islamic sites was not aimed at promoting tourism but at underlining their religious value. “The SCTA intends to bring citizens closer to their country through the historical sites.”
Prince Sultan said the commission would give priority to the preservation and development of historical sites related to Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life and history to use them for educational and "dawa" (proselytizing) purposes.
The program, to be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawa and Guidance, aims at appointing professional and qualified guides at these sites to give accurate information to visitors on the historical events that had taken place there.
Prince Sultan recently visited the historical region in Yanbu, including homes in Al-Babteen and Al-Jabarti that have been restored to their original state. Musaed Al-Saleem, mayor of Yanbu, and Yosif Al-Mozayin, SCTA’s executive director in Yanbu, accompanied the prince.
The project’s contractor, who was assigned to develop and transform the area and its quarters into a tourism destination, briefed Prince Sultan on the progress of work in the historical region. Prince Sultan urged the contractor to complete the work on time to high quality standards.
He also visited the Yanbu anchorage, which is developed by the Saudi Ports Authority, and was briefed by Abdullah Al-Zamie about the commercial and industrial projects in the city. The projects, estimated to be worth SR105 million, will be carried out in 20 months.
Prince Sultan said the projects would transform Yanbu into a tourism landmark. He also commended the efforts of the Saudi Ports Authority.
The SCTA chief then headed to Al-Shona, an old warehouse that was used as a food storage facility in the past. Located in front of the passenger terminal at the Yanbu Commercial Port, Al-Shona is a landmark site.
Tenders will be invited shortly to preserve Al-Shona.
Prince Sultan also toured the Yanbu seafront.