SCTNH deposits SR600m for Al-Ahsa development

AL-UQAIR: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has deposited SR600 million with local banks for the Al-Uqair Development Company in Al-Ahsa, SCTNH President Prince Sultan bin Salman has said.
“Saudi citizens have some equities in most investing companies contributing to the project, which is currently under study in the Economy Council and under constant follow-up from the SCTNH’s competent authorities,” he said, confirming that the launch of the national tourism will coincide with the new tourist destinations in the Kingdom.
“Visiting tourist and historical sites in Al-Ahsa is aimed at assisting investors in collaboration with the Al-Ahsa Municipality,” Prince Sultan said, following his visit to the “Land of Civilizations” project at Al-Qara Mountain, Joatha historical Mosque and some tourist and heritage attractions, accompanied by Al-Ahsa Mayor Adel Al-Mulhim.
The SCTNH president said the Al-Qara Mountain project has committed some violations which can harm the site and may delay or prevent the integrated content of Al-Ahsa oasis.
He stressed that Al-Ahsa has an exceptional nature, to which attention is being paid on the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
Prince Sultan said the registration of Al-Ahsa in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network list requires that heritage sites there are not distorted. “The Saudi people and the government departments must prove that they actually believe in preserving the future of these sites that have exceptional value on a global level, as this registration needs to be continued.
Al-Ahsa Oasis Cultural Heritage Landscape includes Jawatha Mosque, Ibrahim Palace, Sahoud Palace, Mhairis Palace, Abu Jlal Palace, Al-Uqair Port, Mount Qara and Souq Al-Qaisariyah, and have been submitted to the UNESCO.
Al-Ahsa is one of the oldest human settlements in Saudi Arabia. The city has historical significance because it lies between Yemen and Iraq and has the Al-Uqair port in the Arabian Gulf. In addition to this, availability of water and natural springs besides a large number of date palm groves makes the city unique.
Al-Ahsa has always been associated with science, education and culture.