JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has honored a number of citizens for their efforts in preserving national heritage in the Kingdom.
The initiative, the fifth of its kind by the commission, aims to honor Saudis who have helped in the discovery and preservation of archaeological sites around the Kingdom.
It also looks to highlight the importance of community participation in the care and preservation of cultural heritage.
The commission encourages Saudis to contribute to its work toward protecting heritage and antiquities in the Kingdom, and promotes the importance of integrating efforts in developing the cultural heritage sector.
The Kingdom is full of undiscovered archaeological sites and artifacts in its spacious deserts, and many Saudis are keen to find out more about the Kingdom’s treasures.
Moath Alofi is a well-known Saudi desert explorer and artist who has helped in the discovery of new locations and sites, especially in the Madinah region’s deserts. He has also influenced many Saudis to take up exploration as a pursuit.
Alofi told Arab News that such initiatives are “very significant” as “a lot of people in Saudi Arabia do care about preserving the sites they find during their desert journeys. I am sure that such an initiative will motivate many to do the same, as reporting new sites will also help structure it through modern technology.”
Heritage Commission CEO Jasser Al-Harbash praised the distinguished role of the honorees in preserving national heritage.
He called Saudi citizens to report on the discovery of archaeological sites and artifacts, as well as any violations at heritage sites, using the “Balagh” platform, the commission’s official Twitter account, or at any of the commission’s branches in the Kingdom.
Al-Harbash commended the awareness of Saudi citizens and their roles as partners in preserving and caring for the Kingdom’s heritage.
