Al-Baha palace work nears completion

The ongoing restoration work at a famous Al-Baha palace museum is nearing completion thanks to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
“The efforts made by the SCTA in restoring the Bin Rakosh Palace in Al-Baha complements the projects it has taken on in the region at large,” said Awad Al-Zahrani, director-general of museums at the SCTA.
“Other sites, such as the Ze Ain heritage village and other local natural parks, are also slated for completion,” he said.
According to Al-Zahrani, rehabiliation works are in line with the commission’s commitment to preserve urban heritage sites in the Kingdom, which will boost domestic tourism, as well as create employment opportunities for local youth.
“Bin Rakosh Palace is a significant site containing the region’s most significant architectural elements,” he said. “It is expected to be a distinct landmark following its rehabilitation.”
According to the SCTA, the site is designed to include several museums, including a history museum, among others.
The SCTA recently began implementing the second phase of the palace restoration project in order to make it open for the public as soon as possible.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, SCTA president, had visited the restoration project in mid-June and was briefed on the new developments and repairs after the SCTA signed an agreement with the owner, who gave away the palace for the commission to restore and develop free of charge for 20 years.
Bin Rakosh Palace is a historical and tourist landmark in the region and one of the oldest historic mansions. It consists of five large houses, each containing three floors, in addition to a council hall used by the tribe and a mosque.
The palace also contains dormitories for servants, a water well, an internal courtyard and two other constructions around the palace, forming an integrated system of residential houses, including a school, a mosque, horse stables, wells for watering and orchards.