Saudi ICOMOS

Saudi ICOMOS is the Saudi National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that supports official entities responsible for heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its headquarters are located in Riyadh City, and since 2011, it has been committed to improving management practices and preserving sites of cultural significance in the Kingdom.

Saudi ICOMOS is part of the global ICOMOS network, which consists of individuals, institutions, government authorities, and private companies that support the preservation of global heritage. As a local professional organization with a global focus, Saudi ICOMOS serves as a gateway for Saudi professionals, enabling them to participate in heritage preservation efforts worldwide.

Saudi ICOMOS works to strengthen relationships between national, regional, private, and governmental organizations within the Kingdom and the international preservation community. It has approximately twenty members and promotes related activities through a wide membership network, which includes individuals, institutions, and organizations specializing in heritage preservation, including specialized scientific committees.

The Saudi National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites serves as a civil platform that enables specialists and researchers in the field of cultural heritage to exchange information and perspectives on cultural heritage and ways to protect it. This is achieved through developing procedures, sharing knowledge, enabling professional development, and enhancing the role of concerned entities in the conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of sites and landmarks at both local and international levels. The committee also acts as a liaison for the International ICOMOS Council and contributes to the inventory and assessment of national heritage sites and landmarks.

The vision of the committee is to support and enhance the preservation of Saudi cultural heritage through awareness, capacity building, coordination, and consultation. Additionally, it aims to support research in areas such as protection, conservation, management, and sustainability. The committee's goal is to elevate the level of heritage preservation by adhering to modern international standards. It also serves as an advisory body to national organizations representing the Kingdom in regional and international forums.

Saudi ICOMOS is committed to specific priorities in its work, which include: advancing national standards in heritage preservation and management, promoting best practices, engaging in current cultural heritage issues, becoming an influential voice, enhancing the recognition of Saudi ICOMOS, and facilitating diverse membership opportunities.