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History of registration of Saudi sites on the World Heritage List
The Kingdom is home to numerous historical sites and landmarks recognized by UNESCO for their cultural and environmental significance. These sites reflect ancient lifestyles, traditions, and beliefs, as well as the environmental value, as the territories of the Kingdom are home to diverse rare plant and animal species. This contributes to supporting the nation's tourism industry and attracting global visitors.
The process of registering Saudi sites on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List began in 2006 when the Council of Ministers issued a resolution approving the inclusion of three Saudi sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Hegra, Turaif District in Historical Diriyah, and Historic Jeddah. This step initiated the preparation of their documentation for inclusion on the tentative or tentative list, paving the way for their nomination by UNESCO during their annual meetings.
In 2008, the Kingdom's first site was officially registered on the World Heritage List: Hegra area in al-Ula Governorate, northwestern of the Kingdom. This site, a testament to the Nabataean civilization, features tombs, cave drawings, inscriptions, and wells dating back to the second and third centuries BCE, along with earlier pre-Nabataean remains.
Two years after Hegra was added to the World Heritage List, the historic Turaif District in Diriyah Governorate, northwest of Riyadh City, followed suit in 2010, becoming the second Saudi site to be recognized. Established in the fifteenth century, it is a historical district that features the administrative buildings that once governed the First Saudi State, along with the residence of its founder, Imam Mohammed Bin Saud, and his family. This is in addition to Diriyah's landmarks and prominent palaces and historical buildings, including Salwa Palace and the Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Mosque.
In 2014, the World Heritage Committee approved the inclusion of Historic Jeddah (Bab Makkah), making it the third Saudi site on the World Heritage List. Dating back to the era of Caliph Uthman Bin Affan, when it became a port for Makkah al-Mukarramah in 647, the area is home to numerous historic buildings, mosques, and ancient military sites.
In 2015, a year after Jeddah's inclusion, the Rock Art Area in Jubbah and Shuwaymis in Hail Province was added to the World Heritage List. This site contains thousands of Thamudic inscriptions and rock drawings, the oldest of which date back to the Neolithic period, earning it the distinction of being one of the largest open-air natural history museums in the world.
The World Heritage Committee included al-Ahsa Oasis as the fifth Saudi site in 2018 on the World Heritage List. Located in the east of the Kingdom, this agricultural and archaeological area spans over eighty-five km², making it the largest oasis in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Al-Ahsa is home to more than 2.5 million date palm trees. In 2021, the Hima Cultural Area was registered as the sixth Saudi heritage site on the World Heritage List.
On September 20, 2023, the Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve was announced as the first natural World Heritage site in the Kingdom's territories to be registered on the World Heritage List.
In 2024, the "Cultural Landscape of al-Faw Archaeological Area," located south of Riyadh Province, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking it as the eighth Saudi site and a cultural site of exceptional value for human heritage.
Saudi sites included in the preliminary list
Following the inclusion of Hegra archaeological site, Turaif District in Historical Diriyah, and Historic Jeddah on the World Heritage List, the Council of Ministers approved the request to register ten additional sites on October 23, 2014. These sites included: the Levant Hajj Road, the Egyptian Hajj Road, al-Faw Village, Rijal Alma Heritage Village, Thee Ain Heritage Village, al-Ahsa Oasis, the Bir Hima Rock Art Site in Najran Province, and al-Dar' District in Dumat al-Jandal, al-Jawf Province. Of these, al-Ahsa Oasis and the Bir Hima Rock Art Site in Najran Province were successfully registered.
In 2019, the Farasan Islands Reserve and Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve were added to the preliminary list.
Cultural heritage list nominations criteria
The inclusion of Saudi heritage sites on the World Heritage List signifies that they fulfill at least one of the ten criteria established by the committee. These criteria are: representing a masterpiece of human creative genius; embodying significant and enduring human values over time; serving as a unique or exceptional testimony to a past or present civilization; being an outstanding example of a building type or plan that illustrates an important stage in human history; showcasing traditional human practices related to land or sea use that reflect cultural heritage or human-environment interaction; being linked to events, living traditions, ideas, beliefs, or works of global significance; containing superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional beauty; providing prominent examples of key stages in Earth's history, including life records and significant geological processes; exemplifying important ecological and biological processes in terrestrial ecosystem development; and containing vital habitats for biodiversity conservation, including those for endangered species.
Saudi Sites on UNESCO World Heritage List
The Kingdom has pursued the registration of its heritage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing the significance of this activity in showcasing the Kingdom's cultural heritage on a global scale. This effort also contributes to the preservation of the Kingdom’s rich historical, archaeological, and cultural legacy, while ensuring that these sites are rehabilitated in line with the standards set by relevant international organizations. Currently, eight sites in the Kingdom are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including:
Hegra
Hegra, a commercial hub since the first millennium BCE, is home to numerous historical remnants from various civilizations. Among these are approximately 111 tombs, intricately carved into the mountains, dating back to the Nabataean period.
Hegra was the first Saudi site to be registered on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List, on July 7, 2008, during a meeting of the committee in Quebec, Canada.

Geographical location and historical significance of Hegra
Hegra is located in al-Ula Governorate, in the northwest of the Kingdom. It lies approximately 402 km from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah and 1,111 km from Riyadh City, covering an area of around thirteen km². Historically, Hegra served as a key trading hub for caravans along the Incense Route, which connected the southern Arabian Peninsula to the north and to cultural centers in Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt. Modern studies suggest that Hegra was the southernmost point of the Roman Empire and the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom.
Archaeological landmarks in Hegra
Hegra is rich in inscriptions and drawings from various civilizations, including the Nabataean, Minaean, Lihyanite, and Thamudic periods. Its archaeological landmarks include rock art on carved facades, wells, water channels, remnants of the ancient Levant Hajj Route, traces of the Hejaz Railway, the heritage village of Hegra, and burial mounds.
Archaeological sites in Hegra include the 'Qasr al-Bint Tombs,' a series of adjacent tombs formed by two rock blocks. The first block contains thirty-one tombs, while the second holds two. Another key site is the 'Qasr al-Sanea Tombs,' a collection of tombs in two rock blocks, one eastern and one western. The eastern block features six tombs with incomplete facades, while the western block has one tomb with a complete facade. Additionally, 'al-Jabal al-Ahmar' consists of two rock blocks; the first houses about eighteen tombs, and the second contains a single burial site.
Urban heritage in Hegra
Hegra features an Islamic castle located on the northern side of the Levant Hajj Route. This square-shaped structure has two floors and stands with a wall height of 8.35 m. The castle includes several rooms, two wells, two prayer halls, and four watchtowers. Hegra also preserves remnants of the Hejaz Railway, which once transported pilgrims from Turkey and the Levant to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. One of its stations, 'Hegra Station,' was opened in 1907 and comprises sixteen buildings.
Turaif District in Diriyah
On July 29, 2010, the World Heritage Committee approved the addition of Turaif District in Historical Diriyah to the UNESCO World Heritage List during its thirty-fourth session in Brasilia, Brazil. This made Turaif the second Saudi archaeological site to be listed, following the inclusion of Hegra site.
Located in the heart of Diriyah City in Riyadh Province, Turaif is one of the Kingdom's historical and archaeological sites. Built in the mid-eighteenth century, it is recognized as one of the largest mud-brick "district" cities in the world. It includes Salwa Palace, the former seat of government during the First Saudi State, and Turaif Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the First Saudi State at the time of its construction. It was built under the rule of Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Bin Saud, the second imam of the First Saudi State, who ascended to power in 1765. It is home to numerous historical landmarks, including around thirteen palaces belonging to the members of the royal family, as well as various mosques and government and humanitarian buildings.

Turaif District Development Program
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has dedicated his attention and efforts to the Turaif District and the preservation of Historical Diriyah. Since 1998, during his tenure as the Governor of Riyadh Province, he chaired the Supreme Executive Committee for the Historic Diriyah Development Program at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also showed interest in Turaif. He directed an advanced program for its development under the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, whose Board of Directors he chairs.
Recognizing the historical and cultural status and significance of Turaif District, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City is overseeing Turaif District Development Project, part of the Historic Diriyah Development Program. This includes the 'Visitor Center' to provide visitors with key information about ongoing activities in the district, Diriyah History Documentation Center,' and a research facility linked to the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) to preserve the history of Diriyah. It also encompasses Turaif District Administration Headquarters', which operates and regulates cultural, entertainment, and service events in the district, alongside six museums, a restaurant complex, a heritage market, and mosques.
Turaif District Museums
Turaif District is home to several museums, including: Diriyah Museum at Salwa Palace, which showcases the history of the First Saudi State, focusing on its governance and administration through visual displays, photographs, paintings, and models; the Social Life Museum, which highlights the daily life of Diriyah's residents, including their traditions, customs, professions, lifestyles, and special occasions; the Arabian Horse Museum, dedicated to the Arabian horses of the First Saudi State and the care methods used for them; and the War Museum, which exhibits the battles fought by the First Saudi State, along with military tactics, defense tools, and related artifacts.
Historic Jeddah
Historic Jeddah is an archaeological, commercial, and tourist hub, home to the remains of the city's ancient wall, gates, neighborhoods, markets, buildings, landmarks, squares, personal museums, and historic mosques. On June 21, 2014, the World Heritage Committee approved adding Historic Jeddah to the UNESCO World Heritage List during its thirty-eighth session in Qatar.
This recognition made Historic Jeddah the third Saudi archaeological site to be included, following the earlier registration of Hegra and Turaif District.

Geographical location of Historic Jeddah
It is Jeddah City's oldest urban area, known locally as 'Jeddah al-Balad.' It dates back approximately three thousand years and is located in the heart of Jeddah. Its history stretches to the pre-Islamic era, with some scholarly studies suggesting human settlement in Jeddah since the Stone Age. Thamudic monuments and inscriptions have been found in Wadi Briman, east of Jeddah, further supporting this claim. Some historians believe that the area was founded by Bani Quda'a tribe. In 647, Caliph Uthman Bin Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, established Historic Jeddah as a key port for Makkah al-Mukarramah.
Walls of Historic Jeddah
In 1509, Sultan Abu al-Nasr Qansuh al-Ashraf, the last major Mamluk sultan, ordered the construction of a wall encircling the historic city of Jeddah. Originally featuring seven gates, an eighth double gate was added during the Saudi era, each with its unique name. The gates included the Bawabat al-Sor al-Shimali (Northern Wall Gates), Bab al-Madinah and Bab Jadid; Bawabat al-Sor al-Sharqi (Eastern Wall Gate), Bab Makkah; Bawabat al-Sor al-Janubi (Southern Wall Gate), Bab al-Shareef; and Bawabat al-Sor al-Gharbi (Western Wall Gates), Bab al-Nafe'a, Bab al-Sabbah, Bab al-Maghariba, and Bab Sarif. By the late nineteenth century, the walled historic city of Jeddah was divided into four main neighborhoods: Harat al-Sham, Harat al-Yaman, Harat al-Mazloum, and Harat al-Bahr.
Historic Jeddah mosques and markets
The historic city of Jeddah is also home to numerous historic mosques reflecting the Hejazi architectural style, such as al-Shafi'i Mosque in al-Mazloum Neighborhood, Othman bin Affan Mosque (known as the 'Ebony' Mosque), al-Basha Mosque, built by the governor of Jeddah, Bakr Pasha, in the al-Sham Neighborhood, al-Ma'amar Mosque, buit by an Ottoman ruler and named after him, and the King Saud Mosque located in al-Balad area. Historic Jeddah also boasted many markets, including Souq al-Alawi, Souq al-Bado, Souq Gabel, Souq al-Nada, Souq al-Jami', and Souq al-Sabhiya. Additionally, it featured inns, such as Khan Hunood, Khan al-Qasba, and Khan al-Attarin.
Traditional architecture of Historic Jeddah buildings
Historic Jeddah is home to approximately four hundred buildings, with ages spanning from one hundred to 1,400 years. Most of these structures were constructed in the architectural style of the Red Sea basin, characterized by the use of marine clay, quarried stone, and wood sourced from nearby areas like Wadi Fatima or imported via the port, particularly from India. Notable and historic landmarks include Beit Al Naseef, Beit Al Jamjoom, Dar Al Baashan, Al Qabil, Dar Al Banajah, Al Zahid, and Al Sharbatli.
Jeddah Historic District Program
It is a project to revive Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase its heritage landmarks, and drive its economic growth, as a major commercial hub on the eastern Red Sea coast.
On April 14, 2020, the Council of Ministers approved transforming the management of the Historic Jeddah Project into a comprehensive program focused on rehabilitating and developing the area across urban, economic, social, cultural, historical, and environmental dimensions. The program also addresses the provision of essential public facilities and services. On July 16, 2024, the council approved the extension of the program for an additional two years. Implemented by the Ministry of Culture,
the program gave rise to the Historic Jeddah Revitalization Project, officially announced on September 6, 2021. Spanning fifteen years, the project encompasses various development tracks for Historic Jeddah, including infrastructure and services, enhancing the natural and environmental landscape, improving quality of life, and advancing urban development.
Rock Art in Hail Province
Hail Province is historically known for its numerous rock carvings, spread across the Jubbah and Shuwaymis Governorates. On July 3, 2015, the rock art sites in the Kingdom's Hail Province were inscribed on the World Heritage List, making them the fourth Saudi archaeological site to receive this recognition. The province's rock art includes notable sites such as Jabal Umm Sinman in Jubbah, along with Rata and al-Manjor sites in Shuwaymis.
Geographical location of Jubbah
Jubbah lies in the heart of Al-Nufud al-Kabir Desert, approximately 103 km northwest of Hail City, along the ancient caravan route connecting the eastern Mediterranean to the Najd Plateau. It is one of Hail City's governorates and one of its renowned rock art sites. Covering an area of around 12,500 km², it is known for its agriculture, thanks to its abundant water resources.
Archaeological sites in Jubbah
Jubbah is the largest rock art site in the Kingdom, which includes numerous archaeological locations featuring early engraving and carving styles. Some of these artworks date back to the early Neolithic period, around 5,000 to 7,000 years BC, with twelve documented rock art sites from this era. The artwork includes depictions of long-horned cattle and life-sized human figures. Late Neolithic art, from 5,000 to 3,000 BC, shows a shift in human and animal imagery, with a decline in cattle representations and an increase in depictions of deer, ibex, horses, and gazelles.
Jabal Umm Sinman
Two Middle Stone Age sites, dating back approximately eighty thousand to forty thousand years ago, were uncovered. The first site lies within the archaeological Jabal Umm Sinman, while the second is situated south of the same mountain. The inscriptions at these sites depict vibrant scenes from the daily lives of humans and animals that once inhabited the region. Jabal Umm Sinman, located west of Jubbah City, is renowned for its wealth of ancient inscriptions, drawings, and rock formations. These artifacts span periods from the Stone Age to the Thamudic era. Researchers have documented 5,431 Thamudic inscriptions and 1,944 different animal drawings at the site, including 1,378 depictions of camels in various sizes and styles. Additionally, 262 human figures have been recorded. Notable rock art and inscriptions in Jabal Umm Sinman include the depiction of a cart drawn by two horses. Among the prominent formations are a lion sculpture, figures of men wearing turbans, and animal representations such as birds, monkeys, and ibex.
Geographical location of Shuwaimis
Shuwaymis is situated on the northern edge of Harrat an-Nar, near Wadi al-Makhit, which separates Harrat Layla from Harrat an-Nar. Located three hundred km south of Hail and spanning over fifty km², this region is historically significant as the site of the longest battle in Arab history, the War of Dahis and al-Ghabra. The region's geography features sandstone hills and its rocky facades are surrounded by several renowned archaeological sites in Hail Province, including Jubbah, the mountains of Rata and al-Manjor, and the ancient city of Fadak (now al-Ha’it). Notably, Shuwaymis boasts intricate frieze panels, one of which stretches approximately twelve m in length.
Archaeological sites in Shuwaymis
Shuwaymis is an open-air museum of rock carvings in the Arabian Peninsula, showcasing an array of ancient rock art etched into stone surfaces. These carvings, characterized by their precision, span three distinct historical periods. The earliest dates back to the middle of the seventh millennium BCE, followed by the Thamudic period (approximately 1500–2500 BCE), and finally, the Arab or pre-Islamic period.

Shuwaymis features human and animal carvings, including life-sized depictions and larger-than-life representations of ostriches, camels, cows, lions, leopards, ibex, and gazelles. Human figures, both individual and in groups, are portrayed engaging in hunting, animal husbandry, social gatherings, and religious ceremonies. The site also includes inscriptions in northern Musnad, Kufic, and Thamudic scripts. Near the entrance to one of the caves, beautifully carved depictions of human footprints (both adult and child) and various animals can be found on the surface of a stone.
Al-Ahsa Oasis
Al-Ahsa City, the largest governorate in the Eastern Province, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, with human settlement tracing back thousands of years. It is home to numerous historical buildings and archaeological sites.
Geographical location and historical significance of al-Ahsa Oasis
Located within al-Ahsa Governorate, al-Ahsa Oasis spans over eighty-five km and is considered one of the world's largest palm oases, with approximately 2.5 million palm trees. It served as a commercial station for caravans traversing Asia, Africa, Mesopotamia, and the Levant, trading dates, spices, and incense. Al-Ahsa Oasis features diverse geographical elements, including caves, plains, water-lifting tools, springs, mountains, ancient and modern canals, human settlements, and natural drainage areas.
Al-Ahsa Oasis globally
In 2018, al-Ahsa Oasis was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, under the Cultural Heritage category. It became the fifth Saudi site to achieve this status, joining Hegra, Turaif District in Diriyyah, Historic Jeddah, and the rock art in Hail Province. In 2020, al-Ahsa Oasis was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest oasis in the world sustained by groundwater, with 280 artesian wells. Furthermore, it was named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2019 by a resolution of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.

Urban heritage in al-Ahsa Oasis
Al-Ahsa Oasis is home to several heritage sites, including Sahood Palace, located in the al-Hazm District of al-Mubarraz. This palace, named after a cannon discovered within its walls, was constructed between 1790 and 1800. Its purpose was to safeguard agricultural lands and protect the city from raids. The palace features numerous facilities, such as a mosque, soldier quarters, a warehouse, a well, a guest council, and stables for horses. Another site within al-Ahsa Oasis is the Jawatha Archaeological Site, the first mosque built in eastern Arabia and the second mosque in Islam where Friday prayers were conducted, following the Prophet's Mosque. It was built by Banu Abd al-Qays and their allies, Banu Tamim and Bakr Bin Wael, who resided in al-Ahsa during that era. Jawatha is located in al-Hufuf, approximately twenty km away. The oasis also boasts the 'Qaisariya Market,' one of the oldest traditional markets in the Arabian Gulf. Built in 1822, the market is characterized by its closely arranged shops forming rows within closed and covered corridors. It is the largest covered market in the Kingdom, comprising around four hundred shops. The market is divided into two main sections: the larger section stretches between al-Khabbaz and al-Haddadin Streets, while the second connects al-Haddadin Street to al-Hareem (Bedouin) Market.
Hima Cultural Area
The Hima Cultural Area is an archaeological site and one of the largest open-air museums of rock carvings. It contains numerous archaeological sites, inscriptions, and rock drawings. It is recognized as a significant rock art site in the Kingdom, as rock art in Hima covers an area of 557 km². On July 24, 2021, Hima Cultural Area in Najran was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List

during the forty-fourth session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. It became the sixth Saudi heritage site to receive this recognition.
Geographical location and historical significance of Hima Cultural Area
Situated 130 km north of Najran City, Najran Province, south of the Kingdom, Hima Cultural Area was a vital stop on the caravan routes traversing south of the Arabian Peninsula. It also served as one of the Arabian Peninsula's main markets. It features over thirty-four archaeological sites and a collection of wells, including Umm Nakhalah, al-Qarain, al-Janah, Saqya, al-Hamata, and al-Habisah.
Archaeological sites in Hima Cultural Area
The Hima area is home to numerous archaeological sites rich in rock carvings and drawings. Among these is Wadi al-Masma, a limestone mountain approximately 1,275 m high. At the mountain's base, an array of rock drawings can be found, featuring Thamudic writings and depictions of women, small cows, and horsemen. Another notable site is Farzah Al Hijab, a cemetery located 6.2 km northeast of the Hima wells. Dating back to the pre-Iron Age, this site contains graves constructed with lined stones, as well as rock carvings and drawings. Wadi Shisa is another location in the area, with a series of rocks bearing various drawings, inscriptions, and a South Arabian inscription. A total of thirty-five inscriptions have been documented here, including one in Sabaean and twenty-five in South Arabian script. Two rocks stand out: the southern rock features a large panel with animal depictions, Kufic Arabic inscriptions, and human figures. The second rock contains multiple panels with drawings of two ostriches, cows, ibex, a woman, a Nabataean inscription, and additional Arabic writings.

Rock inscriptions in Hima Cultural Area
The Hima Cultural Area stands as one of the world's largest rock art complexes, featuring 550 panels adorned with hundreds of thousands of inscriptions and drawings. Notable examples include the Haqqun Inscription, discovered at Jabal al-Haqqun, which dates back to Ka'b Bin Amr Bin Abd Manat, and the hunter drawing, a prominent artwork in the area, located in Najd Khairan region, thought to have been created by a traveler.
Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve
On September 20, 2023, it was announced that Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve had been registered on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List as the first natural World Heritage site in the Kingdom. This achievement is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve its natural ecosystems and its commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage. The decision to register the site was made during the forty-fifth annual session of the World Heritage Committee, which was hosted in Riyadh from September 10 to 25, 2023.
Establishment of Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve
Uruq Bani Mu’arid Reserve was established in 1993 and is the largest reserve overseen by the National Center for Wildlife in terms of area, covering approximately 12,787 km². The protection within the reserve is divided into two levels: one for wildlife and the other for the environment and trees.
The reserve is located on the southwestern edge of Al-Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, approximately 396 km by car north of Najran City. It features several significant landforms and natural wildlife habitats, including high sand dunes and a fragmented limestone plateau. It is the only reserve located in Najran Province.
Environmental status of Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve
The overall environmental condition of the reserve is classified as good, with its plant and animal wildlife representative of arid environments. The most common plants in the reserve include Haloxylon (Haloxylon persicum), Panicum (panicgrass), Acacia trees (Acacia spp.), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), Peganum (Peganum harmala), Tamarisk, and Calotropis (Calotropis procera).
As for the wildlife in Uruq Bani Mu’arid Reserve, it includes the Arabian wolf, sand cat (Felis margarita), sand fox, striped hyena, rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), and Cape hare. Among the birds are the houbara bustard, sandgrouse (Pterocles spp.), partridge (Alectoris spp.), grey shrike (Lanius excubitor), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), and several species of larks. The reserve is also home to various reptiles, including the spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx spp.) and monitor lizards (Varanus spp.).
Uruq Bani Mu'arid Reserve was the last habitat in the Arabian Peninsula where the Arabian oryx was sighted in 1979. The Arabian ostrich, Arabian sand gazelle, Arabian gazelle, and Nubian ibex also used to inhabit the reserve in the past. In 1995 and 1996, a reintroduction program for the Arabian oryx, Arabian sand gazelle, and mountain gazelle was implemented in the reserve. Over time, these animals adapted and naturally reproduced in the reserve’s environment.
Cultural Landscape of al-Faw Archaeological Area
In 2024, the "Cultural Landscape of al-Faw Archaeological Area," located south of Riyadh Province, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking it as a cultural site of exceptional value for human heritage.
The Kingdom successfully inscribed the "Cultural Landscape of al-Faw Archaeological Area" on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the forty-sixth session of the World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, India, from July 22 to 31, 2024.
With this achievement, the Kingdom's registered UNESCO World Heritage sites now include Hegra Archaeological Site (2008), Turaif District in Historical Diriyah (2010), Historic Jeddah (2014), the Rock Art Site in Hail Province (2015), al-Ahsa Oasis (2018), Hima Cultural Area (2021), Uruq Bani Mu’arid Reserve (2023), and the Cultural Landscape of al-Faw Archaeological Area (2024).
Al-Faw Archaeological Area site
Al-Faw Archaeological Area, located in the Wadi ad-Dawasir Governorate south of Riyadh Province, spans a protected area of fifty km², surrounded by a buffer zone of 275 km². Positioned at the junction of Al-Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter) and the Tuwaiq mountain range, it forms a narrow passage known as "al-Faw." The site showcases various manifestations of human interaction with its environment, featuring archaeological remains dating back to early historical periods. This comes in addition to extensive cemeteries with distinct formations aligned with archaeological classifications dating back to ancient times. The area also boasts numerous cultural and architectural elements attributed to a historic caravan city within the village. Among these are an ancient oasis with irrigation systems, a set of remarkable archaeological discoveries, rock art, and inscriptions.
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