Saudi Arabia. Urban Heritage Treasures

Preface T he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is distinguished by its unique diversified and deeply rooted regional urban heritage. Its urban heritage represents the positive development of the optimal use of traditional building and decorative materials and building techniques that evolved in response to social and environmental requirements. The attention given to the urban heritage as the prime component of the national heritage was not commensurate with its importance. There is, however, a presence of some leading steps, such as the Janadriya National Festival for Heritage and Culture and the personal attention of HRH Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Ar Riyadh Region to the region’s urban heritage which led to the endorsement of the historical town of Dir’iyyah and its inclusion on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities has started major efforts toward the restoration of the Saudi urban heritage. Its President, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman, has also respected personal efforts towards the national urban heritage, including an Award for its preservation and development. We at The Riyadh Municipality consider the attention to our urban heritage a prime responsibility and a priority. I am pleased to present this photographic book that shows selected prime urban heritage sites from the different regions of the Kingdom. It is hoped that the book will properly introduce the national urban heritage and present it to future generations as a wealth they should keep their minds on. Abdulaziz bin Mohammad bin Ayyaf Mayor of Riyadh Region In the following pages the House of Ahmad Al-Rifai in Farasan Island. في الصفحتين التاليتين منزل أحمد الرفاعي في جزيرة فرسان. 19