Tourism in Saudi Arabia - Opportunities and Challenges (Open Discussion)

[Saif al-Arab]

Tourism
Main article: Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. According to the World Bank, approximately 14.3 million people visited Saudi Arabia in 2012, making it the world’s 19th-most-visited country.[308] Tourism is an important component of the Saudi Vision 2030 and according to a report conducted by BMI Research in 2018,both religious and non-religious tourism have potential for significant expansion.[309]

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  The Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca.
  
  
  
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  Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in the holy city of Medina.
  
  
  
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  Hand written Quran displayed in the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  
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  Masjid al-Quba in the holy city of Medina.
  
  
  
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  Masjid al-Qiblatain in the holy city of Medina.
  
  
  
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  Masmak Fort in Riyadh.
  
  
  
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  The old Medina railway station.
  
  
  
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  The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
  
  
  
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  Snowy mountains in Tabuk Province.
  
  
  
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  A farm in Al-Qassim Province.
  
  
  
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  Faifa mountains in Jizan Province.
  
  
  
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  Al-Qarah mountain cave in Al-Ahsa Governorate.
  
  
  
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  The Rub' al Khali desert.
  
  
  
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  The old city of Jeddah, Al-Balad, Jeddah.
  
  
  
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  The 3.000 meter tall Jabal Sawda located in the Hejaz Mountains.
  
  
  
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  One of the many extinct volcanoes in Hejaz.
  
  
  
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  Old architecture in Al-Bahah.
  
  
  
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  Abha city, located 2270 meters above sea level.
  
  
  
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  Mountains in Jizan province.
  
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• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia
  
  Few countries in the world are this much visited already despite a very limited tourism sector and political challenges (lack of a real tourism visa) yet which such an enormous potential (obviously the Hajj, Umrah, religious tourism in general has a lot of sway in this regard and the numbers will only increase each year hence the ongoing expansion projects and future expansion projects in the holy sites in say 20 years from now) but looking at everything that KSA has to offer in terms of 100's if not 1000's of world class historical and ancient sites (some waiting to be discovered), diverse nature, enormous wild areas, national parks, wildlife parks, 1000's of km of some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, seas (the Red Sea for instance has the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia), 1500 + islands, many tropical, mountainous areas the size of half of Western Europe combined, breathtaking desert areas, tons of castles, forts, ancient and old villages/heritage sites, modern cities, above average infrastructure (constantly improving), the aforementioned religious tourism etc., I believe that the sky is the limit.
  
  I know that tourism is an important (not central but nevertheless given focus) part of the Saudi Vision 2030, but I feel that private individuals can contribute too. A lot of jobs can be created in this sector that locals (for instance mostly teenagers or elders, could have. It should not be the lifeline as for some countries but it could be a lot, lot more than it is now. The enormous potential is criminally wasted IMO.
  
  I mean for God's sake take a look at those links below;
  
  https://twitter.com/saudimagazine?lang=ar
  
  https://twitter.com/oldarabia?lang=ar
  
  https://twitter.com/scthksa?lang=ar
  
  https://twitter.com/saudiarabia
  
  Obviously since many of the moronic 20-30 year old laws deriving from the Sahwa period (post 1979) are being removed and relatively few remain (I expect all of them to be removed long before 2030), this part of the "problematic" (once a key problematic regardless of money, potential etc.) is now mostly gone.
  
  People outside of KSA and the Arab world are waking up in regards to what KSA can offer, it's incredibly rich ancient and pre-historic history (thanks to numerous archaeological teams from the world and numerous historical findings in the past few years, just a tiny tip of the enormous "iceberg", this time below the ground) and improved coverage in the Western media (aside from the ongoing Yemen conflict and certain topics - all countries have their skeletons obviously) due to positive changes on the ground (will only improve) I basically think that there is potential and a lot of it.
  
  Tiny UAE that has, with all due respect, much, much less to offer than KSA, although the UAE is a nice and beautiful country compared to its size, but they are a major tourist attraction, in particular Dubai. Oman is doing well too and offering the "authentic historical Arabia" that Dubai largely lacks (aside from the old town). KSA could basically be a giant hybrid between tradition, modernity, amazing nature, religious tourism and a central location for those who want to explore the region with Egypt, the GCC, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen etc. next door or very close in the vicinity.
  
  Thoughts? Mostly targeted towards Arab users and those somewhat familiar with KSA but not only. Not going to bother with troll posts or waste my time so kindly keep such comments on other sections that I and most Arab users don't visit anyway.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Continued from the Wikipedia page;

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  The ancient World UNESCO Heritage site, Mada'in Saleh, located in Hejaz.

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  Hafar al-Batin in the Eastern Province.

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  The ancient city of Al-`Ula in Al Madinah.

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  A shipwreck in Haql in northern Hejaz.

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  Mountains in Tabuk province.

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  A farm in Qatif.

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  The 3000 year old ancient historical city of Dumat al-Jandalin the Al Jawf Province.

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  Qishlah Palace in Ha'il.

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  Farasan Island in the Farasan Islands coral-island archipelago in the Red Sea.
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia
  
  And just saw those two articles on Al Arabiya that were posted in the past few days (they often post similar articles weekly showing glimpses of KSA and the region);
  
  Saudi archaeological site reveals rock carvings dating back 10,000 years
  
  
  
  Characterized by their large rocks dating back more than 10,000 Years BC that feature ancient carved drawings, Jebbah and al-Shwemas were registered as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. (Supplied)
  
  Nadia al-Fawaz, Al Arabiya.net
  Monday, 11 June 2018
  
  Ancient drawings in Jebbah and al-Shwemas have revealed that both areas are among the most important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia.
  
  Characterized by their large rocks dating back more than 10,000 Years BC that feature ancient carved drawings, Jebbah and al-Shwemas were registered as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  They are considered the fourth Heritage site in the kingdom after Madain Saleh, the At Tarif district, and the historic Jeddah, which are registered in the World Heritage List.
  
  Located in the center of a basin surrounded by sand dunes on all sides, Jebbah is one of the most important and oldest rock sites in Saudi Arabia. It has several inscriptions and drawings on rocks in Mount Am Sanman and several nearby mountains.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Researcher Abdul Elah al-Fares told Al Arabiya that the site dates back to three different historical periods, but lately it was discovered that it dates even further to four. From the style of the drawings and carvings, Fares said the fourth period was during the early Islamic times.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Al-Shwemas is located about 320 kilometers south-west of Hail city. The inscriptions on its rocks date back more than 10,000 years BC. The area has an abundance of caves and volcano remains.
  
  Last Update: Monday, 11 June 2018 KSA 12:14 - GMT 09:14
  
  https://english.alarabiya.net/en/li...-rock-carvings-dating-back-10-000-years-.html
  
  Exploring Saudi Arabia: The Faifa Mountains known for beauty and agriculture
  
  Mariam al-Jaber, Al Arabiya English
  Sunday, 10 June 2018
  
  
  
  The area has many houses with unique archaeology designed in cylindrical forms and circular terraces. The mountainous area in known to have a large folk heritage area with many popular arts, folk proverbs, legends, judgment and poetry. The region has twenty tribes and clans.
  
  
  
  
  These slopes, forests and valleys have contributed to the existence of many wild animals and the environment in Faifa, and the diversity of the flora and fauna density have no less contributed to the economic wealth of the region, including the production of large quantities and variety of high quality honey.
  
  Agriculture is the main industry in the region, where cereals, fruits and aromatic plants are cultivated. The area is characterized by sandy clay soil and surrounded by a large valley where water is maintained throughout the year.
  
  Last Update: Sunday, 10 June 2018 KSA 01:16 - GMT 22:16
  
  https://english.alarabiya.net/en/li...untains-known-for-beauty-and-agriculture.html
  
  The video can be seen when clicking on the link above.
  
  There is also a "Photos of Saudi Arabia" thread here on the Arab section with well over 1000 photos of Saudi Arabia, or at least there used to be. Will try to find it.
  
  Here it was;
  
  https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/saudi-arabia-in-pictures.222471/page-100

Obviously those 28 or something Wikipedia photos are what they are. Wikipedia photos. Many of them are old and thus of a low quality. Just to give an introduction and they serve their purpose this way. High-quality photos can be found in the link above and by simple Google search if people know what to search for.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

A recent article that pretty much sums up some of my sentiments as of now.

Opinion: Saudi Arabia needs to spread the word
Hard work is needed to turn the kingdom's tourism dreams into a reality

Mada’in Saleh: The Nabatean ruins are one of Saudi Arabia’s many cultural attractions
As GCC countries adjust to lower oil prices and strive to diversify their economies, one sector in particular looks set to experience exponential growth and play a prominent role: tourism.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Saudi Arabia, which for the first time in its history, is swinging open its doors to non-religious tourism. When the kingdom begins issuing tourist visas – an imminent and significant milestone – the country will begin a new chapter that has the potential to completely transform the kingdom.

Natural attractions

Luckily for Saudi, it has an enormous advantage in that it comes with ready-made attractions that will appeal to travellers of all kinds. There were plenty of reminders of this fact at last week’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where promotional posters of the country’s attractions covered every column. From stunning archaeological sites such as Mada’in Saleh (above) to natural wonders like the Al Wahbah volcanic crater and diving in the Red Sea, the country has plenty to offer.


“The kingdom is a very big treasure,” Saudi tourism chief Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz said in a recent interview with AFP. “We’re not just oil traders.”

Saudi Arabia’s mission now – and its challenge – is to promote these sites to a world that is still largely unaware of them, as it did at Arabian Travel Market. Just as important, however, will be the kingdom’s efforts to shrug off a long-standing perception that the country’s tourism sector is limited to religious pilgrims and business travellers with a day or two to spare.

For companies involved in the travel, hospitality and tourism businesses, the opportunities are enormous. Saudia CEO Jaan Albrecht for example, says that he expects “glory days” for the airline as it works to accommodate an influx of non-religious tourists, and many hotel brands have announced significant expansion plans for Saudi Arabia. Chief among them is the UAE-based Rotana, which by the end of this year will have seven hotels in the kingdom, with three more in the pipeline.

Economic imperative

For Saudi Arabia, the implications of an enlarged tourism sector are enormous. Aside from the obvious benefits of tourism revenues to GDP, travel and tourism will help alleviate some of the kingdom’s unemployment rate, which in recent years has hovered around an alarming 12 percent. Tackling this issue forms a major part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms, and the tourism sector has the potential to create 1.2 million jobs, which primarily will go to Saudis.

Making this dream a reality will, of course, require hard work from all stakeholders involved in the industry, from airlines, to hotels, tour agencies and the government. The visa rules might have relaxed, but as I can personally attest after a painful application process for a work trip, there is much room for improvement.

So it will also require enthusiasm and a heavy dose of informal promotion. There are no better ambassadors for Saudi’s tourism sector than those involved in it, and those who have seen the country’s attractions with their own eyes.

It is up to them now to spread the word.

For all the latest business news from the UAE and Gulf countries, follow us on Twitter and Linkedin, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.
Last Updated: Fri 27 Apr 2018 12:25 AM GST

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/395222-saudi-arabia-swings-open-its-doors

Opening up? A historic building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s main Red Sea port ( Saudi Tourism )
INDYGO
IS SAUDI ARABIA THE NEXT HOLIDAY HOTSPOT?

https://www.independent.co.uk/trave...sa-change-red-sea-jeddah-riyadh-a8241191.html

Other similar articles in the past few years echoing much of the same from the likes of Wall Street Journal, New York Times etc.


Will Saudi Arabia Open Itself Up for Tourism?

https://www.wsj.com/articles/will-saudi-arabia-open-itself-up-for-tourism-1468605153

CreditBryan Denton for The New York Times
In Saudi Arabia, a Kingdom to Myself
Untrammeled beaches, ancient sites and unfiltered local culture are all on offer in Saudi Arabia. Just don’t expect an easy trip.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/06/travel/saudi-arabia-tourism.html

Saudi Arabia issues tourist visas: The world's newest travel destination is also its most controversial
BEN GROUNDWATER

Last updated 14:30, April 3 2018

Vivian Nereim/Washington Post
Sun, sand, religious police: holidays in Saudi Arabia may be hard sell. FFX-travel


OPINION: The world will soon have a new travel destination.

It's a warm place, this destination, where the sun is always shining. It has beaches. It has sea. It will soon have multi-million-dollar beach resorts on secluded coastlines and islands.

This place has a history that stretches back almost to the beginning of human civilisation. It has ruins from the Nabatean civilisation, the creators of famed Petra in Jordan. It has modern-day religious monuments of scale and importance the likes of which you've never before seen.

It has big cities and modern facilities; small villages in scenic places. It has a tasty, unique cuisine. And it has a local populace who are surely keen for some of their first interactions with the outside world. Pretty exciting, right?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/dest...el-destination-is-also-its-most-controversial

etc. etc.

https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/w...udi-arabia-to-pump-petrodollars-into-tourism/

Red Sea Project

NEOM

https://twitter.com/x/status/913871226401116160

https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/new-vision-saudi-arabia

Apologies in advance for the tagging but otherwise we won't get any discussion going here seeing the low number of active Arab users on PDF.

@The SC @SALMAN F @Malik Alashter @Full Moon @Arabi (are you still there bro or have you taken several months off as I just did?) @Falcon29 @Gomig-21 @Mhmoud @Frogman @Hell NO etc. Sorry if I forgot all the other brothers, it's been a long time. Forgive me.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

 

[Saif al-Arab]

PHOTOS: A volcanic mountain in the middle of Red Sea in Saudi Arabia

The island is visited by many tourists who have to take a boat to reach it. (Supplied)

Mohamed al-Harby, Al Arabiya.net
Monday, 8 January 2018


An island alongide an island in the middle of the Red Sea on the Saudi Arabian side exists within the blue waves of the ocean right across from al-Qahmah beach in the Asir region, southwest of Saudi Arabia.

The island is visited by many tourists who have to take a boat to reach it. It is also considered a volcanic mountainous island which is covered in sand and rocks with little greenery, and a 360-degree view of the ocean.

The island attracts hunting enthusiasts, who hunt birds including pigeons and eagles which can be found around the island.

It is also believed that 11 ancient cemeteries were built there.

These pictures were taken by photographer Adel Asiri who documented different areas of the island and the surrounding sea.

Last Update: Monday, 8 January 2018 KSA 15:07 - GMT 12:07

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/lif...ntain-amidst-the-Red-Sea-in-Saudi-Arabia.html

The story of the famous volcano in Saudi Arabia near the Prophet’s (saws) Mosque

The Medina region has the largest shares of these volcanic nests and craters with black rocks. (Supplied)

Staff writer, Al Arabiya English
Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Saudi Arabia stretches over 2,000 dormant volcanoes for thousands of years. They are not dead and have caused throughout their long history 13 main eruptions of lava.

The Medina region has the largest shares of these volcanic nests and craters with black rocks. The last volcanic eruption was in Hijaz, southeast of Medina in 1256. The eruption and flow took several days and the lava expanded over 23 kilometers. The longest flow of lava was 8.2 km away from the mosque of the Holy Prophet.

Mount al-Qadar is located in the center of the Khyber tract. It is an extinct volcanic mountain with a height of more than 2,000 meters above sea level. It is a rugged area, on which it is difficult to walk. The crater of Mount al-Qadr is very deep and has large cavities. Those who climb Mount al-Qadr will notice the spread of the lava over more than 50 kilometers.

Near the crater of Mount al-Qadr, you can find the crater of Mount al-Abyad volcano. It has a strange color and assorted formations and it is one of the most famous geological landmarks in the region.

Near the Taif, there is one of the deepest volcanic craters in Saudi Arabia and its depth reaches 240 meters with a diameter of more than 2,500 meters.

Saudi Arabia is a main destination for geologists with its large and prominent volcanoes having unique formations and craters. It has more than 2000 volcanic craters, some of which are among the most beautiful volcanic craters in the world.



According to the Geology Professor at King Saud University, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Laaboun, the volcanic craters in Saudi Arabia are among the most beautiful craters in the world; they represent important sites for those who are interested in geology, for tourists and researchers as well.

Last Update: Tuesday, 30 May 2017 KSA 16:49 - GMT 13:49

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/fe...no-in-Saudi-Arabia-near-the-Prophet-tomb.html

A few more of the 2000 dormant volcanoes in KSA. Almost all of them are located in Hijaz.


Albida Volcano, Kybar, saudi Arabia by Abdullah Alturaigy, on Flickr


Volcano Madina Saudi Arabia by Abdullah Alturaigy, on Flickr







A informative article about volcanoes in KSA:

http://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/200602/volcanic.arabia.htm

abal Abyad, 2093 meter tall volcano:

Lava flows around Shuwaymis




How many people inside KSA do even know that KSA is one of the richest countries in the world when it comes to studying volcanoes, volcanic islands etc.? This alone could become a big tourism attraction. Instead hardly any humans visit those areas of KSA and there are (from what I am aware at least) few if any facilities to house tourists let alone people! And this for now, sadly, is the story of most potential tourism areas of KSA and the many hidden gems. Are there any plans to change this in areas like those in Al-Madinah Region (volcanoes)? Not seen anything concrete yet.

BTW Ahmad al-Balawi has filmed tons of amazing videos of areas in KSA. Can be seen below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZDo5DA7n6pIrt-olihf3w/videos

Example:

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Continued;

Other videos by other people;

The well-known "Iknani".

Asir Province (Southern KSA) during winter (this year):

 

[fitpOsitive]

Good to see you.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Good to see you.

Thank you. I hope that all is well with you. All is well here, just extremely busy (see Arabic Coffee Shop thread). Do you mind sharing your opinion about this topic if you want to? It would be interesting as IMO a similar problematic concerns Pakistan and many other countries of the world that has a lot to offer as well like KSA and Pakistan. Please feel free. I have to go now though. Good to see you well and kicking again.

https://twitter.com/x/status/951526476905615361

^

Largest single olive tree plantation (Nadec) in the world (3.5 million olive trees) in the same Al-Jouf province according to the video. However I am not sure if this is the case but I assume that it is by all accounts one of the largest olive plantations in the world.

IMG_0670 copy by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

1st_Tabouk-09 by Anwar Helmi, on Flickr

DJI_0005 copy by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr


Stunning natural beauty by KSA الصور, on Flickr


Jeddah Waterfront by Dawood Hassan, on Flickr

That's it for now. See many, many more photos here below;

(Saudi Arabia in photos thread)

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/saudi-arabia-in-pictures.222471/page-101

Looking forward to some interesting civil exchanges of views and discussions rather than trolling.

 

[fitpOsitive]

Thank you. I hope that all is well with you. All is well here, just extremely busy (see Arabic Coffee Shop thread). Do you mind sharing your opinion about this topic if you want to? It would be interesting as IMO a similar problematic concerns Pakistan and many other countries of the world that has a lot to offer as well like KSA and Pakistan. Please feel free. I have to go now though. Good to see you well and kicking again.

https://twitter.com/x/status/951526476905615361

^

Largest single olive tree plantation (Nadec) in the world (3.5 million olive trees) in the same Al-Jouf province according to the video. However I am not sure if this is the case but I assume that it is by all accounts one of the largest olive plantations in the world.

IMG_0670 copy by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

1st_Tabouk-09 by Anwar Helmi, on Flickr

DJI_0005 copy by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr


Stunning natural beauty by KSA الصور, on Flickr


Jeddah Waterfront by Dawood Hassan, on Flickr

That's it for now. See many, many more photos here below;

(Saudi Arabia in photos thread)

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/saudi-arabia-in-pictures.222471/page-101

Looking forward to some interesting civil exchanges of views and discussions rather than trolling.

The good thing about Saudia is she has centralised govt power. You guys can take difficult dicision fairly quickly. For example, it took Pakistan ages to just realise that we have serious water problem.
West is working hard to get rid of dependency on oil. So, these initiatives by Saudia are of very vital importance. Next step should be research, and research in arabic. May be we Pakistanis will join you later. Good day mate, and never ever feel down by the comments of goons here. Just always, either kick hard, or just ignor. Keep posting.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

The good thing about Saudia is she has centralised govt power. You guys can take difficult dicision fairly quickly. For example, it took Pakistan ages to just realise that we have serious water problem.
West is working hard to get rid of dependency on oil. So, these initiatives by Saudia are of very vital importance. Next step should be research, and research in arabic. May be we Pakistanis will join you later. Good day mate, and never ever feel down by the comments of goons here. Just always, either kick hard, or just ignor. Keep posting.

Definitely. However everything has its positives and negatives.

I believe that oil, let alone gas and the other many other natural and mineral resources that KSA and most Arab states have been blessed with, will play an important role in world for decades upon decades to come but KSA is already working full speed at diversifying and a lot of promising goals and numbers have been reached so far already ever since the Saudi Vision 2030 was announced 2 years ago.

http://vision2030.gov.sa/en

I am sure that you will join this process as practically every ally of ours (West, East, Arab, Muslim, non-Muslim) has joined or spoken about joining.

As for the trolling from the few toxic elements on this forum (luckily we only have 1 active one on this peaceful Arab section for instance) something that I am used to deal with successfully but it becomes tiring on the long run and toxicity has a tendency to ruin things if not given any care, lol.

Cheers.

http://www.sauditourism.sa/en/pages/default.aspx

http://www.dw.com/en/saudi-arabia-is-opening-up-for-tourism/av-43587908

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1289136/saudi-arabia

 

[fitpOsitive]

Definitely. However everything has its positives and negatives.

I believe that oil, let alone gas and the other many other natural and mineral resources that KSA and most Arab states have been blessed with, will play an important role in world for decades upon decades to come but KSA is already working full speed at diversifying and a lot of promising goals and numbers have been reached so far already ever since the Saudi Vision 2030 was announced 2 years ago.

http://vision2030.gov.sa/en

I am sure that you will join this process as practically every ally of ours (West, East, Arab, Muslim, non-Muslim) has joined or spoken about joining.

As for the trolling from the few toxic elements on this forum (luckily we only have 1 active one on this peaceful Arab section for instance) something that I am used to deal with successfully but it becomes tiring on the long run and toxicity has a tendency to ruin things if not given any care, lol.

Cheers.

http://www.sauditourism.sa/en/pages/default.aspx

http://www.dw.com/en/saudi-arabia-is-opening-up-for-tourism/av-43587908

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1289136/saudi-arabia

One piece of advice for Saudia: donot over rely on west, and donot let them get over involved. Just keep them, and everybody else in safe limits. Pakistanis are your natural allies.
But arabs are smart guys, and if you guys are determind, I am sure you guys will get it. Best wishes for Saudia and all arabs.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

One piece of advice for Saudia: donot over rely on west, and donot let them get over involved. Just keep them, and everybody else in safe limits. Pakistanis are your natural allies.
But arabs are smart guys, and if you guys are determind, I am sure you guys will get it. Best wishes for Saudia and all arabs.

Well said, brother.

The great "Roads of Arabia" documentary made a few years ago. A lot of history-changing archaeological discoveries have been made since and much more to come.

 

[The SC]

Saudi Arabia's Empty Quarter: Beauty and wealth of world’s largest sand desert




https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/saud...-wealth-of-worlds-largest-sand-desert.553299/

 

[SALMAN F]

KSA have a lot of historical sites but because of the so called propaganda of pre islamic arabs which many arabs and none arabs repeat that the arabs before Islam were nothing and were pagans which many here repeating that none sence

 

[Saif al-Arab]

KSA have a lot of historical sites but because of the so called propaganda of pre islamic arabs which many arabs and none arabs repeat that the arabs before Islam were nothing and were pagans which many here repeating that none sence

Well said. Such statements are some of the dumbest statements that a person can make.

Saudi Arabia, Oman sites added to UNESCO World Heritage List​

Photo showing members of delegations attend the opening session of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) 42nd session of the world heritage meetings in the Bahraini capital Manama, June 25, 2018. (AFP)
AFP
June 29, 201817:16

• UNESCO added Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa Oasis and Oman’s ancient city of Qalhat to its World Heritage List on Friday.
• Saudi Arabia’s lush Al-Ahsa oasis is dotted with yet-to-be-excavated archaeological sites, and carries traces of human occupation dating back to Neolithic times.

MANAMA: UNESCO added Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa Oasis and Oman’s ancient city of Qalhat to its World Heritage List on Friday, the world cultural body said.
Authorities in Riyadh, as well as Muscat, have put tourism high on their economic agendas as Gulf states look to diversify their oil-dependent economies.
Saudi Arabia’s lush Al-Ahsa oasis is dotted with yet-to-be-excavated archaeological sites, and carries traces of human occupation dating back to Neolithic times.
Al-Ahsa “was a commercial center for the Hajjar territory of Bahrain,” reads the Saudi submission to UNESCO.
“Archaeological evidence shows that it exchanged products from southern Arabia and Persia as well as throughout the Arabian Peninsula.”
Riyadh’s tourism drive, backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has not shied from highlighting pre-Islamic heritage in the kingdom.
Oman’s Qalhat also dates back to pre-Islamic times.
The port city on Oman’s Indian Ocean coast was once a key hub for trade in goods including Arabian horses to Chinese porcelain, according to the Omani submission.
The case of Qalhat also demonstrates the power women could hold in Arabian society at the time.
“In the 13th century ... the governor Ayaz split his presence between Hormuz and Qalhat, which in his absence was ruled by his wife Maryam,” the submission reads.
“She, Bibi Maryam, is said to have built the Great Friday Mosque and a mausoleum for her late husband. She continued ruling after her husband’s death until at least 1319.”
The World Heritage designation is a prestigious one for the Gulf states, looking to make their mark as culturally rich, safe tourist destinations.
The UNESCO gathering in neighboring Bahrain however comes at a sensitive time for the world body as it scrambles for funding following Washington’s withdrawal last year.
US President Donald Trump’s administration pulled out of UNESCO citing its continuing “anti-Israel bias,” six years after the organization allowed the Palestinians to join.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1330406/saudi-arabia

Saudi ‘al-Ahsa’ officially in UNESCO’s World Heritage List

Saudi al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape has been officially included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. (Supplied)

Staff writer, Al Arabiya English
Friday, 29 June 2018

Prince Sultan bin Salman, President and Chairman of the board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage (SCTH), announced on Friday that the Saudi al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape has been officially included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The prince added that al-Ahsa had a fierce competition with other cities and world’s landmarks also in the fray.

He extended his thanks and gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz for his constant support and keenness to enter the Kingdom’s historic sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Prince Sultan also praised the constant efforts of prince Saud bin Nayef, prince of the eastern region, for supporting the application of al-Ahsa in the UNESCO competition as well as the efforts of prince Badr bin Mohamed bin Jalawi, governor of al-Ahsa province, and its secretary Engineer Adel bin Mohamed al-Melhem who worked hard on preparing the file of al-Ahsa, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Prince Sultan also thanked the people of al-Ahsa for their efforts and great cooperation with al-Ahsa Secretariat in preparing the file, and their keenness to restore the historical, cultural and natural status of al-Ahsa as one of the most important settlements for inhabitants in the Kingdom dating back to the 5th millennium BC, when it was known for its booming agricultural and advanced irrigation system.

Al-Ahsa Oasis is considered the largest in the world with more than three million palm trees, and was included recently among the UNESCO’s World Heritage List during the committee meeting in Manama, Bahrain, under the chair of Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain and which started on June 24 and finishes on July 4.

The UNESCO Cultural Sites’ list included 47 cities in 33 countries around the world.

Al-Ahsa is the first city from the gulf included in the list.

Al-Ahsa represents 20 percent of the Kingdom’s area and is of great importance as it is home to largest oil fields with an area of 379,000 square km, with a population of about 1,800,000 people, located in the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/li...ficially-in-UNESCO-s-World-Heritage-List.html

KSA just started in the past 10 years. I expect us to reach top 15 not far from now and continue to climb along with numerous other Arab countries.