An Exclusive Interview: A Look Into the Saudi Heritage

An Inside Look Into Saudi Heritage

Every year, 'World Heritage Day' takes place on the 18th of April, also known as the International Day of Monuments and Sites. The day is celebrated globally by making various activities and events. International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), headquartered in Paris, is a non-governmental organization aimed at preserving World’s monuments with branches worldwide. Saudi ICOMOS is one division of many, specialized in protecting the assets of Saudi cultural heritage.

On that very day, the Saudi National Commission of ICOMOS held two events. One art event, in its first edition, was held at Tasami Creative Lab in Serafi Mall in Jeddah, which coincided with another event in At-Turaif Historical District in Diriyah in association with Al Diriyah Gate Development Authority. Through these events, three winners were awarded in-kind and financial prizes.

YOU! Newsletter wanted to delve further into the Saudi Arabian heritage and exclusively interviewed the President of Saudi ICOMOS, HRH Princess Nouf Bint Mohammed Al Saud.

YOU: How important is the role of heritage in our everyday life?

HRH: Heritage is the soul of our identity and if we lose it, we lose who we are. It tells and documents our history.

YOU: What is the role of Saudi Arabia in preserving heritage?

HRH: Saudi Arabia did a great job in preserving and conserving heritage throughout the resistance. The government has invested in conservation projects and in its local society.

Heritage is the soul of our identity, and if we lose it, we lose who we are.

YOU: There was an event held on the 18th of April. Could you tell us more about it?

HRH: The 18th of April is World Heritage Day, and all the world celebrates it by raising awareness in the local environment.

YOU: What are the main activities of the council (ICOMOS) throughout the year?

HRH: ICOMOS advises international and local entities on conserving and preserving projects in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.

YOU: How does ICOMOS raise awareness and educate future generations about heritage?

HRH: ICOMOS raises awareness throughout events and projects. We, as Saudi ICOMOS, encourages local society to be involved in the preservation and conservation process by educating them.

Glimpses of Saudi ICOMOS Event on World Heritage Day

In the Historic district of At-Turaif, winners received prizes in the short video, photography drawing, and heritage essay categories.