Saudi Arabia adds nearly 6,000 architectural heritage sites to national register

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has added 5,969 new architectural heritage sites to the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total number of listed sites across the Kingdom to 34,171. 

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the newly registered sites span various regions, highlighting the cultural and architectural diversity of the country. 

The breakdown includes 3,893 sites in Asir, 761 in Qassim, 499 in Baha, 483 in Makkah, 258 in Riyadh, 60 in Hail, eight in Jazan, four in Jouf, and three in the Eastern Province.

The Commission said the registrations are based on national heritage regulations and are part of a broader strategy to protect and preserve architectural landmarks from neglect or encroachment. The process follows a resolution authorizing the Commission’s CEO to formally register eligible sites.

All registered sites are added to digital geographic information systems (GIS) for better management and protection. 

The initiative also includes detailed documentation, mapping, and photographic archiving to support future conservation work.

The Commission emphasized the importance of community involvement and urged citizens to report urban heritage sites via its official platform, X account, or local branches. 

It also praised the growing public awareness around the importance of preserving national heritage.

The announcement follows last week’s addition of 744 archaeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total number of documented archaeological sites to 10,061 across various provinces.