AlUla seminar: “Fire Risk Management in Historic and Heritage Sites”

The historic city of AlUla is preparing to host a special seminar titled ‘Fire Risk Management in Historic and Heritage Sites’, organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with ICOMOS Saudi Arabia and a number of national and international heritage stakeholders. The seminar comes as part of the ongoing efforts to protect heritage sites from fire hazards and enhance community awareness of the importance of preserving this precious cultural heritage.

AlUla: Incubator of civilizations

AlUla is one of the oldest historic cities in the Arabian Peninsula, home to the kingdoms of Dadan and Lahyan, as well as Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla has long been a commercial and cultural center crossed by the incense and caravan route, and its valleys and mountains tell a history that spans thousands of years.

AlUla is known for its well-preserved monuments, which include ancient villages, palm oases, and rock carvings. Today, the city is at the center of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote cultural and heritage identity, in line with Vision 2030.

AlUla symposium focuses on fire risk management for heritage sites

The symposium focuses on important themes that aim to address the challenges of fire in heritage sites, most notably:

• Fire hazards in heritage sites: A discussion of the main challenges that threaten these sites, including human and natural causes such as electrical failures and high temperatures.
• International experiences in prevention: Highlighting past fire disasters, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris and Windsor Castle in Britain, and drawing lessons learned from them.
• Risk management strategies: Introducing practical solutions and new technologies such as heritage-friendly firefighting systems and thermal sensors.
• Future recommendations: Formulate preventive plans to enhance the protection of heritage sites through advanced technology and community awareness.

Attendance and participation: Experts gather in AlUla to protect heritage.

The symposium is well attended by local and international experts, representing prominent organizations such as:

• National Committee for Saudi Building Code.
• Saudi Civil Defense.
• The Heritage Authority at the Ministry of Culture.
• Medina Development Authority.
• Asir Development Authority.
• Neom project.
• The Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque Care Authority.

The symposium also includes valuable contributions from prominent figures such as M. Mohammed Al-Aydarous, andDr.. Adnan Adasanda. Ahmed Al-Tuwaijrianda. Sylvia Barbone.

An ambitious vision for heritage protection: AlUla Symposium Objectives

The AlUla Symposium seeks to achieve strategic objectives that promote the preservation and protection of heritage sites from fire hazards. These goals include:

• Increase awareness of the importance of protecting cultural heritage: Enhancing the community’s understanding of the role that individuals and organizations can play in protecting this precious cultural heritage.
• Promoting national and international cooperation: Joint work between local and international organizations to develop sustainable protection strategies that preserve heritage sites for future generations.
• Relying on advanced technology: Using modern systems such as advanced early warning and firefighting systems that suit the nature of heritage sites without compromising their beauty and authenticity.
• Formulate practical recommendations: Develop clear and implementable plans aimed at minimizing fire risks and ensuring the safety of heritage sites on a sustainable basis.

The AlUla Symposium is not just an event; it is an interactive platform that lays the groundwork for a safer future for cultural heritage.

Important events included in the symposium!

The symposium will include panel discussions and visual presentations. In addition to reviewing case studies of previous disasters and mechanisms for dealing with them. Participants visited the symposium’s theater, which was equipped with the latest visualization technology. The seating arrangements are characterized by representatives of major organizations and experts in the front rows.

The Royal Commission for AlUla also organizes guided tours for guests to historical sites in the city. To highlight efforts to preserve heritage and highlight its cultural and economic value.

Message from the Symposium

The symposium emphasized that protecting heritage is not just a national responsibility. It is a universal humanitarian duty. Cultural heritage is the identity of peoples and a bridge between generations. Through the application of modern prevention strategies. These treasures can be protected for future generations.

The AlUla Symposium is a pivotal step towards strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global platform for heritage protection. An open invitation to the entire world to participate in preserving history and ensuring its continuity.