Heritage policies

Saudi ICOMOS is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through developing and implementing standards, particularly in research, education and training.

ICOMOS Saudi Interim Heritage Policy in Saudi Arabia

Saudi ICOMOS is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through developing and implementing standards, particularly in research, education and training.

By enacting these key issues you will not only improve the sustainability of our cultural heritage for current and future generations but will also ensure the survival of Saudi Arabia.

  1. Re-establish the National Cultural Heritage Forum or “Friends of Heritage” forum for “non-profit” heritage bodies to meet with heritage chairs and officials from all levels of government and provide input for the implementation of the Saudi Arabian Heritage Strategy.
  2. Preparing a quality framework for Saudi Arabian heritage leading to improved monitoring, quality and training across all types and levels of cultural heritage (including traditional crafts).
  3. Continuing funding for Trove and other valuable research institutions and resources and enhancing their potential for heritage research and interpretation.
  4. Develop innovative financing, incentives, resource sharing and creative partnerships for all levels and types of cultural heritage (including serious consideration of the National Heritage Lottery).
  5. Commissioning thematic-based cultural heritage studies to identify gaps in the National Heritage List (and assist in identifying cultural places for the World Heritage List in Saudi Arabia).
  6. Recognizing the contribution of heritage to sustainable societies.
  7. Recognizing and supporting the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
  8. Cooperating with and encouraging the heritage sector at all levels and across governmental and community heritage bodies.
  9. Improving public access to heritage information through new technologies and social media.
  10. Encouraging positive partnerships and relationships with our neighbors in the region.
  11. Ensure that heritage-related legislation and agreements are modern, transparent, robust and proactive.
  12. Encouraging practical training in heritage conservation and management skills.
  13. Promoting school and university education in heritage identification, appreciation and management.
  14. Hosting or co-hosting an international heritage conference in the region.
  15. Establishment of the National Cultural Heritage Landscape Convention (similar to the European Landscape Convention).
  16. Supporting research in the field of intangible cultural heritage and improving its management.
  17. Simplify legislative practice but not at the expense of heritage best practices and transparency in decision-making.
  18. Ensuring the integration of the concept of urban heritage conservation with social and economic development and giving consideration and approach rooted in the concept of the historic urban landscape.
  19. Audit the defunct record of the National Real Estate Database and locate important sites that are currently unlisted, unmanaged or unprotected.
  20. Funding a coordinated web-based national heritage inventory to assist in comparative analysis across all levels of heritage management and site types.

We are the Saudi National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Since 2011, ICOMOS Saudi Arabia has been committed to improving the philosophy and practices of preserving places of cultural significance in Saudi Arabia.

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