Company Recognized at National Built Heritage Forum

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia , - On Dec. 10, the Forum for National Built Heritage occurred under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Eastern Province.

Saudi Aramco was a strategic partner at the forum.

During his speech, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that the Kingdom is currently endeavoring through the commission and its partners to revive historic sites that are the remains of important time periods of the Kingdom. He pointed out that the Kingdom considers the architectural heritage as an investment for the future and a permanent source of pride. These historical sites are an inspiration for growth and development, he added.

Eastern Province Deputy Gov. HH Prince Jelawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed said he looks forward to the day that the center of cities in the Eastern Province transforms into areas of tourism and commerce after re-establishing their traditional identity. There are opportunities for investors and businessmen to take the initiative of investing in the rehabilitation of architectural heritage sites that can create employment for young people. While these employees are trained and developed, they can reconnect with the sites, he added.

HE Dhaifullah Ayesh Al-Otaibi, Eastern Province Governor, said most of the architecture in the Kingdom’s Gulf cities changed after the oil boom. The boom accelerated the expansion of urban areas to accommodate the growing economy and number of residents. This construction rush had an effect on the architectural identity of this area, resulting in buildings’ design not being reflective of the local population. He pointed out that the Municipality has renovated 200 historical buildings in downtown Dammam through the first stage of a development program. The next stage will look to renovate 250 buildings in the same area.

During his speech, he announced about the Municipality’s initiative to establish a Center for Architectural Heritage to preserve the remaining buildings. The Center will be responsible for traditional structures in the Eastern Province. It will also include divisions tasked with conducting studies and research in relevant areas. The staff will document the historic sites and implement the resulting recommendations.

Another initiative for the Municipality is to contribute to establishing a permanent exhibition of architecture history, spreading awareness about that valuable heritage. The exhibition will be in Dammam and al-Khobar.

During the forum, Prince Sultan recognized Saudi Aramco’s contribution by presenting a plaque to Khalid I. Abubshait, executive director of Saudi Aramco Affairs.