“The plan to develop historical ports and heritage sites on the northern Red Sea coast was approved four years ago but not implemented because of various obstacles including paucity of funds,” said SCTA Chairman Prince Sultan bin Salman in a function organized on Thursday to launch the project.

The Madinah governor’s office, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and the Saudi Ports Authority are also working with the SCTA on the project.

“The destruction of heritage sites in the Kingdom has been stopped with the collaboration of all related departments and now we reap the fruits of cooperation with our partners in tourism development,” said Prince Sultan.

Chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayyan and Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed also attended the function.

Prince Sultan also stressed the significance of developing heritage sites as a source of employment opportunities apart from serving as tourist centers. He added that the province, which is replete with tourist attractions, will attract huge numbers of tourists with the opening of the new Prince Abdul Majeed Airport in Al-Ola shortly.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Abdul Aziz stressed Yanbu’s importance as a center of heritage.

The three princes visited the Al-Suwar district and the Night Souk in Old Yanbu which are replete with heritage attractions.

During the occasion, SCTA signed separate agreements with the Madinah Governorate, the Royal Commission, the Saudi Ports Authority, the Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry and the Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for cooperation in seafront development project.