Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), said the forum was planned on the recommendation of the first international conference for architectural heritage in Islamic countries, which was held last year.

“This forum aims at highlighting the importance of the Kingdom’s architectural heritage and enlighten the public on the need to protect them and how to make use of them for tourism,” Prince Sultan said.

“We also want to keep them intact to become a link between the present generation and history,” Prince Sultan said, adding that many governorates in different provinces have expressed their desire to host the forum, which will be held annually.

The Jeddah forum will be organized by the SCTA in association with King Abdulaziz University and Jeddah Mayoralty. An exhibition to be organized on the sidelines of the forum would be staged in the historical region of Jeddah while another exhibition of photographs and handicrafts would be held at Bait Naseef.

He commended Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal’s support for the Jeddah forum. “Saudi Arabia gives utmost importance to national heritage, which has become part and parcel of its preparation for the future and a driving force for its speedy modernization movement,” the prince said.

He noted the government’s efforts to preserve the country’s heritage and its historical sites and monuments in various parts of the country. “Architectural heritage is a major economic and cultural source. It will create job opportunities for young Saudis,” he said.