Prince Sultan’s statements came during the closing ceremony of the Prince Sultan bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage held at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah on Monday.
He opened an exhibition to commemorate the award that includes 70 pieces of work by various winners.
Prince Sultan told an audience of university students and other guests that one of the most important challenges facing architectural and heritage sites is changing Saudi youths’ attitudes toward them.
Prince Sultan highlighted the decisions issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif to preserve architectural heritage and to leave such sites untouched until they had been examined by the SCTA.
“Architectural heritage sites do not just represent an issue of restoration or preserving nostalgic memories of the past. They are represent the land where this country started and its national unity,” said Prince Sultan.
The SCTA chief spoke of his optimism for future efforts to rebuild and restore national and heritage sites. He also highlighted the role Saudi women played in conducting studies and research on architectural heritage.
“I am happy with the male and female students of King Abdulaziz University, especially the female students studying interior design. We are proud of their participation and there are no differences between one citizen and another. Saudi women do not need to prove themselves at all. We need to give them their deserved chances so that they can contribute and serve and feel proud of their country,” said Prince Sultan. He noted that the SCTA is in the process of signing several agreements with King Abdulaziz University.
Later a ceremony began and a documentary film on the award shown.
After his speech Prince Salman honored the winners, the jury, the sponsoring companies and dean of the university’s Faculty of Environmental Design Dr. Omar Taibah.
