He said relevant authorities should coordinate with the SCTA to evaluate the historical significance of old buildings before demolishing them. He also urged officials to inform him about transgressions on historical sites.
“We have to implement the directive of Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, to all regional governors that no heritage building be removed without coordinating with the SCTA,” Prince Khaled said.
He said Prince Naif’s instruction reflects the importance the government has given for the protection of historical buildings and sites in various parts of the country.
“These buildings and sites have great historical significance as they are part and parcel of our culture and heritage,” the governor said.
He emphasized the need to preserve and develop historical and archaeological sites as they offer good investment and job opportunities for Saudis.
Field visits of SCTA officials have found that some people had razed historical buildings without taking prior permission.
The government has given utmost importance for the preservation of heritage buildings. A royal decree was issued on 23/06/1392AH highlighting the need to protect and develop architectural heritage. Another decree was issued on 23/08/1403AH explaining specifications for the renovation of heritage buildings.
Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour bin Miteb has also instructed all municipalities across the Kingdom to protect heritage sites. “Municipalities have been asked to give a report of dilapidated buildings in order to study their historical importance before destroying them,” the governor said.
Municipalities should make sure whether such decrepit buildings have any historical, heritage or tourism significance before giving permission for their demolition. They have been told by Minister Prince Mansour to coordinate with the SCTA before taking any action against such heritage buildings.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTA, recently called on businessmen to set up a SR50 million fund to finance urban heritage projects in Jeddah.
He said such a fund would help generate investment opportunities in the heritage tourism sector. It is an area in which countries such as Turkey and Morocco have made remarkable strides, he said.
