RIYADH: Concerted efforts should be made by officials as well as citizens to preserve the history and identity of ancient villages, Yanbu Gov. Musaad bin Yahya Al-Sulaim has said.

“There is also a need to find a permanent place for the products of local families,” he said during a meeting after inaugurating an exhibition of different native products.

The meeting was held with representatives from the municipality, tourism and cottage industry representatives. The opening ceremony was attended by local officials, including Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTA) branch director Samer Anina.

The governor said tourism plays a major role as has been emphasized by Prince Sultan bin Salman (SCTNH president). “The SCTNH is developing tourism in villages by helping residents become entrepreneurs by using their properties to generate additional income.”

“If your products or services are of high quality, you’ll never run out of customers and you’ll always be in business,” he said.

Families lauded the governor’s efforts in helping productive families to expand their business and generate income.