RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission announced it was launching the “Modern Urban Heritage” initiative to preserve important landmarks of modern architectural heritage.
This includes the most important distinctive built cultural models, and represent key elements that shaped the memory and history of architecture and urbanism in the Kingdom in the past, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The initiative is part of the commission’s vision, which is embodied in celebrating heritage as a cultural wealth, and based on its mission to protect, manage and enable innovation and sustainable development of the components of cultural heritage.
The commission will activate the initiative according to three programs, which include the Modern Urban Heritage Exploration and Recording Program, the Modern Urban Heritage Documentation Program, and the Modern Urban Heritage Preservation and Restoration Program.
They will be implemented in six phases representing the life cycle of the governorate, and will include exploration, architectural and urban documentation, registration and coding, restoration and rehabilitation, development and investment, and management and operation.
The initiative identified eight main criteria for selecting and registering the landmarks and buildings of the modern urban heritage, which include aesthetic, historical and cultural value, scientific and technological value, prominent landmark, rarity, spatial context, site status, and authenticity, so that they are included in the National Urban Heritage Register after achieving all or part of these criteria.
The initiative is of paramount importance in the efforts of the Heritage Commission to preserve the components, elements and buildings of modern urban heritage, as the time scope of the initiative covers a major architectural period in the Kingdom’s development journey, closely linked with the change of building patterns in response to the economic and social growth that Saudi society has experienced in the past six decades.
The initiative seeks to restore the memory of the buildings that embody that period, whether they still exist, or have been lost or previously neglected.
Saudi authorities launch modern urban heritage initiative to preserve landmarks
https://arab.news/j3ps6
Saudi authorities launch modern urban heritage initiative to preserve landmarks
Saudi foreign minister calls Algerian counterpart
- The two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them during the call
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them during the call.
Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books
- Sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books to be translated
- New opportunities for musicians, teachers throughout the region
RIYADH: Arabic-speaking students will gain access to a significant collection of international sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books as part of a new agreement.
The Saudi Music Commission is partnering with Muse Group, owner of Hal Leonard — the world’s largest publisher of sheet music.
Along with Dar Nasher, the partnership will bring Hal Leonard’s material to a Saudi and wider Arabic-speaking audience, which the group said will create opportunities for musicians and teachers throughout the region.
Mo Chandi, COO of Muse Group, visited Riyadh to formalize the deal. “This partnership is about creating a connection between music education and cultural identity,” he said.
In an interview with Arab News, Chandi discussed the importance of cultural relevance in music education.
“Understanding music is not merely about technical skills; it’s also about appreciating the cultural context from which it arises. If you don’t understand certain pieces, you miss out on their cultural significance,” he added.
Chandi highlighted the Saudi Music Commission’s commitment to developing an Arabic-first set of books that translate the language and adapt content to resonate with local culture.
“Our goal is to ensure that young musicians can connect with their heritage while learning,” he added.
“We have an opportunity to elevate Arabic instruments to an international stage, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. The goal is to create an environment that fosters creativity and cultural growth.”
The significance of representation in music education is also a key focus for Chandi. “By showcasing Arabic instruments and music, children in Saudi Arabia will find relatable role models, inspiring them to pursue their musical interests while staying connected to their cultural roots,” he said.
The immediate focus of the partnership will be to translate Hal Leonard’s titles into Arabic and make them available in schools and libraries across the Kingdom.
“This effort will benefit students and enrich the broader music community by making quality educational resources widely accessible,” Chandi said.
He envisions a framework where children can explore music from an early age, cultivating their talents and potentially leading to a new generation of musicians from Saudi Arabia.
“We aim for a future where Saudi children can gain recognition on the global music stage,” he said. “Every child should have access to music education, as it can change their world.”
Saudi Red Crescent exhibits medical vehicles for pilgrimage services
- Spider motorcycle is designed for rapid deployment in emergencies
- A medical amphibious vehicle can transport 2 patients, has a continuous operational capacity of up to 19 hours
JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority is displaying advanced technology aimed at improving its services to pilgrims at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah.
The authority is introducing advanced 4x4 ambulances linked to control centers to enhance response times and medical services.
Another vehicle introduced by the authority is the Spider motorcycle, designed for rapid deployment in emergencies, particularly in crowded areas in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The vehicle contains essential medical devices, such as oxygen cylinders and immobilization splints, to respond to emergencies like asthma attacks and cardiac arrests.
The authority also introduced an amphibious vehicle, the first in the Middle East, which can navigate rugged terrain, water and muddy areas, the SPA reported.
It can transport two patients and six additional people, and has a continuous operational capacity of up to 19 hours.
The Hajj Conference and Exhibition runs until Jan. 16.
Saudi aviation authority imposes $5m in fines in 2024
- Report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions
- 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million
RIYADH: The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued 542 fines totaling SR18.8 million ($5 million) in 2024 for violations of civil aviation law, its regulations, and authority instructions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions, including the advance passenger information system and time-slot compliance, resulting in fines of SR3.65 million. Nine other violations incurred fines of SR290,000.
Additionally, 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million. Licensed companies faced 17 violations for non-compliance with civil aviation regulations, amounting to fines of SR175,000.
Two companies were fined SR40,000 for breaching licensing provisions, SPA reported.
The report also highlighted 92 violations committed by individuals, including 15 for unpermitted drone use with fines of SR75,000, 74 for non-compliance with safety instructions and onboard misconduct with fines of SR79,200, and three for trespassing restricted airport areas with fines of SR3,000.
Six violations for unauthorized glider operations resulted in fines of SR155,000, SPA added.
The authority emphasized its commitment to transparency, regulatory enforcement, and enhancing passenger experiences and air transport services in the Kingdom.
Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria
RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday praised the outcomes of a conference that gathered top European and Middle Eastern diplomats in the Saudi capital of Riyadh earlier this week to discuss Syria’s future.
During the weekly meeting chaired by Saudi King Salman, the cabinet commended the broad international participation in the ministerial meetings held in Riyadh this week on Syria calling for easing sanctions on the country.
In addition, the cabinet statement said the Riyadh conference also discussed steps to support the Syrian people on the humanitarian and economic levels, and to provide aid as the country goes through a transitional period.
#فيديو_واس | #خادم_الحرمين_الشريفين يرأس جلسة #مجلس_الوزراء.https://t.co/ZhleM3YnTC#واس pic.twitter.com/69XA1OH7dt
— واس الأخبار الملكية (@spagov) January 14, 2025
The Cabinet also addressed the current developments on the regional and international arenas, and reiterated the Kingdom’s call on the international community to assume its responsibility to stop the ongoing Israeli violations of international laws and norms.
It also followed up on Saudi humanitarian efforts and contributions worldwide to alleviate the suffering of the needy and affected people.
