RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla and its strategic partner, the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites, have issued recommendations for protecting people and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage sites. 

These recommendations were made during the AlUla Symposium on Fire Risk Management at Historic and Heritage Sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Recently hosted in AlUla, the symposium had 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation participating. It provided a platform for discussions on fire prevention, mitigation, and response strategies for historic and cultural sites.

These discussions will help guide the development of policies and procedures for AlUla’s cultural landmarks, the SPA reported.

The experts shared best practices, case studies, and technologies, emphasizing an approach that prioritizes the safety of occupants, visitors, surrounding communities, and the sites.

Discussions covered the implementation of fire codes, such as the Saudi Historical Building Code, while respecting the unique character of old buildings and maintaining their structural integrity. 

Case studies presented at the event included the 2019 Notre Dame fire, which emphasized the need for comprehensive safety planning and collaboration. 

Experts shared practical strategies, including fire risk assessments, community training, and tailored roadmaps for specific locations.

Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahad, president of the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites, emphasized the need for preventative measures. 

“Fires pose a serious threat to priceless historical and heritage sites, endangering their authenticity, integrity and the values they represent. The negative effects of fires on these sites remind us of the need to prevent such disasters.” 

The recommendations from the symposium will guide the commission’s ongoing efforts to improve fire safety at AlUla’s heritage sites. This supports the broader goals of Vision 2030, and establishing AlUla as a global leader in heritage conservation, the SPA reported.

RIYADH: Authorities have arrested members of criminal drug network who posed as a local bee import business.

A Ministry of Interior source said that five people from the network were arrested: Four Egyptian expatriates and one Saudi citizen, according to the Saudi Press Agency report on Monday.

The network’s activities included smuggling drugs by importing beehives through a beekeeping business, concealing amphetamine tablets in the hives, shipping them to the Kingdom, and transporting them in a refrigerated vehicle to Al-Darb governorate in the Jazan region, where the drugs were distributed and sold.

Legal action has been taken against the suspects, who were referred to the Public Prosecution, the SPA reported.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to counter all attempts to disrupt the security and stability of the Kingdom, or endanger its citizens and residents, highlighting its vigilance against criminal schemes targeting the nation with drugs.