Al-Faw becomes 8th Saudi site on UNESCO World Heritage List

Al-Faw becomes 8th Saudi site on UNESCO World Heritage List
Al-Faw added to UNESCO World Heritage List. (X)
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Updated 27 July 2024
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Al-Faw becomes 8th Saudi site on UNESCO World Heritage List

Al-Faw becomes 8th Saudi site on UNESCO World Heritage List
  • The area in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, at the intersection of the Empty Quarter desert and the Tuwaiq mountain range, is home to almost 12,000 archaeological remains
  • UNESCO said the site was a strategic point on the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Faw archaeological site, southwest of Riyadh, on Saturday became the eighth location in the Kingdom to be registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The area in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, at the intersection of the Empty Quarter desert and the Tuwaiq mountain range, is home to almost 12,000 archaeological remains and has a history of human habitation stretching back more than 6,000 years.
UNESCO said the site was a strategic point on the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, but was abruptly abandoned around the fifth century.
Archaeological remains uncovered at the site range from prehistoric times to the late pre-Islamic era, testifying to the successive occupation of three different populations.
Features include paleolithic and neolithic tools, tapered structures, cairns and circular constructions, the sacred mountain of Khashm Qaryah, rock carvings, funerary cairns, an ancient water management system, and remains of the city of Qaryat Al-Faw.
UNESCO said that the area’s inhabitants were known for their artistic skills in engraving, painting, and writing, and the site features residential areas and roads that formed a bridge for trade caravans.
Prince Badr bin Farhan, culture minister and governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, wrote on X that by registering the Al-Faw archaeological area on the UNESCO World Heritage List, “we have achieved a Saudi Vision 2030 goal, with the guidance of the Crown Prince.”
He added that the registration underscores the “Kingdom’s deep historical roots and its leading role in preserving global human heritage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of national identity and heritage.”
The prince said that Saudi Arabia “understands the importance of heritage, its preservation, and educating the world about it.”
This “creates a solid foundation for the present and charts a path for the future,” he added.
Prince Badr said the commission “is committed to developing national heritage assets, increasing awareness, and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.”
Other Saudi sites on the UNESCO list are Al-Hijr (2008), At-Turaif in Diriyah (2010), Historic Jeddah (2014), Rock Art in the Hail Region (2015), Al-Ahsa Oasis (2018), Hima Cultural Area (2021), and Uruq Bani Maarid Protected Area (2023).


Saudi crown prince congratulates Lebanon PM on formation of government

Saudi crown prince congratulates Lebanon PM on formation of government
Updated 27 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince congratulates Lebanon PM on formation of government

Saudi crown prince congratulates Lebanon PM on formation of government

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on the formation of his new government, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday.

Lebanon’s new government on Wednesday won a confidence vote in Parliament, with the support of Hezbollah’s bloc, even though the government statement adopted took a swipe at the group’s weapons.

Ninety-five out of 128 lawmakers supported the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a prominent jurist who previously headed the International Court of Justice. He was appointed last month to form a new government after a devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah, which killed over 4,000 people and caused widespread destruction.

The crown prince wished Salam luck in his new duties and the Lebanese people further progress and prosperity.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Syria 

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Syria 
Updated 27 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Syria 

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Syria 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli strikes that his several areas in Syria, describing the act as an attempt to destabilize its security and stability in repeated violations of relevant international laws, a foreign ministry statement said.

The Israeli army said it carried out air strikes targeting military sites containing weapons in southern Syria on Tuesday, just days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for demilitarizing the area.

“Over the past few hours, the IDF (Israeli military) struck military targets in southern Syria including command centers and multiple sites containing weapons,” the army said in a statement, without specifying the exact locations of the strikes.

The ministry expressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the Syrian government and people, stressing the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop Israeli actions that undermine security and stability in the region, and prevent the escalation of the conflict, which the Kingdom has repeatedly warned against.


Saudi king, crown prince receive written messages from Azerbaijan president

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the message from his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Riyadh.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the message from his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Riyadh.
Updated 27 February 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince receive written messages from Azerbaijan president

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the message from his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Riyadh.
  • Crown Prince Mohammed also received a written message from the President of Comoros Azali Assoumani on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received separate written messages from Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday.

The messages were received by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a reception with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal and Bayramov reviewed relations between their countries and ways to enhance them. They also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts made with regard to them.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan greets his Comoran counterpart Mbae Mohamed in Riyadh. (SPA)Caption

Crown Prince Mohammed also received a written message from the President of Comoros Azali Assoumani concerning relations between their countries. 

The message was received by Prince Faisal during a meeting with his Comoran counterpart Mbae Mohamed in Riyadh. 

Saudi-Comoran relations and issues of common interest were discussed during the meeting. 


Riyadh governor receives newly-appointed Egyptian ambassador

Riyadh governor receives newly-appointed Egyptian ambassador
Updated 26 February 2025
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Riyadh governor receives newly-appointed Egyptian ambassador

Riyadh governor receives newly-appointed Egyptian ambassador

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received the Ambassador of Egypt to the Kingdom Ihab Abu Sarea on Wednesday, on the occasion of his appointment in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal wished Sarea success in his new role as ambassador, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Bulgaria Rami Al-Otaibi met Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Lazar Manolov Lazarov at the ministry’s headquarters in Sofia.

The parties discussed ways to enhance and develop cooperation between the two countries in the fields of labor and social development.
 


Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Iranian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (File/AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (File/AFP)
Updated 26 February 2025
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Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Iranian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (File/AFP)

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made a phone call to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.  

During the call, the two officials discussed regional developments and efforts made with regard to them.