The Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia is set to nominate its first three World Heritage sites in the Kingdom to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).
UNESCO will determine the universal importance of the ancient Nabatean city of Madain Saleh, the historic centre of Jeddah and the Al-Dirriyah neighbourhood of Riyadh against 10 standards listed in the organisation’s guidelines.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has identified a further 10,000 historical and archeological sites for possible future consideration.
UNESCO’s World Heritage scheme aims to preserve cultural and natural sites worldwide in co-operation with governments. The list currently includes 644 cultural, 162 natural and 24 mixed-properties in 138 countries. Details: www.saudiembassy.net
Photograph: Ancient Nabatean city of Madain Saleh
