Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani
COLOMBO – World Heritage Day is an annual event celebrated globally on April 18th. It highlights the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as these serve as pillars of shared human identity and vital channels of communication between peoples and civilizations.
In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the preservation and protection of its national heritage—a historical and cultural legacy that embodies the richness of human experience and contributes to shaping both the present and the future.
At the national level, the Kingdom has launched numerous initiatives under the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture and heritage at the core of national development. It has established specialized entities, most notably the Heritage Commission and the Museums Authority, with the objective of safeguarding and documenting historical sites, restoring urban heritage, and supporting traditional arts and handicrafts.
These efforts have led to the inscription of several Saudi sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including:
Mada’in Saleh
At-Turaif District in Diriyah
Historic Jeddah
Al-Ahsa Oasis
The Rock Art in Hail
Hima Cultural Area
In addition, several elements of intangible heritage—such as Arabic calligraphy, the Ardah Saudi Dance, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri paintings, and Saudi coffee—have also been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
At the international level, the Kingdom remains committed to protecting human heritage through partnerships with international organizations and by supporting restoration and preservation initiatives. Notable examples include the Kingdom’s support for the Louvre Museum and the “Revitalizing Mosul” project in cooperation with UNESCO. The Kingdom also launched the “Regional Center for World Heritage,” which focuses on the protection of cultural heritage across Arab countries.
The Kingdom regards heritage as a bridge for fostering mutual understanding and rapprochement among peoples, and as a means of promoting cultural dialogue and peace. From this perspective, cultural relations between the Kingdom and Sri Lanka serve as a foundation for enhancing knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange between two nations united by a shared respect for history and cultural diversity.
On World Heritage Day, we collectively reflect on the importance of safeguarding our shared heritage. The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at the preservation of both national and global heritage, thereby reinforcing the values of belonging, mutual respect, and cultural diversity.
May human heritage continue to thrive and flourish year after year.
