Saudi Arabia is weaving its environmental ambitions with cultural preservation, setting in motion a plan to transform dozens of heritage landmarks into eco-cultural destinations spread across national parks.
A cooperation agreement between the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification and the Heritage Commission outlines the blueprint. The partnership aims to restore historic locations while embedding them within protected landscapes, creating spaces where conservation and storytelling move side by side.
The opening phase targets 27 locations across multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. Five sites are planned in the Riyadh Region, another five in the Madinah Region, two in the Eastern Province, and a larger cluster of fifteen in the Asir Region. Each location will undergo rehabilitation designed to preserve both its natural setting and historical character.
Among the sites identified are the rock inscriptions in Naqra Valley, the historic Muawiyah Dam, and the centuries-old Jawatha Mosque. Additional heritage areas in northern Riyadh, including Jubarah and Ad-Dahna, are also part of the initiative.
The program goes beyond restoration. It envisions integrated environmental planning, cataloguing archaeological assets, and preparing selected sites for international recognition. Local communities are expected to play a central role, with support for traditional crafts and heritage-based activities designed to generate new income streams.
By merging vegetation protection with heritage conservation, the project aims to elevate eco-cultural tourism while enhancing visitor experiences in national parks. Officials see it as a long-term effort to protect landscapes, revive historical identity, and open new pathways for sustainable development across the Kingdom.
