Saudi Arabia to develop two UNESCO World Heritage Sites as tourist attractions

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz has established renovation commissions to develop two archaeological and historic sites in the Kingdom, Al-Ola and Diriyah Gate.

The areas— both are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites— are expected attract local and international tourists for their historic, cultural and architectural significance, the ministry of culture and information said in a statement on Wednesday.

The boards of both commissions will be headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reforms seek to develop the tourism industry to attract one million tourists annually.

Diriyah Gate project is part of a massive plan to develop the historic area by building facilities at its entrance to attract visitors. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee approved Diriyah’s Turaif District as a World Heritage Site in 2010.

Al-Ola, located 380 km north of Madina, was founded in the 6th century and serves as the gateway to the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mada’en Saleh.