The Saudi Heritage Preservation Society (SHPS) is a
Saudi charitable society
A charitable organization or charity is an organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being (e.g. educational, religious or other activities serving the public interest or common good).
The legal definition of a ch ...
established on 17 May 2010 and concerned with the preservation of national heritage where the constituent meeting was held in the
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia () is a national museum located in the al-Murabba neighborhood of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Established in 1999,[UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...]
as an international nongovernmental organization in safeguarding heritage.
On 12 July 2019, UNESCO signed a letter with the Saudi Minister of Culture of In which Saudi Arabia contribute US$25 million to UNESCO for the preservation of heritage.
Society activities
In 2013, the society launched several projects emphasizing on protecting and documenting archaeological sites and old buildings.
Moreover, the projects involve initiatives towards sculptures and skills associated with traditional arts and crafts through launching awareness campaigns and seasonal competitions.
Elements and properties inscribed on UNESCO
There are six elements inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list and five properties inscribed in the World Heritage List.
Elements inscribed on the
:
* 2017:
Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, female traditional interior wall decoration in Asir, Saudi Arabia.
* 2016:
Almezmar, drumming and dancing with sticks
* 2016: Falconry, a living human heritage
* 2015:
Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
* 2015:
Majlis, a cultural and social space
* 2015: Alardah Alnajdiyah, dance, drumming and poetry in Saudi Arabia
Properties inscribed on the
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for ...
:
* 2018:
Al-Ahsa Oasis
''Al-Aḥsāʾ'' ( ar, الْأَحْسَاء, ''al-ʾAhsā''), also known as al-Ḥasāʾ () or Hajar (), is a traditional oasis historical region in eastern Saudi Arabia whose name is used by the Al-Ahsa Governorate, which makes up much of th ...
, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
* 2008:
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih)
* 2010:
At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah
* 2014:
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
* 2015:
Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia
See also
{{Portal, Saudi Arabia
*
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in Saudi Arabia
*
List of World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established in 1972 is engaged in the protection and preservation of cultural or natural heritage.
There are 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia inscribed fr ...
References
Culture of Saudi Arabia