• King Salman in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed and his accompanying delegation, as well as leaders of the GCC states and Crown Prince Mohammed. All photos Wam
    King Salman in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed and his accompanying delegation, as well as leaders of the GCC states and Crown Prince Mohammed. All photos Wam
  • King Salman launches the project in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and his accompanying delegation, as well as leaders of the GCC States and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. All photos WAM
    King Salman launches the project in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and his accompanying delegation, as well as leaders of the GCC States and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. All photos WAM
  • Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
    Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
  • Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
    Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
  • Buildings are lit up to mark the event.
    Buildings are lit up to mark the event.
  • Light shows are key to the launch.
    Light shows are key to the launch.
  • Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
    Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
  • Light shows are key to the launch.
    Light shows are key to the launch.
  • Buildings are lit up to mark the event.
    Buildings are lit up to mark the event.
  • Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.
    Leaders and members of the public gather for the launch.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid joins King Salman for launch of Riyadh's Al Tarif project

The Saudi leader marked the district's elevation to Unesco World Heritage site status

The National

December 10, 2018

  • English
  • Arabic

A development project to reinvigorate Saudi Arabia's Al Tarif neighbourhood was launched by King Salman in Riyadh on Sunday.

The area has been added to the Unesco World Heritage list and is now part of an improvement programme to preserve its historic and cultural importance.

The architectural style uses adobe and traditional Islamic geometric patterns on the buildings. The main building is the citadel which served as the seat of power to Al Saud.

This is part of Saudi Arabia's push to promote its heritage and coincides with plans to increase tourism in the kingdom.

A major government restoration project used  original techniques to rebuild the vestiges.

Since 1976, the site  has been under the protection of the Saudi government and consists of 28 hectares.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was  present at the opening, along with other GCC leaders.

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