01 July 2018
Saudi Delegation Celebrates the Nomination of Al-Ahsa Oasis On World Heritage List
The Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO held a festive ceremony after the successful nomination of “Al-Ahsa Oasis” on UNESCO World Heritage List, on 30 June 2018 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Manama. The event was attended by H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, BACA, H.E Ambassador and Saudi Permanent Representative to the UNESCO Dr. Ibrahim Al-Balawi and a number of World Heritage Committee members and experts.
During the celebration ceremony, H.E Shaikha Mai expressed her greatest satisfaction and happiness for listing new Arab heritage sites on WHC list, given the rich universal and historical heritage in the Arab region. H.E expressed her congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, President of The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) for this important bright successful achievement, thanking His Royal Highness for the constant and continuous support for the cultural GCC scene and historical achievements carried out in Bahrain since its nomination as the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013, and Asian Tourism Capital in 2014. H.E Shaikha Mai also extended her congratulations to the Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO, led by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Balawi for their efforts, keenness and endeavors to cherish the Kingdom heritage treasures and troves in the region and worldwide, a matter that has culminated in such a success.
Dr. Al-Balawi also expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, May God Protect Him, the First supporter of the 42nd meeting of UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa for the warm welcome and best organized world event. Dr. Al-Balawi extended his thanks to World Heritage Committee members and experts fort their support to nominate Al-Ahsa file to WHC list.
Worth to mention that Al-Ahsa Oasis, is a serial property comprising gardens, canals, springs, wells, a drainage lake, as well as historical buildings, urban fabric and archaeological sites. They represent traces of continued human settlement in the Gulf region from the Neolithic to the present, as can be seen from remaining historic fortresses, mosques, wells, canals and other water management systems. With its 1.5 million date palms, it is the largest oasis in the world. Al-Ahsa is also a unique geo-cultural landscape and an exceptional example of human interaction with the environment.
