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The Heritage Commission has reported the addition of thousands of new assets in the Asir region which now holds 25,110 in total after incorporating 4,363. Al-Baha received 2,547 new assets according to the commission bringing its total to 7,820 while Makkah added 1,755 for a cumulative total of 7,786. Najran saw 673 new registrations to reach 1,610 and Riyadh gained 169 to arrive at 6,072.
According to commission figures Madinah incorporated 23 new assets increasing its total to 4,003. Hail added 21 for a total of 2,403. The Eastern Province recorded 19 new assets to reach 1,154 while Qassim gained 13 to total 2,364 with Tabuk receiving two for 198 and the Northern Borders one for 111.
The commission further indicated that Al-Jouf and Jazan have totals of 457 and 498 assets respectively following the latest update. These figures derive from systematic surveys that identify and classify heritage elements in urban settings. The process ensures comprehensive coverage across all administrative regions of the kingdom.
This announcement continues work that began with the nomination of 50,000 urban heritage assets in 2023 according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency. Saudipedia which draws on Ministry of Culture information placed the registered total at 3,646 as of January 2024. Subsequent years have seen the register expand rapidly to the current level.
The National Register of Urban Heritage maintained by the commission under the Ministry of Culture serves to document traditional architecture and historic areas. Assets included in the register range from individual buildings to entire neighborhoods that reflect historical urban planning. Inclusion in the register facilitates legal protections and informs conservation strategies.
The kingdom features multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites such as those listed on the commission website including Madain Saleh and Diriyah. Urban heritage registration complements these designations by focusing on assets within populated areas. The commission continues its efforts to survey and register additional sites throughout the country.
