A London Based Digital Publication Covering Diplomatic & Business Activities Globally

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Saudi Arabia, Oman sites added to UNESCO World Heritage List

(Manama) – UNESCO added Saudi Arabia´s Al-Ahsa Oasis and Oman´s ancient city of Qalhat to its World Heritage List, the world cultural body said.

Authorities in Riyadh, as well as Muscat, have put tourism high on their economic agendas as Gulf states look to diversify their oil-dependent economies.

Saudi Arabia´s lush Al-Ahsa oasis is dotted with yet-to-be-excavated archeological sites, and carries traces of human occupation dating back to Neolithic times.

Al-Ahsa “was a commercial centre for the Hajar territory of Bahrain,” reads the Saudi submission to UNESCO.

“Archaeological evidence shows that it exchanged products from southern Arabia and Persia as well as throughout the Arabian Peninsula.”

Riyadh´s tourism drive, backed by reformist young Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has not shied from highlighting pre-Islamic heritage in the conservative Muslim kingdom.

Oman´s Qalhat also dates back to pre-Islamic times.

The port city on Oman´s Indian Ocean coast was once a key hub for trade in goods including Arabian horses to Chinese porcelain, according to the Omani submission.

The case of Qalhat also demonstrates the power women could hold in Arabian society at the time.

Latest Posts

Latest Posts

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

RELATED ARTICLES

WTO Promotes Consensus

The final World Trade Organization General Council meeting before...

UK and Azerbaijan celebrate growing bilateral relations

UK PM Rishi Sunak congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on...

Bahrain Sri Lanka ties discussed

In a significant diplomatic exchange on November 21 in...

Oil Minister Welcomes Sakha Officials in Meeting

Manama, Nov. 20 (BNA): Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin...

Investopia Inks 8 MoUs for 2024 Event

Investopia strengthens its position with eight key partnerships, signing...

UAE Minister Urges Global Support for Sustainability

During the Global Food Security Summit hosted by the...

KING Charles to Attend COP 28 in Dubai

Buckingham Palace made an announcement on Wednesday, revealing that...

HH Sheikh Ahmed Raises UAE National Flag at DXB

In a show of unity, celebrating their rich heritage...

HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Presides Ceremony

In Dubai, a swearing-in ceremony was held for new...