RIYADH: The National Center for Architectural Heritage was inaugurated recently during the Saudi Forum of Travel and Tourism Investment 2011 by Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). The center is tasked with preserving and developing the country's architectural heritage, including cities, neighborhoods, villages, buildings, traditional industries and historical landmarks. It has to survey and identify sites and priorities for protection and development. It also has to protect sites from encroachment; support research in the field of architectural heritage; supervise and follow up relevant programs; attract, facilitate and encourage investment and funding; and train people in traditional construction methods.
