The former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawas, has praised the efforts being made by Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) in the preservation of historical and archaeological sites, the creation of tourist sites and marketing the tourist destinations. During his visit yesterday to Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Forum and Exhibition in Riyadh Exhibition Center, he said: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lives a cultural archaeological renaissance" deserves to be watched by the world, to get acquainted with the depth of civilization in this country," expressing his admiration for the development projects in the historic Jeddah, which aim to employ and restore traditional houses and encourage their owners to contribute to the preservation of their historical heritage. Dr. Hawas added that: "I had received a kind invitation from Prince Sultan bin Salman, SCTA President to visit some of the traditional areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and I did not expect to see what I have already seen in the historic Jeddah."
