By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has instructed officials not to eradicate any heritage sites without the permission of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

He said relevant authorities should coordinate with the SCTA to evaluate the historical significance of old buildings before demolishing them. He also urged officials to inform him about transgressions on historical sites.

“We have to implement the directive of Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, to all regional governors that no heritage building be removed without coordinating with the SCTA,” Prince Khaled said.

He said Prince Naif’s instruction reflects the importance the government has given for the protection of historical buildings and sites in various parts of the country.

“These buildings and sites have great historical significance as they are part and parcel of our culture and heritage,” the governor said.

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