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His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, President of SCTA on Saturday, October 24th, graced the opening ceremony of a heritage exhbition titled, “Beit Abi”, (My Father's House) in Riyadh. The Exhibition was organized by the British Council in collaboration with the National Museum, at the King Abdul Aziz Historic Center in Riyadh.

This exhibition is to highlight the architectural impact on the local cultural heritage, in order to push the debate about the role of heritage buildings on the culture of nations and people. It includes the participation of five artists from the Middle East and three from United Kingdom, including Tim Hetherington, the 2007 International photojournalism award winner, for his excellent press photographs.

The exhibition includes large format photographs, audio-visual media, films to highlight the impact of construction on individuals, and communities in the Middle East.

The Show is also featuring especial events for public, such as online photo competition, treasure hunt for families, workshops for professional and amateur photographers as well as seminars and conferences on architecture and heritage.  Educational programs for schools and colleges and various activities are tabled to draw the young visitors.

WTO officials and PTOs Directors visit Al Ogair and Al Ghara Caves in Al Ahsa

Dr. Akhenio Yunus, Director of Program Development in the World Tourism Organization (WTO) has expressed his admiration for the picturesque nature and the specificity of Al-Ghara Mountain in Al-Ahsa province.  The climate here is remarkable during the year with mild summers and warm winters. Dr. Yunus expressed his respects for the antiquities of Al-Ogair, which according to him, will contribute to strengthening the position of Al Ogair as a tourist destination of heritage and culture in the region.

Dr. Yunus' account came after his visit around the tourism sites of Al-Ahsa town.  He was accompanied by Dr. Khalid bin Abdul Qader Tahir, Adviser to the President of the Commission and the General Supervisor of PTOs Support, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Smael, Assistant Vice President of SCTA for Investment Services along with several directors from the various PTOs.

Dr. Yunus listened to a detailed explanation made by Mr. Ali Bin Taher Haji, Executive Director of the Al-Ahsa PTO about the region’s great natural potentials. He also toured inside the caves of Al Ghara, as well as climbed on top of the Al Ghara Mountain taht overlooks on the largest oasis of agricultural farming in the world.

80 kilometers from the Al Ghara Mountain, Dr. Yunus could see the Al-Ogair’s ancient sea coast. During his tour, he was briefed by Dr. Hamad Al Smael on the developmental projects that SCTA is offering for investment in the region. Explaining further, Dr. Hamad pointed out to the special concern that is given by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz President of SCTA for the Development Al Ogair region, which His Highness sees it as one of the most promising tourism destinations in the Kingdom and the first tourist destination in the Eastern Province. Dr. Yunus was also briefed on the Al Ahsa’s efforts for the developmental projects along the Al Ogair’s sea coast.

On the other hand, PTOs Directors expressed their deep admiration for the great efforts of Al Ahsa for Development of an important part of Al Ogair coast. In the evening of the same day, Dr. Yunus and PTOs directors visited the Heritage Village, which was established by the Al-Ahsa General Secretariat. They were met during their visit by Eng. Fahad bin Jebair, Al-Ahsa Secretary General along with many other local public and private officials.