Saudi Arabia’s Natural Treasure: Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, a World Heritage Site
The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced the addition of 47 new sites to its prestigious World Heritage List, a list that now includes the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh from September 10 to 25, 50 natural, cultural, and mixed sites were nominated by member states. One site was postponed, another was rejected, and the extension of five existing World Heritage sites was approved.
Among the newly added sites, two were from the Arab region, including the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve in Saudi Arabia, Ancient Jericho in Palestine, and Djerba Island in Tunisia. The session was presided over by Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa of South Africa, who expressed gratitude for the participating delegations and commended Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality. She also noted that the developments in the Kingdom are significant steps towards expanding biodiversity and environmental preservation. This recognition underlines the global significance of the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve in terms of natural and cultural heritage.