and Mughrim Asiri Okaz/Saudi Gazette ABHA — The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage is renovating four villages with historical importance. Mohammad Al-Omrah, head of the commission in Asir province, said the commission launched a project to renovate national heritage sites. "The commission will renovate four villages in four different governorates. I met with the governors, municipality heads and community leaders to listen to their needs in order to revitalize these heritage sites and open them to tourists," said Al-Umrah. Al-Omrah said he met with Rijal Almaa Gov. Saleh Bin Fardan and discussed with him several innovation projects. "We discussed the main road passing through the governorate, electricity and water supply, the aesthetics of the village and mechanisms to develop the southern and northern entrances to the village in coordination with the municipality. Tourists must have easy and open access to the village. The municipality is working on connecting the arrival points with the village by cable cars," said Al-Omrah. He added the commission plans to gather enough data to register the village as one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. "The project will supply these sites with all necessary resources. The project has three phases and is currently in its first phase. I also met with Bisha Gov. Mohammad Al-Mithami and Head of Bisha Municipality Hamad Dirham," said Al-Omrah. He also said Mahayel Historical Village, which badly needs renovation. "We must connect the village to the local market and empower local traders and artists who can add to the aesthetics and appeal of the place. I also met with Bariq Gov. Yahya Bin Hamoudh and head of the local municipality Ahmad Al-Barqi to discuss the state of Sahel Historical Village and the nearby Habashah Souq," said Al-Omrah. He said municipalities will work with their current private sector partners to implement the proposed projects and promote national tourism.
