PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH HERITAGE CONSERVATION

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently reached a new growth phase to target a sustainable future in the post-oil area. The Saudi National Vision 2030, with the governmental institutions' commitment, aspires to reach the highest levels of national development through sustainable approaches that target the valorization of national resources and culture, together with local, sustainable traditions for a global excellence example of growth. Many recent conservation projects have been launched to preserve national heritage, targeting diverse interventions to enhance the local culture as part of the country's history. The paper presents some comparisons and assessments conducted on recently completed interventions to discuss the country's approach to requalifying national heritage, enhancing national identity, and targeting sustainable growth. The aim is not only the enhancement of hospitality services and tourism offers but also the involvement of the local communities and culture. The research aims at demonstrating how national heritage conservation can be a powerful tool to promote sustainable national growth by embedding the country's future into the local traditions and pioneering healthy, sustainable growth.