Assessing the Built Heritage Preservation Strategies in Najran: An Analytical Study from Local Professionals' Point of View

Abstract

Najran has a rich heritage. As resources are needed to diversify the Kingdom's income, heritage could play a role by encouraging tourism and economic activity. To leverage it, heritage sites need to be developed. Considering Najran's heritage, this research aimed and developing them. Applying a methodology that used a questionnaire and SPSS for statistical analysis, the responses of 31 local specialists identified the appropriate procedures to preserve Najran's heritage.  "Establishing expert bodies to develop heritage sites", "conduct studies to assess the sites' values", and "restoring the heritage sites" emerged as the required measures with 80.6% of the sample responses. It also emerged that community involvement is needed. In this regard, and to plan for development, “establishing public-private bodies”, “involving universities”, and “involving residents" were named the top required strategies, respectively. Based on the findings, a plan to ensure sustainable development was proposed. The findings and the plan represent this research's scientific contribution. The plan's measures included: establishing a planning body for heritage management, building specialized knowledge, creating the legal and administrative frameworks, drawing preservation plans, designing awareness and marketing plans, and conducting reviews of the plan. These procedures represent measures to achieve Vision 2030 objectives.