More than 72 heritage villages and historical sites across Saudi Arabia's Baha region are being restored and developed through partnerships between government authorities and local communities, creating new economic opportunities for residents through tourism, hospitality and small businesses while preserving the Kingdom's cultural identity.
The restoration projects, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification strategy, are transforming centuries-old sites including Dhee Ayn Heritage Village, Bin Raqoush Palace, Bin Allas Fortress, Al-Atawlah, Al-Abadilahand and Al-Mousa Village into living museums that draw domestic and international visitors. The villages showcase traditional architecture, local history and ancient civilizations while hosting folkloric performances, traditional games, embroidery and handicraft demonstrations, Arabic calligraphy workshops, heritage clothing exhibitions and local cuisine.
Economic Impact on Local Communities
Mohammed Lafi, a resident of Baha, said restoration projects have protected the villages' historic character while improving infrastructure to accommodate growing visitor numbers. "These projects have preserved the villages' authentic architectural identity while improving infrastructure and services, transforming them into cultural and tourism destinations without compromising their historical character," he said.
According to Lafi, the summer festivals have generated business for hotels, restaurants, cafes and family-run enterprises while creating seasonal employment opportunities for young Saudis. "The festivals give productive families a platform to market their goods and increase their income while offering young people valuable employment opportunities and experience," he said.
The economic benefits extend beyond direct tourism revenue. Local communities have played a vital role in the festivals' success by welcoming visitors, organizing events and promoting traditional crafts and products. "The people of Baha are partners in this success through their hospitality, participation in organizing events, showcasing local products and preserving the customs and traditions that reflect the authenticity of Saudi society," Lafi said.
Cultural Preservation Through Tourism
Al-Atawlah Heritage Festival, one of the region's flagship summer events, runs for 10 days and recreates traditional customs, including bridal processions and hospitality rituals, offering visitors an immersive look at the daily lives and social traditions of earlier generations.
Mahdi Al-Kanani, head of the media committee for Al-Atawlah Heritage Festival, said the villages have become an important pillar of both cultural preservation and tourism development. "The villages allow visitors to experience the social life of earlier generations and discover the region's customs, traditional arts and historic professions," he said. "They have become an important driver of tourism and support the objectives of Vision 2030."
The villages are located across Baha's highlands and the Tihama plain, providing visitors access to diverse landscapes and architectural styles that reflect the region's geographic and cultural variety.
Growing Visitor Numbers
Lafi attributed the rise in visitor numbers to improved infrastructure, expanded programming and greater public awareness of the region's attractions. "The increase in visitors is driven by the diversity of events, improved services, better roads and facilities, and media efforts that have introduced people to Baha's heritage villages, farms, rural lodges and unique mountain landscapes," he said.
The restoration and activation of Baha's heritage villages is part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategy to preserve historic sites while turning them into sustainable cultural and tourism assets that contribute to economic diversification and safeguard the Kingdom's architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Why This Matters:
The transformation of Baha's heritage villages demonstrates how cultural preservation can generate tangible economic benefits for local communities, particularly in regions that haven't traditionally benefited from oil wealth. By creating employment opportunities for young Saudis and revenue streams for family businesses, the projects offer a model for economic diversification that doesn't rely on extractive industries. The success depends on genuine community partnership rather than top-down development, with residents actively participating in festival organization and tourism services. As Saudi Arabia seeks to reduce its dependence on oil revenues, initiatives that combine cultural preservation with job creation and small business development provide pathways for sustainable economic growth while maintaining connections to heritage and tradition.