Saudi Media Forum panel discusses professional coverage of heritage sites, research standards

SPA

Riyadh, February 3, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – A panel on professional media coverage at heritage and historical sites was held on Monday during the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum, focusing on preservation, sustainability and public awareness of Saudi heritage.

The session brought together Hessa Marwan Al-Sudairi, director of the archaeology department for the Historic Jeddah Program at the Ministry of Culture (Saudi Arabia); Ajab Al-Otaibi, director general of antiquities at the Heritage Commission; and Abdulrahman Al-Suhaibani, vice president for culture at the Royal Commission for AlUla. The discussion was moderated by Abdulrahman Al-Turairi.

Participants addressed how technology and scientific research are being used to make heritage experiences more interactive, including tools such as interactive translation, and stressed the role of specialised missions and research in supporting preservation.

They also discussed the importance of scientific studies and fieldwork at major heritage destinations, including Historic Jeddah and AlUla, referencing surveys and specialised excavations as part of conservation and restoration work.

The panel also distinguished between verified historical facts and non-material heritage such as myths, treating myths as part of visitor experience while cautioning against using them to interpret sites without reliable scientific reference.

Participants emphasised documentation and conservation practices, including preserving archival material and restoring cultural assets, and highlighted the importance of relying on official sources and specialised authorities when reporting on heritage sites.