A Study of the Farasan Islands' "Saudi Arabia" Cultural Heritage Conservation and their Characteristics for Touristic Rehabilitation

Abstract

Accordingly, the study aims at: highlighting the potentials of the Farasan Islands represented in the cultural heritage (archaeological buildings), the natural and environmental characteristics of the site, the intangible heritage, the cultural and social characteristics of the local community. The study also aims at developing proposals for the rehabilitation of the archaeo- logical buildings on the islands and studying the procedures to rehabilitate the Farasan Islands as a touristic destination. The research findings indicate that the Islands are rich in many values, such as their historical depth and strategic location. The environmental conditions have an active role in shaping their heritage. The Islands' heritage requires quick intervention to reduce the risks and deterioration factors that negatively affect them. Further, the research reflects that the archaeological and heritage buildings vary according to their need for restoration and conservation work between urgent cases of high risk, medium risk condition, normal cases or buildings in good condition and buildings in need of reuse after restoration.