Management issues and challenges of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) and plans to submit additional sites for inscription in the future. With the current level of tourist visitation to the country and potential new influx, this creates major impacts for sites that lack resources for preservation and management. The purpose of this research note is to examine management issues and challenges of WHS in Saudi Arabia via a review of academic papers, reports from the World Heritage Centre and International Council of Monuments and Sites, and government documents. Findings identify common challenges and concerns that include resource allocation, obstacles to implement management plans, pressure from increased tourism and urban development, and associated environmental impacts. The implications call for sustainable management of the WHS in the country.