Preserving Intangible Heritage: Saudi Arabia's Exemplary Efforts

Abstract

Globalization and cultural homogenization pose significant threats to the preservation of intangible heritage. This research underscores the imperative of safeguarding and nurturing these invaluable cultural assets to foster diversity, facilitate intercultural dialogue, and enrich global intellectual and artistic landscapes. Saudi Arabia has a rich history of preserving intangible heritage, dating back fourteen centuries. Early scholars played a pivotal role in documenting oral traditions, poetry, and sermons, transitioning them from spoken to written forms. Building upon this legacy, contemporary Saudi governmental and non-governmental institutions are actively engaged in documenting intangible heritage. This paper critically examines Saudi Arabia's efforts in this regard, highlighting their significance and potential contributions to the broader field of cultural preservation.