An enchanting land set with the backdrop of an oasis, AlUla provides myriads of ancient architecture and modern research opportunities. Home to Saudi Arabia鈥檚 first UNESCO World Heritage site, , AlUla is a rich source of unexplored history, with outstanding natural and cultural significance. To enhance the understanding of this valuable heritage and preserve it, UNESCO and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) have joined forces in a strategic partnership; among the pillars of this collaboration is the UNESCO/Kingdoms Institute Fellowships Programme, which empowers young researchers to lead and transform regional heritage conservation.
When she learnt about the programme, Noura Ghabra, Assistant Professor in Architecture at King AbdulAziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and consultant in architecture, sustainability, cultural heritage and education, immediately knew that this would be an incredible chance to cultivate her expertise and research. So, she decided to embark on this journey, embracing a unique opportunity, which combined working in AlUla with the experience at the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, based in Venice.
In an interview with its Communication Team, Noura described her quest, from pursuing her interests in protecting cultural heritage sites and these ancient structures, to being given international exposure and the opportunity to work in UNESCO鈥檚 intersectoral programmes and projects; and, from addressing the urgent need to establish scientific foundations in the rich and captivating AlUla region, to integrating cultural heritage into decision-making and climate action strategies for long-term conservation.
Learning ancient preservation techniques from the local community
Noura arrived in AlUla to research and evaluate the environmental performance of traditional architecture, focusing on architecture and climate. During her 4 months there, she discovered important and enlightening lessons, which made her experience rich in all aspects.
While working on the traditional mud-brick houses of AlUla鈥檚 old town, she realised that those simple structures would not have survived all these centuries without human intervention. The contact with the local community was truly eye-opening.
Noura listened to elderly people and passionate poets reciting in their native tongue and elaborating on how the ascending stars and rising moons guided their lifestyle, directed their daily practices and shaped their architectural spaces. She understood how indigenous knowledge has moulded the living patterns and the traditional architecture of the local community.
The interaction and relationship with the surrounding environment have been passed from one generation to another through proverbs and poems, giving life to a precious tradition of shared heritage. With the help of the local community鈥檚 inherited knowledge, Noura began to piece together the different practices used to restore and preserve the buildings.
Noura believes hands-on learning is an invaluable facet of the programme. 鈥I have learnt more lessons, from those local elders, through their fantastic simple, yet very elaborate words, sitting in the pitch-dark chilly desert nights, than in comfortable advanced classrooms,鈥 she says emphatically.
Transforming practical experience into heritage project management
The second phase of her journey brought Noura to Venice where she complemented and employed the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired. Here, at the UNESCO Regional Bureau, the programme allowed her to apply her practical experience and research to heritage protection project implementation. In Noura鈥檚 words, she has been able to be at the heart of action.
When describing her choice to the Communication Team, Noura reveals that it was the ideal location for her research and professional focus, which examined the integration between cultural heritage and the science of climate action. Noura had been involved in intersectoral activities, to which she applied her expertise and perspective, proving to be an added value for the Organization. It also offered her brilliant international exposure, enriching her experience and knowledge of the processes related to cultural heritage policies and project implementation.
While in Venice, Noura embarked on a journey of personal growth. She learnt a new language and culture and participated in international and regional events and activities, while also working within a different system and meeting a diverse range of colleagues from various cultures and backgrounds. This experience has enhanced her openness, adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication qualities. 鈥I have learnt many things about myself and the endless possibilities I can achieve by trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone,鈥 she further reveals.
Envisioning future goals of heritage conservation
Noura is enthusiastic about her journey, which has highlighted the value of learning from the past to understand the present and inform the future. Going forward, she would like to document her findings as evidence of the rediscovered indigenous knowledge, and to empower the local communities. She plans to establish further research into the integration between cultural heritage and climate science, ultimately, contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Noura鈥檚 testimonies are a powerful key to overcome prejudice. When people think about Saudi Arabia, they think about vast amounts of sand and desert; she teaches us that amongst this desert, there are actually numerous oases, home to farming-based communities and traditional agricultural practices. At the same time, Noura is quick to point out that in this context 鈥simple鈥 does not necessarily mean easy or primitive. 鈥淭he simple, yet extremely studied, structures of AlUla鈥檚 old town are a clear example,鈥 Noura explains.
Looking to the future, Noura hopes to inspire future generations to take ownership of their cultural heritage and especially wants to inspire young women and girls to enter this field. When asked about a message to be shared with young female scientists, she replies 鈥淏e curious, nourish your curiosity with openness and resilience, believe in yourself and in your abilities, and always reflect and question everything!鈥
