The Ministry of Justice has issued a directive to the relevant authorities to prevent encroachments and unauthorized construction of any kind in Al-Ula Governorate. According to sources, the directive also includes a suspension of the issuance of any ownership documents or title deeds in the province, a halt to the transfer of all lands and properties, as well as farms, and a halt to the issuance of any permits, approvals, lease agreements, or well-drilling or renewal permits on any lands, properties, or farms owned there, in addition to prohibiting the commencement of construction or building work by those holding permits for such purposes, halting any private or government projects that have not yet begun, and monitoring this strictly and ensuring compliance.
Sources noted that the Ministry of Justice’s action was based on the recently issued royal decree establishing the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, a step taken in light of the importance of developing Al-Ula in a manner commensurate with its historical value, and the archaeological sites it contains, in a manner that achieves the intended economic and cultural benefits, the objectives upon which the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is founded, and highlights the human heritage with which God has blessed this country.
It is known that the royal decree provided for the formation of a board of directors for the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, with its chairman, members, and governor to be appointed by order of the Prime Minister, and that a committee of experts within the Council of Ministers —in coordination with relevant authorities as it deems appropriate—shall, within a period not exceeding three months, prepare the necessary requirements to complete the required regulatory procedures.
A decree was also issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques—may God preserve him—to form the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, with the following members: His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan, who shall serve as Governor of the Authority; Saud Abdullah Al-Qahtani; Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al-Sheikh; Engineer Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Sultan; Dr. Fahd Abdullah Tounsi; Dr. Saad Abdullah Al-Suwaiyan; and Dr. Eid Hamad Al-Yahya.
