Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia

• Need to extend the buffer zone of the Jabal Umm Sinman component
• Visual impact of the rain water diversionary dam near Jubbah and of the water tower on the eastern side of Jabal Umm Sinman
• Lack of visitor infrastructures and of a tourism management strategy

On 29 November 2016, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1472/documents/. The report informs that:

• The buffer zone for the Jabal Umm Sinman component has been modified from 100 to 150 metres. The recommended further extension of 1 to 1.5 kms towards the west and the south will informally be satisfied by the high sand dunes, rendering the area unsuitable for any type of construction that might threaten the integrity of the property;
• The masking process has been completed and the natural growth of the vegetation will take time, closely monitored by Jubbah Municipality;
• The reduction of visual impact has been accomplished by repainting the water tower with a more neutral tone;
• A complete plan of the visitor infrastructure has been drafted with detailed specifications, and the budget for this project has been secured;
• A Tourism Management Strategy including an interpretation strategy has been developed;
• A monitoring system has been developed and all required equipment mentioned in the relevant monitoring protocol has been purchased. Details have been provided of the ‘protocol of condition monitoring program’ for the property which outlines the overall monitoring program.  This includes microscopic and macroscopic monitoring, with the latter addressing such things as graffiti and other effects of visitor activity.

The actions taken by the State Party to address the recommendations of the Committee are welcomed. Regarding the recommended buffer zone extension, the State Party informs that the high sand dunes to the west and south will prevent any type of construction that would threaten the property.  While this assessment may be correct, it is not clear why an extended buffer zone cannot be formalised. Clarification from the State Party should be sought about whether there are any impediments to formalizing an extended buffer zone of 1 to 1.5 km, as originally recommended by the Committee.

In the case of the masking work relying on planted vegetation, given the arid environment, the success of this work requires close attention.

The repainting of the water tower has reduced the visual impact of the structure, and no additional measures seem possible.  However, the long-term future of the tower should be reconsidered, such as when it needs to be replaced.  In such circumstances, options should be considered to relocate the tower to a less visible site, or to use another water supply technology, which does not require a tower, and has no other impacts.

Details are provided about visitor infrastructure, either in the process of being completed or proposed.  There are site masterplans describing the works, and maps have been provided showing the locations for marked routes, raised walkways and viewing platforms. The masterplans include strategic principles to minimize visual impacts and protect the rock art. 

Both the tourism management strategy and interpretation strategy have been reviewed, and the tourism management strategy in particular addresses the potential increase in visitation.  However, it notes that the increase is unlikely to impact on the carrying capacity of the sites as long as sufficient but low key recommended management infrastructure (as detailed in the masterplans above) is put in place.  Such infrastructure includes gravel paths, simple stair and platform structures, minimal protective barriers and fencing, interpretive panels integrated with handrails, and carefully located small, lightweight shade structures.

The monitoring system has been developed with expert advice and appears adequate.

Several of these matters should specifically be considered as part of the normal cycle of Period Reporting and in future reviews of the management plan for the property: the success of the masking work, the visitor infrastructure work, and the proposed monitoring.